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BY MICHAEL W. SMITH, CPT, M.S.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Last night I saw Avatar, the box-office smash hit, in IMAX 3-D.

Wow, what a great story and the special effects (3-D/IMAX) were amazing to say the least. I literally felt like I was running through the forest and flying on raptors from Pandora. But, anyway ...

I couldn't help but think about what is means to stand for something, what it means to believe in something.

I know what I stand for and what I believe in – family, fitness, and peak performance in all areas of life. I know my passion and why I exercise, which is to provide the means to pursue that passion ... or Avatar if you will.

So my question to you is, "Why do you exercise and want to tone your body and feel unlimited energy?"

If that question is hard to answer then it's time to find YOUR Avatar – find your passion, act on it, and use exercise to look and feel awesome. Period.

Remember that knowledge is not power. Knowledge is only potential power.

It's action that takes it to the next level.

My message is simple: Get up, get out, get moving, get fit (or get fat), and change your life by believing (in yourself and your body).

LIME-SPIKED ASPARAGUS

Here's a real food item for you! If asparagus isn't a mainstay in your diet, then it's time you make it one.

Asparagus is packed with folic acid, which is necessary for blood cell formation. Fresh squeezed lime makes this dish refreshing and delicious.

This recipe only takes 15 minutes, perfect for weekday dinners.

Yield: 2 servings

Here's what you need:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears, tough ends trimmed
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat. Mix in garlic and shallot, and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the asparagus spears, cook until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Squeeze lime juice over asparagus and season with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 80 calories, 2g fat, 8g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, and 3.5g protein.

Check Michael out at www.NorthJerseyBootCamp.com