Buy A Machine And Lose Tummy Fat - Is Spot Reduction Possible?

By Kia Edwards

“Buy this machine and you can kiss that tummy fat goodbye in no time!”  How often have you heard some variation of this phrase in an infomercial?  Whenever I hear it, I have to remember just how much I paid for my television so I don’t throw something at it.  The idea that you can do a million reps of one exercise to reduce the circumference of any body part is called spot reduction.  It’s also called a myth and I wish it would disappear.  

You may be asking yourself “if it doesn’t work, why are there so many spot reducing products out there?”  Here’s the answer: profit-seeking people who don’t care about results and seek to prey on a general desire for a quick and easy fix.  It may seem harsh, but it’s true.  Spot reduction does not work because the body does not use fat from a specific area.  Stored body fat serves as a source of back-up energy.  When the situation calls for the back up energy to be used (such as a famine), the body will not care where the source of energy comes from, as long as it’s available to keep you alive.  Hips?  Arms?  Buttocks?  It’s all the same energy source no matter where it is.  

The next question in you head is likely “what’s the point of doing all of those sit-ups then?  Is it all for nothing?”  The answer is: no, it’s not for nothing!  Doing exercises such as sit-ups and bicep curls help the body by increasing muscle size.  However, it does not reduce the amount of fat in that area, which is resting on top of the muscle.  Don’t worry.  There’s a way to reduce body fat from your stomach and all other places  Shh…it’s a secret.

I lied- it’s actually well known and quite straightforward.  If you expend (read: exercise) more calories than you take in (read: eat), your fat content will decrease.  You will eventually see a reduction in fat all over your body from your legs to your hips and even your stomach.  Cardio is a great way to burn calories, but don’t discount the importance of weight training, which will build muscle and increase your metabolism.  The most difficult part of this process is being patient since fat reduction can take some time.

The next time you see an infomercial promising everything from spot reduction to the ability to become faster than a speeding bullet, you’ll know the truth and save your money.  You’ll also think of me and hope that I haven’t seen it for the sake of my television.   

Kia Edwards is a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist who lives in New York City. She studied French and Economics at Colgate University, spent 15 years as a high-level competitive gymnast and 6 years as a gymnastics coach.  Her business, La Fortesse At Home Fitness Training, helps clients get healthy with simple at home exercises and nutrition counseling. www.LaFortesse.com 

St. James Resident Samantha Goldsmith - Red Mango Franchisee - Recognized As Outstanding Performer

Red Mango Operator Named Multi-Unit Franchisee 2013 MVP Award Winner

Long Island franchisee Samantha Goldsmith recognized for outstanding performance

Samantha GoldsmithLOS GATOS, Calif., April 11, 2013 – Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine has recognized the winners of its prestigious MVP (Most Valuable Player) Awards, including Red Mango multi-unit owner Samantha Goldsmith, of Saint James, N.Y., who received the Influencer Award.

Each year the MVP Awards honor a select group of franchisees who have demonstrated outstanding performance in building their businesses, growing their brands, and serving their communities. Over one hundred multi-unit franchisees were nominated this year.

Goldsmith is the founder of Goldsmith Companies and a Red Mango franchisee. She is also the youngest and largest multi-unit franchise owner of Red Mango, one of the fastest growing retailers of all-natural nonfat frozen yogurt and fresh fruit smoothies. Goldsmith has grown her business to nine-units in just two years.

“Samantha has shown excellent performance in growing her business with her commitment to the Red Mango brand, her employees and the greater communities in which her stores operate,” said Dan Kim, the founder and chief concept officer of Red Mango. “She has become the shining example to future franchise owners who have since followed her lead to join our growing franchise network.”

Among her accomplishments, Goldsmith’s journey helped Long Island become the single biggest market for the Red Mango brand to-date by her own example with multiple locations and the validation she shared with prospects in her own backyard as well as across the country.

This year’s MVP winners were selected in 7 distinct categories of recognition: Noble Cause, Influencer, Innovation, American Dream, Role Model, Spirit of Franchising Leadership, and Veteran. “We congratulate Samantha and these dedicated and outstanding franchisees,” said Therese Thilgen, CEO of Franchise Update Media Group, publisher of Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine. “These are the kinds of business operators who inspire others with their vision, leadership, and success.”

