Fast fixins: quick and easy post-workout meals - includes recipes

Ben Franklin invented more than the lightning rod. Proving that he was truly a man before his time, Franklin urged fellow Americans to take part in swimming and running as early as 1743. By the 1860s, thousands of gymnasiums catered to women who favored lightweight wooden dumbbells, and men who often chose wooden clubs shaped like bowling pins.

Well over 100 years later, free weights are still popular as are 20th century stationary bikes, stair-climbing machines and other health club equipment and aerobic classes. "Rather than a trend, fitness is part of our lifestyle now," says Don Weller, senior administrative director of service for Bally's Health Corporation, the country's largest health club chain. "People have a leaner mentality. They're making time for exercise and choosing diets that support their activities."

In the '90s, quick meal preparation is a must. The following low-fat meals can be assembled quickly after getting home from the gym, or prepared ahead of time so they can be heated up when needed.

Besides these healthy meals and exercise, add "early to bed, early to rise" to your regimen, and you'll have invented a new lifestyle which would make even Ben Franklin proud.

     Lemon Garlic Chicken With Vegetables

4 skinned, boneless chicken breast halves

2 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil

3 Tbsp. bottled lemon juice

2 Tbsp. water

2 tsp. chicken-flavored instant bouillon

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 lb. new potatoes, quartered

1 cup each thin strips green bell pepper,
red bell pepper and zucchini

Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Chopped parsley (optional)

COPYRIGHT 1997 Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group