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How a Natural Detox can Make Your Body Cleaner, Leaner and Healthier… and Feel Amazing

29/7/2013

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 A Post About Detoxification and It’s Effects on Health & Weight Loss for Brisbane Fitness Patrons by Leading Brisbane Personal Trainer & Brisbane Gym specialist Helfi Joe
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The Most Common Question We Get and The Most Common Response We Give “How are you feeling?” 

Whenever we get asked this question, what is the common response you give?  If you are like most Brisbane people, I bet your common response is with, “I’m fine; how are you?”

BUT is this true? Are you really fine?  Do you feel lean, energetic, refreshed, positive, healthy and AMAZIING? 

The typical Brisbane friend doesn’t feel great or AMAZING!!!.  In fact, the typical Brisbane friend doesn’t even feel fine.  You see, most Brisbane Adults are tired, achy, stressed to the point of borderline anxiety/depressed and have trouble thinking clearly, and sleeping at night.  These are all signs that our bodies are sick and unhealthy.  Sick, in fact, is the new Brisbane normal.  Most Brisbane adults may be so used to feeling poorly, that they do not even realize how bad they actually feel – ie they begin to feel immune to feeling sick!!!

In my previous Article Blog we looked at the Is Your Diet Making You Tox(sick)?  What it is doing to the health not only Brisbane, but around the world as well.  The ‘normal,’ Brisbane Western diet rich in low-quality meats, bad fats and trans fat, high dairy, high processed foods and low in fresh and colorful fruits, vegetables, fibre and complex carbohydrates is tox(sick).  And it doesn’t stop there, because that toxic load is further increased by our breathing of polluted air, utilisation of  toxic personal care products that deliver chemicals via our skin.  The end result - our bodies have no chance to cope with this tox(sick) load… so we get sick.  And we are lead to believe that getting sick is ‘normal’ and ‘just fine’!!!

The evidence that we currently live in such a high tox(sick) Brisbane City, is easy to see with the explosion of  many preventable, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and even certain cancers that plague our local environment. 

As a Brisbane Personal Trainer and Health conscious professional, the thing I find most frustrating and sad is the many of these diseases have early warning signs before they manifest themselves fully.  These early warning signs can be felt via notable symptoms.  They even may be what is keeping you from reaching your fitness goals.  You see, ff your default health meter is set on ‘poor,’ chances are, you are not going to feel like exercising consistently!

The Exciting News 

The exciting news is that the way we can get out of our toxic lives is by simply stripping back what we have done to get ourselves into this situation.  More specifically, this means reducing the toxic load that we place on our bodies.  WE CAN end the attack of toxins that are battering our bodies (through harsh personal care products and unhealthy foods) and instead feed our bodies with the nutrients that encourage cleansing and inner wellbeing.  We can reset our body so that it functions at its peak, protects us more resourcefully from illness and helps us feel healthy, energetic, alive and more Amazing than we have felt in years. 

This is the process of detoxification. Detoxification is about allowing our body to recover and repair from inflammation and stress through an active cleanse diet program. 


What we do know is we need food to stay alive… Right?... We also know that quality of food is important because we wouldn’t feed sweets and junk foods to our babies… You see, we just get slack over time..  It’s should be quite obvious that the food we eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest type of poison we give our bodies.  So by making changes to our diet, we can give our body a real opportunity chance to recover, because our bodies have amazing healing capacities.  But don’t take this too far, they have to be given the tools to work with – good quality nutrient rich food.  There is no doubt, as you begin changing the way you eat, you will notice that you will simply feel better and the longer you eat toxic free, you will feel amazing!!!.

Will you lose weight and get leaner?  Almost certainly.  I know you don’t want to hear this, but the weight loss should be a secondary bonus compared to increases in energy, reduction in aches and pains and better mental clarity.  
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Reset Your Body:  Detox 

When kick starting a Detox Program, the first step we need to take is stop the ‘garbage in’ habit.  The means reducing or eliminating our intake of the big offending foods, such as, wrong unhealthy fats, dairy, refined flours/grains and dangerous sugars and processed/packages foods.  We then need to shift our focus on eating more lean meats, vegetables, fruits, fibre-rich (gluten free) complex carbohydrates, and really good fats and oils.

