Author: Irene Pastore

Hello! I am a Personal Trainer, Yoga and Pilates Instructor who specializes in fitness after 50. My service is Live Streaming. Connect with me from anywhere in the world. I look forward to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Vegan Black Bean-Tofu Chili Recipe

March 16, 2022


INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup olive oil
4 chopped onions
2 green peppers seeded and chopped
2 red peppers seeded and chopped
4 cloves minced garlic
1 package firm tofu (drained and cubed)
2 28 oz cans black beans (drained)
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground cumin
6 tablespoons chile powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the onions . Saute and stir until they become soft.
Add garlic, sauté until soft.
Add the green and red peppers. Saute and stir until tender.
Add seasonings to mixture. Blend and stir until well absorbed.

Add mixture to cook pot. Add beans, tofu, and tomatoes. Stir mixture until well blended. Cover and simmer over very low heat 30 to 40 minutes. At intervals, stir mixture for even cooking and to keep mixture well blended.

Kitchen Utensils
Large skillet
Cookpot or Dutch Oven
Measuring spoons and cups

How To Buy A Juicer

March 16, 2022
THE CENTRIFUGAL JUICER BY BREVILLE

Breville Juice Fountain

The Breville Juice Fountain Is Available on Amazon
THE MASTICATING JUICER BY TRIBEST

Tribest Solostar 4

The Tribest Solostar 4 Horizontal Juicer Is Available on Amazon
THE MASTICATING JUICER BY OMEGA

Omega Juicer

The Omega Horizontal Juicer Is Available on Amazon
TYPES OF JUICERS
There are 2 types of juicers: centrifugal and masticating. Centrifugal juicers process fruits and vegetables at a high speed, which means you’ll get your juice fast. The masticating juicer processes raw fruits and vegetables a slow speed, which means, you have to be patient, since it will take longer to process one cup of raw juice than with the centrifugal method.
WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU BUY? If you’re new to juicing, making a decision can get confusing. While there are only two types of juicers (fast, or slow), there are added features that you need to know about before you make your purchase.
MASTICATING JUICER FEATURES
  • The juicer is built to stand vertically or horizontally.
  • The juicer is built with either one gear or two gears.
  • The juicer is either electric or manual.
  • The juicer is capable of juicing wheat grass or other leafy greens.
  • The juicer is capable of processing fruit ice cream, nut butters, and pasta.
Pictured left is the Solostar Vertical Slow Juicer by Tribest.
The Tribest Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer Is Available on Amazon
HOW TO DECIDE WHICH JUICER TO BUY
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PAY? Juicer price depends on brand and features. If you only need basics, then save your money and don’t buy a juicer that’s beyond your needs. A well-known brand will most likely offer a longer warranty period and better customer service. Other considerations are kitchen counter space, and motor noise. Centrifugal juicers generate more noise than the slower masticating juicers.
Buying A Juicer Is An Investment In Your Health. Once You Taste The Difference And Experience Better Health You’ll Never Buy Canned or Bottled Juice Again

Home Fitness: SPRI Balance Pods

March 14, 2022

Category: Core Strength, Agility, Balance, and Stability,

How To Use It: SPRI Balance Pods are used to improve balance and coordination.  They are placed on an indoor flat, smooth surface, spaced evenly, and used as stepping stones.  Pods come in a set of 6.  

Portability: The pods are very light and portable. They’ll fit in a carry all.  Take them anywhere.

Benefits: Easy to store.  Perfect for a home gym.  Toss in your bag for business trips or vacation exercise.  Lightweight, colorful product.  Easy to learn.  Activates the core.  Excellent for experienced older adults who want to improve balance.  

Type of Workout: Standing Balance Exercises. For more challenge, use more than one set of pods.

SPRI Balance Pods Are Available on Amazon. Follow This Link for Details and Prices

Home Fitness: The Reebok Core Board

March 14, 2022

The Reebok Core Board provides an unstable surface for core fitness routines.  It tilts, rocks and swivels in all directions.  The concept in core training is the attempt to remain upright and steady during movement.  The Core Board measures 29″ wide x 22″ deep x 6″ high. 

Category: Core Strength, Balance and Stability

How To Use It: Reebok Core Board activates the core, by tilting, rocking, swiveling in all directions, while in use.

Portability: The board weighs around 30 pounds. 

Type Of Workouts: The Reebok Core Board allows you to stand, sit, lie down, and do cardio. Specific exercises are lunges, push-ups, chest press, and medicine ball toss.  It accommodates 8 band attachment points.

Fitness Level: Intermediate to Advanced

The Reebok Core Board Is Available on Amazon. Follow This Link for More Details

Italian Style Vegan Pasta Soup Recipe

March 14, 2022
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cups uncooked bowtie pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, or other flavor according to preference
  • 1 15 ounce can kidney beans
  • 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • Olive Oil
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Prepare the pasta. When cooked, drain off all water. Return to cook pot and add about 1-2 tablespoons olive oil to prevent sticking. Cover and set aside.
  • In a separate pot, bring broth to a boil. Lower to medium flame.
  • Add beans, tomatoes, Italian seasoning and pepper and bring to a simmer.
  • Add spinach and cook until softened. Approximately 2 minutes.
  • Place 1 cup cooked bowtie pasta in each soup bowl.
  • Ladle the soup over the pasta.
  • Serve