1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am from Queens, NY, and have to cook or bake something almost every day. Whether it’s for myself & my husband, or brought to work for my staff, I love being in the kitchen. The holidays are my favorite time of year since there are so many occasions to whip up some treats!
2. How did you become a manager at Lucille Roberts?
I started working fir Lucille Roberts 6 years ago as a part time flyer girl, and worked my way up through the positions.
3. What are some personal fitness goals you have?
Now 7 months pregnant, I have continued to workout 6 days a week & hope I can continue to do so. I plan to train to run a 2014 Half Marathon after having my daughter early next year.
4. What do you think is the best thing about Lucille Roberts?
As a previous member, I have seen how inclusive Lucille Roberts is from both a member and employee standpoint. Everyone feels comfortable and welcome here.
5. What advice do you have for women who are trying to lose weight and meet their fitness goals?
Understand that it’s a process and it’s not going to happen overnight. It takes perseverance, and dedication but WILL happen if you stick with it. Little changes add up, so don’t be afraid to start making healthy tweaks to your diet & fitness routine.
6. How do you manage to make food that is both healthy and delicious?
I know what I like, and I know what’s good for me, so it’s all about finding a balance between the two & combining things to make something delicious. A lot of it starts as trial & error, until I can figure out what works; and then I’ll build on that.
7. What are some easy ways to add more nutritious foods to a meal?
Sneaking in vegetables (chopped steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots & zucchini) to sauces, swapping in healthier grains like quinoa instead of rice & using healthy fats like avocado instead of mayonnaise.
8. During the winter, people tend to eat more comfort food. How can we stay healthy?
Make sure you get enough servings of fruits & veggies each day, choose lean cuts of meat like chicken breast & ground turkey, and incorporate fat free dairy like Greek Yogurt into creamy recipes.
You don’t need to banish your favorite favorite mashed potatoes or mac & cheese, just give them a healthy makeover. Use fat free Greek Yogurt & chives in your mashed potatoes instead of heavycream & butter, and add diced broccoli, skim milk and reduced fat cheese to your mac & cheese. Pungent cheeses like Parmesan, pack more flavor for fewer calories.
9. What are some substitutes for unhealthy favorites?
Fat free Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, avocado instead of mayonnaise, baking & steaming instead of sauteing and even swapping out dark chocolate for milk chocolate saves calories while giving you some extra antioxidants. Juice mixed with seltzer is also a great alternative to soda.
10. What is your “go-to” quick and healthy meal?
I have steamed tofu with either broccoli or baby spinach with roasted garlic & topped with Parmesan cheese for either lunch or dinner almost every day. When it’s for dinner I’ll mix in some quinoa or whole wheat pasta.