With your diet being one part of the equation, in addition, consider switching to personal care products that are natural and do not contain ingredients that can deliver toxins through the skin, as anything we rub on our skin can be absorbed into our bloodstream.  So select your products carefully.

Finally, here is a small list of foods that I find particularly useful for cleansing my body during a detox.  I suggest to add the following ingredients to a detox diet or any diet:


1. Greens:  Greens such as broccoli, spinach, leafy green vegetables are powerful healers for the body.  They are not only great antioxidant sources for the body, but the chlorophyll in them can assist the body to clear itself of heavy metals and pesticides that have built up.  Don’t hesitate to incorporate a Green Drink into your nutrition plan (blend is better than juicing).

2. Lemons and limes:  Because the liver needs a good cleanse, these citrus fruits can help it detox, because they pack a full punch of vitamin C - which is a potent detoxifying vitamin.  At the beginning of each day, squeeze these citrus fruits in a glass of filtered water.

3. Garlic: Garlic aids in detoxification by stimulating the liver to produce enzymes that will assist in the filtration of poisonous deposit from your digestive tract.  Garlic can be added in foods and soups by being minced, sliced, roasted, boiled or raw (for the game).

4. Probiotics:  A big part of detoxifying your body is about maximizing your body’s ability to absorb the nutrients from the healthy foods that you eat.  If your ‘gut’ (digestive tract) is not functioning well, this will mean you will not benefit from the efforts of healthy eating.  That is why we need to replenish the good microbes that live in our gut.  A good probiotic supplement will work… If you would like to know the best brand, let me know, and I will guide you to it…

5. Soluble fibre:  Soluble fibre is great because it mops up toxic residue in our system (not to mention how it helps reduce cholesterol) by assisting the body for its elimination.  Great sources of soluble fibre are non-starchy veggies and fruits that include eating the skin (don’t worry about grains).

So next time someone asks you “How you feeling”.. You are going to say “1 feel Amazing”!

By the way, if you’d like to learn more about detoxing and elimination dieting for health check out our 21-Day Spring Challenge.  A done for you program with full Support provided…

Starts Tues 23rd September 2014 
                                            (Runs over 6  weeks - start 21 Day Challenge anytime during this period)
 
        Join Us Today in the HEALTH AND FITNESS Australia 21-Day Nutrition Rebalance and Spring Clean Challenge and 
      Take Control of Your Health, Get Leaner and Feel Amazing for Just $29! (Normally $99)

                                Click Here For More Details and To Book
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HAVE FAITH & TAKE HELFI ACTION!
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By the way, if you’d like to learn more about detoxing and elimination dieting for health check out our 21-Day Spring Challenge.  A done for you program with full Support provided…

HAVE FAITH & TAKE HELFI ACTION!
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“Sucked In” Gluten Free: Rethink Again – Is It Really Healthier?

19/7/2013

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A Post Revealing the New Awareness About Gluten Free and It’s Effects on Health & Weight Loss for Brisbane Fitness Patrons by Leading Brisbane Personal Trainer & Brisbane Gym specialist Helfi Joe
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As a Brisbane Personal Trainer, located in Stones Corner, I’m finding more and more of my clients are asking me about Gluten Free. I’m noticing that Brisbane Fitness and Health freaks are going through a gluten free craze – because it’s easier than ever to find gluten free products, since many major food producers are coming out with gluten free options and the local cafes and eateries are filling their menu’s with it too.   Be warned:  just because it says gluten free does not mean that it is healthy.  Be sure to check the label for additives such as starch, sugars and trans fats.

