Grain vs Meat

@ all vegans/vegetarians.

Animal protein is actually much better for your body, than any grain (except for quinoa). Our bodies are physiologically built to digest and metabolize meat. They however are not designed to properly digest and metabolize grains, which are found in so much processed, and non processed food. Grains such as wheat flour, are one of the main factors in obesity, and causes of weight gain.

See, what happens when your body tries to digest wheat grain is that it cannot recognize it, and treats it almost like a invader (virus). It cannot break down the grain molecules, thus it's converted and stored as FAT.

It is a known fact that breads, pastries, and pastas make people fat.

Do some research of your own if you don't believe me... Just sayin.

Superfood Duos

I just came across this neat little image. Great tips, and nutrient rich foods - try the duos!

How Can I Loose Weight?

Today a colleague asked me; "Is there anything I should be taking to help me loose weight?"

I'm not a huge fan of weight loss pills, as they are full of chemicals, and they don't work very well, if at all. 

So my top recommendations are (and always will be)...

#1 DIET, and #2 EXERCISE.

The good old 80/20 rule applies here. 80% of your weight loss efforts are made in the kitchen. Where 20% of your weight loss efforts are made in the gym.

This means that what you put into your body is 80% more effective at weight loss, than all the diet pills in the world.

Any health care practitioner, doctor, dietitian, or personal trainer will tell you that the two most effective weight loss tools are DIET & EXERCISE.

So, to simplify it a little, I've outlined a few things you can do to incorporate these two elements into your daily routine.

1. Exercise daily. At least 30 minutes of moderate-to-intense exercise is needed to boost weight loss. This can be running, cycling, cardio gym equipment (elliptical, StairMaster, etc), weight lifting, swimming, or power walking.
2. Cut out the following from your diet: Sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.
3. Eat as much fresh fruit & veggies as you can. Try them all! The more variety, the better.
4. Cook your lean meat without added oil. Try grilling or baking.
5. Add fish to your diet. Fish is one of the best meat proteins you can add to your diet.
6. Eat smaller meals more frequently to keep your factory burning, and that metabolism up.
7. Snacking is good, as long as they are healthy snacks.
8. Get a workout buddy! It's always easier, and more fun to have a friend or partner who is also trying to achieve the same fitness goals as you are.
9. Drink your 8-10 glasses of water a day. This will help with hydration during exercise, fatigue, and water retention.
10.  Get lots of sleep. And cut back on your alcohol intake.

Quick & Easy Breakfast

What do you consider a quick an easy breakfast? Is it a meal you can prepare in less than five minutes? Or a meal you can eat on the go? Or perhaps it's no breakfast at all...Which we all know is bad! You're mother is right - Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! 

My recommendation for a healthy, filling breakfast, especially for those on the go, is the easiest to prepare. OATMEAL! Oatmeal has come a long way since the days your Mom used to prepare it on the stove top. That bland grey sludge is a thing of the past. Like your mother making your breakfast, and packing you a brown bag lunch every day. 

Instant Oatmeal is my go-to morning meal when I am pressed for time, but I want something filling and healthy that will hold me over until lunch. Oatmeal is the Cadillac of breakfast foods. It's loaded with FIBER, VITAMINS & MINERALS. It helps lower cholesterol, and blood pressure, heart disease, and is recognized by many Food & Drug organizations as a heart healthy food. 

It also keeps you feeling fuller for longer so you don't overeat at your next meal. Oatmeal also makes a great afternoon snack!

So skip that Tim Horton's, McDonald's or Starbucks breakfast sandwich...warm up a bowl in your microwave (seriously it takes 60 seconds), or stash a box of instant oatmeal at your desk at work. Quaker Oats has a great selection of flavours, and options with added protein, high fiber, and low sugar.

New workout Music!

Creatine. Does it work?

There has been a lot of back and forth regarding the effectiveness of creatine. Some say it works. Others condone it's abilities. But can creatine actually help you build substantial muscle mass, make bigger gains, effectively repair damaged muscle fibers, or increase stamina and strength? So far general consensus is that it can. If used properly, and for the correct type of fitness expectations, creatine is an excellent tool for your goals.

Research shows that creatine is most effective in high-intensity training and explosive activities. This includes weight training and sports that require short bursts of effort, such as sprinting, football, and baseball. It can also be utilized by non-professional athletes and regular Joe's & Jane's who participate in high level/intensity cardio programs like bootcamp, spinning, and muscle conditioning programs.

