Ladies and MegaMen, We Have Three Winners!

As the month of February draws to an end, the team over at The Studio (MDR) can't help but express continued joy at the enthusiasm of our kick-abs (and ass) community of clients, supporters and friends. And one of the MANY highlights this month was joining forces with author and celebrity dietician/nutritionist Ashley Koff to create the "Celebrating Self Love, Health and Happiness With A Contest From Ashley Koff."

Pictured Above: Ashley Koff, RD

We received a ton of entries for the contest, but three lucky women emerged as our winners. Not only did they answer Ashley's question correctly, the ladies were then entered into a randomized drawing.

To enter, contestants needed to answer the following question: “Is it (a) counting calories or (b) paying attention to nutrient balance that is more important when it comes to getting better energy, a flat belly, glowing skin, and digestive wellness?”

Care to guess what the winning answer was? (B) paying attention to nutrient balance is more important when it comes to getting better energy, a flat belly and glowing skin. So, without any further hesitation, we present to you OUR WINNERS.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Let's give a round of applause to Shari Landon, our Grand Prize winner who had this to say: "What a lovely surprise! When I entered, I was supporting the studio's online efforts." We appreciate that support Shari, congratulations on your prize: a one-on-one phone consult with Ashley and a copy of her book!

RUNNERS UP: Afrouz Nosratian (pictured left). 

"When notified that I was a runner up in 'The Studio MDR/Ashley Koff Celebrating Self Love, Health and Happiness Contest,' I was beyond thrilled. Being a working wife and mother in my forties, with two vibrant, energetic kids, makes my life both delightfully fulfilling and, lets face it, rather exhausting. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book that will surely enlighten me on ways I can be a healthier and more energized woman for both me and my family."

Olivia Hendrickson. "Sweet!  So cool! I cannot wait to get my hands on the book and be fully charged."

Once again, congratulations to all of the winners and a special thanks to Ashley Koff. Please be sure to visit her website for a list of quality foods, supplements and better lifestyle accessories. http://www.ashleykoffapproved.com/

Superfood Saturday: Crazy For Coconuts

Superfood Saturday is here and this week at The Studio (MDR) we are crazy for coconuts!  Coconuts qualify as a "superfood with flying colors" due to their supremely unique and nutritious qualities. According to best selling author David Wolfe of Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future "eating coconuts in their raw state speeds up metabolism, reduces risk of heart disease, lowers cholesterol and boosts energy¹." An additional benefit of this superfood happens to be the coconut water that comes from a young coconut.

Did you know coconut water contains one of the highest sources of electrolytes known to man and can be used to prevent dehydration? Hint hint--coconut is the perfect superfood to help you rehydrate after breaking a sweat in at The Studio (MDR)! Here's another interesting fact: coconut water is identical to human blood plasma and plasma makes up 55% of human blood. That said, by drinking coconut water, we give ourselves an instant blood transfusion².  Amazing, right?

While many believe coconuts are unhealthy due to their saturated fat content, they actually contain lauric acid, a type of fat that is easily absorbed by the human body and used instantly as energy³. So the next time you are at your local health food store (like Whole Foods Venice), grab a young coconut, crack it open and discover the electrolyte-replenishing water and soft, delicious and nutritious meat inside.

Is their a superfood or blog topic you'd like for us to cover? Let us know in the comments section below or by adding it to our community page on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/thestudiomdr

AND SPEAKING OF FOOD, HAVE YOU ENTERED OUR ASHLEY KOFF CONTEST? One lucky grand prize winner will receive a one-on-one phone consult and copy of the book Mom Energy: A Simple Plan to Live Fully Charged from celebrity dietician and author Ashley Koff. Contest ends on Tuesday February 21st, 2012. Enter today!

1. http://www.disabled-world.com/fitness/diets/diet-information.php 2. http://mindyourbody.info/articles/young-coconut.html 3. http://zentofitness.com/the-benefits-of-coconut-oil-water-flesh/

Celebrating Self Love, Health and Happiness With A Contest From Ashley Koff

This month at The Studio (MDR), we are all about the love! Especially the love we create for ourselves through healthy living. And to give you some extra "self love" incentive, author and celebrity dietician Ashley Koff  is hosting a contest exclusively for YOU!

Are you up to the challenge? Koff has been named one of the Top 10 Registered Dieticians in the country by "Today's Dietician" Magazine, and "Best of LA's Nutritionists/Dieticians" by "Citysearch" three years running. With one successful book on digestive wellness already under her belt, Koff's latest book Mom Energy: A Simple Plan To Live Fully Charged was written in collaboration with celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler. The book was released in September 2011 and a few lucky ladies (or gents) at The Studio (MDR) have a chance to win their own autographed copy!

The details Three winners will be awarded in total. The contest starts on Tuesday February 14th and ends Tuesday February 21st, 2012.

To enter: You will need to answer the following question: “Is it (a) counting calories or (b) paying attention to nutrient balance that is more important when it comes to getting better energy, a flat belly, glowing skin, and digestive wellness?” To enter, POST YOUR ANSWER either in the comments section below OR on The Studio MDR Facebook page. Once you have answered, Tweet @thestudiomdr or post to Facebook and let us know to "count you in."

If you select the right answer, you'll be notified and entered into a drawing for the prizes!

On Friday February 24th, after we've gone through all the results, the winners will be announced via The Studio MDR Facebook page.

Two runners up will each win a copy of Ashley's book Mom Energy: A Simple Plan to Live Fully Charged

And ONE lucky grand prize winner will get a copy of her book plus an introductory phone consult (MegaMen, this will make an excellent Mother's Day gift).

Again, this contest will last for 7 days and starts tomorrow so get ready, set, self love and fully charge yourself to health and happiness.