But It Doesn’t Stop There..
You see, it's important to realize that gluten-free doesn't equal low-carb or healthier. In fact, its quite the opposite. So if losing weight is your goal, eating processed gluten-free product, may mean you are merely restricting your diet for no reason. Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not suggesting you eat gluten based products (ie grains such as wheat, oats, rye, spelt, Barley, Bran and Semolina) til your heart is content…  If you read my previous article on the dangers of the Brisbane diet with high Wheat, Soy and Corn, you will know why – click here find out why.
So What Happens To Gluten Free Products During The Process of Manufacturing… 
Did you know that when manufacturers create a gluten-free product, they remove the
wheat protein from the food by swapping wheat flour with a starch such as:
    o Rice starch (or brown rice starch)
    o Tapioca starch
    o Corn starch
    o Potato starch
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This  means a protein is then replaced with extra carb, increasing the already high sugar and carb ratio to even greater sugar/carb quantities..  And we all should know that too many sugar and carbs, makes us put on weight…

Furthermore, the missing gluten makes it difficult for breads and bakery products to retain their shape and softness when being cooked, so to alleviate this, additives (such as xanthum gum and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) or starches named above are introduced. Extra sugar and fats are also added to the products to make them tastier.

Again, this results in gluten-free bread and products actually adding even more inches around your waistline.
So Why Gluten Free Products?
To be honest, I don’t know why… In fact, I must admit, I nearly got sucked in the
word myself – it just sounded right.  But those who know me well, know that I always do my research…  I suppose people go with gluten free products because they experience some real or perceived sensitivity to gluten, and they replace wheat and gluten with gluten-free grain foods, provide similar convenience
 
Gluten Free Product (ie where gluten has been removed) – BIG MISTAKE?:
Gluten-free ingredients can have the following harmful effects on our body:
    o   It raises our blood sugar levels worse than wheat. If you don’t already know, wheat
         is one of worst macronutrient for causing high blood sugar.  Gluten free foods
         added with junk carbohydrate ingredients is even worse.
    o   High blood sugar leads to insulin resistance and eventual diabetes
    o   Makes us put on weight especially abdominal visceral fat (well known cause of
         hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer)
    o   High Blood sugar also leading to high triglycerides relating to dangerous small LDL
         particles that cause heart attack.
    o  Glycation, which is a glucose modification of proteins, that is linked to cataracts,
        knee and hip arthritis, hypertension, and heart disease.
 
So in my research, gluten-free foods can be a MIGHTY MISTAKE. 

This poses the question SHOULD WE BE EATING GLUTEN-FREE FOODS, at least as they are currently consumed?  Obviously if you have gluten sensitivity and/or celiac disease you shouldn’t eat gluten based foods.  And if you are trying to be wheat or grain free, you shouldn’t eat gluten based foods as well.. 
 
So Why Minimise Wheat if You Are Healthy?
If you read my previous article on
the dangers of the Brisbane diet with high Wheat, Soy and Corn, you will know why – click here find out why.  The are a few other reasons I’d like to point out:
    1.  Did you know the gliadin protein in wheat is an opiate that stimulates appetite and
         increases calorie consumption by an extra 440 calories per day. So if you need to
         reduce your daily calorie count by around 440 per day, cutting wheat down is a
         healthy way to do it.
     2. The lectin in wheat, wheat germ agglutinin, is known to be directly toxic to the
         intestinal tract causing multiple inflammatory diseases and leaky gut.
    3.  Disrupts fat burning hormone, leptin, causing sensitivity to fat burning
    4.  Two slices of whole grain bread increases blood sugar higher than 6 teaspoons of
         table sugar.
Obviously there’s plenty more concerns of a high wheat diet, and I’m sure you get the gist now. When it comes to wheat with or without gluten, there is thought it may be a carefully crafted poison to the human body.  

Wheat has been known as such a real destroyer of human health that it blows me away to think how many Brisbane People living on salad and ham/chicken multigrain sandwiches / wraps for lunch everyday, think they are actually eating a healthy meal… hmmm

Summing Up Gluten Free…
We now know converting to gluten free foods does not necessarily make you healthier or lose weight. I want you to think it this way:
    o    a gluten free muffin or a normal muffin is still a muffin (plenty of sugar and bad fat)
    o    a gluten free pizza is still a pizza (plenty of low GI carbs, sugar and bad fat)
    o    gluten free bread is still bread (Two slices increases blood sugar higher than 6 teaspoons of sugar)
    o    gluten free pasta is still pasta (it will give you a spike in your blood sugar levels)
    o    a gluten free cookie is still a sweet cookie (plenty of sugar and bad fat)
You see, they are still going to be high (in fact, probably higher) in sugar, carbs, additives and wrong fats. 
 
