Funnies!!!!!

I was recently introduced to a blog called Hyperboyle and a half. It is the funniest blog I have come across in a really long time. What a great blog. If you are in need of a good chuckle, a smile or had a really bad day, I strongly recommend that you log on to Hyperboyle and a half and read on. I guarantee you will laugh-its that funny.

Did you know:

• 100 laughs is equivalent to 15 minutes of cardio on a bike
• Laughing release endorphins that have pain relieving properties that are similar to morphine
• 15 muscles contract in our face when we laugh
• Laughing exercises the diaphragm and contracts muscles in our abs for a good belly workout
• Laughing reduces stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine and dopamine
• The average person laughs 13 times a day

Smile:)

CrossFit Challenge

Before I begin this blog entry, I’d like to address that I haven’t written in awhile due to a new job, moving and a few changes that had me busy for awhile. Albeit, it’s no excuse and I will write more often. This being said, despite not writing, I haven't stopped searching for latest nutritional products, working out or participating in new classes like the CrossFit challenge that a friend of mine introduced me to. And on this note, let me tell you about this great new class I found this summer.

A friend of mine, recently introduced me to a new fitness regime called CrossFit. A true testament of what fitness is all about. A regime that is widely used by police academies, tactical operation teams, military special operations units, martial artists, and athletes. What I experienced in this class was vastly different than what I had been use to. Such as traditional workout routines like, running, weight training, reps, sets, rest and fancy gyms. Rather, this class was held in a garage with a gym like setting. I kid you not. It was actually pretty cool. There was sponge floor, people doing sprints, hammering big old tires with sludge hammers, doing pull ups and chin ups, climbing ropes and doing burpees and they were all writing reps, sets and times on white boards. For those that know me, I’m the typical “I can do it no problem kind of girl.” I’m always up for a challenge. When I attended my first class, I immediately looked at my friend and said, “pshhh, NO PROBLEMO, I can do this.” I dropped my water bottle and mp3 and asked, “where do I start?” So we started…. with what I thought was a workout but to my dismay, it was only the beginning of a warm up…

Lets fast forward a bit to one rainy Saturday to which I thought, cool, a day of rest. But nope, rise and shine and a wakeup call, we all headed to a soccer field and were given a workout program. In one hour, we all completed as many burpees, lunges, sprints and clapping push ups as possible around a mile track-in the rain. I was smack up against the pavement in puddles of water and dirt as I exploded onto the floor for my last push up. At the end of the class, I was lying flat on the grass, soaked, dirty, out of breath and my muscles feeling like rubber. And, I felt like I had the best workout.

I think it’s worth mentioning that when I started, I had a shoulder injury from playing tennis. However, it was quickly rehabilitated after a few classes. I believe it healed as a result of numerous CrossFit classes that strengthened my shoulder muscles. The instructor was great at tailoring each class for individuals with any injuries. I’m happy to say that after I attended a series of classes, I have yet to feel any pain since then. Thanks Chris!

Now, the in on what is CrossFit for those of you that don’t know. I want to start by telling you what Crossfit is not. It is not about specializing as traditional workout routines suggest. Example; isolating muscle groups and working out triceps and biceps on one day and a long stroll for 60 minutes on a treadmill. Rather, it makes use of three different models to ensure the broadest and most general fitness possible. Overall, becoming well rounded and the best at everything. Believe it, it is possible.

CrossFit adheres to three standards and each model is critical and distinct in evaluating overall fitness of an individual or athlete. The three models/standards that make up CrossFit are set below:

1. Ten Physical Skills: One develops and improves their fitness to the extent that it improves each of these ten skills: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.

2. Fitness is about performing at ones best at all tasks and in varying combinations encouraging one to disinvest in rests periods, sets, reps and routine. Every day of training is different.

3. CrossFit requires competency and training in three metabolic pathways. Excluding one of these pathways and not recognizing the importance of these three metabolic engines is arguably a common fault in fitness training.

