Zone diet and fitness blog based in Singapore

http://slysamonte.blogspot.com/

What is the Zone Diet®?

Info Source: http://www.zonediet.com/

Surprisingly, it is not what you think. The Zone Diet is a way of life that helps you lose fat and increase wellness by reducing cellular inflammation. It's cellular inflammation that is the underlying cause of not only weight gain and the acceleration of chronic disease, but also the reason behind decreasing physical, emotional, and mental performance.

The Zone Diet was developed by Dr. Barry Sears, one of the world's leading authorities on the hormonal effects of food and their effect on cellular inflammation.

At Zone Labs we continue to create a number of unique dietary products that make it easier to follow the Zone Diet.

If you want to retake control of your life, then reducing cellular inflammation is your necessary first step. When you are ready, we can help.

Smoothie as Healthy Whole Breakfast Food

Info Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/135286-healthy-whole-breakfast-foods/

Sip a smoothie on your way to work or school to get optimal nutrition in the morning.

The Mayo Clinic explains that it's easy to whip up a homemade, nutritious smoothie at home by combining a handful of chopped fruit or berries with a serving of plain low-fat yogurt and a spoonful of wheat germ in a blender and processing them until they're smooth. Sweeten it with a small squeeze of honey, if desired.

This beverage contains fiber, calcium and protein, as well as essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, and minerals from the fruit.

Fungus (Molds) found on my not-yet-expired multigrain bread.

On the night of 2012-01-28, I found fungus on the top of a slice of four remaining slices of multigrain bread bought on 2012-01-25 (Wednesday) with expiry date 2012-01-29.

I have been taking this particular bread in the last few years.

In the afternoon of 2010-01-30, the fungus had spread and there were more white patches on the bread.

I made feedback to the bread manufacturer on 2012-01-30.

I am thinking of stopping taking bread once and for all and starts taking an alternative whole food.

10 Benefits of Carrots: The Crunchy Powerfood

Image source: http://cn.made-in-china.com/showroom/lhx8399114/product-detaileqznWKdOZAUa/%E7%BA%A2%E8%90%9D%E5%8D%9C.html

10 Benefits of Carrots: The Crunchy Powerfood

1. Improved Vision
2. Cancer Prevention
3. Anti-Aging
4. Healthy Glowing Skin (from the inside)
5. A Powerful Antiseptic
6. Beautiful Skin (from the outside)
7. Prevent Heart Disease
8. Cleanse the Body
9. Healthy Teeth and Gums
10. Prevent Stroke:

For detailed info please visit

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-benefits-of-carrots.html

My third Philips Blender HR2094 (750 watts) bought on 2012-01-27, Friday at S$129.00 for BB

On 2012-01-27, Friday I bought my third Philips Blender HR2094 (750 watts) at S$129.00. (Usual Price = S$150.00 and later S$139.00). Warranty is again 2 years.

This blender is for BB to help him to cultivate a habit to take healthy fruits and vegetables and other smoothies.

I am a very satisfied user of Philips Blender HR2094.

I use it to make green smoothie daily.

People at Risk of a Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Info Source: http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-high-in-vitamin-B12.php

People at Risk of a Vitamin B12 Deficiency

• Older Adults who have Atrophic Gastritis - A condition affecting 30-50% of adults over age 50 and hampers their ability to absorb vitamin B12 from natural foods. Supplements are recommended for people in this group.
• 
  
• People with Pernicious Anemia - A condition that affects 1-2% of adults and can only effectively be treated with vitamin B12 injections or shots.
• 
  
• Vegans and Vegetarians - Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products, however there are some natural vegetarian foods high in vitamin b12and various fortified B12 foods for vegans.
• 
  
• Pregnant and Lactating Women who are Vegetarian or Vegan
• 
  
• People taking Certain Medications
  • Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec®) and lansoprazole (Prevacid®), which are used to treat gastric or pepetic ulcer disease can inhibit absorption of vitamin B12.
  • Metformin - often used for type II diabetes, may interfere with vitmain B12 absorption in certain people.
  • Histamine antagonists, such as cimetidine (Tagamet®), famotidine (Pepcid®), and ranitidine (Zantac®), used to treat peptic ulcer disease, can reduce absorption of vitmain B12 by slowing the release of hydrochloric acid into the stomach.
  • Bacteriostatic Antibiotics, like Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin®), can interfere with the red blood cell response to vitamin b12 supplements.
  • Anticonvulsants - Anticonvulsants have been shown to interfere with vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 (Folate) metabolism.^19-21 One study found that people taking folate supplements and anticonvulsants experienced a 50% decline in Vitamin B12 blood levels.