So next time I wear my Brisbane Personal Training hat and someone asks me “What are
the best meal ideas with gluten free processed products?”.. I am gong to say “Why?” and “None... Why not enjoy a healthier choice of fresh vegetables or salad with an enjoyable protein balance where no gluten based grains, or sauces where gluten is present" - Isn't this Gluten Free?

So What Should I Eat If I’m Gluten Intolerant or Want to Reduce my Wheat Consumption …
I suggest you consider learning more about our 21 Day Detoxing and Elimination Program which will certainly give you a heap of meal recipes and ideas that are wheat and gluten free.  Check out our 21-Day Detox Challenge.  A done for you program with full Support provided…

HAVE FAITH & TAKE ACTION!
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Helfi Joe
Helfi Joe, is the Owner & Chief Fitness Officer of
Health and Fitness Australia of in Brisbane Southside, located in
Stones Corner.  He also runs personal training sessions and group personal training Toning and Cardio sessions at his Personal Training Studio, which is a wonderful alternative to a Brisbane Gym.

Helfi Joe is obviously a fully certified Master personal trainer with the Australian Institute of Fitness, and is fully registered with our governing body Health and Fitness Australia.  He also has a background in managing and mentoring people for over 20 years and with such people and personal development experience combined with his technical expertise in health and fitness, you can be rest assured Helfi Joe will give you the best guidance for you goals. 

To contact Helfi Joe for training, education or to have him speak at an event please email
[email protected].

 
P.S. – If you enjoyed this post please share it with your friends using the social media buttons below.

 
P.P.S. – Please ask a question or share a comment with us in the Comment section at the very bottom of the page.  We love your feedback and will use it to develop future blog posts.
PLEASE CLICK THE “LIKE” BUTTON, POST A COMMENT AND SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS…
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10 Great Protein Healthy Options to Add/Or Swap to Your Meals (Non-Vegetarian & Vegetarian Friendly)

17/7/2013

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I know I’ve mentioned this heaps of times - you should be eating protein with every meal. So How Much Protein Is Enough Each Day? Healthy adults should aim for around 50 grams - obviously this may vary depending on ones goal and/or personal situation.

Just before I share with you these 10 Great Healthy Options, I want to remind you of my recent blog about soy
- is it good or bad...  If you haven't read it, it may seriously shock you... 
click here to read it before you continue.
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So here are a bunch of healthy protein ideas to add variety into your weekly meal plan.  These are in no specific order…
 
1. Free Range Eggs (Organic) - Whole egg, not just the white - yolk is actually the most nutrient dense portion of the egg, providing a ton of vitamins and  minerals.. Free Range eggs also have better Omega 3 density, which is one of the key elements that can go missing if you are on a vegetarian diet.

2. Quinoa - Unlike many sources of vegetarian protein, quinoa contains all of the essential amino acids, making it a "complete protein". Just one cup of cooked quinoa contains 18 grams of protein, as well as nine grams of fibre. Great to add with any salads, patties, meatballs and omelettes...
 
3. Shrimp - Grill 'em up, or sautee them in some organic butter or extra virgin olive oil or ghee. Mix with veggies, salads,
stir-fry's, patties and enjoy.
 
4. Raw Nuts – Raw nuts (not the roasted wrongly salted ones), including almonds, walnuts and pecans all contain high levels of protein, as well as high good fats.  Not too many as high in calories, but they're great as a post-workout or occasional snack, additional to salads and smoothies or healthy deserts. 
 
5. Salmon and Wild Fish (non farmed) - Salmon is an awesome fatty fish containing loads of protein and a healthy dose of super-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.  Ensure the Salmon and any fish you eat is from the sea and not farmed and grain fed. If you don't know why you MUST read my recent blog - click here!!

