Sunday, December 12, 2010

WEIGHT LOSS THROUGH LOW GI EATING

Eating a balanced diet is essential during a weight loss program but in many cases it may not be enough.  Choosing low glycemic foods may be equally as important.  Insulin is released when we consume high GI foods or large quantities of carbohydrates.  This insulin thus prevents us from using our stored fat as energy and may cause a drop in blood sugar leading to more cravings.
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The glycemic index is a measure of the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels.  Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI (>70). Carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI (<55).

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The basic technique for eating the low GI way is simply a "this for that" approach - ie: swapping high GI carbs for low GI carbs.  You don't need to count numbers or do any sort of mental arithmetic to make sure you are eating a healthy low GI diet.    http://www.glycemicindex.com/
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Eating a lot of high GI foods can be detrimental to your health because it pushes your body to extremes.  This is especially true if you are overweight and sedentary.  Switching to eating mainly low GI carbs that slowly trickle glucose into your bloodstream keeps your energy levels balanced and means you will feel fuller for longer between meals. For more read "The Low GI Handbook"  http://www.ginews.blogspot.com/
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Sunday, November 21, 2010

BODY BALL EXERCISES                   

Also known as balance ball, swiss ball and exercise ball, this training equipment can be used to improve your balance, core strength and coordination.  Perfect for those needing to improve sports specific skills, functional movements (like fall prevention) or just to spice up a boring fitness routine.  There are several different body ball exercises to choose from, just make sure they suit your level of ability as some can be quite difficult. 

Choose the right size body ball for you.  To test it, sit on the ball and make sure your hips are level or just slightly higher than your knees.   55cm (4'11" - 5'4")   65cm (5'5"-5'11")   75cm (6'0"-6'7")
  
              

Check out the great body ball exercises on the "TIPS" page.  Be sure that you choose appropriate exercises for your ability to prevent any injuries.  If you have just recovered from injury contact your physiotherapist or doctor before starting a new fitness program.  Please feel free to contact Michelle for any questions or concerns you may have about using the body ball in your exercise routine.
       

Sunday, November 7, 2010

WINTER WEIGHT NO  MORE!
Not motivated by the dark and cold days ahead, well lets make some fitness plans to keep your weight loss goals on track. 

1) Winter Sports can be alot of fun.  There's skiing, snowboarding snowshoeing and skating.  Use your local indoor fitness centre to prepare for these great activities so you'll stay injury free all season long.  The bosu and balance ball are an excellent way to improve your agility, coordination and balance. And by strengthening your legs, core and upper body muscles you'll excel at these sports making them so much more enjoyable.

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2) Indoor Cardio Classes are absolutely perfect for those who hate to exercise in the cold weather.  There's spin, aerobic, zumba, latin dance, kick boxing and indoor bootcamps.  Contact your local fitness centre and schedule sessions 2-3 times weekly and you'll be as fit as a fiddle come spring.  Just remember to ask what level each class is so your not disappointed and bring plently of water to hydrate yourself.
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3) Outdoor Running and Power Walking are easy to schedule and cost next to nothing, perhaps the only expense is a good pair of runners. Start slowly with a walk/run schedule and progress from there.  Join a running group, Forerunners on 4th Ave, Vancouver, has excellent programs.  Be sure to well hydrate even though the weather is cool and always wear reflective clothing to be safe.  I would recommend to train with a partner if your exploring trail running and never use an IPOD when alone unless your absolutely sure of your surroundings.
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Sunday, October 17, 2010

Click comment box below for Success Stories and more!
WEIGH-OUT TODAY!

Congratulations to all those who stayed in the TPD challenge till the very end.  Early this morning there were a few participants getting they're final workout in before hitting the scale. The top winners lost over 14 pounds each and there was a total of 175lbs lost by 30 people who weighed-out today "Bravo"!  I couldn't be more pleased seeing so many of you succeed!


