Posts Tagged ‘joy fit club’
Extra! Extra! (Literally!)
Last night (Friday, June 23) it was my honor to appear on Extra with Joy Bauer and Maria Menounos to help promote Joy’s new book, Joy Fit Club: Cookbook, Diet Plan and Inspiration. I wrote about the the behind-the-scenes goings on in an earlier post.
Last night (Friday, June 23) it was my honor to appear on Taping this segment for Extra was a lot of fun. I love that the producers kept in Maria’s scream when she gets wrapped up with me and Joy in my 60-inch belt. LOL! Plus, you’ll find this story includes some great tips and/or reminders that we can all use to get and stay healthy. I hope you enjoy checking out the clip:
On a diet? Or just working to stay trim n’ fit? Well, who says you can’t enjoy creamy, decadent pasta while accomplishing those goals? The recipe calls for using Whole Grain Linguine, which, like other whole grain products, offers the benefits of higher fiber and naturally occurring B vitamins and folate.
For anyone who hasn’t tried one of Today Show Nutritionist Joy Bauer’s recipes, you’re in for a treat. You’d never guess that her creations are as healthy as they are delicious. And this means you can make them for friends and family members who aren’t necessarily on a diet. Oh, and did I mention her recipes are incredibly delicious? This particular recipe is featured in Joy’s new book, The Joy Fit Club: Cookbook, Diet Plan and Inspiration, which is chock full of delicious creations (as well as inspirational weight loss stories, menu plans and healthy diet tips from Joy, herself). I am honored Joy has allowed me to share this recipe with you. I hope you enjoy it!
Chicken with Creamy Garlic Pasta and Fresh Basil
Ingredients
Oil spray
3 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound total)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
6 ounces dry whole grain linguine
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth (if needed)
8 ounces assorted fresh mushrooms (such as button, cremini, and stemmed shiitake), thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced, or 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
3/4 cup nonfat milk
1/2 cup jarred roasted red sweet peppers, drained and cut into thin strips
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or thyme
Instructions
1. Coat a large nonstick skillet with oil spray. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, season the chicken with the salt and pepper. Add chicken to the hot pan. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is browned, turning once halfway through cook time. Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully add the water. Return to the heat and bring the water to boiling. Reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Cook for 9 to 12 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink (170˚F).
2. Meanwhile, cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet, reserving any liquid in the pan. Cover the chicken and keep warm. If necessary, add enough of the chicken broth to the pan to make 1/2 cup total liquid in the pan. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic to the liquid in the skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until mushrooms and onion are tender. Add the cream cheese and stir until cheese is melted and combined with the vegetables. Stir in the milk, roasted pepper strips, and drained linguine. Cook and stir about 1 minute or until mixture is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
4. Divide the pasta mixture among four serving plates. Thinly slice the chicken. Place the chicken on top of the pasta on the plates. Sprinkle with the basil, oregano, or thyme.
Makes 4 servings
Serving Size: about 1 cup pasta mixture with 3 1/2 ounces cooked chicken and 2 tablespoons fresh basil
Prep Time (start to finish) 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 446, Protein: 42 g, Total Fat: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 4.5 g, Cholesterol: 112 mg, Sodium: 534 mg, Carbohydrate: 42 g, Fiber: 7 g
Copyright © 2012 Joy Bauer. Reprinted with permission from, The Joy Fit Club: Cookbook, Diet Plan and Inspiration by Joy Bauer (Wiley)
Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Mousse with Berries
Think that just because you’re on a diet or watching your weight that you can’t enjoy some of the finer pleasures of the gastronomical world? Well, think again! For anyone who hasn’t tried one of Today Show Nutritionist Joy Bauer’s recipes, you’re in for a treat. You’d never guess that her creations are as healthy as they are delicious. Joy, herself, refers to this indulgent Chocolate Mousse as “Pure decadence” and loves whipping it up (no pun intended) for family and friends.
This particular recipe is featured in Joy’s new book,The Joy Fit Club: Cookbook, Diet Plan and Inspiration, which is chock full of delicious creations (as well as inspirational weight loss stories from numerous people who have all lost 100 or more pounds without any crazy fads or gimmicks, menu plans and healthy diet tips from Joy). I am honored Joy has allowed me to share this recipe with you. I hope you enjoy it!
