Spotlight

August 11, 2014 In Fitness, News, Spotlight, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Five Reasons You Have a Bad Personal Trainer

If you’ve gone out of your way to hire a personal trainer it means you’re looking to have a professional teach you how to eat, exercise and help get you in great shape. Working one-on-one with a trainer is something I recommend to everyone even if it’s just for one session. You can learn a ton of information on proper movement form, which exercises are the best for your goals and what intensity to train at. Personal training costs more than going to group fitness classes and for the most part you’ll see better results as the training is tailored specifically for...

August 10, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Crystal Di Domizio

Community Supported Agriculture: Affordable Local & Organic Produce

Inspired to start eating more local and organic produce but don’t know where to start? Joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) might be exactly what you’re looking for! Over the last decade CSA has become a very popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food straight from the farm. How does it work? At the beginning of the growing season (late winter, early spring) the farmer will offer a certain number of “shares” to the public for purchase. In exchange you will receive a weekly box of fresh, organic produce for the duration of the season. CSA helps support local...

August 10, 2014 In Family Fitness, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Staying Fit During Pregnancy

Your entire body changes when you’re pregnant. But one thing that doesn’t have to change is your commitment to staying fit. Exercise is great for expectant mothers who are having low-risk pregnancies. Exercising can improve your energy level, elevate your mood, boost your self-esteem and create a higher sense of well-being for an easier pregnancy while reducing recovery time after your baby is born. It is recommended that moms-to-be always consult with their doctors before beginning any fitness program. Exercising before and during pregnancy can also help your delivery go more smoothly, says Dr. John Wichert, OB/GYN. Cardiovascular training prepares your body...

August 9, 2014 In Fitness, Food and Recipes, News, Running, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Preparing for a Marathon: The Nutrition Factor

Optimum nutritional habits are essential during your marathon training. Fundamental components include hydration status, carbohydrate and protein intake as well as electrolyte repletion, and joint health. To ensure proper muscle recovery post-exercise and to reduce your risk of injury, consider the following points: Restore electrolytes and water (essential electrolytes being: sodium, potassium, magnesium) in the form of a sports re-hydration drink. Electrolyte repletion is essential as minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium promotes post-exercise recovery while ingredients such as citric acid and malic acid are essential factors required for energy production. Drinking plenty of water before during and after your...

August 9, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Misleading Food Labels: 3 Reasons We Don’t Know What We Are Eating

Do we actually know what we are eating?  Seems like a no brainer, right? What we put in our mouth is our choice. We have complete control over what passes through our lips. Well, I am about to argue that that premise is false, and this is why. 1) Fraudulent or misleading food labels. The label says one thing, but the food is something else all together. This is far more common than one would expect. There is the obvious example that recently made the news. People in Europe coming home from the grocery store with steaks labeled "beef", only to find out later...

August 8, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Sun, Heat, Dehydration and Kidney Stones

Kidney stones occur more commonly in the summer, so stay hydrated to avoid one of the most painful conditions there is. Well, with the heat wave we've been enjoying over the past week, I've found myself pondering how to stay comfortably cool, keep the apartment cool enough to be able to sleep, get my vitamin D dosage without burning to a crisp, and focusing on staying hydrated enough. Dehydration creates a number of problems in the body, including increasing blood pressure, accelerating osteoarthritis (the wearing down of joints), and increasing the risk of kidney stones. Kidney stones tend to develop more frequently in the...

August 8, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Pumpkin Seeds: Healthy Food for Movember

Halloween and Movember are quickly approaching, and soon enough, people will be carving up pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns. While you are preparing your pumpkins, remember to save your seeds; otherwise, you are throwing out a number of highly beneficial plant-based nutrients. Nutritional highlights There is an incredible amount of nutrition in pumpkin seeds. These powerful little seeds contain essential minerals such as iron, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc. Furthermore, they are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, and B3, protein, and monounsaturated fats. There are also antioxidant phytonutrients like lignans and phenolic antioxidants which research has found may deter...

August 7, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Hemp Oil, Hemp Hearts and Protein

The verdict is in! I was the lucky winner of Fitness Goop’s contest for articles on healthy living, and I happily accepted my prize: a giant box of goodies from Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils. They were very generous! My package contained a giant container of hemp hearts (no joke—it’s 5lbs), a container of hemp oil, hemp Pro 50 protein powder, hemp Pro Fiber protein powder, a yoga mat and carrying case, and a reusable shopping bag. Score. I pulled all of my loot out and sat staring at it proudly until I realized, “Wait a minute. I’ve never used...

August 6, 2014 In Beauty & Grooming, Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Homemade Facial For Dry Skin

'Tis the season when dry skin dominates. You're not alone if you're skin has turned from soft and vibrant to dull and flaky this winter. The good news is you can find natural and easy ways to brighten dry skin at home in your kitchen! Not only is this facial recipe moisturizing, thanks to the beneficial oils from the avocado and olive oil, it's also great for oily and acne prone skin too. Lavender essential oil and raw honey have antibacterial properties that help cleanse pores and remove blemish causing debris. Not to mention, lavender is great for promoting a...

August 6, 2014 In Fitness, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

2011 Must Have Holiday Wish List

If you’re stuck for gift ideas check out Fitness Goop’s Must Haves for the holidays. We have chosen several delicious and healthy food suggestions, as well as fitness gift ideas that are sure to make workouts more fun, and help you or your loved ones stick to those healthy New Year’s resolutions. The Grid Foam Roller ($45.99) Forget everything you've ever known about traditional foam rolling, the Grid takes foam rolling to a whole new level. If you’ve ever had sore muscles you have to get one of these. Simply a must for runners or anyone who sits in front of...