 Creatine can also...

1) Make up for lost sleep.

2) Combat muscle pain.

3) Turn back the clock on aging.

4) Recover faster.

5) Optimize Vegetarian diets.

Some things to consifer when taking a creatine supplement...

1) Micronized creatine monohydrate is the best option.

2) Can be taken pre/during/post workout.

3) Begin with 2 grams per day. And increase to 5-10 grams per day after two weeks.

You should always make sure taking any supplement is right for you. Do your research, and weight the pros & cons.

Greek Yogurt - The new Black!

So Greek Yogurt (GY) seems to be all the rage these days! And for good reasons. But is it really "good" for you?? The answer is quite simply, YES!

Greek Yogurt is a thicker and creamier style yogurt, which is a nice alternative to the North American style yogurt. Greek yogurt can help to maintain balance in your digestive tract, and provide essential protein - which most other yogurts typically cannot.

So what are all the people raving about? What are the health benefits of Greek yogurt??

PROTEIN
Greek yogurt has substantially more protein than the normal American style yogurt. GY provides an additional gram of protien per ounce than it's counterpart. Additional protein can help you feel full, and satisfied for longer. A typical serving of GY can have anywhere between 12-15 grams of protein! That's like eating three hard boiled eggs!

REDUCED SUGAR
GY is made by straining the whey off of yogurt repeatedly to create its thick texture. And much of the natural sugar is removed during this process. GY has half the sugar content of unsweetened non-fat American style yogurt. And the beauty of GY is you can add your own fresh fruit and sweeteners to make it taste the way you want it to.

LACTOBACTERIA

Greek yogurt is minimally processed and has not been heat-treated. This provides you with essential healthy bacteria, including acidophilus. Acidophilus and lactobacillus organisms can improve intestinal health, reduce diarrhea and even help to prevent vaginal yeast infections.

CALCIUM

Greek yogurt provides substantial amounts of calcium, and the calcium is more easily absorbed due to live yogurt cultures.

Victoria Day Long Weekend

I spent this past Victoria Day long weekend rock climbing in Lion's Head Ontario with my crew. It is situated on the east coast of the Bruce Peninsula. It's the best rock climbing Ontario has to offer. The Bruce it's self is very beautiful, picturesque and the climbing is really stiff! CRUSH IT!!!
Check out my pics....Enjoy!

Week 6 - INSANITY by BeachBody

I'm done! I can't finish this program. And it's not because I'm lazy, incompetent, unfit or lacking motivation. I completed 3/4 of the program, but I just cant stand to listen to Shaun T.'s annoying voice any longer. Not to mention that Phase 2 of the program is EXTREMELY repetitive and boring. I found myself getting used to the routines in Phase 2 much to easy.

My recommendation. If you REALLY wanna try the INSANITY by BeachBody, borrow it from a friend, or download it for free from a Torrent site. It's SO not worth the money. Especially now that summer is here. Get outside and be active!

A Flatter, Tighter Tummy, Guaranteed

A toned, flat abdominal is a goal many of us strive to achieve in time for beach season, but you don’t need to commit to endless crunches and ditching all your fav foods. A sculpted core and trim tummy can be attained by incorporating small changes into your day.

Here are 25 ways to get your belly ready for the beach...

Take Your Social Group Outside

Instead of catching up with friends over food and drinks, suggest a reunion on the move-you're likely to work out 104% harder if you have an exercise buddy. Suggest a weekly walk-and-talk session, form a friendly fitness club, or take advantage of gym specials together.

The Roll-Up

Hold a resistance band taut between hands and lie on the floor face up, with legs extended and arms overhead. Pull abs in, tuck your chin, lift arms toward the ceiling, and roll head, shoulders, and torso up and over your legs as far as you can. Keep heels firmly on the floor and reach hands towards your feet. Pause, then slowly roll back down. Do 5 to 8 reps with 30 minutes of cardio 5 to 6 times a week.

Make Time For Cardio

Aerobic exercise is the most effective in burning that deep, visceral belly fat. In fact, aerobic training burns 67% more calories than resistance training or a combination of the two.

