Staying Fit in the Season of Beers and Burgers

Finally. Summer is here. Cold beers, hot beaches, cheeseburgers and daiquiris. So tasty, so fattening. I'm kind of writing this as a guide for my parents, who I'm helping to get in killer shape this summer, but also for everyone out there who struggles to stay thin during the summer.


(Let's be honest, Matthew McConaughey has the best beach body EVER.)

Of course this is "the season of beers and burgers", where one might give some slack to their diet because "there's nothing healthy at the cookout" or "I'm on vacation". The classic excuses for summer weight gain. If you're going to eat and drink whatever you want during the Saturday afternoon parties throughout June, July and August be aware your poor choices on the weekend could lead to a nice "beer gut" or "spare tire". But it's your healthy choices during the week that allow you to partially fall off the healthy bandwagon come Friday after work.

Here are some of my top tips for staying fit this summer:

Salads galore: Eat your greens! Numerous studies have shown that leafy greens and making a salad the main course for your meal is one of the most health conscious decisions a person can make. If you plan to have a few burgers or barbeque chicken at your neighbor's graduation party on Sunday, try making meat the side dish and a salad the main course for your dinners Monday-Friday. Trust me you won't be packing on as many pounds if you cut back on your meat consumption during the weekdays. Also, iceberg lettuce really doesn't have much nutritional value, instead go for the darker greens (generally, the darker the green the better it is for you).

Fruits and Veggies: The summer is the perfect time to get into the habit of eating lots of fruits and veggies. Most of them are in their peak seasons and taste delicious. Try snacking on a piece of fruit in between meals, or packing celery or carrot sticks for a treat at work. Take advantage of the delicious foods Mother Nature provides for us (at cheap prices too if you buy them at farmer's markets)!

Fat free milk: I know a lot of people can't stand skim milk (like my dad), but the trick is to ease yourself into it. When I was a little kid my parents gave me whole milk. As they realized you can receive all the same nutrients with less fat in the 2 percent and 1 percent versions they slowly converted to low-fat milk (and by slowly I mean it took a few years to transition). When I went to college I made the personal decision to switch from 1 percent to skim milk. Now I wouldn't go back. Even 2 percent is too heavy and creamy for me. By making the switch to skim milk you are giving your body a nutrient lift and calcium supplement without a lot of calories and fat.

GET OUT AND EXERCISE!!! Let's face it; the northeast doesn't get a lot of warm weather. We are stuck inside for nearly 9 months. Take advantage of the warm sunshine and natural beauty by hiking, walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, etc. The point is to enjoy your surroundings while you exercise; it makes it much more tolerable. Better yet, find a buddy to go walking with and you won't even realize how hard you are working while you chat away. Don't waste these limited days of sunshine!

(Heidi Klum is nearly 40 and has given birth to three children and has maintained that body. My idol.)


If you want to stay fit in the season of beers and burgers remember you can't gorge on the weekends and then starve come Monday to make up for it. A healthy balanced diet goes a long way. And you'll find by eating healthier, the exercise comes easier, and the pounds shed quicker. (Here's a good article to check out if you are still skeptical http://exercise.about.com/od/plateausmotivation/a/enjoyexercise.htm).

I'm well aware it's easier said than done. But I'm also a big believer in not making excuses. I can't tell you how many times I've heard "it's easier for you because you're young," or "I don't have enough time." Why are you telling people this? Enough with the B.S.! I know that's harsh but it's true. This goes hand in hand with the "I don't have enough energy" excuse. Well energy is a mixture of healthy eating and exercise. The less of those two things you do, the less energy you have. Therefore, that is not a good excuse to use. Trust me I see right through B.S., and I've come to learn that excuses are what's making this nation so overweight. Let's stop the madness!

Staying fit isn't about dieting. It's not about exercising eight hours a day for one month or starving yourself. Getting in shape is a lifestyle. Take the time to make a healthy choice, go on a walk and enjoy being outdoors this summer. If you struggle with all of it just remember willpower comes first, motivation follows.

If you need any help or would like some more tips for getting healthy this summer, please leave me a few comments and I'll be sure to get back to you! Thanks for reading my rant!

25 Days Till Graduation, Warm Weather, Sox, Celts and Bruins in the playoffs...Life is good.

A lot has happened since I last posted on this blog. But not really. Eight months have passed since I returned from the Olympics and I'm back to being an average college student 25 days from graduation.

I got into all four graduate schools I applied to...each one in a different corner of the United States. I'm sure my family was thrilled about the prospect of me moving 2000 miles away from home. But I'm tired of the cold weather and I need a change of scenery. If Boston had summer weather year round, I'd never leave. Boston in the summertime is a wicked pissah.

