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 Banana Cake Recipe

February 17, 2022
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup wheat germ
  • 4 mashed ripe medium-size bananas (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup soy milk or rice milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup raisins or pitted dates sliced into small pieces
  • Oil for pan
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Mix flour, baking soda, salt, and wheat germ in a medium-size bowl. Set aside.
  • Using a large bowl, mash bananas well, and add then add sugar. Add soy milk and vanilla. Combine.
  • Add the dry mixture to the moist mixture. Combine. Mix in dry fruit.
  • Coat a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with vegetable oil.
  • Pour batter into oiled pan. Bake about 55 minutes, or until center is dry.
  • Recipe serves 9.

Quick Vegan Chili Recipe

February 17, 2022
INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup texturized vegetable protein
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 diced green bell pepper
  • 2 large minced garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup water or vegetable stock
  • 2 15-ounce cans pinto beans
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
  • 1- 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Pour boiling water over the texturized vegetable protein and let stand until soft. Set aside.
  • In a skillet, saute onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the onion is soft. Add the vegetable protein and remaining ingredients. Stir and combine mixture. Allow to simmer over low flame for 30 minutes.
  • Serves 8

Vegan Spinach Salad With Orange Sesame Dressing Recipe

February 17, 2022
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 bunch fresh spinach (about 6 cups of leaves)
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup red onion chopped into small pieces
  • 1 orange peeled and sliced into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Optional seasoning: ground black pepper, salt, dash Tamari
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Trim spinach stems. Wash and dry leaves.
  • Cut leaves into bite-size strips.
  • Place leaves in a salad bowl. Add pepper, onion and orange slices. Set aside.
  • Place sesame seeds in a blender. Grind into a powder.
  • Add vinegar, orange juice concentrate, and water. Blend mixture.
  • Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Serve.
  • Recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.

How To Do An Elastic Band Standing Bicep Curl

February 16, 2022

Portable Elastic Fitness Bands Come In Handy For On-The Go Fitness

INSTRUCTIONS: Stand hip width apart, with back straight. Secure the band by placing it under your sneakers. Grab the band with a supinated grip (palms facing up) and slowly pull the band toward you as shown in the video, and then release it. Maintain spinal stability throughout the exercise. Target muscles are the biceps and core.

The thicker the band, the greater the resistance. Bands provide a lightweight, portable alternative to heavy equipment. Take it on vacation, business travel, or outdoor workouts. To see more resistance band exercises click this link: Downloadable Resistance Band Exercise Guide.

EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider

Virtual Fitness: How To Do Buddy Jumping Jacks

February 16, 2022

Jumping Jacks Get Your Heart Pumping And Your Muscles Warmed Up
Buddy Jumping Jacks can be done side-by-side as shown in the video or facing one another in a mirror image. Set either a slow, medium or quick tempo. Stay within your Target Heart Rate Range.
Buddy Jumping Jacks are used either as a warm-up, or part of your workout. It builds shoulder and cardiovascular strength.

EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider