Los Angeles Personal Trainer

Just got back from the gym and couldn’t find anything to eat, haven’t done much shopping after I got back from NY, shhhh… But, this is not going to stop us from eating healthy right? That’s what I tell my clients all the time, no excuses!

So this is what I made. I opened a can of tuna, one or two celery sticks chopped thin, 1 lime, pepper, sea salt, 1 garlic clove and chili (yellow peruvian chili). I also added one slice of Multi-grain bread cut in two. How it tastes? Great! Give it a try!

So we have the four main components for a balanced meal. Protein, good carbs, good fat & fiber.

Just to show you there are no excuses when it comes to eating healthy.
Enjoy!

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Professional Fitness Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California

Ok so...I have to admit, I have a sweet tooth, but...who doesn't? How to stay in shape while you indulge on your favorite dessert once in a while? I really have no rules, but I know some people love them..so here they are:

Rule #1
Don't make that dessert a meal.
Your body only needs the flavor, so don't have the whole pint of ice cream. Get together with friends at your favorite dessert place, order one with enough spoons for the group and enjoy while exchanging the latest. Tea, dessert and good conversation...sounds good?

Rule #2
If you can make it, or if the name contains less than 4 words...don't eat it!
Having a dessert its almost like a ritual, from the way its been prepared to the presentation. So if you are going to put calories in your body it better be well worth it. I tell my clients that they can indulge once in a while but I don't want to hear they had a doughnut, chocolate chip cookie or some of those pastries that they sell at the local supermarket. If you have the cravings, go high end. Most of the time, those desserts are so rich that you'll be satisfied with just a spoon or two.

Rule #3
Don't buy fat free desserts
The flavor has to come from somewhere. It's either full of fat, sugar, calories or some artificial ingredient you don't want to eat. Whenever you have the cravings go for the real deal. Remember, a small spoon of it will do the job. If you like chocolate ice cream, do a little research and find the best one in the market.

Remember, balance is the key.
Enjoy responsibly!

Lalo Fuentes
Personal Trainer, Los Angeles

The picture above is an example of the kind of dessert I'm talking about, created by Tony Sansalone of the Cafe at Four Seasons. A cross-section reveals a chocolate glaze outer shell, mocha java chocolate mousse, raspberry Bavarian cream, vanilla bean crème brûlée, Swiss raspberry jam and coconut macaroon cake on bottom. To finish it off, it's topped with raspberries, a candy spiral and a gold-dusted white chocolate fan.

One of the first things I recommend my clients for healthy eating is fish. It's high on proteins, good fats, low on calories and it has a huge list of benefits.

A couple of years ago, one of my clients introduced me to what I consider the best place to get fresh fish. VitalChoice

The last time I tasted fish that fresh was when I used to go spear fishing back in Peru...dived down 25 feet deep in the water, shoot, and bring it up to the boat. Then the guys at the boat will prepare Ceviche right on the spot. Aside from that, this is the closest thing to fresh tasting fish. I order a good variety for my clients all the time and they love it!

Enjoy and let me know if you agree.

Lalo Fuentes
Personal Trainer, Los Angeles

Link: /faceyogurt

Forget about Fruit on the Bottom. In fact, forget about this preserved fruit added madness in yogurt all together. It’s time to make a major change in this world. A yogurt change.

I have always been the type to offer soul-searching advice on relationships, two-year olds with tantrums, or even what to do with an over-zealous mother-in-law’s birthday gift. For years, this extended list also includes a vast knowledge in the under-appreciated area of slightly aged milk: yogurt.

Many people ask me, what’s so special about yogurt? And my answer is: everything. It’s a rare food that is well-known for its robust taste and nutritional value—it’s packed full of proteins, vitamins, minerals (chiefly zinc) and of course calcium.. So which yogurt is the one to get? It’s hard to find, but with its paint-like texture and tart taste, Fage Greek-style yogurt is hard to replace and impossible to forget. Plus, with one serving of Fage, you get more than twice the amount of protein and a fraction of the carbohydrates the regular brands offer.

The best way to enjoy it is by pouring it on top of some fresh cut fruit and a few nuts on top. Enjoy!

Lalo Fuentes
Personal Trainer, Los Angeles