6. Free Range Chicken - Super convenient and great for those quick simple meals. Look for the free range option and non grain fed.  Great with roasted stir-fry’s, salads, soups, stocks, kebabs, oven baked, meatballs, patties…

7. Ground Turkey - Super lean and go Nitrite / Nitrate free if getting cold meat version. Great with roasted stir-fry’s, salads, soups, stocks, kebabs, oven baked, meatballs, patties…
 
8. Beans - Broad beans, black beans, kidney beans, red beans, lentils and the list goes on and on are actually one the best non meat protein source. Low glycemic (GI), high in fibre. Add it to any other meal – salads, dips, soups, sides, patties…

9. Grass-fed Beef - Grass fed beef is rich in conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), a special fat that has actually been shown to result in fat LOSS. ABSOLUTELY NO GRAIN FED - THIS CAN REALLY AFFECT YOUR HEALTH.  CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW!!
 

10. Natural Organic Yogurt.  Natural yogurt is packed with protein. Go with the plain non fat reduced variety and sweeten with stevia for sweet or use it for savoury too…Smoothies, with fruit and great for making some awesome dips too.

SO WHAT ABOUT PROTEIN POWDERS AND PROTEIN BARS
The many of hundreds of clients that know me well, I am really particular when it comes to Protein Powders and Protien Bars.  For nearly 3 years I have not recommended any until I was 100% comfortable.  GUESS WHAT? After long-term research I have found the best in the Global Market - 100% NATURAL, GRASS FED, ENZYME ACTIVE.  If you'd like to know more or give it a try, get in contact with me..

SO WHAT IF YOU ARE VEGATERIAN? 
5-7 OUT OF THE 10 PROTEIN IDEAS are perfect for vegetarian diet...  You see, most  people, when they first
convert to a vegetarian diet tend to live on salads and processed vegetarian foods.  Not that there is anything wrong with salads, but you can still be creative with other meals too.  As far as processed foods, be careful what you are eating especially soy based products - read my recent article why you should BEWARE OF SOY!!!

Although I'm not vegetarian, I really do enjoy some really nice vegetarian meals.  So here are a few tips to consider:
*  vegetarian recipes do not have to be complicated to taste great
*  many vegetarian processed foods are not healthy
*  most non-vegetarian meals can be converted to vegetarian by swapping foods, especially proteins
*  a vegetarian diet can be as diverse as a non-vegetarian diet,
*  healthy food does not have to be boring
* SERIOUSLY - I would throw out the processed veggie burgers, veggie hot dogs and veggie chicken.  There's a better, 
  healthier way to eat.
* One of the secrets to creating quick and satisfying meals that even meat eaters will love, is to use fresh, organic, or locally
  grown produce
* Steer away from Tofu and all soy based foods  - read my recent article why you should BEWARE OF SOY!!!
Vegetarians Must Watch Out for these Deficiencies
1. Iron - can be divided into two variations, heme iron (most common in red meat and absorbs easiest into the body, making it the variety most vegetarians fall short in) and non-heme iron (most common in many vegetable-based foods including: Dark, leafy greens like spinach, Dried peas, Beans and lentils, Artichokes, Dried fruit: raisins, prunes, and black currents).  Females are more likely to experience iron-deficiency anemia due to losing iron during their menstrual cycle. Research shows that non-heme iron alone is unable to overcome iron-deficiency anemia, so supplementation should be considered.
2. Calcium - is vital in maintaining dense and strong bones, while being crucial in muscular contractions. Low calcium intake may be the cause of cramping during workouts, hindering performance and ability. Long-term, calcium deficiency may lead to thinning of the bones and osteoporosis.  While dietary calcium is well known to be found in dairy-rich foods, so there are alternate sources of calcium such as: Spinach, Collard greens, Broccoli, Almonds.
3. Zinc - is an essential for growth and development across the body.  Deficiencies can impact everything from appetite, to
cognitive power and motor skills, as well as testosterone levels in men. While the best zinc sources are generally derived from animal products, vegetarians can seek them form the following natural sources: Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, Almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nut, oatmeal or cereals.
4. Vitamin B12 - is key for brain and nervous system functioning, so it can be quite a serious deficiency.  While Vitamin B12 found in animal-based sources is said to be adsorbed a lot more efficiently, Vitamin B12 is the one vitamin that is available only from fish, poultry, meat or dairy sources in food, as no known fruit an vegetables (although small quantities are said to be found in seaweed).  Supplementation, eggs, yoghurt, cheese may be the alternative options 