I've been spending a lot of time contemplating what this blog will be about. My life is not nearly interesting enough to enthrall throngs of readers, so I'll probably focus more on Boston sports (Sox, Bruins, Celtics, Pats, etc.) and give you my brilliant daily/weekly take on those teams. I'm the next Bill Simmons. Not. I just a 22 year old sports nut with a journalism degree and no job. And I'm a firm believer in getting more knowledgable women into this field. I take great pride in showing men up in sports trivia. Is that why I don't have a boyfriend?

Sox are rolling as of late but much like every year I was disappointed in their less than stellar start. Ortiz always begins slow, but notice how he went opposite field twice yesterday in the first game of the doubleheader, a sure sign his bat is coming around.

Brad Penny may have won the night cap...but I'm still not impressed. Maybe I'm bitter my boy Bucholz is stuck in Pawtucket. I know Penny is money (haha) but let's not bow down before him because he threw six innings and gave up two earned runs. He needs 15 wins this season to gain my trust.


As for the Celtics, the loss of Leon Powe is really going to hurt. We're down to three solid big men and wasteful thinking that Doc is playing mind games with us and Garnett will return any day now...please? A far cry from reality.

I'm not worried about the Patriots on Draft Day. Remember two years ago when everyone was up in arms that Belicheck traded away a second and fourth-round pick? Oh that's right, we got Randy Moss and Wes Welker in return. Let the most brilliant man in football work in peace please. In Belicheck we trust.

Predictions for the week:
Celts defeat Bulls in 7...despite the fact D. Rose is the new MJ.
Sox sweep Yanks over the beautiful and warm weekend (brawls may ensue)
Bruins = La Coupe Stanley.
Patriots = Tom and Gisele double date with Youk and gold-digging wife.

The Last One...

I'm sad to say this will be my final post on this Beijing blog! It's been really fun to share my experiences in China with everyone back home and if I ever do anything as exciting again I'll be sure to write all about it.


I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the chance to see the USA men's and women's volleyball teams play in the gold medal match. The women, who were heavy underdogs, put up a good fight but was eventually overpowered by Brazil.

After the women's team played I had the opportunity to take pictures and congratulate them on exceeding all expectations and finishing with a silver. Logan Tom, who I've spoken with a few times after the initial bathroom meeting, gave me a hug and was more than happy to let me examine her silver medal.

(Me and Logan after the medal ceremony)

The men also faced Brazil in the finals, but the result was in our favor as they defeated the defending Olympic champs 3 sets to 1. I can't even begin to describe what it's like to watch your country win a gold medal in person. I didn't think it would be emotional or anything, but watching these grown men break down and sob and jump into the stands to hug and kiss their families was so heartwarming. It made it that much more bitter sweet knowing these guys overcame a horrible tragedy as well. I later heard they dedicated their gold medals to head coach Hugh McCutcheon. Every American in the stadium sung the National Anthem as loud as possible.



(Video of the men's gold medal ceremony)

I again had the opportunity to meet-and-greet the men's team after the medal ceremony. You don't know what true happiness is until you speak with someone who has just won a gold medal. Riley Salmon, one of the outside hitters, was nice enough to put my name on the guest list for the gold medal party at the USA House since there was really only two American volunteers working at volleyball.

(Me and Scott Touzinsky with his gold medal)

Later that night, me and a few of the girls got dressed up and headed over to the USA House. Every country has a "house" that is for athletes and sponsors only. To get in you have to be from that country and invited by either an athlete or a sponsor. Unfortunately I didn't know that the party ended earlier in the evening and we had shown up a bit too late. But it was nice to see the volleyball teams there and get a quick glimpse of the USA House.

We figured there would be a lot of athletes out that night just because the closing ceremonies were at 8 p.m. and all the remaining athletes were leaving the following day. Everywhere we looked Olympic athletes were celebrating their victories and enjoying the last night of the Olympics.

Of course we all wanted to do a little dancing on this last eventful night. Wearing our Olympic credentials helped us get into this place called China Doll, which can be difficult to get into. We were all just hanging out minding our own business when I recognized three athletes standing next to us. They were Rich Lambourne, Sean Rooney and Jennifer Joines. All three are volleyball players that I've seen everyday for the past three weeks.

(Hanging out with Jennifer Joines and Sean Rooney...ignore the cheesy smiles on mine and Rooney's faces)

Lambourne was still wearing his gold medal. Once they realized we were all Americans and that my roommate Sandie and I had worked at volleyball, we hung out for the rest of the night. I think they were flattered we actually recognized them and knew more about them than just their names. Other than Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh, there aren't many widely known volleyball players. They were so down to earth and really just regular people.

A few hours later Lambourne was having a really good time and decided to let me wear his gold medal. Fortunately we took pictures for evidence. That was probably the highlight of my night. The rest of the time we did a lot of people watching as athletes from all over the world were showing off their moves on the dance floor.

(Me wearing a gold medal!)

I guess it made sense to cap off the trip by having a fun night with volleyball players.

