Boost Your Energy With Tai Chi

Many people who are practicing the Healthy and Active Lifestyle program have found some benefit by practicing the ancient art of Tai Chi. This art involves practicing a series of repetitive moves aimed to improve the movement of the lymph, rev up the metabolism and improve physical self-control,

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a very personal discipline that is about training both mind and body.  To some people it is a way of losing weight, to others a way of improving posture and balance and to still others a way of form of meditation and spiritual questing. Practicing it can also be about all of these things. It’s a kind of ancient Chinese cure all for everything from a stroke to low self esteem to depression to back problems…you name it!

Perhaps one way to sum up this discipline that can almost be described as a moving form of meditation and yoga combined is that it is about increasing personal power. The movements also teach you to let go and be balanced even in the midst of chaos.

In fact, the Chinese characters for Tai Chi Chuan can be translated as the 'Supreme Ultimate Force'. The notion of 'supreme ultimate' is often associated with the Chinese concept of having both yin and yang in balance.  Yin if you will recall encompasses such qualities and elements as female, passive, dark, shrinking and yielding. Yang encompasses the qualities of male, forceful, light, expanding and force.  The reason Tai Chi is the ultimate dance of balance is that it combines both.

Military Moves Combined With Bird Poses

The Tai Chi Sword Position

There is no one standard for Tai Chi. Most Tai Chi exercise sequences consist of = imitations of the movements of animals and birds and some of these postures are stances used in Asian military hand-to-hand combat. However even if you are doing what seems to be a militant posture all of the poses done in Tai Chi are done gracefully. The idea is to move from pose to pose with soft, fluid gestures.’

Tai Chi can help you become more coordinated because the postures in the sets are designed to animate the energy centers in your body. Many people who practice them experience better reflexes, improved posture and less muscle tension and strain.

Be Calm Yet Energetic

Don’t make the mistake in thinking that Tai Chi is a martial art, although it probably will make you more sharper in some ways. It is mostly a meditation that helps harmonize the mind and body connection.  Once this happens you are able to generate and store more energy. In Chinese this energy is referred to as “chi”.

One of the aims of Tai Chi is to increase Chi and foster the popular circulation of it in your life. Not only are your health and vitality enhanced but your mind becomes more focused, less negative and able to manifest good things.

However the benefits spiritually and mentally are what seem to blow most people’s mind when they become addicted to this ancient discipline. The benefits include a calmer and more tranquil mind and also a better connection to the higher self.  You are also less vulnerable to stress, especially those caused by emotional distractions and will be able to work, study and sleep deeper and longer.

For more information about the Healthy & Active Program please visit our website at www.healthy-active.com. You may also call us in Toronto at (41) 440-2217 and ask for Adrienne Wright Bulow or Dr. Michael Rahman or email us at adrienne@healthy-active.com.

7 Common Mistakes That Joggers and Runners Make

Once you have been on the Health and Active Lifestyle program a while you might find yourself taking up running or jogging as a way of keeping your body in fantastic working order.  However as good as you feel about your newfound energy it is easy to overdo it. 

Here is a look at the common mistakes that runners and joggers make before they go for a run.

1. Overhydrating the Body

Although it is important to stay hydrated when you are on the Healthy and Active Program and particularly if you are on a detox diet or weight loss diet, there is such a thing as overhydrating. If you drink too much water just before a jog or run you will feel physically uncomfortable and risk impaired performance. There is a condition called Hyponatremia that results from drinking too much water that can induce nausea, headache, cramps and vomiting.

2. Ignoring Heat and Humidity

The ideal temperature for jogging or running is about five degrees Celsius and dryer, cooler weather is preferred.  Higher temperatures and humidity only slow a jogger or runner down. If it is really hot be sure to hydrate yourself slowly throughout the hours in advance of the race.  Wear thinner, lighter colour clothing and avoid wearing navy blue or black.  If it is really hot, shed as much clothing as possible before you go for a run or jog.

3. Not Breaking In New Shoes

It is a mistake to go running in a brand new pair of shoes that have not been broken in. Although some shoes do not need much breaking in at all, it is better to be on the safe side and make sure the shoes are comfortable before you wear them out on a long jaunt.

4. Being Unrealistic About Your Goals

Many people believe they can run a lot further than they actually can. If you are planning a course for a jog or a run that is long distance, make sure that you have a transit plan for return if you are not 100% certain that you can make your goal.

5. Failing to Slow Down When Going Up Hills

If you approach a hill it is okay to slow down if you find yourself gasping for breath. If you push too hard going up the hill you could use up all of your available glycogen and hit the kind of physical wall that could have you too exhausted to run your full jogging or running course.

6. Running With An Injury or Inflammation

If you have inflammation or an injury it is not a good idea to embark on a long exhausting jog or run.  This is especially true if the injury is in the spine, neck, legs or limbs.  Running when you are not healthy can cause permanent damage to your body.

7. Not Being In The Mood to Run

If you are not in the mood to run, then don’t force yourself. You must feel enthusiastic about it or you will probably not perform at your best. Music and running with a buddy or dog can help provide you with the inspiration you need to get some exercise.

For more information about the Healthy & Active Program please visit our website at www.healthy-active.com. You may also call us in Toronto at (41) 440-2217 and ask for Adrienne Wright Bulow or Dr. Michael Rahman or email us at adrienne@healthy-active.com.

