Friday, April 20, 2012

Beverage Pick: Coconut Dream

I have been trying to use non dairy milk for some time now, and have tried many different non dairy milks. Almond milk, soy milk, rice milk and hemp milk. Coconut milk beverage has been the most agreeable for me so far. My absolute favourite is Coconut Dream, which I first tried in Hawaii in December. It is now widely available at large grocery stores in Toronto as well. It does contain a little sugar (there is an unsweetened version), but the Coconut Dream original has the nicest liquid flavour and consistency of all the non dairy milks that I have tried. I use it on cereal, in porridge and in pancakes. The medium chain fatty acids the beverage contains are an added nutritional bonus that provide quick energy and nutrition to the body.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Class Pick: Indo-Row

Indo-Row is a fresh new group exercise concept I tried and thoroughly enjoyed at Can Fit Pro 2010 and 2011. The class concept was created by Jay Blahnik and Josh Crosby. One of the major benefits of the class is it makes rowing, an excellent full body exercise, more fun and easier to learn great technique in a group setting. The group setting also facilitates friendly team competition and motivation. Another great thing is people of many age groups and ability can participate.
The classes are not readily available just yet, but I believe it is the next generation of group exercise class involving a piece of cardio equipment.

Check out www.indorow.com and look out for it near you.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Equipment Pick: Water Rower

I tried a water rower for the first time at the Can Fit Pro conference in August 2010. It was a different, effective and fun workout, so I purchased a demonstration model for home use that weekend. The Indo Row workshop was taught by Jay Blahnik and Josh Crosby, it was a super fun and memorable group fitness workout that got you to compete against yourself and work as part of a team.
The water rower concept was designed by a rower, John Duke in the mid 1980s. Many of us have not seen it until the past few years due to lack of marketing.
I believe that this is a great piece of equipment to purchase for a home gym, as it delivers an excellent cardio, interval and full body workout. Even when you are pressed for time, you can choose suitable interval distances to row and still get some activity (please warm up!). The machine stores upright to save space, and its beautiful woodframe blends easily into many surroundings.

waterrower natural rowing machines

Check out www.waterrower.com for more specific information

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Book Review: Wheat Belly

Wheat Belly
William Davis, MD

I read this book while taking in some sunshine on an oceanfront pool deck in Jamaica. It was an interesting, well paced read. Dr Davis' personal journey introduction along with numerous real life cases of patients being healed and cured of their wide array ailments by the elimination of wheat from their diet is very compelling. The biggest ailments being overweight, high blood sugar and diabetes.
Dr Davis also gives some great technical insight as to why wheat has changed over modern times and how it affects human health. Genetic modification being a big part of what disagrees with many a person's digestion and overall health. 
The practical diet guidelines are quite challenging in my opinion to follow. Foods that can be eaten in unlimited quantities are vegetables, nuts, seeds, meat and eggs, cheese, non sugary condiments. Non wheat grains, fruit, juice, legumes, soy products should be limited. Grains should be limited to 1/4cup to 1/2 cup serving sizes. His suggestion for fruit is 8-10 blueberries, 2 strawberries, a wedges of apple or orange. Banana, pineapple and mango should be especially limited due to the high sugar content. I'm sure there are health benefits to following his diet, but it may be hard for a person to sustain over the long term.
Overall, this book is well written and provides great insight and education on a food that most of us probably eat too much of on an everyday basis.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Equipment Pick: ProStretch Calf Stretcher

The Prostretch calf stretcher is a device I use daily myself and highly recommend to many clients. I have it at my door, so I use it at the end of a day to help loosen up my calves, which are tight. The Prostretch helped me rehabilitate from shin splints many years ago. It makes stretching your calves a little easier and more effective, which helps you comply with a program of stretching twice a day. This simple stretching program has helped me prevent injury and improve my performance for many years now.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Healthy Lunch: IQ Food

IQ Food came as a recommendation from a client who works in the financial core of downtown Toronto. He felt it was the healthiest and tastiest lunch option he has come across so far. I have made a few trips to IQ Food for lunch with a friend, and we both found it to be quite tasty. The concept is fresh food with lean proteins, healthy fats and whole grains. Most trainers and nutritionists would approve of this with great taste being a superb bonus. In the winter, they served a spicy pumpkin soup, which was well made, delicious and actually spicy. I did not love the miso miso, the vegetarian hot box, as I found it to be a bit bland. I really liked the Lima (roasted chicken, cheddar, black beans, grape tomatoes, cilantro and lime) and the Brussel, which is a seasonal special that included spicy brussel sprouts, beets, roast chicken, orange and a tasty dressing. I must concur that IQ Food is a healthy, quick and tasty lunch option in the downtown underground.
IQ Food 100 Wellington West (underground food court)
www.iqfoodco.com
(check out the menu and nutritional info)