What’s in a fitness trainer’s fridge?
Carol Teteak, M.S., a fitness specialist at Edward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness (Seven Bridges) shared in the Edwards-Elmhurst Healthy Driven blog that personal trainers know how to move. They also know how to fuel that movement with the right foods for peak performance. We asked Carol Teteak, MS, Fitness Coordinator, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist and ACE Personal Trainer at Edward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness Centers in Woodridge, to share what she keeps in her fridge.Q: What condiments are front and center? We’re guessing there is no giant bottle of mayo.
A: You’re right! I don’t use mayonnaise – at home or when ordering out. Instead, I’ll use yellow mustard or – even better – I’ll add a slice of pepper jack cheese for a kick with the added calcium! Don’t go overboard with mustard, though. While it’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it contains a lot of salt. Otherwise, salsa is my go-to condiment. Add it to a burger, mix it with some eggs, put it in a chicken or turkey wrap, or have it on the side with a handful of tortilla chips as an afternoon snack. It’s a great source of antioxidants with wonderful flavor! Check out one of my favorite homemade salsa recipes.
Q: Is there meat in the drawer?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breast and ground turkey are staples in my house. My family’s favorites are chicken fajitas, chicken with broccoli, chicken or ground turkey quesadillas or tacos, turkey meatloaf or turkey chili. If I’m craving burgers or a steak, I look for the leanest I can find. I’m also a fan of the ‘other’ white meat – pork tenderloin – which has less total fat than a chicken breast and is naturally low in sodium.
Q: What do you have to drink?
A: Water is my go-to for hydration throughout the day, especially when working out (the ‘O’ in H2O replenishes the oxygen lost during exercise). I alternate between skim and coconut- almond milk for cereal, cooking, and baking because, as I’ve aged, my stomach has become more sensitive to dairy. Even so, I like [skim] as a source for calcium. A ‘shot’ of pomegranate-cranberry juice helps keep my antioxidants in check. I also like to treat myself to green tea with honey or agave for sweetness, or a cup of flavored coffee once a day. I stay away from soda, sugary drinks, and juice.
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