Wednesday, 7 October 2015

More on Bountiful Heart - our fundraising fitness group

Guys, we now have our full menu, compliments of the talented Krys Lojek
Read on...

Bountiful Heart is a fundraising fitness group
You achieve your health and fitness goals
While under-privileged children achieve healthier lives.

Feeling bountiful (of heart and of girth)?

Bountiful Heart in conjunction with our local GP, Dr Tony McMullen, the Papuan Children’s Health and Education Initiative and Krys Lojek Nutrition, has designed an 8 week weight loss and well-being program which includes:
·       2 group fitness sessions per week with Louise Mavor or Belinda Eady
·       a nutritionist approved 8 week food plan, with flexibility for your needs
·       a weekly exercise plan designed for your requirements
·       24hr on-line support and encouragement
·       an optional pre and post program health check by Dr McMullen
·       tax benefits for your charitable donation
·       and a great group support network

The cost of the program is $50 per week;
50% will go to the Papuan Children's Health and Education Initiative.
Sign up now for the ultimate spring cleanse this October

Contact Louise Mavor on 0414 678 943; louise.mavor@gmail.com
Or Belinda Eady on 0413 120 768; jazbin@optusnet.com.au
Or www.kryslojeknutrition.com


The Papuan Children’s Health Initiative

This non-profit group was originally established to raise funds to help underprivileged children in Papua obtain surgery to remedy life-threatening conditions, and this continues to be part of the organization's mission. Its capability and reach have also extended considerably over time.

ASP's current programs include a community health initiative that has greatly enhanced the well-being of people living and working in the Bird's Head region of Papua. In addition, Dr. McMullen's group has pioneered health microenterprise development approaches to control malaria and provide health services in remote regions; reduced children's death rate from seasonal diarrhoea epidemics; improved maternal and child health; and provided basic health services in many remote communities.

Moreover, the organization also works in conjunction with business, community, government and other entities to address the HIV epidemic in the region. It also employs and trains Papua-based health staff within a social business model in order to build sustainable health care.

Dr. McMullen was employed by BP as a health adviser and medical director between 2002 and 2009, and won a Helios Award, the company's highest employee recognition award, in 2006.

Go to www.drtonymcmullen.com for more information.

Louise Mavor – Key Fitness
Having obtained my Certificates III and IV in Personal Training in 2007, I am very passionate about helping my clients achieve their health and fitness goals.

With a combination of cardio, resistance and Pilates training techniques, my clients are able to see results through hard work, consistency, discipline and a bit of fun!

I am deeply interested in nutrition and encourage my clients to make better and healthier choices in order to reach their goals even faster.

My mantra is K. E. Y. = Keep Encouraging Yourself, as I believe the key lies in your own motivation and determination to be the healthiest and happiest you can be.

Belinda Eady – Chocolate Fitness
Like chocolate, fitness can be a treat! 15 years of experience in bootcamp, HIIT, boxing, post natal exercise and a qualified Barre Instructor. I am fully qualified and insured and together with Louise, we have more than 25 years of fitness experience.

Krys Lojek – Krys Lojek Nutrition
As a nutritionist, I believe that when we remove the foods that cause harm and replace them with nourishing alternatives, this will help you achieve your goals to a healthier you.  Nutrition is a big part of your health plan, and my commitment is to provide evidence based solutions to your health issues. 
Living a healthy life is about prioritizing. Making every food choice as nutrient rich as possible. Let me help you find foods that are suited to your health and experience what it is like to feel healthy again.


Training Program Week 1 to Week 4

Exercising whilst following a sensible eating plan is the key to maintaining a healthy weight for the long-term. Cardio training will help burn up calories but it is resistance training that really gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Resistance training increases your metabolism, helping you to burn energy for hours after your work out. It is also vital for assisting in the prevention of osteoporosis as we age, as it deposits calcium into the working bones. By improving muscle strength, resistance training also reduces the risks of fractures from falls, and helps in the prevention and management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.*

* http://www.arthritisvic.org.au/Living-Well-with-Arthritis/Physical-Activity/Strength-Training-for-Osteoporosis

For weeks 1 through to 4 we are going to start out slowly with our cardiovascular fitness and start building our strength through basic body-weight resistance exercises.