1. Phosphagen: highest powered activities that last about ten seconds

2. Glycolytic: moderate powered activities that last up to several minutes

3. Oxidative: low powered activities that last in excess of several minutes.

*note: phosphagen and glycolytic pathways are known as anaerobic and oxidative is aerobic.

Have you ever noticed the physiques of the athletes who sprint (majority of training time spent in anaerobic activity) versus long distance runners (time spent in aerobic training)? The difference you’re sure to notice. In a CrossFit Class, conditioning also known as cardio, consist of interval training. Why? Because it is the most effective way without compromising the loss of speed, power and strength as you would performing activity categorized at an aerobic level. Just to back up a bit, aerobic activity (low powered efforts), although effective in losing body fat and required in many sports, contributes to a decrease in muscle mass, strength and speed. Anaerobic activity (explosive efforts), also a very effective fat blaster, is the most effective in dramatically improving speed, power and strength. It is said that anaerobic activity can be used to develop a very high level of aerobic fitness without comprising muscle loss. Having said this, CrossFit combines the two into interval training which is based on mixing bout of work and rest in timed intervals.

Overall, CrossFit combines all the critical elements of models 1-3 described above and molds men and woman into a gymnast, olympic weightlifter and sprinters. After many classes, I felt energetic, fit, flexible and toned. If you are looking at changing things up a bit at the gym and want different results than what you are getting now, try a CrossFit class. I guarantee you will enjoy your workouts and have a new outlook on fitness because of the results it yields, the challenge you undertake, the confidence you build and how fun it is.

* Classes were done at CrossFit Markham

Two Great All Natural Protein Powders

I was on a search recently for a great tasting vegan protein powder and came across "Harmonized Vegan Protein" by Progressive Nutritional. After all the vegan protein powders I've tasted and have come across in my search for an "all natural" vegan protein powder, I think this is a great pick. The protein contains a blend of 5 non-GMO vegetarian proteins: peas, organic sprouted brown rice, organic hemp,cranberry and chia protein. As you can see, the company tries to include as many organic ingredients as possible. It is free of artificial ingredients and has essential and non essential fatty acids, EFA's, minerals and vitamins. As for the sweetening effect, it has stevia rather than aspartame or other artificial sweeteners commonly found in most protein powders. It tastes great and contains a whooping 25g of protein per 35g. Overall, it is a great source of protein for people looking to increase their protein intake but wanting to avoid an animal or dairy based diet.

Opting for a dairy based protein powder? Well, Progressive Nutritional has "Harmonized Protein" containing five quality New Zealand sourced proteins. So what is New Zealand based protein? It is the cleanest and purest form of protein in the world and is highly recommended by Naturopathic doctors. New Zealand protein is derived from cattle that is free of hormones, including rBGH, screened for 250 chemical and agricultural contaminants & free of antibiotics. The protein powder contains no artificial sweeteners and flavors, has 24g of protein per 30g and has organic mineralized sea vegetables, which are known for their alkalizing effect and trace mineral content. Last but not least it tastes great. It is a great blend with various fruits and vegetables such as spinach, kale and carrots. Or just give it a shake with your favorite juice, milk or water and off you go.

All Progressive Nutritional products are also certified by a Naturopathic doctor who is involved in the development of all the products. The next time you are out shopping for protein powder, I would certainly give this brand a try. My two personal favorites based on natural ingredients, organic ingredients, purity, digestion, non-GMO, source, the amount of protein per scoop and of course taste.

2010 Total Health Show-Toronto

So what did I do this weekend? On Saturday March 13, I headed out to the good old “ 2010 Total Health Expo.” For you not so savvy nutrition junkies, a health show is basically that- a health convention...ha ha....just kidding! The “Total Health Show” started out back in 1978 and since then it has grown and become one of the most popular events for those in the natural health industry. It has attracted the most high profile leaders in the holistic health industry who come together and offer workshops, lectures and speak about special topics in holistic health.

