Merritt Clubs Blog

As the season slowly turns to fall here in the Old Line State, autumn vegetables will be making their way into CSA boxes and produce markets. When they do, one item Marylanders should be on the lookout for is escarole. It could help those in search of a healthy life.

Vitamin, fiber and mineral rich, this leafy green member of the daisy family belongs with vegetables in the chicory genus. It characteristically has slightly bitter, broad, curly, light green leaves and is sometimes marketed under the name scarola or Bavarian endive. If picked fresh and stored properly in the fridge, it should remain edible for at least three days.

There are various ways to prepare escarole and lead a healthy life. Some nutrition aware chefs like to simply wash the leaves and serve them up raw in a tasty, fall salad. They say it pairs well with a slightly sweet vinaigrette dressing, soft cheeses and autumn nuts. It’s also not uncommon for raw vegetable fans to include pureed escarole in juices and smoothies.

Other Maryland chefs prefer to cook the escarole. Boiling and sautéing are the two most common methods of preparation. However, there are those that like to bake the escarole with additional ingredients as part of a vegetable casserole or toss the leaves into homemade or semi-homemade soups.

One of the easiest semi-homemade escarole soups to make and incorporate into a healthy life requires just two additional ingredients. They are a can of no or low sodium chicken stock and a package of fresh tortellini. Just cook the escarole and tortellini in the chicken broth and viola!, semi-homemade soup will be on the menu.

We know what you’re thinking right about now, “So how healthy is the soup?” On average, a serving of low sodium chicken broth is 10 calories and contains around 100 mg of potassium. A serving size of three cheese tortellini, on the other hand, has approximately 330 calories as well as healthy amounts of calcium and iron. As for the escarole, a ½ cup serving typically contains 4 calories and a whole head has roughly 87. It also contains vitamin A, folate and vitamin K.

To learn more about escarole, other foods and activities that may help you live a healthy life, please contact us at Merritt Athletic Clubs today.

As the season slowly turns to fall here in the Old Line State, autumn vegetables will be making their way into CSA boxes and produce markets. When they do, one item Marylanders should be on the lookout for is escarole. It could help those in search of a healthy life.

Vitamin, fiber and mineral rich, this leafy green member of the daisy family belongs with vegetables in the chicory genus. It characteristically has slightly bitter, broad, curly, light green leaves and is sometimes marketed under the name scarola or Bavarian endive. If picked fresh and stored properly in the fridge, it should remain edible for at least three days.

There are various ways to prepare escarole and lead a healthy life. Some nutrition aware chefs like to simply wash the leaves and serve them up raw in a tasty, fall salad. They say it pairs well with a slightly sweet vinaigrette dressing, soft cheeses and autumn nuts. It’s also not uncommon for raw vegetable fans to include pureed escarole in juices and smoothies.

Other Maryland chefs prefer to cook the escarole. Boiling and sautéing are the two most common methods of preparation. However, there are those that like to bake the escarole with additional ingredients as part of a vegetable casserole or toss the leaves into homemade or semi-homemade soups.

One of the easiest semi-homemade escarole soups to make and incorporate into a healthy life requires just two additional ingredients. They are a can of no or low sodium chicken stock and a package of fresh tortellini. Just cook the escarole and tortellini in the chicken broth and viola!, semi-homemade soup will be on the menu.

We know what you’re thinking right about now, “So how healthy is the soup?” On average, a serving of low sodium chicken broth is 10 calories and contains around 100 mg of potassium. A serving size of three cheese tortellini, on the other hand, has approximately 330 calories as well as healthy amounts of calcium and iron. As for the escarole, a ½ cup serving typically contains 4 calories and a whole head has roughly 87. It also contains vitamin A, folate and vitamin K.

To learn more about escarole, other foods and activities that may help you live a healthy life, please contact us at Merritt Athletic Clubs today.

If you're looking for a place to work out, there are options on just about every corner. But if you're serious about getting healthy, you need to look a little deeper into what a health club offers.

