New Class : Belly Dancing/Hip Hop Combo

Come shake your grove thing with us at Bella Boot Camp! We're introducing an all new flavorful class, Belly Dance/Hip Hop Combo. Shape and tone your body all while challenging your muscles and core with our sassy, sexy combo class.

Join us at the retreat! Go to: http://www.bvretreat.com/ for more details.

Pesto Shrimp Pizza

Ok, I'm obsessed with making yummy, bad for you food in a healthy way! This week I've tried healthy lasagne, quesadillas and I'll be diving into some of this Pesto Shrimp Pizza tonight! Hope you guys try it and like it too.

Pesto Shrimp Pizza
Recipe Via http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/

Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:50 min
makes:8 servings

Ingredient List:
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, or 1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
6 tablespoons refrigerated reduced-fat basil pesto
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (2 ounces)

1. In a small bowl, combine yeast and the warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in honey and olive oil. In a medium bowl, combine whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and salt. Stir in yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the all-purpose flour as you can.

2. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining all-purpose flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 4 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Cover; let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size (30 to 45 minutes).

3. Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease an extra-large baking sheet or two small baking sheets; set aside. Punch down dough; divide dough in half. Let rest for 10 minutes.

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough half into a 10- to 12-inch oval. Transfer to prepared baking sheet(s). Prick dough oval with a fork. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned.

5. Toss shrimp with 2 tablespoons of the pesto to coat. Spread the remaining 4 tablespoons pesto over baked crusts. Top with shrimp; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes more or until bubbly.


Nutritional Information
1/4 pizza: Calories 170 (Calories from Fat 50); Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 65mg; Sodium 290mg; Total Carbohydrate 18g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 2g); Protein 11g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 10%; Iron 10% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 Lean Meat; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

To book your fitness retreat at Vita Vie Retreat, go to: http://www.bvretreat.com/.

Cute Yoga/Baby Video - If Only We Could Move Like This Forever!

WEEKLY CHALLENGE :: Try two NEW workouts this week!!

That's right! Get out of your comfort zone and get creative. Switch up your workout with new moves or try two new classes this week. It's time to change your moves so your body will change with you.

We'll be trying Burlesque Dancing & a new Cardio Sculpt Class this week! Come join!


Learn more about our fitness retreats at http://www.bvretreat.com/!

Weekend Workout Challenge

Warm Up
30 Half Squats (warm Up)
March In Place 1 Min (Warm Up)

Workout
30 Front Lunges (Each Side)
30 Push Ups
30 Mountain Climbers (Each Side)
30 Side Lunges
30 Power Jacks
Walk 1 Min
Repeat 4 Times!!!

Cool Down With Warm UP Moves.

Take this workout to the gym, to a park or stay in the comfort of your own home. :) Ask a fitness pro if you need help with a move.

Learn more about workouts and fitness at Vita Vie Retreat. Go to http://www.bvretreat.com/.

Chipolte Turkey Chili

Baby it's cold outside. While it's still pretty warm down here, the rest of the country is freezing. Thought you guys might enjoy this healthy chili recipe!

Chipolte Turkey Chili

Recipe via Eat Better America - http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/

Beans, Green Giant® corn and chipotle chilies give spirited flavor to creamy warm bowls of turkey chili. From eatbetteramerica.


Prep Time:30 min

Start to Finish:30 min

makes:4 servings (1 1/4 cups each)
3/4 lb lean ground turkey

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic

1 cup Green Giant® frozen whole kernel corn, thawed

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, undrained

1/2 cup Progresso® chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce (from 7-oz can), finely chopped

1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend (1 1/3 oz)

1. In 4-quart saucepan, cook turkey, onion and garlic over medium-high heat 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink; drain.

2. Stir in corn, beans, broth, salt and chile. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium; cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in 1/4 cup of the sour cream and 1/4 cup of the cilantro. Serve with remaining 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup cilantro and the cheese.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 350 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 7g (Saturated Fat 2 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g), Cholesterol 65mg; Sodium 760mg; Total Carbohydrate 40g (Dietary Fiber 7g, Sugars 4g); Protein 32g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 10%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 20%; Iron 25% Exchanges: 2 1/2 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 3 Lean Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 1/2

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

To get more recipes and information on our fitness retreats go to: http://www.bvretreat.com/.

We've Added Delray Beach Residence Inn to Our Delray Campus

We're proud to announce our new lower cost options at the Delray Beach Residence Inn. Now you can stay at the Residence Inn but get the same programs that we offer at Marriott Delray Beach. Spa, Workout and Eat at Marriott Delray Beach (except for breakfast)! Join our other retreat guests but pay less for your package!