The show consists of hundreds of exhibitors such as my personal favourites, Genuine Health, Vega Sport, Interactive Nutrition, Progressive Nutritional, and Blue Mountain Organics (sampled and offered through Upaya Natural) Some even give away free samples. Those with much larger marketing budgets of course.

My experience: When I walked into the show I was expecting to receive a hemp/organic delegate bag or just any bag to carry around and use as safe storage for all the wonderful products, samples and brochures, which I was expecting to carry out. But to my disappointment, there were no bags or free samples. Many health companies promoting all natural protein powder did not have any samples which was surprisingly shocking considering a convention is primarily used to introduce products to consumers. I wanted to introduce my friend to a new vegetarian protein powder that I really like. Unfortunately, there were no samples, so my friend was reluctant to buy a large container given that many protein powders taste completely different. For someone making the transition from a dairy based protein powder to vegan, samples would have been nice. Nonetheless, the show was still had a great vibe and was a good time.

My personal favourite was the Upaya Naturals Booth who provided samples of the new Blue Mountain Oragnics "Cashew Creamery, Raw & Organic, Non-Dairy Ice Cream." It’s half the saturated fat of dairy ice cream, all natural, contains heart healthy monosurated fat, (like that of olive oil), sweetened with all natural agave nectar and has a creamy delicious taste. Need I say more?! My second favourite bwas the table with the abundance of organic Goji Berries by Sun Life Goji. And might I add my personal favourite in the replace of popcorn at the movie theatre. Indeed, I indulged in handfuls of Goji Berries while walking around the show enjoying the fresh scent of honey & lavender aromas in the room in search of new natural products and samples. If you haven`t had these or have not heard about them, click here for the nutritional facts on Goji Berries. You may want to add them into your diet as a healthy snack. My third favourite was Bee's Universe. I was eventually peeled away from the booth once I hydrated myself with their honey hand cream. It smelled so sweet and felt so soothing on the skin. For honey lovers, Bee’s Universe had various assortments of honey that was just delicious- no not the hand cream, the honey. It was “Oh So Yummy!” Lastly, I took a wealth of information out the door with me. In particular, I learned about Bee Pollen Supplements, sold by Bees Universe. If you didn't know this, (because I didn’t) Bee Pollen is known as natures most complete food and as prescribed by some of the most well known traditional health practitioners, such as Hippocrates. Let me explain...

Bee Pollen has many nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. It has 12 vitamins, 28 minerals, 11 enzymes, 14 essential fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates. It is used to increase energy levels, enhance performance, stamina, strength and increased speed of recovery for world class athletes. The nutrients in bee pollen contain proteins, fats, vitamins B, C, D, E, and beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, selenium, nucleic acids, lecithin, and cysteine are all beneficial to counteracting the effects of radiation therapy which is administered as a form of treatments for cancer. The anti-oxidants strengthen the immune system (see a case study by Bee’s Universe) and treats nausea & decreased appetite after radiation treatments. Other benefits of bee pollen include: treating sleep disorders, hay fever and allergies, fertility, menopause, prostatitis and bleeding ulcers.

So as you can see, although there were limited samples and no delegate bags, the information I gathered and the new products I found made it all worth my while. For the not so savvy nutrition junkie, maybe you can try it out next year to learn a few tips, ask questions about certain conditions you may have and want to treat and get introduced to products that may be natural and better for your health.

Nutrition Junkie Connects with NutriSup Law

Nutrition Junkie connects with NutriSup Law also known as "The Nutritional and Dietary Supplement Law Blog." NutriSup Law recently added Nutrition Junkie to their list of Blogrolls. NutriSup Law is a newsworthy blog about legal matters pertaining to the nutritional and dietary supplement industry and is a great source to keep abreast of industry news. You can subscribe (as I have) to receive industry news as it gets published on the site for all you nutrition fans who want to keep up to date. The blog is published by Attorney Joel B. Rothman with the national firm of Arnstein & Lehr, LLP and NutriCompliance, a regulatory compliance firm. Check out the NutriSup Law Blog by clicking here.