In summary, no matter whether you are a meat eater or vegetarian, protein is an essential part of a healthy diet and the great thing is you can be creative in mixing and matching your protein options with many recipes...  If you are looking for some really cool meals and meal plans, why not consider our 21 Days Detox Challenge...
21 Days Detox Challenge - This is the Simple Solution for Eating a Healthy Elimination Diet That Promotes Fat Loss, Leaner Body and Feel Amazing!!!
I'm confident that you'll LOVE the unique nutrition tips
and ideas that you'll gain through this 21 Day program... After 21 Days you  can say goodbye to pre existing cravings when you start to eat the right way to turn your body into a healthy fat-burning machine 24/7!
COMING SOON!!!
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By the way, if you’re ready to get started with a workout program that works (and you live in the Brisbane Southside area –
we are located in Stones Corner) drop on by and we will be happy to give you a FREE Personal Training Experience session You can also check out our 21Day Fit & Tone Personal Training Package for $21 on our website.  

Of course, if you’re not a local resident you can like our Facebook page to receive all the latest information, knowledge and events as well.

HAVE FAITH & TAKE HELFI ACTION!
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Helfi Joe

Helfi Joe, is the Owner & Chief Fitness Officer of Health and Fitness Australia in Brisbane Southside, located in Stones
Corner.  He also runs personal training sessions and group personal training Toning and Cardio sessions at his Personal Training Studio, which is a wonderful alternative to a Brisbane Gym.

Helfi Joe is obviously a fully certified Master personal trainer with the Australian Institute of Fitness, and is fully registered with our governing body Health and Fitness Australia.  He also has a background in managing and mentoring people for over 20 years and with such people and personal development experience combined with his technical expertise in health and fitness, you can be rest assured Helfi Joe will give you the best guidance for you goals. 

To contact Helfi Joe for training, education or to have him speak at an event please email
[email protected].

P.S. – If you enjoyed this post please share it with your friends using the social media buttons below.

P.P.S. – Please ask a question or share a comment with us in the Comment section at the very bottom of the page.  We love your feedback and will use it to develop future blog posts.

PLEASE CLICK THE “LIKE” BUTTON, POST A COMMENT AND SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS…
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67% of Your Brisbane Diet Consists 3 So-Called "Healthy" Foods that You Should STOP Eating (if you want to Get Leaner and Feel Amazing!!!)

13/7/2013

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by Helfi Joe, Certified Brisbane Personal Trainer, and Designer:  21 Days Detox Challenge
This article is seriously going to shock you...
 

Get ready for this scary statistic...

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In Brisbane today, the average person eating a typical modern western diet consumes approximately 67% of their total caloric intake from only 3 foods -- WHEAT, SOY & CORN (and their by-products).

"By-products" of wheat, corn and soy, are food additives such as:
 
  • high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
  • corn oil
  • soybean oil (hydrogenated or plain refined)
  • soy protein
  • refined wheat flour
  • 100's of related food additives such as maltodextrin, wheat or corn starch, soy lecithin, mono and diglycerides, etc,

Do you know what would be a reasonably healthy amount of wheat, soy & corn in our diet? 

Based on natural diet of our ancestors and what there digestive systems were programmed to digest most effectively (and still is today), this would probably be in the range of about 1% to 4% CAPPED of our total calories from wheat, soy & corn.

Considering that the modern Brisbane health and fitness person is eating 67% of their total calories from wheat, soy & corn... no wonder why there is massive problems in weight, diseases, allergies - we are just not meant to have 67% of our diet on these three macronutrients. 
Does this surprise anyone when you consider how frequent the current Brisbane diet consists of food that contain wheat, soy and corn hidden in them - soft drinks, marinades, salad dressings, sauces, breads (try find one without soy), cereals, pastas, muffins, processed foods fried or added either fried in soybean or corn oil (such as chips, sweets, cakes, wraps, corn chips, just to name a few!  This is a LOT of calories from these 3 macro-foods... can be EXTREMELY UNHEALTHY, blood sugar spiking, nutrient poor excess calories!

