Tried and True vs. Trendy: Expert Advice on Healthy Eating and Dieting
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The snow has melted, spring flowers are peeking up in the garden and that means that swimsuit season will be upon us in just a few weeks. What to do to get in shape to bare it all? Hit the gym, book a waxing appointment and make a vow to begin a diet. Though some diet to feel healthier, some to lose weight and others to make permanent changes in their eating habits, everyone wants to know which diets are safe, healthy and will result in permanent weight loss.
Which diet to choose? Fifteen years ago the Atkins Diet was the rage... that was until experts warned about the risks of eating a high fat diet. Then there was the Scarsdale Diet which put our Village on the map, followed by the South Beach Diet. Later on Snackwells became the staple of a fat-free diet fad until it came out that they contained high amounts of sugar to compensate for a reduction in fat.
Today, trendy dieting tends to eliminate whole food groups. Are they healthy? Are they safe? Do they work to improve health and/or reduce weight? I spoke with Daria Ventura, MS, RD, CDN, an NYU educated registered dietician. Daria has had her own nutrition and consulting service in Westchester for 10 years and is the nutrition consultant for Mohawk Day Camp and Country Day School in White Plains. We spoke about the most common eating trends of 2014: gluten-free, Paleo, intermittent fasting, and for quick weight loss or health kick-starts, cleanses. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked popular diets under the guidance of many nutrition experts, so this is discussed as well. They ranked diets based on short-term and long-term weight loss, whether they were easy to follow, nutritional value, safety, and whether they were beneficial for people with diabetes or dieting for cardiovascular health benefits.
Gluten-free advocates claim that humans weren't meant to consume gluten and that even if one doesn't have celiac disease or complete gluten intolerance, it is likely that many ailments are caused by gluten in the diet. Restaurants and food processing companies have jumped on this bandwagon and the gluten-free industry is now a multi-billion dollar endeavor, offering more and more gluten-free packaged goods. Many restaurants market gluten-free food and charge additional for it. According to Daria, gluten-free dieting eliminates some food groups entirely, so there is a concern for things like getting enough fiber and potassium. "Processed gluten-free foods often have more sugar and more fat to make up for the loss of gluten", she said. "You need to add things like sugar and fat back in for taste and texture." The jury still seems to be out on this one, and U.S. News has yet to rank the gluten-free diet.
The Paleo diet is based on the theory that our current eating habits are the cause of the more common diseases of our time like heart disease and type II diabetes. Paleo dieters advocate going back to the way cavemen used to eat- essentially foods obtained via hunting and gathering, claiming that not only will it promote weight loss, but it will increase athletic performance and can help one get rid of acne as well. Not that you'll see many Scarsdalians in loin cloths picking berries off bushes along the Hutch, but the premise of the diet is to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like lean meats. Off limits is refined sugar, dairy, whole grains, and legumes. The diet decreases one's intake of processed foods and trans fats which is healthy in and of itself, but Daria chimed in to say, "Again, you're eliminating whole food groups that are important for overall health, like fiber which fills you up, and like dairy which provides you with calcium and vitamin D." It's expensive to maintain a Paleo lifestyle, and U.S. News and World Report ranked it dead last out of 31 currently popular diets. There is very little solid scientific data to support a Paleo diet, thought it's popular among celebrities like Megan Fox and Jessica Biel. And who wouldn't live like a cave-woman for a while to have bodies like theirs? (On a side-note, the average lifespan at birth for a human born during the Paleolithic era was 33 years. Does Jessica Biel know this? She's 32.)
Intermittent Fasting (IF) is becoming more popular, according to both Daria and U.S. News. The diet allows the dieter to eat anything for five days a week, then eat a very low calorie (500-600 calories) diet two days a week. On fasting days, foods eaten should be low-glycemic foods. The theory behind IF is that humans are meant to live by way of feast or famine. Daria reported, "There is still very little confirming if this is healthy or not, as you are not meeting your caloric needs on fasting days, and this may be associated with headaches, irritability, and hunger. It doesn't seem sustainable." U.S. News ranked it #28 out of 31 diets.
Juice and food "cleanses" are also popular here in the village (and among celebrities). Daria pointed out, "Our body is designed to clean itself- it's why we have a liver and kidneys." However, she does advocate a "cleanse" (and preferably a whole food cleanse) if it is used to jumpstart weight loss or put your self in a healthy mindset. Again, cleanses often eliminate whole food groups, are very expensive if you purchase them, or are very time consuming if you are making the products yourself.