Try Out new Moves

Eliminate spillover spots with the Spiderman Climber: Get into plank position with arms and legs extended, hands beneath shoulders, and feet flexed. Keeping your abs tight, bend your left leg out to the side and bring the knee toward the left elbow. Pause, and then return to start. Switch sides. Do 20 reps, alternating sides, with 30 minutes of cardio 5 to 6 times a week.

Fight Fat with Fiber

For every 10 grams of fiber you eat daily, your belly will carry almost 4% less fat. Thankfully, there are more enjoyable ways to increase your fiber than scarfing down a box of bran flakes: Two apples, ½ cup of pinto beans, one artichoke, or two cups of broccoli will all give you 10 grams of belly-flattening fiber.

Be Pushy At Restaurants

Don’t be afraid to ask the server for substitutions, or additions to your meal. Most restaurants are fairly cool about it. Choose steamed veggies instead of white rice, or mashed potatoes for your sides. Substitute salad or soup for French fries. Simple small choices make a big difference.

Do the Windshield Wiper

Lie face up with arms out to your sides, palms down, and legs bent at 90 degrees so feet are off the floor. Keep abs tight and slowly lower legs to the left as far as possible, keeping shoulders on the floor. Pause, then return to start. Repeat to the right. Do 20 reps, alternating sides.

Clean Your House

One more reason to start your spring-cleaning: Vacuuming is a great ab workout. Tighten your abdominal muscles while you push back and forth for a tighter tummy while you clean.

Cut Back On The Salty Snacks

Too much salt will make you retain more fluid, which contributes to a puffy appearance and extra water weight.

Fry Fat With The Boat Move

Target your deepest ab muscles with The Boat: Lie face up on a mat with arms straight up over chest. Lift your upper body off the ground by rolling through the spine. At the same time, raise your legs so that you're balancing on your butt, knees bent and shins parallel to the ground. Slowly roll back down onto the mat, lowering legs. That's 1 rep. Do 5 reps per set, resting 30 to 60 seconds between sets.

Add This Green Fruit to Your Diet

Just half an avocado contains 10 grams of MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids), which halt blood sugar spikes that tell your body to store fat around your belly. Eat these in ¼ cup servings to ward off belly fat without overdoing it.

Play Catch

Get into a crunch position-lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor, shoulders and head off the floor with your abs contracted. Then have someone throw an exercise ball (or basketball) to you-first to your left side so you have to twist and reach to catch it, and then to your right. Do this as many times as is comfortable, and try to increase the number each week.

Skip Your Daily Soda Habit

Where do you think all those bubbles from carbonated drinks end up? They gang up in your belly! Swap soda, diet soda, and seltzer for water, or low cal flavoured water.

Get on the Wagon

That glass of wine with every meal may be part of the reason your jeans are too tight. Alcohol intake is known to raise cortisol levels, sending fat straight to your belly.

Paddle Off Your Belly Pooch

Kayaking is an exhilarating, ab-crunching workout. Constant paddling requires lots of twisting and tightness from your abs for long periods of time. If you can’t get outside and kayak, try the rower at the gym. Rowing is also one of the best cardio exercises on the planet, and it requires a lot of core strength.

Sprinkle These Seeds On Your Salad

Sunflower seeds are packed with tons of MUFAs and B vitamins, which play an important role in protecting against inflammation. Sprinkle two tablespoons on top of your salad and stir-fries.

Sculpt Your Core While You Walk

As you go about your day, imagine there's a magnet pulling your belly button back toward your spine. Practice the tuck until it becomes comfortable, and soon this easy ab-engaging move will become like second nature.

Add Fresh Seafood to Your Plate

Salmon and other fatty fish are rich in the same omega-3 fatty acids as many belly- fat-busting foods. Try poaching your fish for a low-calorie way to enjoy this lean protein.

Drink More H20

Forget water weight: Drinking lots of water helps flush out bloating that your body might be holding onto.

Stand Tall While Pumping Iron

Stand as much as possible when doing weight-lifting exercises. That way your abs will naturally help to balance and stabilize your body. To add an extra flat belly boost to your weight routine, concentrate on  keeping your abs tight and maintaining good posture while you lift, but without holding your breath.

Sleep Away Your Belly Fat

Research from the University of Chicago shows that those who sleep 7 hours or more a night lose twice as much fat and are less hungry than those who get less than 7 hours of shut-eye.