Go to our website to learn more! http://www.bvretreat.com/

New Specialty Week! Bridal Boot Camp

Join Vita Vie Retreat before your big day for Briday Boot Camp.
Get toned, get fit and get rejuvenated for your big event!

Includes:
Standard Accommodations
Three Meals Per Day (plus small snacks) + Gratuity for Meals
5 Hours Per Day from the Following ~ Long & Lean Body Toning, Pilates Mat, Yoga, Interval Cardio Blast, Beach Boot Camp, Core Craze, Upper Body Slim Down, Lower Body Lean Out, Meditation Sessions
1 Private Nutrition Session Per Person with our Registered Dietician
2 Fifty Minute Spa Treatments Per Person
6 Nights
$3190 Per Person Single Occupancy
$2490 Per Person Double Occupancy
*Discounts do not apply

To learn more, Click Here. Book your fitness retreat today at http://www.bvretreat.com/!

Outdoor Workouts

Unlike the majority of the country, it is not freezing here and our high is supposed to be 77 degrees today. Days like today are the reason I live in South Florida. Winters down here are amazing, warm during the day yet chilly enough at night to put on a scarf or light sweater. It's the best of both worlds during the months of December, January and February. I'm planning my day today and because it is going to be so mild, I have a lot lined up. While I realize that it is cold in many areas of the country, it is a good idea to try to get out of your house, get out of the gym and get into the outdoors. Outdoor workouts provide a change of scenery, challenge your balance as you have to juggle the terrain, help you burn more calories as you navigate your way and challenge your body with turns, hills and speeds.

I truly try to be outside as much as I can. I hate to take this beautiful area that I live in for granted. Here's my Sunday line up...

7:00am Wake Up (obviously this already happened!)
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Beach Walk
10:00am - 12noon Relax/Pool
12noon Lunch
1:00pm Teach Nutrition
2:00pm Kick, Punch & Jump for Bella Boot Camp
3:00pm - 5:00pm Relax (maybe a little cat nap!)
5:00pm & On - Dinner with Friends

Come join us at Vita Vie Retreat for your fitness retreat! Go to http://www.bvretreat.com/ for more details.

New Blog Design!

We're simplifying and with that comes this new design for our blog. Welcome and enjoy!

Go to http://www.bvretreat.com/ to learn more about our fitness retreats.

What are Your Weekend Plans?

Does anyone have anything active planned? Share with us!

We'll be at the beach with boot camp this weekend. It's warming up nicely and the sun is hopefully going to shine all weekend. :)

Get creative this weekend and get out of the gym and into the outdoors - provided it isn't too cold!!

Don't forget to visit us on the web at http://www.bvretreat.com/!

Low Cal Enchiladas

Have I ever told you all how much I LOVE Mexican food? Well, if not...this is my formal confession. I LOVE Mexican food and could potentially eat it every day. Unfortunately, it does not love my body as much as I love it. It's one of THOSE relationships. :( Oh well, at least there are recipes out there like this one that enable me to get my fix in a lighter way!

Recipe Via Weight Watchers Recipes (website below)

Ingredients
10 Ounces Cooked chicken -- shredded
2 cups Scallions -- finely chopped
2 1/2 Cups Enchilada sauce -- see recipe
6 Inch prepared corn -- tortillas
1 1/2 Ounces Part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400º F, unless you have a microwave.
2. In a bowl, combine the chicken, half
the scallions, and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce.
3. Soften the corn tortillas, two at a time, by
steaming them for 10 seconds, or cook in a microwave for 10 second on high.
4. Spoon 1 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x11-inch pan.
5. Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture.
6. Roll each tortilla and place seam side down on the sauce in the pan. 6
7. Top with the remaining cup of enchilada sauce, sprinkle with the cheese and the remaining 7
scallions.
8. Bake for 10 minutes or microwave on high for 5 minutes. 8

Found at: http://www.weightwatchers-recipes.net/


To book your fitness retreat, go to http://www.bvretreat.com/.

New! Bella Boot Camp in Delray Beach - Residence Inn Option

We're excited to announce a new option for Bella Boot Camp in Delray Beach. Want to save a little money but still participate in the Bella Boot Camp program? We will be opening up packages and rates for accommodation at the Residence Inn Delray Beach. This will provide a way for our guests to participate in Bella Boot Camp, have the ability to experience and enjoy all of the amenities at Marriott Delray Beach, yet spend less money. More details to come soon!

To learn more about our fitness retreats, go to http://email.bellavitaus.com/.

New! Use Marriott Reward Points for Your Room!

Do you travel and stay at Marriott hotels? Have rewards points racked up?

Now you can use those points toward your stay with us and pay for the program only! Save money on the package when you apply your points for your stay.

Click Here to view program only rates.

FIT IDEAS : Run a 24 Hour Running Relay!