So, what are healthy and realistic ways to lose weight, feel and be healthier, and maintain this lifestyle? Daria tells her clients that weight loss occurs by reducing the number of calories in the diet; plain and simple. She looks at each client individually and builds a personalized plan. She suggests keeping a journal and tracking your food intake, noting your most challenging times of the day. For example, if you're an evening snacker, focus on reducing your nighttime calorie intake and forget the rest of the day. It just might work without altering your entire diet. "I also encourage measurable, realistic goals and lifelong healthy eating habits," she added. "It's okay to splurge," she said, "but plan for it, and recalculate after to get your self back on track." Daria recommends choosing healthy, unprocessed foods but not eliminating any food group entirely for optimal, long-term health and weight loss. "Also," she warned, "look out for health claims on labels that may not be true. Just because it's at Whole Foods doesn't mean it's healthy or healthier. Understand what you're putting into your body and read ingredient lists. Usually, the shorter the list the healthier the food."
U.S. News and World Report ranked National Institutes of Health proven diets as the top diets of 2014. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) got the first spot and it consists of a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy while eliminating most foods that are high-calorie, high-fat, and high-salt. Clinical studies back DASH diet results. Dieters lowered their blood pressure and cholesterol while getting rid of excess weight. The TLC diet is similar, but with the primary goal of reducing cholesterol. The TLC diet cuts back on saturated fats in the diet and loads up on fiber. U.S. News ranked the TLC diet as the #2 overall diet and is safe for children as well.
The best diet for shedding pounds, according to U.S. News, went to Weight Watchers. Around since the 1960s, Weight Watchers was designed to encourage people to lose weight as a community and make healthy choices based on learned knowledge about food. The "points" program was initiated to allow people to make choices for themselves while never having to eliminate anything entirely. For example, one can choose a 300 calorie sweetened coffee drink, or a 300 calorie smoothie, but Weight Watchers aims to educate the dieter so that he or she might conclude that the smoothie would be the better choice because it is filling and provides greater nutritional value. This diet has been proven to be safe while promoting both short-term and long-term weight loss.
So, what is Daria making her family of four for dinner tonight? A honey roasted turkey that she'll roast at home, a garden salad, roasted asparagus, and baked sweet potatoes. And she's hoping they'll all eat it!
Daria Ventura does private nutritional consulting and can be reached at dariard@gmail.com or 917-923-5610.
A Pied a Terre in Manhattan
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When the studio apartment across the hall from her three-bedroom unit became available, the owner of this pied-a-terre could not resist the opportunity. She had long hoped to expand her apartment by purchasing adjacent space but this seemed like a great alternative. She was looking for a place for her mother, sisters and in-laws to stay when visiting Manhattan, and a place for her college-age daughter to live when she graduated.
According to the Wall Street Journal (Nov. 7, 2013) many pied a terre buyers today are "looking for a hub for their extended family and buy as much space as their budgets allow". This apartment demonstrates that a small one bedroom or studio can be transformed into a comfortable retreat.
While many buyers may be looking for turn-key apartments, this 400 square foot unit required a 
gut-renovation. A wall separating the kitchen from the living area was demolished and the kitchen completely renovated with high end appliances and clean white cabinets and counters. The convenient counter seating precludes the need for a dining table. At the other end of the apartment, a closet was removed, further extending the living space and allowing the bed to be tucked into a cozy niche. Carefully placed lighting helps to both define and illuminate the apartment. Weil Friedman Architects created an open and light filled space in a formerly cramped and dark apartment. The owner wanted a modern and clean low maintenance design, and ended up with a perfect home away from home.
Weil Friedman Architects was established in 1991 and focuses on high end residential projects. The firm's work has included many New York City apartment renovations and country homes in Connecticut and the Hamptons. The office provides full architectural services from design through construction supervision and also offers interior design and decorating services. Weil Friedman's design approach is contextual, focusing on the allocation of space and the integration of design with functional requirements. An 
attention to detail, as well as appreciation of each client's needs has won the firm many repeat clients. See their work at www.weilfriedmanarchitects.com.
Metro North Service Restored After Explosion Rocks Manhattan
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Service was restored on all Metro North lines at 4:45 pm Wednesday after a major explosion at 9:15 am at 116th Street and Park Avenue in Manhattan shut down all Metro North service from Westchester to New York City for seven hours. The explosion took down two buildings that collapsed next to the train tracks. Two people are reported dead and 18 injured following the explosion and fire. One of the buildings included a piano store and the other a church. Some reported the odor of gas before the boom and a gas leak has now been determined to be the cause of the explosion. The sound of the explosion was so loud it reverberated for at least a half a mile.