Decadent Chocolate Mousse with Berries
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
2 1/4 cups nonfat milk or original/plain soymilk
1 egg
1 ounce dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 cups assorted fresh berries (such as raspberries, blackberries, cherries, and/or sliced strawberries)
1/2 ounce dark chocolate, made into curls
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, espresso powder, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat for 9 to 11 minutes or until large bubbles are just starting to break the surface of the pudding (pudding will be thick, so to check for bubbles; stop stirring for 3 to 4 seconds). Reduce the heat to low and cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat.
2. In a medium bowl lightly beat the egg. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg. Add all the egg mixture along with the 1 ounce chopped chocolate into the saucepan with the rest of the pudding. Cook and stir over medium-low heat for 30 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes or until large bubbles are just starting to break the surface of the pudding (again, pudding will be thick so stop stirring for a few seconds to check for bubbles). Cook and stir over medium-low heat for 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
3. Place the saucepan of pudding in a large bowl half-filled with ice water. Stir the pudding for 1 to 2 minutes to cool it quickly. Transfer the pudding to a large bowl. Cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or until well chilled.
4. Place whipping cream in a medium chilled bowl. Whisk or beat with a rotary beater until thick, soft peaks form. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the chilled pudding. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream. Divide mousse among six dessert dishes. Top with berries and garnish with chocolate curls.
Makes 6 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 cup pudding with 1/4 cup berries
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Nutrition Information
Calories: 240, Protein: 6 g, Total Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Cholesterol: 58 mg, Sodium: 103 mg, Carbohydrate: 36 g, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 26 g
Copyright © 2012 Joy Bauer. Reprinted with permission from, The Joy Fit Club: Cookbook, Diet Plan and Inspiration by Joy Bauer (Wiley)
Behind the scenes
No doubt about it! Last week was an amazing, crazy, fun-filled week. I’m happy to report that most of my weeks take on these qualities (if I can help it), but appearing on not one, but two national TV shows (The Today Show and Extra) really put a fun spin on things. As most of you know, I was making appearances to help support the release of my friend Joy Bauer’s new book, Joy Fit Club: Cookbook, Diet Plan and Inspiration, which I am featured in (along with a bunch of other amazing people who have similar success stories).
Although I’ve already posted video from The Today Show appearance and have shared some of the great advice from some of the amazing people that appeared with me, I wanted to take this opportunity to give you a behind-the-scenes peek at some of the goings on.
First up? Some memories from my most recent Today Show appearance:
It was a rainy day in New York City – but no amount of raindrops could dampen my spirits
(especially since my veins were now filled with black coffee!)
Here I am – just outside of The Today Show studios at Rockefeller Center
Hey look, everyone! I’ve just arrived at The Today Show!
I didn’t waste anytime getting in front of the camera with the beautiful
(and zany) Joy Bauer! Luckily, she’s learned to humor me when it
comes to picture time. I’m worse than the paparazzi!
It was my honor to meet and spend time with Rose (“Rosie”) Coates.
She’s another Joy Fit Club member who is featured in the book.
Who says you can’t pick up a little Joy when you want to?
Here’s Rosie again – this time with Johannah, an amazing,
beautiful person who works very closely with Joy
Rosie couldn’t resist rushing Hoda once we were on set. And Hoda didn’t mind one bit!
Here I am with Jamie (another Joy Fit Club member) and Rosie.
Although the three of us met just before the show, there was an instant bond.
These two women’s energy levels are amazing! Instant love fest!
My friend Sally got this great “Behind-the-scenes” pic taken while we were live on the air!
Sally (who always has a fabulous manicure) holds up the notecards that the
hosts used during the show. I saw them lying around after the segment
and asked Joy if I could grab them. After her nod of approval, I did just that!
After the taping, the love fest continued! We had about 3 different cameras
going off at once (so none of us were quite sure where to look
while the cameras were flashing).
I couldn’t resist getting this shot with Johannah. Although we’ve been emailing
one another for years, this was the first time we actually got to meet in person.
