Good versus Bad

It is kind of interesting to me, that today, December 6th, 2013, we are commemorating the Ecole Polytechnique massacre of 1989, as well as the life and death of Nelson Mandela.

It is so easy to become fixated on all the bad in the world, and in our own lives and sometimes seems much more difficult to see the good.  But there is good.  And beauty. And love.  You just have to look a little harder to find it sometimes.

The massacre is, of course, one of many horrors in human history, but Nelson Mandela and the legacy he has left is proof of just what a huge difference on person can make.

There are psychological theorists who believe that the cause of much human suffering is a lack of engagement and sense of meaning in our lives.  I do feel I see evidence of this in my practice as a counsellor.  What most people seem to need and want is a sense of purpose and belonging.  Of course, this is what changed my own path in life.  I spent years absolutely miserable in jobs that had no intrinsic value for me.  Now, I am doing work that I am passionate about.  Nothing makes me happier than feeling like I am helping others and making some sort of significant difference.  And this too has been shown to be linked with positive psychological outcomes for people.  It is difficult to feel bad when doing something good.

So go find some good this weekend, or, even better, do some good for someone else.

Bust Out of Your Fitness Rut with the Asylum Workout Program

I have been meaning to review the Asylum Workout program I got for my birthday this past year, but since right around the same time I switched to doing a less cardio/more strength based routine, I didn't get around to trying them all until now.  I've been squeezing one in for the last few weeks on Saturdays, which is my DVD day.

The set includes:

Athletic Performance Assessment

Speed & Agility

Vertical Plyo & Relief

Strength

Game Day & Overtime

Back To Core

Okay, this program is definitely more intense than Insanity, and likely one of the toughest fitness DVD workouts out there.  I do not recommend trying it if you have a serious musculoskeletal injury or vulnerability, or are not already highly conditioned.  That being said, some of it is adaptable but even if you choose the easiest variations, they certainly are not easy.  There is lots and lots of jumping (plyometrics, skipping, etc) so if that's not for you, than this system is definitely not for you.

So the reviews I read before I bought it said it requires more space than Insanity because of the ladder and skip rope.  I wasn't too concerned because when I move our arm chair out of the rec room where our TV is, there is sufficient space for me to do most things.  Unfortunately, it isn't quite big enough to make this program easy for me.  I can't skip with the ladder on the floor or it gets caught in it, so I have to fling the ladder onto the couch until I need it again.  This means I am always falling behind in the workout because I have to set up the ladder and then get rid of it between each exercise transition.  Also, even though we have a chin up bar (Shaun T gives you options if you don't), the door frame we can use it on is on the other side of the basement where you can't see the TV, so it doesn't really work for me.  The other problem I have is that - being pretty uncoordinated, I have trouble doing some of the moves.  I have come to love skipping, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot do a split squat with a skip rope.  Of course, than I get really frustrated and angry and don't enjoy the workout.  If you have done a lot of team/organized sports and are already familiar with a lot of these training drills, than you'll be fine.  It's not like it's complicated dance routines or anything.

My favorite workout is the Vertical Plyo followed by Speed and Agility.  I found the Game Day/Overtime workout frustrating (I am too uncoordinated for a number of the drills).  Relief is a pretty vanilla stretch routine which is good if you hate yoga and just want straight up stretches to restore length to your muscles.   Back to Core is a pretty good workout focusing mostly on back (not much abs), and Strength is a good routine, but not one I'll use as I prefer to do my own strength training.

Overall, it is pretty killer.  If you are already really fit and looking to kick it up a notch, you will probably love this.  I do recommend you make sure you have enough space for all the equipment, so you aren't constantly rearranging things between drills, like I have to do.

Oh, and Shaun T is still doing static stretching at the beginning of his workouts.  Will someone please tell Beach Body this is contraindicated??  I guess the upside is these stretch segments are about half the length (3 minutes) of the ones in Insanity.

I think I will probably continue to use my favorite ones now and again to mix it up in my own routine.  The more variety I throw into my workouts the happier I am.

Plaintain Bread

 

Sorry if I offend anyone, but the whole 'Paleo' diet movement really irritates me.  It's based on faulty reasoning and pseudo science.  That being said, I get it that it may be a very enjoyable and effective way for some people to lose weight and/or improve their immediate health.  The problem is, I think long-term health may not be maximized.  Why?  Because research links consumption of animal protein (which is a big part of the paleo diet) with chronic illness.  Beans and WHOLE grains, on the other hand are associated with lower risk of chronic illness.