Speak with a Dietician

Exercise is important to your health, but it's just as important to monitor how you are fueling your body. People trying to lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle are often left to their own devices in the area of diet, because most gyms just deal with exercise. Merritt Athletic Clubs offers a dietician on staff (learn more here) who can help with issues such as weight loss, nutritional help for medical problems, diets to achieve peak athletic performance, and eating to prevent illness. When trying to achieve wellness, don't leave out this piece of the puzzle.

Massage Therapy

Many people view massage as an unnecessary, indulgent activity, but it has many health benefits, including stress relief, increasing blood flow, release of toxins, and overall wellness. We offer Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Sports, and Pregnancy Massages. Call us to find out which one is right for you. Learn more and book appointment here!

Spa Services

Part of overall wellness is simply feeling good about yourself, so we also offer spa services at many of our locations. Whether you need a facial, hair services, a manicure or pedicure, we are hear to make sure you leave feeling your best.

For overall wellness, it's important to have all the pieces of the puzzle. Once you do, exercising becomes much more productive and you will see more impressive results. The Mayo Clinic suggests 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, as well as strength training twice a week. Whether you enjoy swimming laps in the pool, taking a group class, or working out on the machines by yourself, we provide many opportunities so that you can achieve optimal health.

To find a location that provides the services you are looking for, contact us.

If you're looking for a place to work out, there are options on just about every corner. But if you're serious about getting healthy, you need to look a little deeper into what a health club offers.

Speak with a Dietician

Exercise is important to your health, but it's just as important to monitor how you are fueling your body. People trying to lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle are often left to their own devices in the area of diet, because most gyms just deal with exercise. Merritt Athletic Clubs offers a dietician on staff (learn more here) who can help with issues such as weight loss, nutritional help for medical problems, diets to achieve peak athletic performance, and eating to prevent illness. When trying to achieve wellness, don't leave out this piece of the puzzle.

Massage Therapy

Many people view massage as an unnecessary, indulgent activity, but it has many health benefits, including stress relief, increasing blood flow, release of toxins, and overall wellness. We offer Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Sports, and Pregnancy Massages. Call us to find out which one is right for you. Learn more and book appointment here!

Spa Services

Part of overall wellness is simply feeling good about yourself, so we also offer spa services at many of our locations. Whether you need a facial, hair services, a manicure or pedicure, we are hear to make sure you leave feeling your best.

For overall wellness, it's important to have all the pieces of the puzzle. Once you do, exercising becomes much more productive and you will see more impressive results. The Mayo Clinic suggests 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, as well as strength training twice a week. Whether you enjoy swimming laps in the pool, taking a group class, or working out on the machines by yourself, we provide many opportunities so that you can achieve optimal health.

To find a location that provides the services you are looking for, contact us.

1 can regular coconut milk

Sprinkling of cinnamon

Pure Vanilla essence to your tasting

Honey (optional for some sweetness)

Directions:

Refrigerate can of coconut milk overnight.

Scoop out chilled coconut milk into a bowl, leaving the water behind (save the water for a smoothie or just to drink if you like!)

Add in the cinnamon, vanilla and honey, if desired.

Tip: Add a little at a time and taste until you get it to where you like it.

Whip it together with a fork or electric mixer!

Tastes great over chilled pineapple!

1 can regular coconut milk

Sprinkling of cinnamon

Pure Vanilla essence to your tasting

Honey (optional for some sweetness)

Directions:

Refrigerate can of coconut milk overnight.

Scoop out chilled coconut milk into a bowl, leaving the water behind (save the water for a smoothie or just to drink if you like!)

Add in the cinnamon, vanilla and honey, if desired.

Tip: Add a little at a time and taste until you get it to where you like it.

Whip it together with a fork or electric mixer!

Tastes great over chilled pineapple!

4 Ripe Bananas

1 tsp Vanilla

½ tbsp. cinnamon

1 tbsp of pure honey (optional)

2 cups rolled oats

Dark chocolate chips

Chopped nuts, crasins, raisins (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350

Mash bananas in a medium bowl (some chunks are okay)

Add tsp vanilla

Add 1/2 tbsp of cinnamon

1 tbsp of pure honey

2 cups of quick rolled oats

Mix all of the above with the banana mush

Fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips

Optional: fold in some craisins, raisins, or chopped nuts!