Marjorie Anders of Metro North forwarded up the following information about the restoration of train service:
Metro-North structural engineers have verified the integrity of the Park Avenue elevated structure. And all four tracks have been restored to service after being cleared of debris, inspected for track and third rail integrity and approved for operations by Metro-North and the New York City Fire Department.
Trains will run at reduced speeds through the collapse zone to protect nearby employees and reduce vibrations as rescue and recovery work continues. This will result in some delays and crowding through the rush hour.
Girls Night Out - Scarsdale Style
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Dinner at Frank Pepe's with the family on a Friday night is loads of fun, and nothing beats a romantic night out with your partner on a Saturday, but sometimes we just need a GNO (Girls Night Out)- so let's talk about where to go and how to make it one of many memorable nights out with your besties.
After making the rounds at the popular GNO local hotspots, Chat, Savona, and Fig & Olive, try an evening at Scarsdale's own Taiim Cellar. It's has a lounge-like feel with great wine, middle-eastern food, and frequent live music. Crush Wine Bar in Larchmont is another option for a low-key spot with a great GNO atmosphere along with other Larchmont hotspots Palomino and MK Kitchen, the latter two of which have fabulous happy hours. 
The Gnarly Vine in New Rochelle is a trendy and fun place to grab a drink and has a lovely menu. (Just be sure to turn down the volume on your computer before you check out their website.) For an upscale night, try the restaurants and lounges affiliated with the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains. If the weather improves, don't forget Red Hat in Irvington which has arguably, one of the top spots for outdoor seating. Bar Taco in Port Chester is a bit of a schlep but worth it, especially for the outdoor seating in the warmer months. Voted top spot for a GNO in 2013 by Westchester Magazine is NoMa Social in New Rochelle. Start your night off right and head with the ladies first to a nail salon like Peony or Iris nails in the village!
How about adding a fun activity to the mix? This Friday, March 21, Nikos Greek Taverna is hosintg a comedy show featuring six entertainers; RSVP at 914-686-6456 to reserve your table. Trivia nights are all the rage at Ron Blacks in White Plains on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM and at Growlers Beer Bistro on Tuesdays at 8:00 PM. Black Bear Saloon in White Plains offers both trivia and karaoke nights during the week.
There's more to do with the girls than eat, right? Here's a venue to combine the best of both worlds- eat while catching up on Oscar-winning films (other than Frozen!) at Alamo Drafthouse. Here, you can watch a movie while drinking beer, wine, or cocktails and order from their extensive menu of "real" food alongside movie theatre staples. Westchester Wine Warehouse in White Plains can arrange for a private wine tasting event for you and your friends for a unique, intimate GNO. For about $30/person, they'll arrange a 2-hour wine tasting complete with hors d'oeuvres. Have you always wanted to takea clay class? Clay Art Center in Port Chester offers a clay class on Friday nights from 7-10 PM. The inclusive fee of $50/person includes clay, firing, and glazing. (On a side note, this would also make for a great date night.)
Sur La Table (at both the Ridge Hill and The Westchester locations) offers a full menu of cooking 
classes in the evenings where you all learn something new together-- like making paella or ravioli from scratch.
And last but not least, there's always getting together with your girlfriends at one of your houses and watching six episodes of "Girls" in a row- while drinking wine and eating takeout!
Where are your favorite spots to go for a GNO? Let us know in the comments below!
Scarsdale Board of Trustees Vote NO on Homestead Tax Option: LWVS Concurs
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At a special meeting of the Board of the Town of Scarsdale on Tuesday March 4, the Trustees voted unanimously (7-0) against the adoption of the Homestead Tax Option which would have tripled real estate taxes for owners of 42 condominiums at Christie Place in Scarsdale Village. The option to adopt Homestead was considered in conjunction with the Village-wide tax revaluation currently in process in Scarsdale. Homestead was originally adopted by New York State to permit the balancing of the tax burden between the residential and commercial tax classes following a revaluation. Since Scarsdale is 94% residential, Homestead would have had little impact on the allocation of the tax burden between these two classes. Instead, the option was under consideration in Scarsdale only to reclassify condominiums so that they would be assessed as single-family homes. The Village's inventory of co-ops would continue to be assessed on an income basis, giving them a substantial tax advantage over condominiums.
Trustees spoke eloquently on the issue, explaining the reasoning behind their votes. They cited fairness, the intent of the Homestead law, the inequity between condos and coops, the burden on condo owners and their inability to know that a major tax increase could be imposed. A recap of the meeting will be posted tomorrow.