Monday: Cardio or Prescribed workout
Tuesday: Group training session
Wednesday: Cardio or Prescribed workout
Thursday: Group training session
Friday: Rest or Prescribed workout
Saturday: Cardio
Sunday: Rest


Outdoor and/or No Gym Equipment Workout

Exercise
Repetitions
Tempo
Squats
15
2:2
Alternating Lunges
15 each leg
2:2
Plank
30 sec hold

Bicycle Legs
15 each leg
2:2
Push ups
15
2:2
Do the above 5 exercises for 3 sets


Plus either skipping
5 mins

Or running
10 mins

Or walking
20 mins


Cardio

Week 1 – 2: Walk one power pole distance; jog one power pole distance for 30 minutes.

Week 3 – 4: Walk one power pole distance; jog 2 power pole distances for 30 minutes.

Healthy Food Plan
Recipes Week 1

Snacks
Choose up to 2 servings per day
Small handful of Olives or Nuts
Vegetable Crudites and 1 tablespoon of Hummus, Nut Butter or Pesto
1 Piece of Fruit
¼ of an Avocado with Apple Cider Vinegar
Small bowl of Sauerkraut
Boiled Egg
Small green salad with tomato and onion with  lemon juice and sprinkle of olive oil

Breakfast
Healthy Seeded Mix
    Forget the LSA, here is a mix that everyone can eat, loaded with fibre, nutrients and protein that is quick and easy.
Here is what you do:
Ingredients:
Equal portions of
Psyllium husk
Ground linseeds,
Roughly ground pepitas
Roughly ground sunflower seeds
Shredded coconut
Chia seeds
Mix together in a jar and keep in the fridge.

Overnight Oats
In a 1:1 ratio, place oats and your choice of milk or non dairy milk in a jar.  Add spices as desired ie. cinnamon, nutmeg a tablespoon of  honey or dried fruit such as  1-2 dates or 1 fig,  grated apple to the mixture and place lid on jar and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning mix in berries, 1 tablespoon of healthy seeded mix, or ground mixed nuts and seeds and whole milk yoghurt
Great as a grab and go breakfast

Smoothie in a Bowl
Once you get the hang of making these, the options are endless
Choose 1 cup of any frozen fruit and a banana
Add any leafy veg such as kale, spinach
Choose half a cup of liquid ie: cows and non dairy whole milk, coconut water, whole plain yoghurt
Blend together place in bowl and top with extra berries, nuts and seeds

Berry, Coconut and Chia Yoghurt
1 cup of Coconut Cream
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons chia seeds
fresh or frozen berries
Blend together all ingredients.  Place in jar and refrigerate overnight.  In the morning you will have a lovely rich flavoured yoghurt.  Sprinkle with your favourite toppings and extra berries

Lunches
Salad Bowl
These are so versatile and can be thrown together using the contents of your fridge
Begin with leafy greens, finely sliced red and/or green cabbage
Add
Grated or chopped vegetables ie carrots, capsicum, celery, beetroot, fennel, zuchini
Add
Leftover steamed or roasted vegetables
Add
Protein source - legumes, quinoa, boiled egg, leftover meats, tinned fish
Sprinkle - Assorted nuts and seeds
Dressing - Sprinkle of olive oil and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Season to taste

Frittatas
In a large skillet saute ½ onion.  Add 2 cups of assorted vegetables.  My favourites are:
Mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, capsicum and spinach.
Crack 6 eggs into a separate bowl and mix whisk together.  Season then add 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.  
Pour over lightly cooked vegetables.
Cook on stove top till bubbles appear in middle of frittata.
Place under grill and watch carefully till top of frittata is cooked.
Serve a slice of frittata with a green salad