Brands Of Fish Oil Contain High Levels Of PCB's

Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids which is believed to be a major health benefit. However, a recent test conducted by The Mateel Group revealed that certain brands contained very high levels of PCB’s ( polychlorinated biphenyl )- manmade industrial chemicals that were banned back in the 1970s because they cause cancer and birth defects. These findings along with a lawsuit against six supplement companies and two retailers has shaken the multi-million dollar supplement market.

The Mateel Group, along with two citizen environmentalists, filed a lawsuit against eight supplement companies for alleged violations against proposition 65, which requires that consumers be warned about chemical exposures to PCB’s through proper labeling. Tests concluded that three of the ten supplement brands contained much more than 90 nanograms of the carcinogen. This is above the limit that people should be exposed to, according to California Law. The three a supplement companies are as follow: Nature Made Cod Liver Oil, Now Foods' Salmon Oil & Double Strength Cod Liver Oil.

Defendants include the world's largest producer of omega-3 fish oil, Houston-based Omega Protein, as well as drug stores Rite Aid Corp and CVS Caremark Corp. Other defendants include" General Nutrition Corp, a subsidiary of GNC Acquisition Holdings Corp, Now Health Group Inc, Pharmavite LLC, the maker of the NatureMade brand of supplements, Solgar Inc and TwinLab Corp. All of the following manufacturers are said to be in violation of Proposition 65 for not disclosing any non-zero PCB levels in their products.

A guide to select quality fish oil:

• Look for a brand that is both "pharmaceutical grade" and "molecularly distilled." This will ensure the product is free of impurities such as mercury, PCBs and other contaminants.

“Pharmaceutical grade” fish oil is the highest level of purity a product can have. This means the ingredients in the fish oil are over 99% pure, with no binders, fillers, dyes, or unknown substances.

“Molecular distillation” is a purification method which is conducted in vacuum. It is the only process that can effectively remove metals, PCBs and other harmful toxins to a level that is perfectly safe for human consumption.

• Ensue the product has been tested by a third party
• Look for low oxidation levels

Vegetarian options: (* indicates highest traces of Omega 3)

• English walnuts

• Flax oil*

• Flax seed (ground)*

• Hemp Milk/Beverages

• Hemp oil*

• Hemp seed / hemp nut (ground)*

• Olive oil

• Leafy green vegetables (small amounts, but a good omega-3 to omega-6 ratio)

• Pumpkin seeds

• Soybeans

The Low Down On Lactose Intolerance: Alternative Medicine and Nutrition

I have met many people in my days, including family members who suffer from lactose intolerance. Aka lactase deficiency. Lactose intolerance is an irritable little bugger that causes painful stomach cramps, gas & bloating thirty minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose.

So where can you find Lactose? Basically in just about anything these days. It is found in milk of mammals, including cows, goats, and sheep. Foods that contain lactose include dairy products, such as cream, cheese, some yogurts, margarine, salad dressings, biscuits and chocolate and some breakfast cereals. It’s also added as filler in medications. Of all these, milk has the highest amount of lactose.

So what is lactose intolerance? It is the inability to metabolize lactose (a milk sugar) due to the absence of an enzyme in the digestive system which helps breaks down and absorbs lactose when consumed.

After eating/drinking something that contains lactose, it passes down the esophagus and goes into the stomach, where it is digested. The digested food then passes into the small intestine. Normally, the cells that line the small intestine produce an enzyme called lactase. The lactase enzyme breaks down the lactose into glucose and galactose (a type of sugar). They are then absorbed into the bloodstream. However, this is where people have problems. If the body does not produce the enzyme required to breakdown the lactose, the unprocessed portion moves through the digestive system into the large intestine where the normal intestinal bacteria interacts with it. This causes typical symptoms of lactose intolerance such as the ones mentioned above.

You might find this part interesting. Lactose intolerance ranges (in terms of %) by ethnicity and increases with age. Did you know that almost all Asians and Native Americans are lactose intolerant? And up to 80% of African Americans and Hispanic Americans? According to research, their ancestors did not eat dairy foods, so their bodies cannot digest dairy and their genes have been passed from generation to generation. For a detailed chart by ethnicity click here and scroll down.