Looking for an incredible challenge? Love to run? Check out the Rangar Relay series! Get a team of your closest running budies and take the challenge.

Ragnar has many destinations but Key West seems like a dream! Run from Miami and end up in gorgeous Key West! We missed this year's race but maybe next year? Good thing there are many other options to choose from. Check out Ragnar Relay - Click Here.

To book your fitness retreat, go to http://www.bvretreat.com/.

Record Weight Loss! 14 lbs in 4 Days!

Congratulations to "H" for losing 14 lbs in 4 days!

While, these results are not normal for most clients, this was an exceptional day and record in Vita Vie Retreat history!

Quotes We Love

Watch Your Thoughts
They Become Words

Watch Your Words
They Become Actions

Watch Your Actions
They Become Habits

Watch Your Habits
They Become Your Character

Watch Your Character
It Becomes Your Destiny

~ Frank Outlaw


To book your fitness retreat, go to http://www.bvretreat.com/.

Smoothies for the New Year

Out With The Old, In With The New:
Try a new smoothie for 2011

Maple Strawberry Banana Smoothie

1/2 banana

6oz strawberry yogurt

1T pure maple syrup

2oz egg whites, liquid pasteurized

½ c ice

Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth.


Calories: 350
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 5-10g (depending on yogurt)


Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

2T Chocolate Nesquick or sweetened cocoa powder

½ c pitted fresh cherries

¼ c cherry juice

1c 1% milk
¼ c egg whites, liquid pasteurized
1tsp natural peanut butter
½ c ice
Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Calories: 300 calories
Protein: 23
Carbohydrates: 52
Fat: 7g



Cinnamon Vanilla Butternut Smoothie

1c Imagine Brand Butternut Squash Soup
Dash cinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla extract
½ c 1% milk
¼ c egg whites, liquid pasteurized
4 walnut halves, crushed

Mix all ingredients except walnuts in blender until smooth, Sprinkle top of smoothie with crushed walnuts.
Calories: 210
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fat: 7g


Mighty Mango Madness

¼ c chopped mango

1 Roma tomato, quartered

1 squeeze lemon juice

1 squeeze lime juice
2T agave sweetener
6oz Greek yogurt
1c pineapple mango juice


Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth.


Calories: 290 calories
Protein: 13g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 1-10g (depending on yogurt)



Maple Pumpkin Smoothie

2T pure maple syrup

1c pumpkin soup

6oz Greek yogurt

1c pineapple juice
Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Calories: 380
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fat: 3-10g (depending on yogurt)







Try one of these recipes for a balanced smoothie, a great nutritionally sound snack! Go to http://www.bvretreat.com/ to learn more about our fitness retreats.

Weekly Recipe: Appetizer, Entree, Dessert

Try this healthy combination for a night of dining without all the calories at your next dinner party!

First CourseStuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Yield: 4 Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
1tsp olive oil
1 zucchini, chopped
½ yellow onion, chopped
1T freshly minced garlic
1T balsamic vinegar
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 roasted red peppers, chopped
Handful fresh basil leaves
½ c Seasoned bread crumbs
½ c Parmesan or Romano cheese
Sea salt
Black pepper


Method of Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Remove mushroom stems and set aside. Clean out mushroom tops.
3. Heat oil in a medium sauté pan. Chop mushroom stems and add to zucchini, onion, garlic, and vinegar. Saute until onion and zucchini soften. Add tomato and roasted red pepper, heat through.
4. Transfer mixture to bowl and stir in basil, breadcrumbs, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Fill mushroom tops with mixture and bake for about 15min. until mushrooms soften slightly and cheese melts.

Calories per mushroom: 165



Main CourseEntrée
Sweet and Salty Pork Stir Fry
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
3/4c uncooked long grain brown basmati rice
8oz sugar snap peas or snow peas, tips snapped off
1tsp extra virgin olive oil
1lb pork tenderloin, cut into ½ in. thick medallions
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1in. long matchsticks
3 cloves garlic, sliced into thin rounds
2tsp ground ginger
2T Low sodium soy sauce
1T Rice wine vinegar
Juice of 1 orange
8oz bean sprouts, rinsed

Method of Preparation:
1. Prepare rice according to directions.
2. Bring a medium pot filled halfway with water to a boil. Add peas, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, drain and set aside.
3. Heat oil in large sauté pan over medium heat. Add pork and cook for 3 minutes. Turn over medallions, add carrots, garlic, ginger, and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Swirl in soy sauce and vinegar, scraping bottom of pan to deglaze it.
4. Cut open a medallion to make sure pork is cooked through. Remove pan from heat. Stir in orange juice, sprouts and peas. Toss pork mixture with rice and serve.

