Fall in love with February

Dear Bar Patrons, This winter sure has been light on snow but big at The Bar! Read on for our February news. . .

FEBRUARY CLIENT OF THE MONTH ASIA PUSKA

Being as February is the month for love, let me tell you about some of the things I love. First and foremost, I absolutely love Lake Tahoe and the outdoors. When I moved here from Colorado in 2011, I had no idea what to expect and made it my 5-year plan. Welp, I’m on my way to year 7 and have no plans to move. Lake Tahoe is a year round playground! I love to snowboard and snowshoe in the winter and hike/backpack and paddleboard in the summer.

Next on the love list would be my dog, Summit. He has the most personality out of any dog I’ve known. He is my little goofball and can get me out of any funk. I mean, just look at those ears and that mug, what’s not to love?! He has evolved to be quite the adventure pup.

My boyfriend/adventure partner would be next on the list. He can always convince me to do just about any activity and is my rock. He’s the reason I’ve been able to explore more areas and do overnights (side note I peed in the woods for the first time 2 summers ago on our/my first backpack trip, I was so proud). He also makes for an excellent travel companion. We love exploring together and making memories. Travel would rank quite high on my list of loves. I am always wanderlusting and itching for the next trip. I’ve been to so many beautiful places and met so many wonderful people that I can’t imagine my life without travel. Seeing the world first hand is the best way to truly understand a culture and immerse yourself in their way of life. Next stop will be Greece.

On to number 5 would be my job; I absolutely love being a pharmacist. Working in a small town makes it so I can have personalized relationships with my patients. I love being able to greet people by first name, see them smile as we talk about what’s new, and knowing that my patients care about me as well. It’s as though I have family around me all the time.

Finally, I love leading a healthy lifestyle. I love to cook and have completed numerous Whole30 rounds. I enjoy exploring various recipes and watching the reaction on people’s faces when they taste my cooking. I also stay activity whether indoors or out. I love coming to The Bar, as skeptical as I was at first, and knowing I’ve got my girlfriends around me. The classes are so motivating and fun and the instructors make me want to come back for more. I’ve met so many wonderful woman and think you all are so special. Thanks for kicking my butt weekly and making me stronger and leaner each week. I am honored to be February’s Client of the Month! Love you all!!

Bar Bingo

It ends Saturday, February 3! Have you been getting all of your stickers? On February 3 The Bar will go through all Bingo cards to determine our Blackout winners! Prizes will be drawn the following week- stay tuned!

Prenatal Yoga with Samar

Prenatal Yoga will begin Tuesday, February 6 and will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15-1pm through May. Come stretch and center your pregnant selves through Samar’s classes.

New Barre Instructor

As you know, Emily is getting closer and closer to her due date, so The Bar is in need of a new barre instructor. The instructor must be available to teach mid-morning and noon classes. Please contact info@thebartahoe.com if you are interested, and spread the word!

BYOB (Bring Your Own Boy)

Because last year was so successful, we are doing it again! You can bring your husband, your boyfriend, your brother- really, any boy- on Friday, February 9 at 5:30 pm for a 1 hour barre class, followed by beer (and wine for the ladies!).

Bubba is Back!

Bubba will be here to teach Power Yoga again on Saturday February 10th at 9:30am. Sign up online! It filled up last time so don't miss out!

Jess’ Healthy Tip of the Month

Happy celebration of love month barre beauties! Our love can be expressed toward diverse individuals, things, ideas, and blessings in our lives. Take some time this month to also express love and gratitude for yourself. If you missed my nutrition workshop last month, or will benefit from a summary of key points, you will find the fun nutrition details below. Enjoy!

Research shows that only 35% of Americans regularly take a break to eat lunch. Some who fall outside of that 35% distractingly eat something, either at their desk or on the run. Convenience foods are high in added fats and sodium and often provide few of the nutrients that provide us with an abundance of benefits. What effects does this pressure of productivity, performance, and rapid pace of life have on our nutritional health and wellbeing? How are our families affected?

The quality of our diet has widespread significance. Everything from our mood to the health of our digestive tracts is reactive to the nutrients that we nourish our bodies with midday (or don’t). A healthy diet rich in protective nutrients can improve your morale, efficiency, energy levels, confidence, relationships, weight management, and even extend your expectancy of quality years of life. In many countries around the world, lunch holds a place of primary cultural importance during which businesses are closed for a few hours and families gather to nourish their minds and bodies. How do we get to this space of optimal nourishment?

February Health Tip: Diversify your midday meal. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein at lunch daily to optimize your nutrition status.

Fruits and vegetables are abundant with nutrients that work diligently to fight chronic diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. These nutrition powerhouses also add color, appeal, and texture to our plate, providing some midday pizzazz. Pears, which are in season this month, are an excellent source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium, gifting us with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and immune supportive nourishment. And for the cherry on top, fruits and vegetables often do not require any preparation, so they are ready when you are!

Whole grains are important sources of many nutrients, including dietary fiber, several B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), and minerals (iron, magnesium, and selenium). Dietary fiber from whole grains or other foods, may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Fiber is also important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as whole grains help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories. Add quinoa, brown rice, oats, popcorn, whole grain breads, or whole grain tortillas to your lunch to bask in these benefits.

Protein functions as building blocks for our bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. It is also the building blocks for enzymes, hormones, and vitamins. Foods high in protein provide us with iron and B vitamins too, supporting the release of energy within our body and the flow of oxygen-rich blood. Provide yourself with a variety of protein packed foods by including nuts or nut betters, grilled chicken, tofu, beans, eggs or seafood in your lunch.

Every time we eat is an opportunity to serve and love ourselves and our families. May your lunch be an expression of this service and love.

Dancing with the Tahoe Stars

This year I am dancing with Bob Grant, Tahoe grown local, who was not only my fourth grade teacher, but he was the president of my elementary school club, The Crazy Club, of which I have written children’s books on, he was the director of all summer plays I participated in and recently worked with me at the high school as the digital arts teach. Additionally, his wife was my piano teacher, and his daughter, Nicole, was one of my best friends growing up! Whew, do we have history. If you are interested in seeing us dance the foxtrot (with a little bit of tap) in this year’s performance, tickets go on sale February 3. Contact tahoeartsproject.com.