Dinners

Chicken Tray Bake
500g of Cherry Tomatoes
6 Cloves of Garlic
4 chicken breast fillets
1/4 tsp of sweet smoked paprika
½ tsp of oregano
4 rashes of bacon
1 lemon
4 sprigs of rosemary
drizzle of olive oil
Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 200C.  Squash garlic and place cherry tomatoes in baking tray.  Lay chicken on top. Sprinkle seasoning and herbs, add rosemary.  Quarter lemon and place around tray.  Drizzle olive oil over top of chicken and drape bacon over each chicken breast.  Bake in oven for 25 - 30 minutes until chicken is cooked and bacon is crispy.
Recipe Jamie Oliver

Chicken Stirfry
½ onion
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2cm ginger, grated
3 tbsp of Soy Sauce, or Tamari for Gluten Free
3 generous cupfuls of colourful vegetables
3 Free range


A 7 Day Eating Plan*
*Please note, this can be adjusted for your own dietary requirements.

Menu Week 1 by Krys Lojek of Krys Lojek Nutrition
Every morning on rising: ​A large glass of water with lemon or apple cider vinegar

Monday
Breakfast​: 2 tablespoons of Healthy Seeded Mix with 1/2 grapefruit, banana and handful of frozen or fresh blueberries. Top with spoonful of whole milk yoghurt and pomegranate seeds as desired.
Lunch: ​Salad Bowl
Dinner​: Chicken Tray Bake with steamed colourful veg and mashed sweet potato .

Tuesday Breakfast​: Smoothie in a bowl ​
Lunch: ​Vegetable Frittata with green salad
Dinner: ​Grilled salmon steaks with basil and spinach pesto, with steamed green vegetables and smashed veg

Wednesday Breakfast: ​Overnight oats with berries and yoghurt
Lunch: ​Salad Bowl
Dinner: ​Chicken Stir fry with vegetables and 1/2 cup of steamed rice

Thursday Breakfast​: Coconut, Chia and Berry Yoghurt
Lunch:​ Lettuce leaf tuna tacos
Dinner:​ Grilled Beef Steak with sautéed greens with lemon and garlic and roasted pumpkin

Friday Breakfast:​ 2 tablespoons of Healthy Seeded Mix with 1/2 grapefruit, banana and handful of frozen or fresh blueberries. Top with spoonful of yoghurt and pomegranate seeds.
Lunch:​ Wrap - either Pita or Mountain Bread with leaf, leftover beef, avocado, tomato and feta
Dinner:​ Spicy rice, eggs, vegetables and yoghurt

Saturday Breakfast/Brunch:​ 2 Eggs poached, sautéed kale and broccoli in garlic and butter, grilled tomato, 1/4 avocado on top of fluffy multicoloured quinoa ​Dinner: ​Salmon Bake with steamed greens and smashed baked potatoes

Sunday Breakfast: ​ Poached egg on toast spread with pesto and sliced tomato Lunch:​ Salad bowl
Dinner: ​ Roast Meat with roasted vegetables with steamed greens and gravy

Your Food Diary


Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Breakfast *








Lunch *








Dinner *








Snacks *







Average Mood
(stressed, happy)





Average feeling of hunger
(0=none, 10=very)





Any unusual symptoms? (bloating, pains)





Did anything of significance happen today?





List your exercises and level of intensity today (0=nothing, 10=extremely difficult)





Average energy level (0=none, 10=high)







* List foods and drinks with approximate amounts



Thursday, 17 September 2015

Bountiful Heart ~ October 2015

Bountiful Heart ~ October 2015

Bountiful Heart is a fundraising fitness group
You achieve your health and fitness goals
While under-privileged children 
achieve healthier lives.



Feeling bountiful (of heart and of girth)?