Frankly, I think its just replaced the Atkins, and no doubt is at least an improvement on that, since it focuses on unprocessed foods and natural, uncured meats, but still.  I don't believe its a magic bullet for all our health whoas.

Anyways, I do think some great culinary ideas have come out of the Paleo movement.  One is the use of the plantain in baking.  I love plantains so when I started seeing recipes that use it in place of flour in baked goods, I was blown away.  The scientist in me was totally mesmerized by the notion that this fruit could stand in for flour.  I had to see for myself.

I started with a plain bread, because it seemed so simple.  Just a few ingredients really and the results are fabulous!  This totally blows my mind.  It really creates something with a taste and texture like something that contains flour!  Very cool.  I've now been experimenting with some other recipes, which will come soon, so stay tuned.

Plantain Bread

1 large, semi-ripe plantain
1/2 cup egg whites
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 droppers full of stevia liquid, or to taste (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Puree plantain in food processor.  Add remaining ingredients.  Blend for another few seconds.  Pour into parchment-lined muffin or mini-loaf tins. Bake at 325F for about 30 minutes.  Let cool completely and then remove from parchment.  Eat within 48 hours or freeze for future use.  Makes 2 mini loaves or 6 muffins.

I like these cut in half, lightly toasted or warmed and then smeared in chocolate almond butter (1 tbls almond butter + 1/2 tsp cocoa powder + dark chocolate stevia liquid).  Mmm!!

This recipe was shared with Vegetarian Mamma's Gluten-Free Friday.

Seabuck Wonders: Product Review

Recently Seabuck Wonders generously sent me some of their Omega-7 pills and body lotion to try out.

Although I had heard of Sea-Buckthorn before, I really wasn't sure what it is.  Apparently it's a fruit, but one that contains high levels of omega-7, an unsaturated fatty acid.  In fact, it is one of the only rich sources of omega-7, along with macadamia nut oil.

Sea-Buckthorn isn't supposedly very tasty as a fresh fruit, but it is extremely high in antioxidents.  There are not yet many human studies linking it to health outcomes, but studies on mice have demonstrated anti-carcinogenic and anti-obesogenic properties.

The lotion couldn't have come at a better time.  As the summer heat quickly gave way to the cold, dry late autumn weather, my skin seemed to get itchy and scaly almost overnight.  Usually I use a heavy moisturizer in winter, like a body butter, so I wasn't sure this light, grease-less lotion would do the trick, but it's amazing.  It has a delicate orange scent (and bright orange colour) thanks to natural orange oil, and it is vegan, non-GMO, paraben-free and wheat and gluten-free.  I've been putting it on every morning after my shower and it keeps my skin feeling soft and supple all day.


They also sent me their Omega-7 Complete soft gels.  It is recommended to take 2-4 per day.  I've been taking them in place of my fish oil soft gels, and I have to say that they have a much nicer smell and aftertaste.  No fish burps!


My one comment about them is that, although they are kosher, non-GMO and gluten-free, they have gelatin, so I guess they aren't vegan.   They claim that Omega-7 is good for dry eyes, a problem I suffer from chronically, so I am excited to see if this helps.  I'll keep you posted!

Seabuck Wonders also sells other beauty products and supplements which are currently available in stores across the U.S.  Canadians can buy them directly from the company online.

Disclaimer: Seabuck Wonders provided me with their products free-of-charge but all opinions on this blog are my own.

Citrus Sanity Saver

 

 

 



Good Monday morning!  How are you feeling today?  I feel great, thank you very much.  I was looking forward to this weekend for a long time.  Partly because it was packed full of fun events, but also because I knew it would be my first opportunity to really relax after all the build up to the fundraiser last week.

Part of relaxing meant having a drink or two.  I have said many times, alcohol should be considered a treat, not a regular part of ones daily routine.  Too many of us have convinced ourselves, thanks to flawed research and inaccurate reporting in the media, that alcohol consumption is healthy.  As a counsellor, I also see it being misused by people all too often as a coping strategy.  Alcohol, along with food, drugs, etc, are frequently used to self-medicate, and are considered to be avoidant coping strategies, by us folks who work in the mental health field.  This means, they temporarily help us cope with unpleasant feelings or events by pushing them away or numbing us to the emotions.  The problem is, they don't help us actively deal with the issue at hand and can often create other difficulties for us.