Tone Up with Tennis

A few sets of backhands and forehands in the cool spring weather, and you'll feel your abs getting tighter after just a few sets. You'll strengthen your obliques with every stroke.

Keep Peanut Butter On Your Diet

One serving of peanut butter has 2 g of fiber and 8 g of protein, on top of belly-busting MUFAs. Try this easy recipe to add a flat belly punch to dinner: Toss a half-cup of whole grain noodles with 3 ounces cooked shrimp, minced scallions, and 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper. Dress with a mixture of 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons warm water, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Punch Your Way to a Flat Stomach

Take your workout indoors with boxing. Aerobic kickboxing is more than just a great belly fat-burning, cardio workout. All those arm thrusts and high kicks firm abs, too.

Sculpt While You Sit

While you're driving, sitting, or just waiting at the doctor's office, imagine there's gum or wet paint on the back of your chair so you have to hold yourself up instead of leaning back. Keep shoulder blades down and back, abdominals lifted, and picture yourself knitting your rib cage together and in.

Digestive Problems?

Do you ever have that feeling of being "backed up"? Or maybe you have gas, cramps, pain, diarrhea, and bloating more often than not? It's a common side effect of many of the foods we eat today. Choose food wisely if you feel that you have a sensitive digestive track.

Here are a list of foods that inhibit proper digestion.

1. Dairy Products - Cheese, Milk, Ice Cream & Yogurt. It has to do with the high sugar & fat content. Plus our bodies are not made to break down dairy products after infancy.
2. Spicy Foods
3. Acidic Foods - like citrus fruit, and tomatoes. Too much citrus fruit can cause problems.
4. Fatty Foods
5. Fried Foods
6. Processed Foods - Like white bread. They lack fiber.
7. Artificial Sweetener - Sorbitol, which can be found in gum, diet foods, and some fruit like apples & peaches. It's very hard for your body to digest, and when it enters the large intestine, can cause gas.
8. Alcohol
9. Caffeine - Causes gastrointestinal track motility - basically is speeds everything up, which can cause diarrhea.
10. Sweet or Salty - You're body doesn't like digesting foods that are super sweet, or super salty.
11. Spoiled Foods - DUH!

Quinoa & Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Quinoa is a amino-acid rich protein seed that has a fluffy, slightly crunchy texture and a mild nutty flavour when cooked. Mixed with ground turkey, spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese, this super nutritious stuffing is baked in red peppers for a delicious protein rich meal.

I made it this last night, and it's amazing! (I posted pictures on Twitter too... Check 'em out @BroncoFit )

Ingredients

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups chopped cremini mushrooms
• 4 cups chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup goat cheese
• 4 large red bell peppers, tops cut off, and ribs removed

1. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over med-high heat. Stir in quinoa and simmer, covered for 10 mins. Remove from heat and leave covered for 15 mins.

2. Meanwhile in a large non-stick skillet, heat oil over med-high heat; brown turkey, breaking into small pieces. Transfer to a plate, and set aside.

3. Sautee onions until tender and golden, about 7 mins. Stir in garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 min. Stir in mushrooms and cook until golden brown and not liquid remains.

4. Remove from heat and stir in spinach, and quinoa. Transfer to a bowl. Add turkey, and goat cheese and mix together.

5. Spoon mixture into hollowed red peppers, and bake at 375 in oven until peppers are tender-crisp and filling is hot, about 20 mins.

INSANITY Day #4

Today was a much easier workout. Thank the lord!

It was a Cardio Recovery workout.
35 mins of some very light to moderate cardio in the form of core moves, yoga, and stability training. It was a nice change considering my feet to my shoulders are very soar from the last two workouts.
I still had a good sweat going though. And my core feels tight and strong.

Maybe INSANITY isn't so bad after all.

INSANITY - Day #3

Wow! Day number 3 kicked my ass! Cardio Power & Resistance.

I had sweat pouring from every pore on my entire body. And at one point I almost barfed.
As I'm progressing along this workout program I am realizing this is not for beginners. Shaun T repeatedly tries to push you harder and harder. Faster and faster. Even the other people - who are extremely fit BTW - working out on the program couldn't finish and had to take constant breaks.

I'm just saying. If you like pain, barfing, and the feeling of complete exhaustion, and near death workouts, then maybe Insanity is for you. Or maybe not.