In other news, I've made so many business contacts recently. I was even offered a job with the FIVB. It seemed like an unbelievable offer until I was told I would have to relocate to Switzerland. I think I'm going to pass haha.

I've also met so many wonderful people and it was difficult to say goodbye to everyone I worked with the past month. I can't wait to come home on Thursday and be able to tell everyone my stories in person!

I appreciate everyone's support the past two months and I'm grateful there were so many people willing to help me get to China in the first place. Thanks for reading my blog and if you want to know more about my trip, China and the Olympics feel free to contact me!

Week 6 in Beijing! Last Week of the Olympics!

Although it's a lot of fun working at the Olympics, the hours are long and I feel a bit more tired each day. I really don't know how the managers are doing it. They come in for 8 a.m. and don't leave until 2:30 a.m. They all look exhausted and haven't had a single day off since August 4th when the media center in the venue opened.

It's really cool though to talk with all the journalists at the games (that is when they aren't complaining). I've spoken the most with Anne Peterson from the Associated Press. If you happened to have read her article on the China-USA women's match, you'll notice she included the President of China, Hu Jintao, was in attendance. I'll definitely take credit for that.

She asked me why it was so crazy in the venue that day and I said, "Hu Jintao is on his way." She replied, "Who's that??"

I was very much surprised someone from AP didn't know who Hu Jintao was. So I told her, "That's the president of China." She thanked me for telling her that important piece of info and immediately typed it into her notes on her laptop. So I like to think I contributed to an AP sports story. But I still think the best part was actually having Hu Jintao sit 20 feet away from me at the match.

(Me, Gillian, and Lorna with USA's Clay Stanley...so good looking haha.)

In other news, both the men's and women's teams made it out of the preliminaries in excellent shape. Last night, the women beat Italy 3 sets to 2 and will face Cuba in the semifinals on Thursday. The men, who were 5-0 in the preliminaries, play tonight. I got to speak with both coaching staffs this week, including men's head coach Hugh McCutcheon. He returned to the team a few days ago after the tragic murder of his father-in-law in Beijing. All the coaches were extremely friendly and told me how happy they were I get to experience this Olympics with them. They even gave me their official pins to wear haha.

(Probably the best player in the world, Rosir Calderon from Cuba.)

Pins are a huge deal at the Olympics. Every team has its official pin they trade with the opponent before each game as a sign of friendship and respect between countries. Basically, everyone else involved with the Olympics has a pin too. Even Emerson College sent us with 15 bags of pins to share. I'm proud to say both the men's and women's volleyball coaches will be sporting Emerson pins during their quest for the gold.

Last night at work was quite interesting. I met China's version of Justin Timberlake. His name is Gu JuJi and he is one of the biggest pop stars in the country right now and he just happened to be sitting in the press tribunes. After the match I chatted with Mark Spear from the Boston Globe. He of course covers the Celtics back home. When I told him I go to school in Boston he asked me if I was one of the Emerson girls.

My classmates and I have been doing a lot of work on our school blog. The address is blog.emerson.edu/beijing. We developed a geotagging map so everyone can see pictures of where we've been in China. It's an interesting site and I strongly recommend taking a look at it.

Only one week left! I'm excited to come back home and start my senior year. Graduation is only nine months away. Ahhh scary thought!

Enjoy the last weeks of summer!

Week 5 Continued...

I accomplished one of my longtime goals last night! I finally got to see Olympic softball. BOCOG provided Emerson with tickets to several events and softball happened to be one of them. Lucky for me, the ticket was good for a doubleheader that night.
(Fengtai Sports Center Softball Field)

The first game featured China against Netherlands. China won easily 10-2. The second game was much more interesting. Australia played Japan in what turned out to be power vs. power. A solo shot to deep center gave Japan the edge 4-3.

Three other Emerson students attended the game with me and we were seated next to a few older couples from San Diego. They all worked for Budweiser and since Bud is one of the main sponsors of the Olympics, they were given tickets to nearly every event. I was sitting right next to a gentleman who was wearing an Arizona softball shirt with #44 on it. I asked him if he was an Arizona fan. He told me that he is a pitching coach and a girl he tought for many years pitched at Arizona. He asked, "Have you ever heard of Alicia Hollowell?"

For those who really know the game of softball, the name Alicia Hollowell is one you're not likely to forget. Hollowell led Arizona to a National Championship in 2006. She holds the strikeout record for the Women's College World Series and was a two-time first team All-American. She is one of the greatest pitchers ever. In my opinion, she is third next to only Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman. And here I am sitting next to the man that taught her how to throw.

We talked softball for the entire Japan-Australia game and he gave me some great tips and information. Not a bad person to learn from.

