Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Exciting new beginnings

Stacey has already arrived in Sydney; ready to take on her new life in Australia and I am writing this ready to start another long, hot day in Bangkok.
Though it is very real and she has already left, I am still in denial – I do not want to loose the day to day, easy and comfortable way of spending time with my best friend!



But, it is happening and though I am obviously very sad; I am also excited. Stacey will continue to be a part of the STARA team remotely from Sydney. Most likely will she be more successful in posting on both the blog and on Facebook not having to rely on VPN, and we can look forward to regular updates on her new life down under.

I am also very excited to finally announce that as from next season Marisol Razik will join the STARA team and that classes will be held in her kitchen in Yosemite B section. Details as well as class schedule will be sent out after the winter break.
Marisol has a comprehensive culinary background and is an innovative and accomplished cook and will bring new, exciting and innovated ideas to the STARA kitchen. She will not replace Stacey but will help me to bring STARA to a new level.

The spring season will resume on Tuesday 16 February and will with a few exceptions run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as they have in the past.

To facilitate registration I have created a hotmail account: starafoodbeijing@hotmail.com as well as a wechat group: STARAfood Beijing. Please find the QR code below. Scan it and join the group and the fun! The gmail address will remain in use but, given the circumstances here in China; hopefully these two ways of communication will make it easier for everyone.

If you cannot wait until February 16 to get back into the kitchen I will be back on January 11 and will be happy to hold private classes in the comfort of your own home. We can together agree on the theme and either pick and mix from old recipes or create new ones – it’s up to you! Simply gather a minimum of six friends and we can take it from there. Please contact me during the break and we can plan it.

With that, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas a Happy New Year and a relaxing and rejuvenating Winter Break.

I am looking forward to seeing you all in the kitchen in 2016!

-Sara



Monday, December 14, 2015

10 Tips for a Healthier Holiday

By Stella Chan Marinaro, Nutritionist

The holidays are a time for celebrating with family friends, but often come with a multitude of opportunities to overindulge. With balance, moderation and exercise you can enjoy all of the holiday cheer without expanding your waistline. Eat, exercise, enjoy, and follow these 10 tips for a happy and healthier holiday!
1. Snacking ahead
Arrive hungry to a party, and you will likely overeat. Eat a healthy snack beforehand and then go easy on the hors d’oeuvres.

2. Dressing the part
Wear something flattering and slightly snug. Your outfit will stop you from overdoing it.

3. Strategic placement and planning ahead
Limit yourself to just one small plate. Then walk away from the holiday spread. Be selective when many courses are offered. Consider skipping desert. You can be just as social sipping coffee.

4. Chew gum
Stop mindless eating. Pop a piece of sugarless gum into your mouth, so you won’t be tempted to eat more.

5. B.H.D
Bring a healthy dish to a party for you and others to enjoy instead of a bringing a bottle of wine.

6. Sweet temptations
Balance sugary sweets with healthy options such as fruit.

7. Limit alcohol
A glass of wine contains 120-150 calories, mixed drinks 150+, martinis around 150, beer up to 200, eggnog 225, and a cosmopolitan has as many as 285 calories! Alternate between alcoholic drinks and water to reduce your caloric intake.

8. On the go
Be social. Work your way around the room, mingling with the other guests, leaves you with less time for over eating and drinking.

9. Keep moving
Stay active. Why wait until the New Year to make a resolution to get fit? Schedule workouts with a fitness trainer or a friend for the day after each holiday party.

10. Be accountable
Keep a food and exercise journal. Record everything you eat. Be sure to include your workouts too. Seeing it all in print will make you more accountable for a healthier holiday season.

To make an appointment with Stella Chan Marinaro please call: +86 10 6462 9112

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