INSANITY - Day #2(a)

OK, so Workout (day #2) was INSANITY! LOL I totally get why this workout program is aptly named that.

It was Core Cardio Training day. And let me tell you! I thought I was a fit guy. BUT apparently I'm not. I couldn't keep up, and i had to take multiple breaks. By the end of the 30 minutes, I was sweating like a pig. But I felt amazing! And I'm super excited for Day (workout) #3!

Today's workout consisted of cardio, with a lot of plyo & sport moves. Jump squats, sprints, jumping jacks, burpies, more jumping, push ups, and CRAZY abdominal exercises! Shaun T. (creator) called them Suicide Drills. And man where they ever!

Before I say; "Go out and buy INSANITY!" I'm going to continue investigating, and reporting back to you! Stay tuned for more info, and pics.

INSANITY Workout Program - Day 2

I survived Day #1 of INSANITY which was a Fitness Test, and "they" recommend you do every two weeks so you can track you progress, improvements, strengthen, and improve cardio abilities.

The Fitness Test is comprised of 8 different components, each performed for a maximum of one minute, with one minute rest in between. The idea is you perform as many repetitions in that minute as you can, and two weeks later when you do your Fit Test again, you can try to bet your previous score, and improve your overall fitness.

It was about a 25 minute workout, and it was great! My heart rate was up, I was sweating, and felt great afterwards. It was mostly cardio, sports training, and plyomertic moves. Which are hard if you're not used to doing them.

Today's workout is more Cardio Training & Plyomertic Sports Conditioning. I'll check back with you soon!

Here is a photo of me on Day #1. I'll post weekly updates so you can follow along with my progress.

INSANITY Day #1

Officially starting BeachBody Insanity Workout Today - Day #1.

Check out the Youtube Video Here

I'm gonna rock this body of mine. Follow along for my transformation.

TV is Good for You

Okay, that is a bit of a white lie. But you can learn a lot from watching educational television shows. Not that reality crap.

Here is what I learned last night watching TV...

• Eating too fast can make you gain weight. YES, this is very true. When you eat, your intestine secretes a enzyme that absorbs nutrients. The main function of this enzyme is actually to signal the brain when you've had enough food. So if you eat too quickly, you will over eat, and the signals will not reach the brain in time to tell you to stop.

• Marinating your beef in rosemary and/or herb spices will lower the carcinogens in the meat when you cook it. True! When we cook beef at high temperatures there is a process that happens to the molecules which turns them into free radicals (or something bad like that). When you ingest the beef, these free radicals attach themselves to cells, which could potentially cause a cancer cell. Using Rosemary, and/or herb spices lowers the risk by a staggering 79-88% !! The herbs actually have antioxidants in them which absorb the free radicals during cooking. So you absorb less when you eat. Plus, the herbs and rosemary add a wonderful flavour!

• Washing your hands in hot water kills bacteria. Wrong! To effectively kill bacteria on your hands, you'd need to wash your hands in water that is 110 degrees. Which is obviosuly WAY to hot for your hands. BUT what does effectively kill bacteria on your hands is soap! Duh! Now, some people say that antibacterial soap works better at removing germs on your hands than regular soap. In fact, this is not true. Regular soap and antibacterial soap remove the same amout of germs. There is no difference!

Who knew TV could teach you so much?!

Burn Fat, Build Lean Muscle with CLA

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid that affects the way our body stores and uses energy, causing a significant increase in lean muscle mass and a decrease in body fat. This also contributes to a more efficient metabolism, since muscles burn more calories than fat. CLA also inhibits enzymes that help break down fats, slowing the amount of fat deposited and stored in the body.

CLA occurs naturally in meats and dairy products. However, changes in eating habits and food production methods mean that we are getting 80% less CLA in our diets than 20 years ago. Many people have reduced their meat and dairy intake, and most beef cattle are now raised on grain-based feed, not grass rich in linoleic acid.

Food Safety 101

From time to time, you may hear about food scares in the news, leaving you wondering what’s safe to eat. The good news is, simply handling certain foods properly can help keep you healthy. Here are a few common foods that require special attention:

Poultry and meat: Raw poultry and meat can harbor dangerous bacteria that may cause serious illness or even death if not handled properly. Always use a dedicated cutting board to prepare raw poultry and meat and thoroughly wash all surfaces and utensils that have come into contact with it. In addition, make sure you carefully wash your hands before touching any other foods, utensils, or surfaces.