                    

Saturday, October 16, 2010

TIS THE NIGHT BEFORE WEIGH-OUT AND ALL THROUGH THE GYM...."YES" CREATURES WERE STIRRING WE WERE TRYING TO GET SLIM!  WE WORKED SO HARD THAT WE BROKE OUT IN  SWEAT.. ARE WE REACHING OUR GOALS........."YES" THAT YOU CAN BET!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Kale Chips            
1 bunch of kale
2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tsp salt

1) Preheat oven to 200
2) Wash kale thoroughly and let dry
3) Tear kale away from stem. Each kale leaf should be torn into about 6 or eight pieces
4) Place kale, salt, olive oil and lemon into a bowl and mix together with your hands, gently massaging the kale with the oil, lemon and salt
5) Lay kale out on a cookie sheet or pizza pan
6) Place in over and set timer for 30 minutes

At 30 minutes, remove from oven and gently unstuck kale from pan if it has stuck and replace for another 10-15 minutes until kale is dry and crispy

Allow to cool. Can store in fridge for up to a week

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Dear TPDers!                                                   
So, we are in the home stretch and flu season has hit our home over the last while -- so, no workouts, 2 little feverish tots and perhaps not eating in the best way. As they say, "life gets in the way of losing weight". However, I have truly enjoyed the process thus far and have enjoyed fitting a little better in clothes once again. I am content with the progress I have made to date and look forward to the next one, perhaps, to get those last 10 pounds (pre baby)!!!

I leave this coming weekend for a week long programme in the States, so I will miss the final weigh in festivities on Sunday, but many congratulations to all of you on a wonderful event! Thank you to Michelle as well.
Hugs and best of luck,
Fiona

Sunday, October 10, 2010

OMG BOOTCAMP IS FUN! 

We had such a great Sunday morning bootcamp everyone had worked off their turkey dinner before they even ate it.

One week away from weigh-out and most are still determined to see the challenge through to the end....bravo everyone! 


Family support!  
Compete with your spouse


Friday, October 8, 2010


WE LOVE FORERUNNERS!

TPD Power Walk

Proper shoe selection is an important part of the prevention
of injury. Forces greater than three to five times your body
weight are placed on your feet and dissipated up your leg when you run. The right running shoe will accommodate the needs of the individual runner and can help enhance performance.
(Peter Butler - Forerunners).   Peter's experienced staff can help you determine your foot type and your shoe requirements 
to find the best fit for you.

Forerunners has supported the TPD Challenge from the beginning showing their true community spirit... (discounts, dry fit shirts and special guest speaker).......thank you!

For more information visit  http://www.forerunners.ca/   
(click the comment box below for Peter Butler's walk-to-run program)
                             

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS DISH!
THIS VEGETARIAN RECIPE IS LOW ON THE GLYCEMIC INDEX,
EASY TO MAKE AND ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS
QUINOA WITH KALE AND WALNUTS              
Here’s what you will need to serve 3-4 people, as a side dish….

6 cups kale, stems removed, finely
chopped  (1 medium head)
1 cup quinoa
2 cups low sodium chicken stock
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 lemon, zested
juice of one large lemon
1/3 cup white wine
1/3 cup (heaping) chopped walnuts, toasted
1/3 cup (heaping) corn kernels
1/3 cup parsley
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
salt & pepper

Cook quinoa according to the package directions, using chicken stock in place of water. (1 cup quinoa to 2 cups of stock, bring to a boil, cover and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes).
Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat olive oil, add onions and red pepper flakes and saute for 3 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add garlic and lemon zest, cook for 1-2 minutes. Add white wine, stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add salt & pepper.
Add kale, 1/2 of the lemon juice and the pinch of nutmeg. Stir to combine and allow to cook over a low flame for 5-7 minutes or until the kale is wilted and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Now is the time to add those corn kernels.
Add the cooked quinoa to the kale mixture and gently combine. Turn off the heat and add the remaining lemon juice, parsley and toasted walnuts. Taste and add more salt & pepper, if needed.
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Sunday, October 3, 2010

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!                              
Thank you "Health Canada" for supplying all the challengers with  valuable information to help them achieve their goals. Publications included:

1)  CANADA FOOD GUIDE     2) PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDE
3)  BODY WEIGHT CLASSIFICATIONS IN ADULTS
4)  NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF SOME COMMON FOODS
5)  VEGETABLES AND FRUITS 6) FOOD ALLERGIES

Information Coordinator "Kathleen Haughian" was so supportive, recommended material and efficiently had the Health Canada Publications delivered to us. It was a blessing to have her a part of this event!

