It’s all the rage in Key West right now. Go to www.30daystohelpyourself.com for daily video updates to see how 3 experts…Charlie Wilson, Donna Shields and Amy Spielberg…an organic restaurant owner, a nutritionist and a personal trainer….will turn someone’s life around. The six finalists are pictured with Leigh Smith, our winner (dressed in green), who will start her lifestyle makeover on Nov 1. Stay tuned to learn more each week as you follow Leigh’s progress in the Solares Hill section of the Key West Citizen and on our 30 Days to Help Yourself Facebook page.

Gluten free goodies never tasted so good!

For anyone who requires a gluten or dairy free diet, the choices, in Key West, for freshly made baked goods is non existent. So with my dietitian apron on, I decided to offer some real choice…locally made gluten free (and some dairy free) bakery items.

Going for quality rather than quantity, I’ll be introducing 2 items..Cinnamon-Lavender TeaCake and these Double Chocolate Chip Cookies at the farmer’s market (Help Yourself restaurant, corner of Fleming and Margaret) this Sunday, Jan 11 from 9am-Noon. I’m also accepting personal orders that can be picked up at your convenience.

For those who want to learn more about this topic, I’m also conducting a nutrition workshop and tasting on Sunday, Jan 25, Noon, at StayFit Studio, 804 White St. It’s $20/person and space is limited. Register, via email, at donna@donnashields.com

All of us at StayFit Studio are pretty serious about staying healthy, but exercise is only half of it. Now, there’s a way to fill in the gap on the food side. Starting Oct 30, I’ll be teaching a 4-week series of cooking classes, at my home, on healthy cooking techniques. This is not about learning a specific recipe, but rather the tips and techniques to use in the kitchen regardless of what type of food you like to cook. We’ll taste several dishes each week, drink a little wine and have a lot of fun. To register, contact StayFit Studio at 305.294.0690 or contact me for more details on topics and price. The class price includes a copy of my Caribbean Light cookbook. So say yes to wine and goodies for the holidays and keep the pounds off.