Health Benefits of Vitamin B12

Source: http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-high-in-vitamin-B12.php


Health Benefits of Vitamin B12

· Protect Against Heart Disease -
Adequate levels of vitamins B12, B6, and B9 have been shown to lower levels of a protein in the blood: homocysteine. Lower levels of homocysteine has been shown to improve endothelial function, which in turn may boost cardiovascular health and decrease risk of heart attacks.

· Protect and Repair DNA to Reduce Cancer Risk and Slow Aging -
Absorption of vitamin b12 and Folate (B9) is essential for DNA metabolism and maintenance which helps to prevent cancer and slow aging.

· Protect Against Dementia and Cognitive Decline -
Lack of vitamin B12 increases homocysteine levels, which in turn decreases the bodies ability to metabolize neurotransmitters. Due to limitations with creating long term controlled studies in human populations, no definite link between increased vitamin B12 levels and cognitive function have been found,however several observational studies suggest increased homocysteine levels increase the incidence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and low levels of vitamin B12 has been associated with cognitive decline.

· Alzheimer's Protection -
A study has shown that a deficiency in Vitamin B12 and Folate (B9) can double the risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

· Energy and Endurance -
A lack of vitamin B12 will lead to anemia and weakness. Adequate levels of vitamin B12 are necessary to maintain normal energy levels. Claims of vitamin B12 as an energy or atheletic enhancer remain unproven.

Book "The Good Mood Diet: Feel Great While You Lose Weight" by Dr Susan M Kleiner

I am considering to buy the following book.

Info Source: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Mood-Diet-Great-Weight/dp/082128004X

Book “The Good Mood Diet: Feel Great While You Lose Weight”

&ltAuthor: Dr Susan M Kleiner

&ltHardcover: 240 pages

&ltPublisher: Springboard Press; 1 edition (January 2, 2007)

&ltLanguage: English

&ltISBN-10: 082128004X

&ltISBN-13: 978-0821280041

&ltProduct Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.9 x 9.6 inches

About the Author

Dr. Kleiner has written Power Eating® (Human Kinetics, 2001), which is in its third edition and has sold 75,000 copies. She is also the author of Power Food (Rodale Press, 2006). She is the Nutrition Consultant to the Seattle Sonics and the Seattle Seahawks, the media spokesperson for Brita, and she's worked with Quaker Oats, General Nutrition Corporation, Clif Bar, and other corporations.

Bob Condor is the Living Well Columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He is a former syndicated health columnist for the Chicago Tribune, and has been nominated twice for a Pulitzer Prize. He's authored or co-authored six books. His articles appeared in Esquire, Self, Shape and TV Guide.

Cottage cheese can boost your mood

Cottage cheese is a rich source of Vitamin B12.

Like folic acid, its B-vitamin counterpart, decreased levels of B12 have been linked to depression.

You can also get your B12 from clams and oysters.

Info source:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2003573688_foodmood18.html

Spinach can boost your mood

Spinach is a great source of folic acid, a B vitamin also known as folate.

Clinical studies have linked a deficiency of folic acid to depression, in part because too little folic acid leads to lower levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help stabilize mood.

Other foods loaded with folic acid include sunflower seeds, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, wheat germ, oatmeal, black-eyed peas, lentils, soybeans and mustard greens.

Info source:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2003573688_foodmood18.html

8 simple steps to a healthier, stronger you (by Harvard Medical School )

8 simple steps to a healthier, stronger you(Harvard Medical School)

When you hear the term “strength training,” perhaps you envision a bodybuilder with bulging biceps and rippling abdominal muscles.

However, strength and power training can benefit people of all ages and athletic abilities — whether you are 40 or 85, well toned or unable to rise from a wheelchair without assistance.

And while strength training can leave your body looking leaner and fitter, it need not make you look muscle-bound.

For more info, please visit

http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/8-simple-steps-to-a-healthier-stronger-you

Folic Acid (Vitamins B9) and B12 can improve memory

Folic Acid (Vitamins B9) and B12 can improve memory

Note: Source: http://bit.ly/yyx6YW American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online December 14, 2011.

Older adults who took vitamin B12 and folic acid (Vitamins B9) supplements for two years had greater improvements on short- and long-term memory tests than adults who did not take the vitamins, according to the results of a new study from Australia.

More detailed information, please visit

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/health/medicine/2012/01/11/328631/Vitamin-B12.htm

or

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2084678/Vitamin-B-folic-acid-boosts-memory-pensioners.html

or

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_120549.html

Source: http://bit.ly/yyx6YW American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online December 14, 2011.

Diet of lifestyle coach Mr Lionel Lim, aged 35

In the article entitled “ Mr Confident” in Mind Your Body of the Straits Times dated 2012-01-12, Thursday, lifestyle coach Mr Lionel Lim, aged 35, of Lionel Lim Lifestyle Works ( http://www.lionellim.com/ ), tells reporter Joan Chew his diet:

What is your diet like?