Calories per 4oz pork and 1c rice and vegetable mixture: 328



Finale!Dessert
Chai Crème Brulee
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
1c 1% milk
3 Chai tea bags (or preferred flavor)
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
2 cardamom pods
8oz firm tofu, drained of water
1 egg
2 egg whites
1/2c Agave sweetener
2T Sugar

Method of Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a small saucepan, heat milk to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and add tea bags, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cover let stand for 6-10 minutes.
3. In a food processor fitted with metal blade, combine tofu, egg, egg whites and ½ cup agave; process until very smooth.
4. Remove tea bags and spices from milk. With food processor running, slowly pour milk through feed tube until combined.
5. Divide mixture equally among 6 ramekins. Place ramekins in a baking dish and fill dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
6. Bake in oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until set. Remove from oven and chill until serving. To serve, top each crème with 1tsp sugar and place under preheated broiler until crystals melt and become browned.

Calories per Crème Brulee: 130

Enjoy! To book your fitness retreat, go to http://www.bvretreat.com/!

Weekly Nutrition Challenge

For 3 days during the week, replace all carbonated beverages with freshly squeezed fruit and/or vegetable juice, using at least 2 different fruits and/or vegetables. Choose one day to marinate dinner in one of the freshly squeezed juices.

New Private Retreats!

Indulge yourself in one of our new private retreats!
Choose from:
The Slim Down ~ Geared at slimming and toning where you need it most! Shed unwanted pounds and inches and feel better all over.

Mind Body Bliss ~ Relax, unwind and let go! With our formula of pilates, yoga, meditation, breathwork and more, you're sure to leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed!
Vita Sport ~ Always wanted to get better at that one sport or need to train for something specific? Join us for your private retreat geared specifically for you, your goal and your sport!

For more information on one of our fitness retreats, go to http://www.bvretreat.com/.

What are you looking forward to most for 2011?

What inspires you for the new year? What are you goals and what will you be looking forward to?

New! Retreats for Men

Crafted by our team, we are proud to introduce retreats built specifically for men! Our business has focused primarily on women and it's time we divert our attention to men. Men have trouble areas and spots as well as the same ageing issues as women. We've decided to create a line of private retreats devoted to men and men's fitness. Here they are:

Golf Game ~ Better body for a better game! You'll learn the tricks of the trade to condition your body in a way that will increase flexibility and range of motion while improving swing power, balance and more.

Better Center ~ Let's focus on the mid section, an area where men tend to gain as they grow older. It's time to slim down in that area and strengthen the full body promoting better balance and less stress on the back.

Focus on Flexibility ~ As we age, we tend to move less promoting stiff joints and a lack of flexibility. We'll focus on improving range of motion, reducing muscular tension and gaining flexibility in the muscle tissue as well as the connective tissue.

Go to http://www.bvretreat.com to learn more about our retreats for men.

Vita Vie Best of 2010 ~ Top Fitness Class Trends

1. Bootcamp Style Workouts (Most gyms - $15-$20)


Boot camp is a mix of high-intensity aerobics and basic strength training based on the training style military recruits receive.

2. Zumba Classes (Most gyms - $20)

Zumba is an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health.

3. TRX Suspension Training (Most gyms offer personal training sessions with TRX suspension bands - $25+)

This workout utilizes the method of leveraged bodyweight exercise using long adjustable bands cobining balance, strength, and coordination.

4. Nia (Pilates and Ballroom Studios - $15)

This uplifting workout blends the fun and funk of dance, the precision and power of martial arts, and the peace of meditation.

5. Turbo Kick (Most gyms - $20)

This is a fat-blasting, ab-defining cardio workout that offers a mix of kickboxing and simple dance grooves set to heart pounding dance music that will have you looking forward to your next workout.

6. Water Aerobics (YMCA - $10-$15)

Take your aerobics class to the water by adding the powerful resistance of the water, normal cardio routines become more challenging but very easy on the joints.

7. HIIT classes

High intensity interval training classes keep the heart rate up for short periods of time and bring it back down. This constant up and down with the heart rate keeps you burning serious calories and sweating the whole time.

8. Cycle-Yoga class (Yoga Studios - $20-$25)

Cycling and yoga unite in this head-to-toe, athletic workout. Teachers combine 30 minutes of cycling with 30 minutes of Power Yoga (lots of jump backs and Warrior poses) to optimize balance, flexibility and strength.

9. Kettlebell Training (Kettlebell studios - $20)

Kettlebells are used throughout the workout to build strength, endurance, flexibility, and core strength.

10. Yoga Booty Ballet (Swerve Studios - $17)

This East meets West workout includes meditation, cardiovascular dance, ballet, Kundalini and hatha yoga.


Experience of mixture of classes at Vita Vie Retreat! Book your fitness retreat today at http://www.bvretreat.com/.