Eggs: Raw eggs have occasionally been associated with salmonella poisoning. Salmonella may be found on the outside of the eggshell before the egg is washed or it may be found inside the egg if the hen was infected. However, eggs contain natural antimicrobial substances in the egg white, and all eggs are washed and sanitized before they are packed. Factors that contribute to disease outbreaks are inadequate refrigeration, improper handling, and insufficient cooking (salmonella is destroyed by heat). Egg dishes properly prepared and promptly eaten are rarely a problem. Remember to always keep your eggs refrigerated and make sure you use them immediately after cracking.

Fruits and vegetables: The surfaces of some fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with bacteria or coated with pesticides. Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating. This goes for the inedible skins of fruits and veggies, like cantaloupe and avocados, too. Also, keep fruits and veggies separated from raw meats, seafood, and eggs in the refrigerator. If you hear that produce has been contaminated (as bagged spinach was at one time and cantaloupe was a year ago), it’s better to stop eating it for a while until the issue is resolved.

Seafood: Always look for freshness when choosing seafood. In some cases, when the catch has been left out in the sun too long or the fish haven’t been transported under the proper refrigeration, toxins known as scombrotoxin, or histamine, can develop. When purchasing fresh fish, make sure it doesn't smell overly fishy or sour. Fresh fillets should have shiny flesh — steer clear of fillets that look dry or dull. Keep fresh fish refrigerated for up to two days, or freeze it if you can’t cook it within that time. If you’re buying frozen fish, make sure the package isn’t torn and that there are no signs of frost or ice crystals, which could indicate that the fish was thawed and refrozen. Be sure to thoroughly clean all surfaces and utensils after preparation.

Imported Foods...

I came across this very disturbing email. I'm not sure exactly how much of is it true. BUT it's worth a read AND probably worth your personal attention. Even if it only takes you a second during your next grocery shopping trip.

How is it possible to ship food from China cheaper -- than having it produced in Canada or at least the U.S.?
 FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN FROM CHINA .... SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS BUY THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE IS FROM CALIFORNIA .

ALL "HIGH LINER"AND MOST OTHER FROZEN FISH PRODUCTS COME FROM CHINA OR INDONESIA.  THE PACKAGE MAY SAY "PACIFIC SALMON" ON THE FRONT,  BUT LOOK FOR THE SMALL PRINT.  MOST OF THESE PRODUCTS COME FROM FISH FARMS IN THE ORIENT AND THERE ARE NO REGULATIONS ON WHAT IS FED TO THESE FISH.

Recently a Montreal Gazette had an article by the Canadian Government about how Chinese feed the fish.  They suspend the chicken wire crates over the fish ponds, and the fish feed on chicken sh_!  Canadian Government recommended and stressed NOT to buy any type of fish imported from China.  If you search the Internet about what the Chinese feed their fish you'll be alarmed, e.g. growth hormones, expired anti-biotics from humans etc., and never buy any type of fish or shellfish that comes from these countries...Vietnam  China, Philippines.  Check this out personally.

Can's of Truffles from France are only packaged there. The Truffles are product of China.
ALSO WATCH FOR PICKLES!!!  A LOT OF THE NO-NAME PICKLES COME FROM INDIA.
BICK'S HAVE RECENTLY CEASED OPERATIONS IN CANADA -- DON'T BUY THEM.

Another example was in canned mushrooms.  No-Name brand came from Indonesia.
Next to them were President Choice brand. Product of Canada!!  The PC went into my grocery bag.

Also check those little fruit cups we give our children.  They use to be made here in Canada in the Niagara region until about 2 years ago....They are now packaged in China!

While the Chinese, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in North American markets, the media wrings its hands and criticizes the Harper Government or Obama Administration for perceived errors.

Yet 70% of North Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended!!  Well, duh.  Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?

SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF CANADA & U.S.A.!!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all.

You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter?  If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some North American farmer.  Easter is just an example; the point is not waiting for the government to act...just go ahead and assume control on your own.

Canadian Thermos bottles were made here for many years. Thermos sold out in the 1990's and now the bottles, those that keep our food warm or cold are now made in CHINA.  We lost about 200 jobs!

