And the Winner is...
Congratulations to Terese Vekteris! She’s the winner of our “Enter To Trek” contest. This fall she will find herself hiking up the beautiful mountains of British Columbia and enjoying the delicious spa cuisine Mountain Trek is famous for. Thanks to all who participated in the contest and are now Facebook fans of FitPath at Mountain Trek. And for those of you not yet on Facebook, become a fan and keep up to date on news about Mountain Trek and an opportunity to connect with other “alumni” in your area. Thanks again for playing!
The Call of the Carolinas
The colors of summer flowers and weather continue to please us in the month of September here at Mountain Trek, British Columbia. It is the beginning of our Indian summer. Fall is distant in the air. Fall arrives for us when we gather our gear and head back for another Mountain Trek adventure in North Carolina. Open from November 7th to De
cember 5, come and enjoy amazing vistas, the fabulous Mountain Trek cuisine, and great weight loss results.
Our base camp once again, is Bent Creek Lodge, a Bed and Breakfast nestled away on 8 acres of forest, just 15 minutes outside Asheville. It’s the same high intensity hiking program with a maximum of 10 guests to ensure you get the personalized attention you’ve come to expect at Mountain Trek. Multiple flights arrive daily from all major centers to the Asheville airport a mere twenty minute drive from Bent Creek. Check out North Carolina for more info.
On the Tropical Horizon
Our Costa Rica Program has enjoyed a successful following since opening in 2007. We are currently seeking another venue to run our FitPath program in 2010. Stay connected via our Facebook page for the status of our “Tropical Trek.”
Exercise and Weight Loss
The Times On-Line magazine recently published an article debating the benefits of exercise in regards to losing weight. While it doesn’t discredit the overall benefits of exercise to health (which we know are plenty), it highlights the necessity and importance of incorporating an overall lifestyle program for losing and maintaining weight not just relying on exercise for weight loss. As you know, we at Mountain Trek are big fans of “lifestyle.” Have a read and if you have a comment about it, you can go to our Facebook page where it is also posted on our discussion board.
The Power of the Mind
The mind has tremendous power on our physical well-being. We can certainly support good health by eating a natural foods diet with limited amount of processed or refined foods, and get regular physical movement, but how we perceive ourselves and the world around us makes a difference.
In several interviews with centenarians, most exhibit one striking similarity: they are all happy, bright, and exuberant. It is their positive outlook on life that contributes to their longevity and well-being.
What contributes to an overall sense of well-being? Play and laughter. Play is any activity you engage for the reward of simply doing it. It’s important to do something you enjoy not just on weekends but everyday. Remember a nugget from Kirk’s self care talks - do something you’ve wanted to do or used to enjoy without any attachment to end results. And of course, no one needs to tell us the importance of a good belly laugh. Rent a comedy, read a funny book, tell funny stories of your past to your kids, just remember to laugh.
Roasted Tomato Dressing
The summer harvest means an abundance of fresh vegetables including tomatoes (okay, it’s considered a fruit). Chose vine-ripened tomatoes, preferably organic and locally grown. Select firm, glossy, smooth and plump tomatoes. If they smell tomatoey they will taste like tomatoes!
Makes ¾ cup
1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes
1 TB extra virgin olive oil (or flax oil)
2 TB balsamic vinegar
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 TB parsley (or try basil)
Place the tomatoes in a medium pan and place the pan in the preheated oven. Roast for about 15-30 minutes. Shake the pan about three or four times. The outside of the tomatoes should be slightly browned in spots. Do not roast so long that the tomatoes burst open. If one or two do, it’s time to take the pan from the oven.
Place the roasted tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley in a blender. Process till smooth and then chill for at least an hour.
Enjoy!
Happy Trails!
About Mountain Trek
Founded in 1991 as Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat and Health Spa, Mountain Trek offers fitness and weight loss Programs for small groups that deliver results. Working year-around from locations in the mountains of Canada, Costa Rica and North Carolina, Mountain Trek's trained guides interact one-on-one with Guests to raise metabolism, burn fat, improve cardiovascular fitness, and increase muscle strength. With a Staff-to-Guest ratio of two to one, the Mountain Trek team is serious about guiding Guests toward an integrated path of vitality and health. Additional details are available on www.hiking.com.