The adoption of the Homestead Tax Option was supported by the Scarsdale Forum. Bob Berg and Bob Harrison both reiterated their case for the option at the meeting along with Robert Selvaggio and Martin Kaufman. However, The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale did not support the adoption of Homestead and Linda Doucette-Ashman read excerpts from the following statement at the meeting:
Here is the LWVS Consensus Statement on the Homestead Tax Option:
On Thursday, February 27, 2014 the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale (LWVS or the League) held an information meeting, open to the public, regarding the adoption by the Town Board of the Town of Scarsdale (Town Board) of the provisions of Section 1903 of the Real Property Tax Law, commonly referred to as the Homestead Tax Option. During the information meeting, Linda Doucette-Ashman, chair of the LWVS ad hoc committee on the Homestead Tax Option (the Committee), presented a brief overview of the Homestead Tax Option, including the purpose of the Tax Option and the effect of its adoption, and panelists John Wolham, Regional Director of the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services, New York State Department of Taxation and Finances, and Nanette Albanese, Scarsdale Town/Village Assessor, responded to questions from the Committee and the audience regarding the Homestead Tax Option. A consensus meeting of the members of the League immediately followed.
Background
In municipalities that have not reassessed in many years, the assessment of residential properties is typically lower compared to their full or market value than other types of property such as commercial property. In these situations, residential properties as a class would bear a larger portion of the tax burden after a reassessment. As a result of the concern for tax-burden shifts to residential homeowners, the law in 1981 provided for the Homestead Tax Option.
The Homestead Tax Option requires every property to be classified as either homestead, which includes single-family homes, or non-homestead, which includes commercial property. In addition, condominiums built as condominiums must be included in the homestead class of property. Adoption of the Homestead Tax Option allows the assessing unit to set two different tax rates: a lower tax rate for residential property (homestead) owners and a higher rate for all other property (non-homestead) owners. The tax rate for the homestead owners is based on the share of property taxes paid by the residential class of property owners in the year before the new assessments from the revaluation are used.
The purpose of the Homestead Tax Option is to help communities prevent a shift in the tax burden from commercial properties to residential properties at the time of revaluation. Adoption of the Homestead Tax Option is not mandated; it is a choice for the local governing body of the assessing unit to consider at the time of revaluation, typically to insulate residential property owners, as a group, from bearing a larger share of the tax burden after revaluation.
A town-wide revaluation has been undertaken in Scarsdale with the new tax assessments to be implemented on the June 1, 2014 assessment roll. If the Homestead Tax Option is to be adopted, the Town Board must adopt a local law adopting the Homestead Tax Option sixty days prior to the Town tentative assessment roll filing date, June 1, 2014.
We understand that the Town Board is not looking to adopt the Tax Option for the purpose of preventing a shift in the tax burden from commercial properties to residential properties by establishing two separate tax rates since the shift in tax burden would be negligible.
The Town Board is considering adopting the Homestead Tax Option only to "value and assess certain qualifying condominiums in the same manner as single-family residences," the result of classifying condominiums, built as condominiums, as part of the homestead class.
If the Homestead Tax Option is adopted, the classification of condominiums, built as condominiums, will change the method of valuation for those condominiums from the income approach (the method required by law to be used for all cooperative and condominiums) to the market value approach (the method used for single-family homes, which is essentially based on fair market value or the resale price).
Currently, there is one property that contains units that are condominiums, built as condominiums, in Scarsdale, One Christie Place. Adoption of the Homestead Tax Option requires the inclusion of the residential condominium units at Christie Place in the homestead class of property thereby requiring a change in the method of valuation of those units from the income value method to a fair market value method. Based on preliminary tax reassessment data provided by Mr. Wolham to the Town Board, this change would result in a 116% increase (versus a 35.48% increase if the Tax Option is not adopted) in share of tax levy to the condominium owners as a class. With the adoption of the Tax Option, single-family homeowners as a class would see a .49% decrease in share of tax levy (versus a .23% decrease if the Tax Option is not adopted). The League believes the potential harm this change would create for the One Christie Place residential condominium owners outweighs the potential benefit its implementation may provide at this time.
Recommendation
The League does not support the adoption of the Homestead Tax Option by the Town Board of Trustees.
The LWVS reiterates its long-standing position of advocating for an increased supply of housing that provides residential alternatives for long-term Scarsdalians.
The League appreciates the opportunity to comment on this issue.
We thank Ms. Albanese for her participation in our information meeting and members of the Village Administration, including Village Manager Al Gatta, Village Clerk Donna Conkling and Ms. Albanese, for the help they have provided the Committee in its preparation and study of the Homestead Tax Option.
Respectfully submitted,
Susie Rush Committee on Homestead Tax Option
President Linda Doucette-Ashman, Chair
Tracy Jaffe
Anne Lyons
Debbie Miller
Kitt Rosenthal
Susie Rush