The Challengers are holding up their copies of Health Canada's publication "Nutritional Value Of Some Common Foods"  Download a copy http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/fiche-nutri-data/nutrient_value-valeurs_nutritives-eng.php
                                                                       

Thursday, September 30, 2010

WE LOVE VEGA!            
The challengers were so fortunate to get the opportunity to taste
and take home samples of the VEGA COMPLETE WHOLE
FOOD OPTIMIZER and THE ANTIOXIDANT EFA OIL BLEND 
during the TPD Diet Workshop #2.  They Loved it! 
For more information on Vega products visit http://www.myvega.com/

Special guest Susan St.James (Garden Health Foods - owner)
said it was the best VEGA smoothie she'd ever tasted.  It was
very generous of Susan to give each challenger Emergen C,
Nutracleanse and lots of support.  Visit Susan at 1204 Davie street Downtown Vancouver (604-688-4325) 

Suzy Szokendi (Soul Reflexions - Massage and Spa Therapy) dropped by to also support the challengers and was impressed by everyone's dedication.  http://www.soulreflexions.com/ The evening ended with a prize draw and Tina took home the latest version of Rick Gallops "GI Diet" 2010.

                              

Wednesday, September 29, 2010


NATURAL STEVIA LEAF
ZERO CALORIES
Hello, Everyone!                                             
So, I had hit that "plateau" in my "losing" journey -- particularly as I increased exercise, I found that the scale did not budge for about 10 days there -- however, clothes were fitting a little better, and I had more energy so I know something was working! This morning, I did get on the scale and, lo and behold, a 2 lb drop! Finally! For me it also represented a loss into the next "decade" (I won't reveal which) ....perhaps you can see what I mean by that!

This felt really good as it has been a long time since I have weighed in that "decade"!  With 2 young children, a business and going to school part time, I am finding it very challenging to get to events with TPD -- but, I am so happy to blog!

Hope all of you are well. Drinking lots of water and tea sweetened with Stevia is helping, as well as ensuring that every meal I eat (including snacks) is comprised of 80% non starchy veg! Also, a food of the gods called "Young Coconut Kefir" and cultured veggies such as unpasterized saurkraut is helping to eliminate all sugar cravings. I am following The Body Ecology Diet, and it has been wonderful for me.

Best wishes to you all!
Fiona

Saturday, September 25, 2010

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!

What an absolutely fun way to spend a Saturday night doing aerobics to the old disco tunes.

Remember this one.."everybody was kung fu fighting.. they were
as fast as lightning"....I love that old stuff! And did we sweat away the calories. 

It was wonderful to see so many     come out and shake their booty. 

                          

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

LOW GI TREAT WITH HEALTH BENEFITS!
Most chocolate contains large quantities of saturated fat and sugar, making it quite fattening. However, chocolate with a high cocoa content (70%) delivers more chocolate satisfaction per once. So, a square or two of rich, dark, bittersweet chocolate, nibbed slowly or, better yet, dissolved in the mouth, gives you just the fix you need ( Rick Gallop - The GI Diet )

Dark Chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa mass "supplies the body with important amounts of polyphenols that are potentially capable of exercising beneficial effects on some chronic illnesses, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases" ( Foods to Fight Cancer, Richard Beliveau,PhD and Denis Gingras,PhD )

Chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins, natural hormones produced by the brain, that generates feelings of pleasure and promotes a sense of well being. One of the ingredients in chocolate is tryptophan, an essential amino acid needed by the brain to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a mood-modulating neurotransmitter that can give rise to feelings of happiness ( The Effects of Nutrients on Mood - Benton D, Donohoe RT )

Cocoa Camino, a Canadian company, brings to us a fair trade,certified organic and kosher, bittersweet treat. This Panamanian, smooth, intense dark chocolate contains a minimum of 85% cocoa. For more information about this wonderful tasting chocolate visit  http://www.cocoacamino.com/

Sunday, September 19, 2010

YOU GOTTA MOVE IT MOVE IT!