One more group shot before heading our separate ways.
And yes, parting was definitely full of sweet sorrow.
Although I’m happy to report we’re all still in touch via email!
And now for some memories from the set of Extra:
The first part of the taping involved Maria Menounos interviewing Joy.
Gotta hold up Joy’s fab new book! (Thanks, Maria!)
Careful, Maria! Don’t cover up my picture on the front cover! (Ha!)
Along with reuniting with Joy during the same week, I got to meet
Maria (who was really warm and welcoming – and had a love fest with
my puppy, Latte, who I brought to the shoot). I also got to meet Gina,
another member of Joy’s Fit Club. Gina has such an amazing, inspirational story.
And she’s a really great person to get to know, as well.
As you can tell, if there’s an opportunity to pose with Joy, I’m gonna grab it (and her)!
Joy spends some quality time with Latte, who earlier in the day “made out” with
Maria (no, I’m not kidding – the two of them were exchanging kisses for a good 5 minutes).
All together now: Awwwwwww!
One more tidbit to share: While walking with Joy to her limousine, we were accosted by the TMZ cameras. I use the term “We” loosely, since they were interested in Joy and only Joy. But that doesn’t mean that Latte and I didn’t stand as close as possible to her while she was being interviewed by them. It really was the perfect capper to an amazing, Hollywood-like week.
Here’s one of the paparazzi shots making the rounds online:
Hey, look! First time I was caught by the paparazzi! This shot (of Joy) taken by the
paparazzi features not only my foot, but also Latte. Hey, it’s a start, right?! LOL!
(And seriously, what is the woman in the background doing groping herself?!)
Hope you enjoyed the pics and the behind-the-scenes scoop! You guys were definitely “with” me in my thoughts during both television appearances!
Shameless plug
Set your DVRs, Just Stoppers! On Monday, April 23rd, I will be appearing on The Today Show, on which I’ll be helping to promote my friend Joy Bauer’s new book, Joy Fit Club: Cookbook, Diet Plan and Inspiration, which I happen to be featured in. As of the time of this posting, I’m scheduled to appear during the Kathie Lee and Hoda hour of the show with Joy and 2 other Joy Fit Club members who are also featured in the book.
This new book is designed for anyone who has seen Joy Bauer’s Joy Fit Club segments on NBC’s The Today Show.
This one-of-a-kind cookbook and inspirational guide to healthy living is filled with motivational stories (including mine!), satisfying recipes (including one of mine!), and strategic meal plans. It also offers amazing encouragement and real-world advice for anyone looking to reach their healthiest, happiest weight. It is seriously my honor to have been involved with this project.
And no, this is not a paid endorsement – none of us Joy Fit Club members who participated in the book received any compensation and instead participated as a way to share our stories in hopes of inspiring others who may be facing the battle of the bulge.
Since appearing on The Today Show the first time, I have been lucky enough to not only stay in touch with Joy Bauer, but also to become her friend. Her commitment to health and well-being is truly such an inspiration. And all of her advice is grounded and healthy – and also (most important) highly do-able. But don’t take my word for it. You can “Look Inside” the book at your local bookstore or even on Amazon.
I will absolutely document my latest Today Show adventure with pics and insider details in a future post. In the meantime, I thought you might enjoy a few behind-the-scenes pics from my first appearance (November of 2009):
Here I am outside of the Today Show studios,
getting ready to head in and report for my call time
Joy couldn’t have been nicer or more welcoming. Thus I decided to take advantage
of that and “make” her pose for pictures with me
I made it my #1 goal to crack Joy up whenever I could (even going as far as to
enter the studio acting like I thought I was there for a segment on modeling).
Mission accomplished (in regard to making Joy laugh)!
I hope you’ll watch the show as it airs live (or set your DVRs) on Monday, April 23rd for The Today Show’s Kathie Lee and Hoda hour on NBC. I promise I’ll be thinking of all of you (who continually inspire me with your amazing posts, comments and feedback!) when on the show. And I sincerely mean that.
If you’d like to check out my first appearance on The Today Show (from November of 2009), here you go:
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