How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce!
January 31, 2009
In this episode of Fit Life we put the Fresh Tomato Sauce recipe from the New York Times to the test!
It is a time-consuming process, but if you make a big batch you can enjoy fresh, all natural, homemade tomato sauce for pasta, bread and anything in between!
Here is the New York Times Fresh Tomato Sauce recipe.
Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Eastbay.com & Go Daddy!
Find more info about the Eastbay discount code: AFLIFE20 to save 20% off of your $75+ purchase!
The Fine Print:
You can find the rest of my shows on my Mevio profile at amy.mevio.com . If you would like to get all of my shows ( Assercize , Fitness Attack , Fit Life ) as well as my News & Recipes blog, subscribe to the main feed at feeds.feedburner.com/wamall or read it online at www.withamymac.com/news
Thank you to Mevio for free hosting and technical support!
Winter Training with an Indoor Bike Trainer
January 15, 2009
After twittering about my indoor bike trainer, everyone wanted to know which one I’m using. I’ll do a product review on Fit Life for it but until then – here is the info! For under $100, I purchased both the trainer and stabilizer block at Amazon and am really happy with them. You do have to continually check to make sure everything is tight, especially if you move it around. Also, know that it does wear your back tire down but I think that will be a small cost for all the benefits of being able to train indoors this winter (and rehab my knees…still). Happy Training!
Amazon Links:
Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer
Blackburn Trak Block II Bicycle Stabilizer for Indoor Bicycle Trainers
Why I Love TJ!
January 12, 2009
Today I was at Trader Joe’s, which is new here in Nashville, and as I was doing my shopping I had to laugh at the man in front of me, who was clearly a first-timer. Every time he would come upon something that he needed, he would pick up the package, look at the ingredients, then the price and then exclaim about how healthy it was and how cheap! The first time, I was amused but by the last aisle he was still so excited that I was just full out laughing.
In addition to having a fun shopping trip (and yes, the employees are just as friendly as they are everywhere else, which always amazes me), it also made me think about how we have become accustomed to the fact that healthy food is expensive. Some store require a big chunk of your paycheck to sell you what seems like the healthiest option. When I saw this guy overjoyed at the price of the whole grain pasta with flaxseed (for only $.49) I thought about what this could mean for reshaping the perception of healthy eating for consumers.
Let me also clear up the perception of ‘healthy eating.’ I’m not talking about foods you have never heard of before, I’m
talking about frozen fruit without added sugar, mixed nuts with less salt, delicious salsa with ingredients that you know and produce that is affordable! So I guess in one way this post is just to say that I really enjoy Trader Joe’s and I’m ecstatic that they are now in town. But the other reason for this post is to let you know that in tight economic times, you can afford to eat healthy. It’s not about the store, its about finding a farmers market, or starting a garden or finding alternative ways to make sure you that you and your family are making a healthy way of life a priority.
* This is not a paid endorsement for Trader Joe’s *
There has to be a better name than “Year End Highlights”
January 7, 2009
It’s 2009 and I feel that a ‘Rest of 2008′ recap just wouldn’t do the year justice, but with the fact that I didn’t have time to blog when the events happened, I guess a recap is my best bet and then maybe someday, I’ll do the full story on each item.
Big Events Not Blogged About:
Vegas/ Hawaii Vacation – It was awesome. We started in Vegas for the NME, saw some friends, spent an evening at Tao and started to unwind before Hawaii. Friends got married in Hawaii and then we ziplined, surfed, boogie boarded and enjoyed the sunshine! A wonderful 2 weeks!

Knee Injury -1 week post 1/2 marathon, training was halted due to both knees with severe tendinitis. So many doctors appointments and then physical therapy – everyone was great and they did all they could to prepare me for the marathon without causing permanent issues.
Marathon – Had a wonderful trip to Portland, OR with Chris and Pam and we all ran the marathon in the rain. Can’t explain the feelings of anxiety, power, confidence, fear and joy that all took turns in that 4 hours and 59 minutes.
‘Year of the Marathon’ Outcome - We set a goal in a bowling alley in early 2008 to run a marathon in the next 12 months. A life goal for both Chris and I, and also a true challenge of ‘can I do anything that I put my mind to?’ Pam, although not a first time marathoner, agreed to run alongside and Joe decided that he did not want to be apart of this challenge. (He later ran the 1/2 marathon with us and will be running his 1st marathon in February – just in time to meet our 12 month deadline!)
I learned that I can conquer anything and at the same time, realized that there is a point when ‘mind over matter’ isn’t the smartest way to go. I can say that now that it’s been over 3 months since the run and I can’t bend my knees, let alone workout.
I also established the fact that I am not a runner. I didn’t get addicted to running, my body hated me and I’m ok with never running another marathon. I did find out that I love having a challenge with a deadline so once I’m back in action, I’m going to find other short distance races and competitions that I can train for.
Election – Yep. I’m happy and ready for change.
Big Move - After much deliberating, Chris and I decided to move back to our home in Tennessee. As much as we loved our jobs and friends in SF, we were just so tired and worn out. Working 24/7 really took a toll on our health. We felt that the best thing for ourselves was to get back home, slow down a bit and work on having a life outside of the office. We had a wonderful send off with nearly everyone we ever knew in SF and will always look forward to visiting those friends. We moved home over the holidays and are loving every minute – even though the house is still a disaster!
Injury Rehabilitation - As much as I wanted to run that marathon, I’m so bummed to still be out of the gym. Yes, I’ve lost some muscle and put on some fat, but the biggest downside for me is feeling so blah. I de-stress, focus and find my strength in the gym, not to mention all the problem-solving I can do during cardio! I just don’t feel like myself without working out. I think the recovery time has been more mentally difficult for me than the actual training!
We are looking forward to a great 2009 and wish all of you the same!
Four Tips to Joining a Gym!
January 5, 2009
Happy New Year! This show is a remake of the very first episode of Fit Life! Instead of putting you through the terror of watching that one, I updated it and shot a new show! We kick off the new year with a list of important factors you should consider before joining a gym. It will help you pick the right fit, avoid paying too much and keep you from having buyer’s remorse! Make the most of those new year’s resolutions!
- Resolved to Join a Gym? Price Isn’t Everything. – Washington Post
- Don’t Join a Gym, Join the Fun – SF Gate
A big thanks to our sponsors!
eMusic – Get a 14 day free trial and 35 free tracks! – www.emusic.com/fitlife
Footlocker discount code: AFLIFEFL – Save 15% off of any order! www.footlocker.com
The Fine Print:
You can find the rest of my shows on my Mevio profile at amy.mevio.com . If you would like to get all of my shows ( Assercize , Fitness Attack , Fit Life ) as well as my News & Recipes blog, subscribe to the main feed at feeds.feedburner.com/wamall or read it online at www.withamymac.com/news
Thank you to Mevio for free hosting and technical support!