I eat five or six small meals throughout the day to keep my energy level constant. This habit makes me less susceptible to overeating.

Breakfast is my heartiest meal and comprises a protein shake, two slices of wholemeal bread with three hard-boiled egg whites, tuna, lettuce and tomatoes.

For lunch, I may have chicken breast or steamed/grilled fish with rice and vegetables. I steer clear of any gravy or curry.

Dinner is always the lightest meal and is usually soupy in nature. I alternate between fish soup and yong tau foo.

Even if I have a night training session with a client, I make sure I have dinner by 7.30pm.

I believe late dinners are not good for your digestive system and are the cause of that bulging tummy.

For my other three meals, I have fresh fruit such as apples, bananas or oranges.

Rejuvenation Breathing Exercise 返老还童呼吸法 (Singapore)

Rejuvenation Breathing Exercise 返老还童呼吸法 (Singapore)
====================================

Please visit http://www.rejuvenate.com.sg/

At present the site is in Chinese language only

Food for Thoughts: Time - Food – Health – Quality of Life – Thoughts – Words – Actions – Habits – Character – Destiny

Watch your time, your time is part of your life.

Watch your health, your health decides your quality of life.

Watch your thoughts, your thoughts become your words.

Watch your words, our words become your actions.

Watch your actions, your actions become your habits.

Watch your habits, your habits form your character.

Watch your character, your character decides your destiny.

Top's brand +Miso Muso Awase 混合味噌250g

On 2012-01-10, I bought a bottle of Top's brand +Miso Muso Awase 混合味噌250g soup paste at S$5.00. This product of Japan is marketed by The Organic Paradise Pte Ltd.

The ingredients of Top's brand +Miso Muso Awase混合味噌 are: Soy bean, brown rice, barley. Sea salt, water, koji.

Kelp Bud (Vegetarian) (Weight = 80g + - 5%) at S$6.80.

On 2012-01-10, I bought a packet of Kelp Bud (Vegetarian) (Weight = 80g + - 5%) at S$6.80.

Kelp Bud Vegetarian --- Weight = 80g + - 5% 田园野味海帶芽

Ingredients : kelp bud, mushroom (dried), bean curd (dried), Chinese cabbage (dried), kale (dried), carrot (dried).

Made in Taiwan

本品精选海带芽原料之幼嫩部位，经干燥后，易于保存，不易变质，营养价值高。

海带芽含有钙，铁，碘等丰富的矿物质。除了含碘量极高，胡萝卜素含量也很高，另外，还含有大量的维生素E,维生素C和膳食纤维。热量低且充满胶质，是很适合现代人的美容健康食品。

• 热水冲泡2分钟，可涨约15倍
• 不添加防腐剂及色素
• 汤，炒，凉拌均适合

成分 : 上等海带芽，高丽菜，红萝卜﹐洋菇﹐豆腐﹐白菜

The product is distributed by Yes Natural Trading Pte. Ltd.

Health and Wealth

Many people fail to realise that staying healthy is the most important asset to possess.

No matter how good you may be at work, in investing or making a lot of money, all these will be meaningless if your health fails.

Green Smoothie Forum in Vita-Village Message Board

Green Smoothie Forum in Vita-Village Message Board

Please visit http://community.vitamix.com/service/displayForum.kickAction?w=93021&as=22442&d-7254205-p=1

You can join the Vita-Village community for the full, feature-rich experience. As a member, you'll be able to share your media and thoughts with other Vita-Village users. It's free and easy. Join now.

Green Smoothie: Orange + Organic Red Spinach + Cold Water– Ref: 2012-01-07

Green Smoothie: Orange + Organic Red Spinach + Cold Water– Ref: 2012-01-07

At about 4.30 pm on 2012-01-07 (Saturday) I made a green smoothie with the following:

(a) 50 grams of organic red spinach with short roots (from Fire Flies Health Farm) after washing away sands.
(b) 200 grams of peeled orange obtained from two oranges.

(c) 150 ml of cold boiled plain water

Key Nutrition Information of the smoothie:

Total Energy

= 15.5 Kcal from red spinach and 94 Kcal from orange

= 109.5 Kcal

Total Dietary Fibre

= 0.9 gram from red spinach and 4.8 grams from orange

= 5.7 grams

Method:

(1) Add all the cut ingredients and water into Philips Blender HR 2094.

(2) Press Smoothie Function and let the blender work for 1 minute.

Smoothie produced with Philips Blender HR 2094 = About 500 ml

No. of Serves = 2
Tasters: Myself

Verdict: Good taste. The ratio of orange to red spinach is 4 to 1. The leafy taste of the spinach had been very much reduced by the orange.