During the Netherlands-China game I went out to concession and behind me in line was the entire Netherlands Olympic baseball team. I started talking with one guy who is in the Pirates farm system and was actually called up to the Majors for a short stint last season. When I told him I was from Boston he asked me if I knew where Pawtucket was because he had played there several times. Small world.

(Me with some of the Netherlands baseball team)

BOCOG also invited all foreign volunteers to track and field at the Bird's Nest this coming Saturday. I was excited about this opportunity until I found out Saturday is also the men's 100m final. The 100m final determines the fastest man in the world and Tyson Gay will be the star of that race. The 100m final is the main event of the Olympics and I cannot believe I'm going to be right there for it!

Two weeks and I'll be home!

Week 5 in Beijing: Bathroom Talk with Logan Tom

I'll start with how I met Logan Tom. For those who have never heard of her, Logan is an outside hitter for the US women's volleyball team. Although she is one of the best players in the world, she is probably best known for her scantily clad modeling pictures.

(Logan Tom is also a pro beach volleyball player.)

During my break, I went to use the ladies' room. But the nearest bathrooms are of course squat toilets. Since the bathrooms we use are private and not open to spectators, I was the only one in there washing my hands and fixing my hair. All of sudden I heard a voice behind me say, "Hi, excuse me?" I turned around and there in full uniform and warm-up is Logan Tom. I replied with the first words that came to my head, "Hey, what's up?"

She had the "I really need to go" look on her face. "Do you know where I can find western toilets?" I of course had scouted out where the western toilets were the minute I started working at Capital Gymnasium. I said, "Yeah, would you like me to show you where they are?"

"That would be awesome," she said. There's quite a distance between the bathrooms we were in and the western one, so we started walking and talking. "I'm Logan by the way."

I replied, "I'm Catie...I really enjoy watching you guys play." I couldn't think of much to say because earlier in the day Logan didn't play so well and the US was dominated in straight sets against gold medal contender Cuba. I didn't want to bring up any sore subjects.

We talked a little more about how confusing this building was to navigate, but I could kind of tell she really needed to get to the bathroom. A few minutes later, I was standing back at my post when I saw her pass by again. She turned around and gave me a thumbs up and yelled "Thanks!"

Obviously I had just saved Logan Tom from a bathroom crisis.

It turns out USA and Cuba were at the night games scouting powerhouse China and Poland.

Last week, I was lucky enough to watch the USA women's team practice and see all of them play up close.

I would love to write more but I just received a ticket to softball tonight so I must get ready!! I'll probably add more later!

Congrats Jessie!!! See everyone in 16 days :-)

Week 4 In Beijing!

The trip is halfway over! I can't believe it. The Olympics start Friday and my 18 days of continuous work start then too.

Luck must be on my side! The press operations department at my venue was given 5 tickets to the Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal. Our managers set up a lottery to fairly distribute the tickets and my number was the second one called! Since the Opening Ceremony is supposed to be top secret until Friday, I couldn't bring my camera. It was still absolutely amazing to see though. Definitely watch it Friday, August 8th at 8p.m. I believe. The beginning was my favorite part (but I'll let you see for yourself).

(Me and Adrienne working hard???)

Work's been going well. Our venue officially opened to the media yesterday. I've gotten to chat with some people from NBC, AP, Reuters and a few other smaller agencies. A few American guys doing technical work for Beijing Olympic Broadcasting showed me where their secret coffee room is since my favorite beverage is hard to come by in China.

It's incredible how small of a world it actually is. I was recently at a meeting that was conducted in Chinese so I got my own personal translator. Before the meeting started, she and I talked about school and where we were from. I told her I currently live and go to school in Boston. She looked totally shocked that I said Boston but I couldn't understand why. She then told me her parents moved to America a few years ago and live in downtown Boston...only a few blocks from my apartment. She had just gotten back a week ago from visiting them.

(The court all set up for the Olympics!)

The other day I was walking with my friend Alex to meet some people for dinner. Walking toward us were two girls that were clearly American. One girl had a University of Massachusetts shirt on. Of course we felt obligated to say hello. It turns out they both go to UMass-Amherst and are studying for a month in Beijing. One of the girls knew Alex's cousin who played on the school's football team.

Yet another small-world experience occurred last week at work. A Chinese student told me that she had an aunt and uncle in America. She said her uncle is a surgeon and they moved there seven years ago. I asked her if she knew what city or state they lived in. She said "They live in Harr-ford??" Her English isn't great but I could definitely tell she was trying to say Hartford. I replied, "Hartford, Connecticut?" She answered with much enthusiasm, "Yes! That's the place!" I started laughing and told her that my hometown is only two hours north of Hartford. She couldn't believe I even knew where it was.

Other than that, not too much has been going on. I worked seven consecutive days and now am enjoying Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday off. I'll probably be spending most of this down-time doing classwork. I'll have much more to talk about next week...I get to watch USA vs. Japan the first night of the Olympics! Should be a great match. :-)