The MVP Award winners were honored at a special session of the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference on Thursday, March 28 at 9:15 a.m.The 2013 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, “Driving Profitability,” took place March 27–29 in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. For details, visit www.mufranchisee.com/2013.

Meet John McQuaid - Nissequogue River State Park Foundation Chairperson

John McQuaidSit down with John McQuaid for a minute and you understand that this is a man who knows what he wants.  Spend another minute with him and you understand that McQuaid is a man who works hard to make goals become reality. 

John is a Kings Park resident who lives with his wife and two sons on Kohr Rd., near the Nissequogue River State Park.  He planned it that way.  An avid outdoor person and park user, John moved to Kings Park where he and his family could enjoy the wonderful parkland at both Sunken Meadow and Nissequogue River State Park.

John is organized and he is a planner, he puts on the elbow grease and pitches in whenever needed. When it comes to activities for the kids or the safety of Kings Park kids, John is there. He quietly yet forcefully cuts through political doublespeak and inertia to get things done.

In January of this year, John McQuaid became chairperson of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation (NRSPF).  He follows in the footsteps of former chairman, Kings Park resident Mike Rosato.  Mike founded the NRSPF, nurtured it and is credited with its success.  Under Mike’s watchful eye the organization raised over $100,000 to be used to protect, promote and enhance the Nissequogue River State Park (NRSP).  More importantly, under Mike’s direction the NRSPF became a visible and vocal advocate in its support for the remediation of the park and the creation of a master plan.

Big shoes to walk in? Absolutely! Is McQuaid up to the task? Absolutely! The new NRSPF chairman is no stranger to getting government to work for the people. He first got involved locally with the clean-up and repaving of Tiffany Field in Kings Park.  McQuaid Is currently leading the charge to put automatic external defibrillators (AED’s) at Memorial Park and other Kings Park parks where kids play in organized activities.  Speaking on behalf of the Kings Park Youth Association he had this to say to the Town Board and Town Attorney Zollo:

“ A couple of comments, I am acknowledging that perhaps how we stated our request.  We’re very willing to offer it to anybody who uses those fields, we’re not, we didn’t mean to suggest that it was just for our use; it’s for any children.  We would be willing to purchase, maintain it and keep it updated and do whatever is necessary to keep it functional and give access to it for anybody who is trained, who is at the facility use of the park.” (Town Board transcript 4/19/2012)  He cares about the kids.  Eventually, John received approval from the Town but is still waiting for an official agreement. He is not happy about moving into another season without the AED’s and is planning to address the Town Board if necessary.

What can you expect of John McQuaid, “Chairperson” of the NRSPF?  A lot. According to John he will continue to push for the master plan for the park. He is going to continue with the creative fundraising the foundation is known for, the two 5k run and walk events. The NRSPF is partnering with the Commack – Kings Park Rotary Club to create a “Healing Garden” and the foundation will be a presence on May 4^th, “I Love My Park Day.” According to State Parks the Nissequogue River State Park had 64,702 visitors in 2011 and 106,125 visitors in 2012. John McQuaid is hoping to see the number of visitors continue to grow. He will keep doing those things that have worked in the past, but he is not limiting himself and is open to suggestions.

One thing is certain, John McQuaid will make his mark on the Nissequogue River State Park!  

Smithtown Foodies Delight In Spring

What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown

By Nancy Vallarella

Do Smithtown foodies rely on groundhogs Malverne Mel or Holtsville Hal to predict spring? – NO WE DON’T!  Smithtown foodies have a more accurate way of telling when spring is here. – Traffic on 25A. 

Nick’s Pizza and Clam BarFriday, April 5^th, cars were backed up in both lanes on 25A north of Middle Country Road.  Why? - The seasonal opening of Nick’s Pizza and Clam Bar, a perennial al fresco casual dining spot. Something for everyone here:  seafood, burgers, wraps, salads, soups and pizza.  During the month of April a regular large pizza is $7.99.

A little further down the road in Saint James, Chef Jonathan Contes of eatMOSAIC prepares a daily changing five course tasting menu of global flavors for a fine dining experience.  Foodnetwork fans may have caught him competing on CHOPPED and April’s issue of Long Island Pulse magazine profiles this young talent.  Consider yourself lucky if you can get a reservation prior to this fall.