Sad but true, there is no way to cure lactose intolerance. For most people, you can find relief by reducing the amount of dairy products you eat and using alternatives to dairy or substitutes. In every grocery store you will find it very easy to find “lactose free” products these days. You can also get milk that is made from soy, rice, oats, potatoes, almonds, peanut, hazelnut and even peas. Almond milk, made by Blue Diamond (unsweetened vanilla flavor) is one of my favorites and is very tasty. In addition yogurts, (containing live bacteria), sour cream, cottage cheese and hard cheeses (such as Edam and Cheddar) are all considered fermented dairy products that have been broken down by substances (yeast, bacteria, or other micro-organisms) and are easier to digest than fresh dairy products. So as you can see, there are many variations and alternatives to dairy that you can choose from.

So you are probably thinking that alternatives are great but what about the health benefits of eating dairy such as calcium, protein, vitamins A, B12, and D? Dairy also helps the body absorb magnesium and zinc. And you're right? Dairy products are essential for a healthy diet. Without these essential vitamins, calcium and minerals, this increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. So how might one go about getting the recommended daily intake of all this good stuff? It is important to eat other foods that contain the same vitamins, minerals and calcium as part of your daily diet such as:

• broccoli

• cabbage

• dried fruit

• sardines, salmon, and pilchards

• kale (a leafy green vegetable)

• nuts (almonds, brazil nuts, and sesame seed)

• soya beans

• soya drinks with added calcium

• tofu

You have probably heard of the word Probiotics with alternative medicine being at the forefront of discussion these days. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested, have beneficial effects on the prevention or treatment of disease. Probiotics have also been reported to help the body digest lactose, thereby alleviating malabsorptive symptoms from excessive lactose. It also helps with symptoms such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome & inflammatory bowel disease.

So where can you find this fancy stuff? Well you don’t have to go very far. Probiotics are available as active or "live" cultures in some yogurts. Yogurts contain a lactase enzyme produced by the bacterial cultures used to make the yogurt. However, many commercial brands contain milk solids, increasing the lactose content so it’s important to look for yogurt that has live cultures.

Acidophilus (lactic acid bacteria) is a name given to a group of probiotics that breaks lactose in the intestine into short-chain fatty acids and other substances that can be absorbed by the colon. Acidophilus is available as a dietary supplement and found in the refrigerated section of health food stores.

The following are most often used for lactose intolerance:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Lactobacillus bulgaricus

• Streptococcus salivarius

• Lactobacillus reuteri

• Lactobacillus plantarum

• Streptococcus thermophilus

For those finding it difficult to cut back on dairy, a lactase substitute (in pill or liquid form) is also available to replace the lactase that the body cannot produce. This can be effective in helping the digestive system to digest the lactose in the meal if you decide to have that ice cream you are craving for.

So now you have the low down on lactose intolerance. Perhaps “Skinny Bitch,” a book written by Rory Freedman was right. An amazing book might I add! You may never look at dairy the same way again and possibly never eat/drink it for a long time. The book discusses how research studies show that milk is the cause of acne, anemia, anxiety, ADD, allergies, asthma, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, autism, multiple cancers and of course lactose intolerance. Have you ever thought that maybe our bodies are not capable of breaking down dairy as we age? Study after study has shown that lactose intolerance increases as we get older. Should we continue to eat or drink dairy as adults especially that of a mammal? A good quote taken from "Skinny Bitch In The Kitchen" says, “just like human milk is for baby humans, cows’ milk is for baby cows. We’re the only species on the planet that drinks the milk of another species. We’re also the only species on the planet that drinks the milk as adults….There are so many awesome alternatives to dairy products. Get with the program, bitches.” (Kim Barnouin and Rory Freedman, 2007)

... And to this I conclude.

(Source)"Excerpt: Skinny Bitch In The Kitchen." MSNBC. 09 January 2008. March 2010. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/22553738/