Bountiful Heart in conjunction with our local GP, Dr Tony McMullen, the Papuan Children’s Health and Education Initiative and Krys Lojek Nutrition, has designed an 8 week weight loss and well-being program which includes:
·       2 group fitness sessions per week with Louise Mavor or Belinda Eady
·       a nutritionist approved 8 week food plan, with flexibility for your needs
·       a weekly exercise plan designed for your requirements
·       24hr on-line support and encouragement
·       an optional pre and post program health check by Dr McMullen
·       tax benefits for your charitable donation
·       and a great group support network

The cost of the program is $50 per week;
50% will go to the Papuan Children's Health and Education Initiative.
Sign up now for the ultimate spring cleanse this October

Contact Louise Mavor on 0414 678 943; louise.mavor@gmail.com
Or Belinda Eady on 0413 120 768; jazbin@optusnet.com.au

Or www.kryslojeknutrition.com

Monday, 20 July 2015

Part 2 of "I have a secret to share about how to get in shape quick smart"

(I do need to pre-empt this blog by stating that I am not a nutritionist. I have followed a Paleo/Primal regime for over a year now and can attest to continued good health, plenty of energy and a much better diet than I ever had.)

I know you've all been waiting with bated breath for my second secret to getting into shape.

It's easy to tell you that it's truly going to shift some stubborn kilos, but it's hard to put it into practice...

It's restricting carbs.

Reducing your carbohydrate consumption will give you immediate results on the scales. That is because the general carbohydrate molecule is CH2O - that is, carbon and water. Less carbs = less water = less weight.

In that initial phase, you may feel a bit grotty, flu-like even. It's OK. You'll bounce out of it and feel fantastic. 

There are many authoritative websites out there warning people against low-carb diets. I completely agree that a well-balanced diet is the key to good health and stable weight. However, out of all the fad diets that you've tried, this one is going to get you results.

So here's what I propose:
Reduce your carbs
For one month.
Just try it.
I am here to help you out if you find yourself waning and feeling the pull of the Tim Tams.

That means - no bread, no pasta, no rice. Other no-nos are white potato, couscous, gluten-free alternatives and definitely no sugar or processed sweets, baked goods, bread-crumb covered deep fried takeaways.

Rather than focussing on all those no go items. Let's talk about what you can have and it's a gorgeous range of amazing foods. You can have meat, dairy, legumes, nuts, good oils like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil and pretty much as many glorious vegies as you can squeeze in. Vegies like pumpkin and root vegetables and fruit such as bananas are high in carbs and so should be restricted too. Limit your fruit content to 2 pieces a day.

Great breakfast ideas are:
CADA - that's Coconut, Almonds, Dates (3) and an Apple. I put it all in the food processor and blend it into a Bircher Museli kind of mix and have it with cinnamon, Greek yoghurt and chia seeds. With it being a bit chilly I use the same ingredients but make it into Stuffed Baked Apples. Core and score the circumference of your Granny Smith apple, place a blended mix of coconut, dates, almonds, cinnamon into the hollow, bake in a bit of water with foil covering it, until it is soft. Serve with Greek Yoghurt.
Chia porridge is also very filling and delicious in winter.

Lunch - make a huge pot of your favourite soup and portion it into single serves, freeze the portions. My favourite is pumpkin soup. This is where you can get your carb fix through pumpkin, carrots and sweet potato. Lighter carb options are minestrone. Dhal is another way to warm up, get full and get your fibre.

For dinner, just don't have the carbs that the rest of the family are having. If you're making a stir fry, take out your portion before you add the noodles or rice. Give yourself an extra serving of greens - bok choy, chinese broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms. Go to town! When it's pizza night and I'm really needing something carby, I put a whole sweet potato into the oven to bake. Once soft, I open it up and put all the pizza toppings on the lovely sweet spud. Cauliflower can also become your friend. Try cauliflower "rice" - the whole family might even like it. Cauliflower mash, cauliflower pizza base.... the internet has an endless array of recipes to help you out.

I do give myself treats. I have two or three pieces of dried fruit and some nuts and seeds after dinner. There's usually dark chocolate roaming around my fridge too. There are fantastic Paleo websites with sugar free baking ideas. My favourite is www.paleomg.com

Please, please don't do this if it contravenes your doctor's advice.