Dragon Fruit – The Fierce Free Radical Fighter and Metabolic Bargain Food

Dragon fruit is the fruit of a Cactus that is grown in in Southeast Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, and Israel. It is also known as the Pitaya or Pitahaya, Dragon Pearl Fruit, Fire Dragon Fruit, Green Dragon, Dragon Fruit and Strawberry Pear.  It is packed with vitamins, minerals and even the healthy omega acids, which makes this food a metabolic bargain with a high payoff of nutrition for your body.

The best place to find Dragon Fruit is in Asian and Far Eastern markets although some high-end supermarkets are starting to offer it. 

One of the Prettiest Superfruits

Dragon Fruit is large, round and rose hip shaped with pink, greensand yellow tendrils on its side.  The interior flesh is studded with hundreds of tiny seeds that make it look like a polka-dot fruit.  Most weigh in between three and four pounds.

This fruit is available in three colors. Two varieties have pink skin but one with white and the other with red skin. The third type is yellow with white flesh. The type most commonly found in Canadian markets usually has pink skin.

Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit also has a lovely fresh taste. It is sweet and crunchy with taste that is like a cross between a pear and a kiwi.  The ripe fruit should have a bit of give when you press it with your finger, but not be too mushy.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

Dragon fruit is packed with nutrition. One fruit is only 60 calories with 8 percent of the calories coming from protein. It contains Vitamin C and is a vegan source of many minerals including phosphorus, calcium, iron and antioxidants.  The pretty fruit is also an excellent source of fibre, which is helpful for the digestive tract.

As the fruit has a texture similar to watermelon, it is an excellent source of water.  It is a superb diet food as it contains 15 grams of protein and 1 gram of fat. This makes it a sustainable choice for people following low calorie diets. It also has traces of Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Riboflavin and Niacin.  It is also one of the few fruits that is high in polyunsaturated Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

This fruit is also super high in cancer, anti-inflammatory and disease fighting properties called phytoalbumins. These agents help your body excrete heavy metal toxins. Furthermore it is a highly alkaline fruit, which makes it a very suitable choice for most people adhering to the Healthy and Active Diet program.

The Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit

Aside from being a known weight loss aid because it is low in calories and high in fibre and protein, this exotic fruit can also help lower blood sugar, manage cholesterol and control your blood pressure. Special nutritional constituents in the seeds help improve the way you metabolize carbohydrates.  The flesh of the fruit itself is very easy to digest because it is a simple carbohydrate. It is an ideal food for individuals in convalescence to eat.

How to Eat Dragon Fruit

Wash the Dragon Fruit and then cut it in half. You should be able to slide a spoon or knife around the edge of the flesh and simply unearth it from the shell.  The fruit can then be easily sliced into cubes.  The white flesh of the Dragon Fruit is quite attractive cut up in cubes because it almost looks like dice.  The red variety is very exotic looking and looks almost like a raspberry crossed with a watermelon.

For more information about the Healthy & Active Program please visit our website at www.healthy-active.com. You may also call us in Toronto at (41) 440-2217 and ask for Adrienne Wright Bulow or Dr. Michael Rahman or email us at adrienne@healthy-active.com.

Once you have been on the Health and Active Lifestyle program a while you might find yourself taking up running or jogging as a way of keeping your body in fantastic working order.  However as good as you feel about your newfound energy it is easy to overdo it. 

Here is a look at the common mistakes that runners and joggers make before they go for a run.

1. Overhydrating the Body

Although it is important to stay hydrated when you are on the Healthy and Active Program and particularly if you are on a detox diet or weight loss diet, there is such a thing as overhydrating. If you drink too much water just before a jog or run you will feel physically uncomfortable and risk impaired performance. There is a condition called Hyponatremia that results from drinking too much water that can induce nausea, headache, cramps and vomiting.

2. Ignoring Heat and Humidity

The ideal temperature for jogging or running is about five degrees Celsius and dryer, cooler weather is preferred.  Higher temperatures and humidity only slow a jogger or runner down. If it is really hot be sure to hydrate yourself slowly throughout the hours in advance of the race.  Wear thinner, lighter colour clothing and avoid wearing navy blue or black.  If it is really hot, shed as much clothing as possible before you go for a run or jog.

3. Not Breaking In New Shoes

It is a mistake to go running in a brand new pair of shoes that have not been broken in. Although some shoes do not need much breaking in at all, it is better to be on the safe side and make sure the shoes are comfortable before you wear them out on a long jaunt.

4. Being Unrealistic About Your Goals

Many people believe they can run a lot further than they actually can. If you are planning a course for a jog or a run that is long distance, make sure that you have a transit plan for return if you are not 100% certain that you can make your goal.

5. Failing to Slow Down When Going Up Hills

If you approach a hill it is okay to slow down if you find yourself gasping for breath. If you push too hard going up the hill you could use up all of your available glycogen and hit the kind of physical wall that could have you too exhausted to run your full jogging or running course.

6. Running With An Injury or Inflammation

If you have inflammation or an injury it is not a good idea to embark on a long exhausting jog or run.  This is especially true if the injury is in the spine, neck, legs or limbs.  Running when you are not healthy can cause permanent damage to your body.

7.  Not Being In The Mood to Run

If you are not in the mood to run, then don’t force yourself. You must feel enthusiastic about it or you will probably not perform at your best. Music and running with a buddy or dog can help provide you with the inspiration you need to get some exercise.

For more information about the Healthy & Active Program please visit our website at www.healthy-active.com. You may also call us in Toronto at (41) 440-2217 and ask for Adrienne Wright Bulow or Dr. Michael Rahman or email us at adrienne@healthy-active.com.