Lyssa Weiss, MS, RD, CDN
The Gym, Armonk, and author of Skinny Jeans Diet
(scheduled for a May 2014 release)
“I really like Energy Kitchen in White Plains, because everything on the menu is under 500 calories. It’s a healthier approach to fast food. They bake their fries, and all their chicken is white meat. I also recommend Standing Room Only in Scarsdale, because they give descriptions of everything on the menu and actually list every single ingredient. For workout facilities, it doesn’t get better than The Gym in Armonk. There are many different classes for everyone, so you can always find something you like. I also suggest bike riding along the Bronx River Parkway on Sundays. It’s a great option for the whole family to stay healthy and you can stop into different towns as you go.”
Dr. David Cziner
Cardiologist, WESTMED Medical Group,
White Plains Hospital Center/Greenwich Hospital
“The healthiest place in my opinion is your own home, because in terms of eating, you have much more control from a dietary standpoint when you prepare your own food. I really like The Gym in Armonk. There is no high-pressure feeling when you go there either from the employees or other patrons. You can either work out on your own (which I like to do) or take classes and/or work with personal trainers there. I also recommend hiking at Westmoreland Sanctuary, also in Armonk. They have great trails and it is beautiful there. It’s a true hidden gem of Westchester County. You can go by yourself or with your whole family, as there are always various programs throughout the year.”
Dr. Christine Carosella
Internal Medicine Practitioner, Hawthorne
“Staying healthy is really about combining physical and mental well-being. I have a cheap option and an expensive one. The Kensico Dam in Valhalla is a great example of a physical and mental workout, plus it’s free. I really like how they have signs that tell you the exact mileage. It’s also flat, so if you have any problems or pains walking uphill, this is a great place to go. When you really need to be rejuvenated, I highly recommend the Ritz-Carlton spa in White Plains. No matter what treatment you receive, you have the ability to use their gym, pool, and order food all for the entire day that you are there. I think of it as a small rejuvenation day and really suggest taking full advantage of all of their facilities while there.”
Rosemary Devlin
Founder of O2 Living, Cross River
“I like to promote self-care as an essential means of a healthy lifestyle. By instructing our members to practice self-healing by eating healthy, incorporating fresh cold-pressed juices (which are equivalent to 7-1/2 portions of vegetables per bottle), with organic food, meditation, practicing yoga, swimming or other light exercise, breathing exercises, and occasionally having a massage to help increase blood flow. Lymph drainage massage removes harmful toxins from your tissues and increases immune function. Many Westchester facilities offer these treatments if you can’t make it to O2 Living.
I recommend either Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco, The Gym in Armonk,
and Apogee Wellness Centers in White Plains and Bedford.”
Dr. Christopher Martin
Gastroenterologist, Phelps Memorial Hospital
“For exercising, I really like Club Fit in Briarcliff Manor—it’s a really nice and clean facility and it has a pool, which is one of the best physical activities you can do for your body. I also recommend walking or hiking at Rockefeller State Park in Pocantico Hills—it’s a beautiful setting along the Hudson, and you can take a stroll down to Blue Hill at Stone Barns and check out their amazing café. Additionally, there’s a great farmers’ market every Thursday on the grounds of the Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, so you don’t have to wait until the weekend to get the freshest produce. Some great restaurants that are extremely health conscious are Haven in Pleasantville, because of it’s good vegan options, which is also good for those who are lactose intolerant; and Sweet Grass Grill in Tarrytown, which is a farm-to-table restaurant.”