THINK ABOUT THIS,

If 200 million North Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favour...fast!!
The downside?  Some Canadian/American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory.
Just one month of trading losses, will hit the Chinese for 8% of their North American exports.  Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

START NOW and don't stop.
Send this to everybody you know.  Let's show them that we are intelligent Canadians/Americans, and NOBODY can take us for granted. If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!

Pass it on, North America !!   

Excellent LEG Toning Exercise

Sumo Squat

Try this exercise to tone and strengthen your inner, and outer thighs:

• Stand with your feet as wide apart as possible while pointing your toes outward.
• Lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
• Hold for a beat, exhale, and then press back up to starting position. Repeat.

Keep your shoulders directly over your hips at all times. For best results, don't lean forward or let your knees extend beyond your toes. Keep your abs drawn in and don't arch your back. It's up to you to use additional weight or not.

Healthy Eating - Basic Principles

Variety and quality are two essentials when it comes to eating well and reducing your risk of chronic disease. While the basic principles of healthy eating are quite simple, unfortunately the majority of people fail to follow them, and end up looking like Homer Simpson. ->

Embrace variety. Don’t base your diet predominantly on just a few foods. Consuming a wide variety of healthy foods, especially nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegetables and fruits in a rainbow of colors, provides you with the phytonutrients (plant chemicals) you need to stimulate your body’s immune cells and infection-fighting enzymes and prevent disease.

Avoid processed foods. Your diet should consist primarily of whole foods that haven’t been adulterated by processing or the addition of sugars, a lot of sodium, trans fats, and preservatives. Evaluate the quality of the carbohydrates, protein, and fats you eat and learn how your food is produced. Be aware that the nutrient value of the animal protein that ends up on your plate can vary widely depending on what food was available for that cow, pig, lamb, chicken, or fish to eat.

Avoid empty-calorie foods and beverages. Some foods and beverages, such as packaged baked goods and sugary sodas, are filled with empty calories to begin with; while others, like white bread and white rice, are stripped of their nutrients and fiber during processing, destroying their nutritional value.

Remember that taking vitamin or mineral supplements is not a substitute for a healthy whole-foods diet. Be aware that calories count, but…stop obsessing about calories, grams of fat, carbohydrates, protein, or anything else. Counting every calorie and weighing your food down to the ounce is simply not conducive to a pleasurable lifestyle or useful for keeping extra weight off over the long run. When you make healthy food choices most of the time you will be satisfied with reasonable food quantities, and counting becomes unnecessary.

 

2012 New Year Resolution

There is going to be a lot of crap floating around out there about how to loose weight and keep it off this year. There really are many different ways to do so, and finding the one that works for you is as important to YOUR weight loss as your own genetic structure. 

So my advise this year is to keep it simple. Don't take on too much. Make realistic goals. Like loosing 5-10 pounds over the next 6-8 weeks. Not something ridiculous like 20 pounds. 20 pounds will take  much longer than that.

Adopt smaller changes in your daily routine. Like cutting back on the sweets (2-3 per week, instead of daily), or limiting your caffeine intake to one cup of joe per day. As you slowly add these changes into your daily life, you'll find them easier and easier to make habitual, and last the entire year through.

Here are some tips I found that are very useful, and easy to adopt:

#1 Surround yourself with positive people. As you begin your weight-loss journey, get family and friends to support and inspire you. Ask them to encourage you to make healthy decisions and stick by you during challenging times. Having the right support will help keep you committed to your goals.

#2 Be creative. Make one of your resolutions a commitment to introduce new nutritious, appetizing foods into your daily meals. Aim to try one new vegetable a week or experiment with different ways of preparing basic seafood, meat, or poultry dishes. Being creative with foods and recipes will not only help prevent food boredom, but it will also keep you on the right track.

#3 Set realistic weight-loss goals!! Studies show that while crash dieting can lead to quick weight loss, it ultimately leads to more weight gain over time. To help you stay on a healthy path as you shed excess pounds, set realistic goals. With a gradual weight-loss plans, you’ll learn good eating habits, improve your overall health, and keep the weight off as eating right most of the time becomes your lifestyle.

#4 Reward yourself. Every success counts — big or small. So whether you’ve decided to get off the couch, quit smoking, or kick another unhealthy habit, it’s important to reward yourself for your achievements. Instead of using food as a reward, treat yourself to other things that help you feel good about yourself like new workout clothes or a new (tighter) pair of jeans.