Can you believe the sun actually came out to play with us!  We had a blast with Alistair Browne (NSGSC Head Coach) who set up drills for the high impact group and myself who lead another group through a gentle fit program.  Again "Bravo" for coming out on what started off as such a nasty morning. 

Our next group class will be Hi/Lo Aerobics on Saturday Sept 25th at 6pm, for an hour only and indoors, so I hope to see a packed gymnasium.  The class will not be complicated, but should challenge your fitness and I've selected some "fun" disco music for us. 

We are moving into the 1/2 way point of this challenge and you are all doing great!  There are still a few Friday night (7-8pm) weight room orientations left so take advantage of them while you can.

Friday, September 17, 2010

THE PLANK AND SIDE PLANK
Dear Fellow  TPDers,                                           

This week I did increase my activity, which felt good --
although the scales haven't moved much (understandably
-- water retention, I think). I renewed my fitness pass, did
a few weights, went on a run or two, rode my bike to my
one class I am taking at UBC, and started to do a PLANK
again after every workout -- quite challenging, particularly
looking down at my post 2 children belly :-( !

That being said, I continue to feel well, am keeping the sugar at
bay and am continuing to follow my nutritional plan (The Body
Ecology Diet/GAPS) which has helped me tremendously.

I will be back for another weigh in tomorrow -- and I hope to see you all on Sunday for boot camp!

Warmest wishes,

Fiona

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Portabella Pizzas                    
Ingredients:
• 1 large (3-oz) portabella (portabella) mushroom cap
• 1/4 cup pasta sauce *
• 1/4 cup soya or part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Garlic (fresh or powder), to taste
• Dried basil, to taste
• fat-free cooking spray (olive oil flavor is best)
* Points were calculated using Ragu Sundried Tomato and Sweet Basil sauce

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Wipe the cap clean of any dirt. Trim mushroom stem even with cap. (Or sometimes you can just pluck the stem right out!) Place mushroom cap on foil and bake for 5-10 minutes before you proceed with the toppings. Remove from oven. If you find juice on the top of the mushroom cap after you take it out of the oven, just pat it dry with a paper towel. (If you are using fresh garlic, you can either dice it very small or roast it till soft.) Spray both sides of the mushroom cap with cooking oil. Place on a baking dish, gill side up. Cover generously with the garlic and sauce, and then top with the cheese and dried basil. Place in the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is well melted. Broil for the last minute or two if you want your cheese browned on top. Serve immediately. (Most people prefer to eat this pizza with a knife and fork)

Yields: 1 pizza (3 points per serving)

Nutritional Info: (per serving): 160 calories, 7.5 g. fat, 4 g. fiber (3 points) *

Sunday, September 12, 2010

ODE TO THE POWER WALKERS

It was a very rainy early Sunday morning on the edge of fall.  Though many felt the urge to roll back into bed and pull the covers up tight, a few determined put on their rain gear, laced up their runners and made their way  through the down pour focused on their goals.  May their commitment inspire many as we all continue on this six week journey together.   "BRAVO!"

 

                           

Saturday, September 11, 2010

WEIGHT ROOM ORIENTATIONS

Every Friday Night (7-8pm)
Take advantage of a free weight room intro session.  Learn proper weight training techniques , balance ball exercises and what exercises to avoid if you have any injuries.  The session is about an hour long and will focus on the program found in your folders.
10 Challenger max so e-mail me if you want to join us next Friday night.  Don't be shy if you'd also like to learn a few different exercises.    Contact:
Michelle at tenpounddown@gmail.com

Nigel and Wendy were a ton of fun!    