On the north side of 25A,  Del Fuego, known for their Tex Mex daily deals will be gearing up for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. If you haven’t stopped in yet, try Taco Tuesday when tacos are $2.00 until 4:00pm.

The New York Stuffed Cone CompanyContinue east and you will find the newest sweet spot in St. James, The New York Stuffed Cone Company.  Residents Lauren and Dave Saracino together with niece Laura Viggianno are the owner/operators of this family owned ice cream and coffee shop. WiFi available here along with comfy couch, tables of two and four and counter service with seating. Cappuccino in over-sized china cups (a la Central Perk from Friends) and coffees served in pedestalled glass mugs are divine and pair well with an assortment of fresh baked goods.  Ice cream, shakes, smoothies and breakfast all day until closing; waffles, crepes and french toast – Ooh La La! –breakfast for dinner!  Outdoor seating is available weather permitting. 

Naturally, being residents of the Town of Smithtown, Lauren and Dave possess that gift of community giving. On Tuesday, May 2, 2013 from 4-8pm they are donating a percentage of all sales to St. James Elementary School PTA.  The class that registers the most attendees gets… A Sundae Party!! Stop by and support your favorite SJE class.

Also in the spirit of giving is Yogurtini owner Ellen Bedziner.  Smithtown High School West DECA benefits from sales every Tuesday.  Ms. Bedziner has also arranged for a percentage of sales on Mondays to be donated to Hope for Youth. Hope for Youth donations will be on going starting Monday, April 22^nd.  Yogurtini is located at 44 E Main Street. I am personally addicted to the coconut macaroon frozen yogurt. 

If you get tired of driving around town this spring, the ladies of From Our Kitchen To Yours, in Saint James From Our Kitchen To Yourswill be happy to deliver quality home cooked meals to your door. Romantic dinner for two or catering a party for 50, you never have to leave the house.  Mom Maria and daughters Barbra and Toni have a passion for food and entertaining. They are seriously committed to make each customer’s experience a deliciously memorable one.  No detail is too big or small for this dynamic trio of talented individuals. They cater to every need and want using the freshest quality ingredients available.  Individual meal plans are also available for nights when time is tight.  Private cooking lessons at your home can also be arranged. Save the gas and give the ladies a call 631-404-8178. Experience half a century of Sicilian and Tuscan trained cooking in your own backyard! 

Buon Appetito and Happy Spring Smithtown!

"What Inspires You" - Nissequogue River State Park Foundations Community Quilt Squares

The Nissequogue River State Park Foundation is all about protecting and promoting the Nissequogue River State Park.  The foundation has been extremely successful in raising money to benefit  the park.  The Foundation has raised over $100,000 over the last five years by hosting popular and unusual fund raising events. Foundation members have been extremely versatile in planning and hosting events that are fun and affordable. The Foundation’s Community ” Quilt Squares” fundraiser is no exception.  

Karin Vanderveer with 2012 QuiltThe “Quilt Squares” fundraiser is open to everyone. The project is the brainchild of member Karin Vanderveer who looked for an event that would allow people, especially children, to use their imaginations and talents to create a unique quilt square that reflects their passion. This is the second year for the project and the theme of this year’s event is, “What Inspires You?” 

Everyone, regardless of where they live is invited to participate. You may paint, glue, draw, stitch etc. an 8”x8” panel that, when completed, will be added to other panels creating an Inspiration Quilt. The panels are tied together and will be on display from May 4th - June 30th at the Nissequogue River State Park (NRSP) Administration Building Community Room.  There will be an opening day reception that coincides with I Love My Park Day on May 4, at 1:30pm.

The Squares are available NOW until they run out. The funds collected go to the foundation to support the 2012 participantsNRSP. Squares are available for $8 each from the NRSP Foundation. You may order online at www.ourstatepark.com, by mail NRSP Foundation P.O. Box159, Kings Park, NY 11754. You may also pick up the square in person this Saturday, April 6th 1:30 - 4pm. (you may want to stay for the free crafting session) at the Administration Building at 799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park, 11754.

Completed Squares must be dropped off or mailed by Friday, April 26. 

Remember to use your park, enjoy your park and support your park!

Click link for order form www.ourstatepark.com