Along with the social costs of drinking too much, alcohol consumption is also associated with a host of cancers as well as liver problems.  It is also high in empty calories and inhibits the body's ability to burn fat.  Not much good there I tell you. If you are going to imbibe, try to stick with wine, beer or clear spirits.  Stay away from high calorie drinks that include sugar syrups, liqueurs, cream, juice, etc.

I try to minimize my alcohol intake as much as possible because of its links with cancer, but I do occasionally kick back with a drink or two for a treat.  And that is exactly what I did this past weekend.

Usually I stick with wine but I was in the mood for something a little more hydrating.  This drink is refreshing and tasty without any sugar in it to fuel a furious hangover the next day.  Just make sure you don't over do it, as too much alcohol of any type is really not advisable. 

If you want a less sweet drink, skip the stevia. 

Citrus Sanity Saver

2 packets Pure Orange
1 dropper full of lemon stevia liquid (or regular stevia liquid)
Slice of fresh lemon or orange
1 ounce of citrus flavoured vodka
1 can (350ml) club soda, or seltzer
Ice

Stir all ingredients together in a big glass and drink.


Disclaimer:  Alcohol consumption increases the risk of many chronic illnesses including cancer, and is associated with risky sexual behaviour and stupidity.  Consume with caution.

Laugh a Lot

Have you heard they now have laugh yoga?  It may sound absurd, but it makes complete sense.  Laughing is incredibly therapeutic and most of us don't do it enough.  Its not new information, but I was reminded of this one day last week when I was feeling particularly stressed out.  I started reading one of those top autocorrect mistake posts like this one.  Because of my silly sense of humour, this kind of shit makes me hysterical.  In no time I was laughing so hard I was crying and I had to put my hand over my mouth so I wouldn't disturb the other therapists in the office working with their clients.  But it felt fantastic.  And I sat there wondering why we don't spend more time laughing.  There are lots of funny things out there! 



Similarly, it hit me the other day how weird it is all the things we stop doing when we become adults.  Like cartwheels.  Why do we stop doing cartwheels and hanging off monkey bars?  If we just kept doing these things, we'd probably all be a lot fitter and healthier.  I wonder what would happen if we took life a lot less seriously?  Our society is full of people (including myself) who get mired down in expectations and responsibilities.  We feel like we are facing insurmountable obstacles in our lives, when really there is no actual threat.  Most of us are blessed - compared with other living in the world - with fairly safe, stable, comfortable lives, and yet stress is a pervasive and chronic problem that leads to significant mental and physical health issues.

I guess that's why Mindfulness is an increasingly popular buzzword in the wellness world.  Most of us can benefit from practicing gratitude and trying to put things in perspective.  So have a great weekend: turn some cartwheels, dance, and laugh a lot.

Hey Jamie Oliver...WTF??

So Jamie Oliver has apparently partnered with Sobeys, "...On a mission to bring better food to Canadians."

I have to admit, I was pretty surprised when I heard about this, but given his commitment to get folks eating better, I was optimistic that this could mean good things to come.  We have a Sobey's in our neighbourhood and go there quite a bit for various staples (I actually think they are even better than Loblaws for fresh fish and seafood!).

The first evidence of this new partnership was displays of his pasta sauces and pastas and cook wear and serving dishes.  I didn't really pay much attention although I did note that it was a bit weird that all his pastas were made from processed white flour given his commitment to better nutrition.

It was the flyer we got in the newspaper this weekend that really shocked me.  It featured all his new products that are now available at Sobeys stores.  He now has his own line of frozen foods exclusively available at the grocery chain.  Um, isn't he the guy that stresses the importance of fresh, homemade food??  I might be okay with this if the products were actually healthy but they totally are not.  Banoffee cakes?  Gooey brownies?  Creamy seafood pie?  There are also some Jamie Oliver baked goods available and these too are not remotely nutritious...all made with refined flour and sugar.

I don't know man, but this all seems incredibly hypocritical to me.  What do you think?