Grease a cookie sheet with cooking spray

Drop the mixture with a spoon on the sheet

Bake in oven for about 15-20 minutes they should be firm on the outside and soft in the middle

Let cool on sheet for a few minutes before moving to cooling rack to cool completely

Store in airtight container

Bananas may cause them to go a darker brown and should be eaten within 3-5days.

4 Ripe Bananas

1 tsp Vanilla

½ tbsp. cinnamon

1 tbsp of pure honey (optional)

2 cups rolled oats

Dark chocolate chips

Chopped nuts, crasins, raisins (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350

Mash bananas in a medium bowl (some chunks are okay)

Add tsp vanilla

Add 1/2 tbsp of cinnamon

1 tbsp of pure honey

2 cups of quick rolled oats

Mix all of the above with the banana mush

Fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips

Optional: fold in some craisins, raisins, or chopped nuts!

Grease a cookie sheet with cooking spray

Drop the mixture with a spoon on the sheet

Bake in oven for about 15-20 minutes they should be firm on the outside and soft in the middle

Let cool on sheet for a few minutes before moving to cooling rack to cool completely

Store in airtight container

Bananas may cause them to go a darker brown and should be eaten within 3-5days.

Family time and kids fitness are two major concerns for modern parents. A new study confirms that Americans are spending barely eight hours a week with their children. A health club membership may be just what you need to reverse the trend and get everyone in shape.

If you feel like you barely see your kids during the week, you’re not alone. The study conducted by Virgin Holidays and Universal Orlando Resort discovered that the daily average is just 36 minutes for the time families spend together. Weekends are a little better with over 2 hours of family time each day, but many people say they mostly count on holidays to reconnect.

Going to the gym as a family is a great way to meet up more often and boost your fitness. There are several ways to get around the most common obstacles:

Meals: Eating quickly doesn’t have to mean fast food. Prepare dishes you can cook ahead of time on weekends and freeze the leftovers. Chili and lasagna are two old favorites. Pack a cooler full of cut vegetables, pita bread and hummus, and stick it in your car for healthy dining on the go. Turn a salad into a balanced meal with leftover fish or chicken.

Homework: Kids usually need a break between school and homework. Hit the gym on the way home from work and school. If you need to schedule visits for later in the evening, present your health club visits as a reward for completing their studies.

Bed Times: Of course, rest is essential too. After your workout, arrange quiet time before retiring. Read books or take a warm bath. Shut off TVs, phones and other devices.

Merritt Athletic Club is committed to keeping Baltimore families healthy. Check out our pool, gymnastics, dance and other programs for kids. Contact us to learn more.

Family time and kids fitness are two major concerns for modern parents. A new study confirms that Americans are spending barely eight hours a week with their children. A health club membership may be just what you need to reverse the trend and get everyone in shape.

If you feel like you barely see your kids during the week, you’re not alone. The study conducted by Virgin Holidays and Universal Orlando Resort discovered that the daily average is just 36 minutes for the time families spend together. Weekends are a little better with over 2 hours of family time each day, but many people say they mostly count on holidays to reconnect.

Going to the gym as a family is a great way to meet up more often and boost your fitness. There are several ways to get around the most common obstacles:

Meals: Eating quickly doesn’t have to mean fast food. Prepare dishes you can cook ahead of time on weekends and freeze the leftovers. Chili and lasagna are two old favorites. Pack a cooler full of cut vegetables, pita bread and hummus, and stick it in your car for healthy dining on the go. Turn a salad into a balanced meal with leftover fish or chicken.

Homework: Kids usually need a break between school and homework. Hit the gym on the way home from work and school. If you need to schedule visits for later in the evening, present your health club visits as a reward for completing their studies.

Bed Times: Of course, rest is essential too. After your workout, arrange quiet time before retiring. Read books or take a warm bath. Shut off TVs, phones and other devices.

Merritt Athletic Club is committed to keeping Baltimore families healthy. Check out our pool, gymnastics, dance and other programs for kids. Contact us to learn more.