Otherwise, give it a go. It's worth trying. 
If you need encouragement, please contact me.
Cheers
Louise


Monday, 15 June 2015

I have a secret to share about how to get in shape quick smart - Part 1

Hi Again.
High Intensity Interval Training
HIIT.
Heard of it?
Dr Michael Mosley brought it to everyone's attention in his documentary "The Truth About Exercise", whereby he performed 20 seconds of full throttle cycling on a stationary bike, followed by a couple of minutes of gentle peddling to regain his breath, then repeated that sequence twice more.

The magic of this style of workout lies in (the likelihood) that HIIT uses far more of our muscle tissue than classic aerobic exercise.
When you do HIIT, you are using not just the leg muscles, but also the upper body including arms and shoulders, so that 80% of the body's muscle cells are activated, compared to 20-40% for walking or moderate intensity jogging or cycling.
Active exercise also seems to be needed to break down the body's stores of glucose, deposited in your muscles as a substance called glycogen. Smash up these glycogen stores and you create room for more glucose to be sucked out of the blood and stored. (1)
My husband is chronically busy and has neither the time nor inclination for long bike rides, bouncy Basic Training sessions nor back-breaking weights workouts. HIIT is the perfect antidote: exercise that is over in 20-30 minutes, improves your cardiovascular fitness, increases your insulin sensitivity - which is particularly good if you have a genetic predisposition to diabetes and best of all, burns more fat.
I recommend going to the following link in order to know how to start out. (2) Essentially you will start out slow, and will therefore not get the aerobic, insulin and fat-burning benefits as quickly as you'd like. But stick with it! Push yourself to do a few more reps every workout.
So, for the absolute beginner through to the experienced athlete, check out this website to get some workout ideas: www.buzzfeed.com/sallytamarkin/get-fit-bodyweight-exercises. Just do what you can in the given timeframe. For the beginner; move steadily through the exercises, taking the easier options initially e.g. push ups on your knees rather than your toes; regular lunges rather than lunge jumps, plank on your knees.
By the way, remember my previous post about the pelvic floor? Don't do jump squats, lunge jumps or deep squats if you are in the process of strengthening your pelvic floor. I also recommend taking five minutes pre-workout to go for a gentle jog and do some dynamic stretches - that is, moving through a range of stretches. Sun salutation is an excellent dynamic warm up. You may want to add five minutes at the end of the workout to do some static (holding) stretches too.
When you've done your HIIT workout, post your achievements to us. Try to do at least three of these workouts a week. That's just 90 minutes of your time each week. 
I'm telling you, it's the secret to getting in shape quick smart.
Remember: Keep Encouraging Yourself...
Or contact me and I'll do it for you!

(1) http://www.bbc.com/news/health-17177251
(2) https://www.fast-exercises.com/michael-answers-frequently-asked-questions/

Friday, 22 May 2015

Incidental Exercise - that is, keeping fit while not even realising it.

In my experience as a Personal Trainer, there are just two groups of people: Those who have made a life-long commitment to keeping fit and those who find fitness sheer drudgery and something to avoid as best as possible. People in the first group already know how to squeeze some sort of movement, a little bit of sweat and the resulting feelings of achievement into their day.

For those in the second group, listen up! Incidental exercise isn't going to get you triathlon ready. But it will make your life sweeter. You will simply move more, which burns more kilojoules, which reduces weight gain, which gives you a healthier heart and body.

So here are some suggestions for adding exercise into your day:


  • Walk more - set a couple of days a week to walk the kids to and/or from school.
  • Walk more - choose a bus stop further away from home and work, then walk the difference.
  • Get a back pack to replace your handbag and trainers to take off once you get to work. Pack exercise clothes and go for a 30 minute walk/jog with your colleague at lunch time rather than checking out the latest shoe collection at DJs.
  • Take family walks (see the theme here?!)  It's amazing what your kids will tell you when you walk with them. This is especially valuable for parents with teenagers. Walking side-by-side, they are more inclined to open up than if they are talking directly to your face.
  • If you only need a few grocery items, put a back pack on and walk to the supermarket.
  • If you want to catch up with a mate, plan a walk together then the coffee, rather than meeting at a cafe and sitting the entire time.
  • Play with your children - rather than reading that magazine at the park, get up and play football, bull rush, whatever with your kids. They will LOVE you for it.
  • Set small, daily goals e.g. I will do 10 push ups and 20 squats and two 30 second planks each day. Then break it down so you achieve that goal - perhaps 5 push ups, 10 squats, one 30 second plank morning and night. Then increase the goal to 20 push ups, 40 squats and two 45 second planks. Make sure to get professional advice on how to perform the exercises with good form to prevent injuries.
  • I have my yoga mat and foam roller set up in front of the t.v. At night whilst (ashamedly) watching Masterchef, I do stretches and rolling. Easy. My body sure appreciates it the next morning when my joints don't creak as much. 
  • Use free online exercise videos. I love www.doyogawithme.com and www.yogadownloads.com. You can do a fantastic workout in just 20 minutes in the comfort of your own home.
  • Smile while you exercise. It tricks the brain into thinking you are actually enjoying it. And who knows........ you just might start to enjoy it?!
  • Keep Encouraging Yourself.


Thanks for your time.
Please contact me on louise.mavor@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Cheers
Louise

Friday, 15 May 2015

Some KEY things to remember about.... ahem....Pelvic Floor

This week I was doing some study on the delicate topic of pelvic floor. As a Personal Trainer to mums, it is a topic I try to keep myself well informed on. Now having these facts and information I would like to pass on my newfound wisdom.

The pelvic floor muscles are like a sling or trampoline that run from the pubic bone back through to the bottom of the spine. The pelvic floor muscles work as part of the core, along with the abdominal, back and breathing muscles to regulate the abdominal pressure. This pressure is increased in our core region as we pick up a weight, jump, sneeze. The pelvic floor muscles can become compromised through child bearing and child birth. The brutal truth is that if, many years after your last child was born, you are still leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, jump or run, then you need to work on strengthening your pelvic floor. I remember my physiotherapist telling me about a youtube video in which a gynaecologist cheerily admits to peeing whilst skipping AND says it's ok - it apparently had the physiotherapy world in a state. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKzq1upNIgU). A weak pelvic floor is not something you just have to put up with. 

Personal Trainers have been cueing our clients to pull their navel to spine in order to brace and strengthen the core. However in doing so, some women are placing undue strain on their pelvic floor by bearing down on these muscles rather than lifting them up.  

So, some KEY things to remember about your pelvic floor are

  • Firstly, feel ok about telling your PT that you need to work on strengthening your pelvic floor muscles.
  • Become conscious of drawing your pelvic floor muscles up (a gentle contraction as if trying to hold off from urinating and passing wind) BEFORE drawing in your navel to spine. The upper abdominals and butt muscles stay relaxed and you should still be able to breathe easily whilst holding this contraction. Activate these core muscles prior to and during any resistance exercises.
  • Avoid holding your breath and drawing your navel to spine forcefully during exercise. This increases the abdominal pressure and puts undue strain on your pelvic floor.
  • Avoid lifting heavy weights, doing deep squats and high impact exercises until you have rehabilitated the pelvic floor muscles. 
  • Finally, there is always a pelvic floor-friendly version of the exercise you are performing. Rather than deep squats, squat with your back against a Swiss ball and keep your knees just a handspan apart; use a Swiss ball to support you in upper body resistance exercises; do push ups against a wall. Just ask your PT for a safe alternative.
  • Avoid sit ups, plank and most ab exercises until you have regained strength and control over your pelvic floor muscles. 
  • Treat these damaged muscles like you would any other injury. Increase your work out intensity and duration gradually.
  • To increase the strength of your pelvic floor practice drawing up these muscles (a gentle contraction as if trying to hold off from urinating and passing wind), for 10 seconds, then relax and repeat 5-10 times. Try doing this during the day, say morning, noon and night. Increase the contraction incrementally until you can hold it for more than 40 seconds. 
If you have any more questions, please contact me on louise.mavor@gmail.com
Keep Encouraging Yourself