Thursday, September 9, 2010

Hi everyone,

I’m following up on the equation for daily grams of protein 
consumption relative to your body weight in kilograms. The
ratio is that you should consume about .8 grams of protein
daily for every kilogram you weigh. If you’re like me, you’re
thinking in pounds so you’ll need to do a conversion.
This online conversion tool will take care of that:
http://www.metric-conversions.org/weight/pounds-to-kilograms.htm
So, I weigh about 160 pounds which translates into roughly 72 kg.
Multiplying by .8, I arrive at about 57 grams of protein.
Hey Michelle, does that sound right?
Cheers,
Kris Klaasen


Hey Kris
That sounds about right for your weight.  If you were weight lifting alot and building more muscle you could boost your protein intake to 1.2 - 1.4gm per kg of your total body weight.  An easy way to convert pounds into kilograms is to take your weight in pounds and divide it by 2.2 and you'll get your weight in kilograms.
Then times that by .8 and you'll have your protein intake for the day.  We really don't need as much protein as most think.  It's best to have it with every meal but small portions of it.  Health Canada recommends
2 1/2 oz (75g) per serving, most restaurants serve 6 ozs per meal.  One thing to note is that there is a fat and water content in that serving so it will not be pure protein.

Michelle
Hello, fellow TPD-ers!

I have made it through my first week with some significant
dietary and lifestyle changes, and I feel so much better - -
I have more energy, and some of the bloatedness and
"water weight" has dropped off... I am keeping sugar
cravings at bay, and am so inspired. My 2 boys are 3 3/4 years and nearly 13 months -- so, I feel that it is time that I got down to dropping much of that baby weight and started to take a little better care of myself. I cannot attend all the events due to critical family commitments, but I will participate in the blog and look forward to reading all your different journeys! I am preparing for my first post weigh-in "weigh-in" this Saturday or Sunday morning at the fitness centre -- wish me luck!
Hugs,   
Fiona
 

Hi Fiona sounds like your already getting results. Attend as many activities as you can and if you
miss some not a problem.  Don't forget to put those stickers up as you lose those pounds, that's the fun part!

Michelle

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

                                                  
WE LOVE THE CAPERS WHOLE FOODS MARKET ON 4TH AVE

What an excellent turn out for the first diet
workshop. A very special thank you to Capers Whole Foods Market for making the fantastic
"Raw Berry Crisp". The next diet workshop will be Sept 29th (7-9pm). I will be bringing the handouts and can recap some of the talk during the power-walk Sunday Sept 12th (9-10am) at Kits C.C. There is still space for the weight room orientation this Friday Sept 10th (6-7pm) so e-mail me to sign up. Michelle at tenpounddown@gmail.com




"Capers Raw Berry Crisp"     C                                                       Ingredients:                                                                                                   
*6 cups mixed berries, such as blackberries,                
blueberries,raspberries and sliced strawberries        
*1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, more or less               
to taste depending on sweetness of berries                     
*1 cup raw pecans                                                                    
*1/2 cup raw walnuts                                                             
*1/2 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped                         
*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method:
In a 7 x 11 inch dish, toss berries with maple syrup. Mix the raw nuts, dates and cinnamon into a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground.  Scatter nut mixture over berries and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve.  (serves 8)

For more great "healthy choice" recipes visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/                                                                                                                                                

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS!
To all those who have just joined the
TPD Challenge and what an event it is
going to be.

Tomorrow (Wed Sept 8th, 7-9pm) is our first diet workshop and Capers Whole Foods will be there to demo "healthy meal planning ideas".  Our focus is to get you started on shaping your weight loss diet to boost your chances of success.

Don't forget to sign up for a weight room
orientation if your interested. 
Just e-mail Michelle at tenpounddown@gmail.com
Now Every Friday at (7-8pm)  Max 10 Challengers

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

                           HOW TO MAKE A QUINOA FESTIVE SALAD

  WEIGH-IN IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A SPECIAL GUEST JOIN US FOR OUR DIET CONSULTING WORKSHOP. STAY TUNE FOR MORE INFORMATION. ENJOY THE QUINOA FESTIVE SALAD!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

KEEPING THE SUMMER GLOW

50 participants joined the TPD Challenge Sept 5th, 2010. We have officially "sold out" at Kitsilano Community Center,2690 Larch st. Vancouver BC (604) 257-6976 or on-line @ www.kitscc.com/