Daily Archives: April 25, 2012
LIVE LEAN – lower cost!
We have lowered the cost of LIVE LEAN starting on May 15th, 2012 so that more people can benefit from this 12-week GROUP program that will coach you to success!
LIVE LEAN helps you step-by-step establish a realistic, easy-to-follow, satisfying weight loss plan that reflects your unique needs, food and exercise preferences, abilities and lifestyle. It provides the education, skills, accountability, motivation, and professional and peer support that you need to make simple, powerful and lasting lifestyle changes and reach your health and weight goals.
48-hour program includes: 12 nutrition classes, 24 fitness classes (optional), personalized meal plan, grocery shopping tour & much more!
Cost: $585 (OR $440 for nutrition classes only)
Check your health benefits plan for “Registered Dietitian” coverage.
To register, fill out attached registration form and email it to stefanie@live-lean.ca
Anti-aging Secrets
The older we get, the more we want to slow time and delay the natural aging process. Over time, concerns about weight, skin, hair, pain, memory and chronic disease surface. If you want to feel and look your best and fight the signs of aging, focus on these key secrets to success!
Secret # 1 Pile up on produce. It is no surprise that loading up on fruits and vegetables will help with weight control – they are low in calories and high in fibre and water which help you stay full and prevent overeating. But fruits and vegetables also provide powerful substances that can slow the aging process and promote longevity. These include phytochemicals, antioxidants and other nutrients known to protect against free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells), limit inflammation, boost your immune system, and decrease disease. For instance, berries are full of Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that can help you maintain a healthy complexion and ward off wrinkles and dry skin. Dark leafy greens are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, plant pigments that can help preserve eyesight; and potassium, a mineral that promotes bone health and keeps your blood pressure in check.
Secret # 2 Maintain muscle. As we age, we lose muscle, which slows down our metabolism – making us prone to excess fat storage.To help maintain metabolism-boosting muscle:
1. Get adequate protein. Not only does protein keep you full, it helps you build and maintain muscle. Include a protein source at every meal and snack: white, skinless poultry, lean cuts of meat, fish, seafood, eggs, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, soy, milk, yogurt or low fat cheese.
2. Include strength training. Most people know to exercise, but many people neglect strength-training activities that help preserve and enhance muscle, reduce body fat, and help burn calories more efficiently. Include at least 2 strength-training sessions a week (20-30 minutes each).
Secret # 3 Fit in fat. Some people avoid fat to limit calories – but we need fat to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, keep our skin soft, and fuel our bodies. Food sources of fat have many important roles – nuts, including hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts are full of antioxidants; fatty-fish, including salmon, trout and tuna are high in omega-3s that help reduce heart disease and stroke; olive oil, canola oil and avocado contain monounsaturated fat that helps reduce total and “bad” cholesterol.
Secret # 4 Focus on fibre. Like protein, fibre helps to manage blood sugars, appetite, cravings and weight. Fibre also helps to keep your bowels healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Women need ~ 25 g of fibre per day. Rich sources include: whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds and fruits and vegetables.
Take home tips:
- Include protein at every meal & snack
- Include 2-3 servings of milk/alternatives per day
- Choose whole grains vs. white processed grains/starches & sugar
- Eat 2-3 fruits per day
- Eat 1 cup of vegetables at both lunch & dinner (minimum)
- Eat fatty fish 2-3 x per week (3 oz. servings)
- Eat nuts & seeds 3-4 x per week (1/4 cup servings)
- Eat beans & legumes 3-4 x per week (3/4 cup servings)
- Consume 2-3 tsp. of healthy fats/oils per day
- Strength train 2x per week (minimum)
Yours in health,
Stefanie Senior, Registered Dietitian
Athletic Edge Sports Medicine
121 King St. W, Suite 1100, Toronto
Phone: 416 800 0800 ext. 0 Fax: 416 800 0802
Email: stefanie@aesm.ca
Website: www.aesm.ca
Check out the LIVE LEAN website: www.live-lean.ca
Believe it or not, a pain in the rear is often caused by problems with the feet! The average person walks approximately 2000 miles per year. That’s a lot of foot-mileage! Your feet support the weight of your entire body and the way the contact the ground directly affects how your back absorbs compression of the spine. It’s little wonder that people develop conditions in their feet and that the end result is back pain.
Flat foot is an example of a foot condition that can cause pain to the lower back. Flat foot happens when one or both feet have abnormal arches. When a person with flat foot stands, their inner foot or arch flattens, and the foot may roll too far towards the instep. This condition results in decreased hip and knee stability and abnormal motion, which can contribute to increased and unnecessary strain on the back.
Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that may contribute to back pain. It consists of inflammation of the sole of the foot. It results in an involuntary change to the foot’s mechanics. The knee bone being connected to the hip bone (if you remember the children’s song) is the domino effect that Plantar Faciitis causes, and so it can lead to knee, hip and back pain when left untreated.
A sports medicine physician is qualified to find the root and cause of back pain, and should be regarded as an essential part of your seeking relief. This consultation offers you education as to the many causes of back pain, which is the first step in creating your comprehensive medical diagnosis for the treatment of it. And if it turns out that your back pain is caused by a foot condition such as flat foot or plantar fasciitis, the remedy may be simple AND effective: custom foot orthotics.
Many people wonder if they work. Those with custom foot orthotics are a good resource for verifying these claims. But not all orthotics are created equal. Over the counter foot orthotics are popular because they are inexpensive and available right there on the shelves of most drug stores. But bear in mind that they can be less effective than custom foot orthotics.
The big difference is the “custom” component of foot orthotic selection. How could an over the counter orthotic possibly compete with a custom one? The whole point of orthotics is to offer correction to weak or inadequate foot function/support. The over the counter models may offer comfort and cushioning for the foot, but since everybody’s feet and body are different, a custom-made foot orthotic to realign your posture (and correct your particular overall misalignment) may be superior for offering back pain relief. Custom foot orthotics will provide accurate, measured and proper support for the arch, feet, and legs. In turn, everything from the spine to feet will be in a better position to function throughout the day.
Still, not everyone with flat foot or plantar fasciitis is a candidate for a custom foot orthotic.
Sports therapy clinics offer both remedies and consultation in this regard as they routinely work with back pain sufferers and sports medicine physicians to diagnose and treat the root cause of back pain. In cases where back pain is being caused by feet, the treatment might well include custom foot orthotics, if the cause of back pain traces back to issues with the knees, hip or back, sports therapy clinics can also treat those issues. And if your treatment plan requires a combination of custom foot orthotics, physiotherapy and medication, a sports therapy clinic is your one stop shop for all of these.
For more information about custom foot orthotics for treating back pain please call 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca
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