Can it get any worse for the Brisbane Health and Fitness conscious person! YES!!!!!!!

It's not just us eating 67% of our total calories from cheap wheat, soy and corn, most of our farm animals that we eat feed off them too.  For example, cows and chicken are mostly fed corn and/or soy in crowded factory feedlot farms, even though their digestive systems are not designed to eat them; and this can make them sick as well as alter their omega-3 to unhealthy levels of omega-6's.  This means our food chain is becoming even more manipulated and giving us even more of an influx in these 3 dominant foods - so even if you think you are not eating them - CHANCES ARE, YOU ARE!!!

Guess What? It just doesn't stop there...

Brisbane's food supply has gotten even more screwed up that we are eating fish (eg salmon and other farmed fish) fed on corn and soy and wheat... How ludicrous is this, when you think that fish are supposed to eat a diverse diet of smaller fish, worms, bugs, etc.  Again this means we may be eating fish that is unhealthy in terms of nutrition compared to naturally wild fed fish.   

Bottom-line for us Fit and Healthy (Not as much as we like to think) Brisbane people, we are eating chicken, beef, and fish, with even MORE wheat, soy and corn into our body

So it's actually WORSE than just 67% isn't it?

So you are probably thinking, "Big Deal"...
So, let me tell you why it is so unhealthy to consume 67%of our calories from these 3 foods?

  • Weight gain, blood-sugar exaggerated fluctuations, and reduced insulin sensitivity (progressing to diabetes)
  • It skews the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in our diet to as high as 30:1, when it should naturally be ratio of 1:1 to 2:1, causing an massive inflammation in our body, and further causing many diseases, cancer, and weight gain.
  • It creates problems with gluten intolerance -- due to heavy wheat direct and indirect diet loads
  • Hormone disruptions and imbalances in women, man boobs in some cases in men, and what's been termed "stubborn belly fat" in both sexes, due to "xenoestrogens", from genetically modified soy and corn
So what can we do in Brisbane to avoid all of this unhealthy excessive amount of wheat, soy and corn in our food supply, and finally take control of your weight and become fit and health Brisbane people?
Every time, I suggest this to my clients, they always roll their eyes and become self defeated...  I know its everywhere in Brisbane and its hard to avoid, but its not impossible... Here's a few ideas:
1. Simply, control your shopping habits - don't purchase processed foods - especially the ones that horrifically contain them.
2. Choose only 1-ingredient foods such as fruits, veggies, beans, eggs (free range), nuts, seeds, and meats from grass-fed.  3. Go for organic if you can. 
4. If you are going to resort to junk foods or processed foods (not recommended), do it on a 1-day per week "cheat day" 
    but ONLY when planned to eat out... that way, the processed foods aren't in your house to tempt you.
5. Swap most of your carbs from fruits (less so) and veggies (more so) instead of grains like wheat and corn and soy...
    Beware not all fruits and veggies are ideal!!!
6. Replace store bought salad dressings, marinades, sauces (that are almost always lathered in unhealthy 3 food oils and
    additives) with your own homemade healthy salad dressings with healthy oils and condiments.
7. Avoid unhealthy canola oils too (I'll explain why in future articles)
8. Cut back on cereal, bread, and pasta by having these foods only on "cheat days".
 
I could go on with more examples, but I think you get the message.
So... Is my Diet perfect?  Well, no of course not!  BUT!! More often than not, I follow the rules - that's how I lost 25 kilos and have kept it off...
 
No body is perfect and there are too many temptations in Brisbane to avoid 100%.  However, I'd estimate that my
corn/soy/wheat consumption is no where near to the common 67% for the average Brisbane Health and Fit conscious person.  I do this by simply limiting wheat, soy and corn products in my grocery shopping - to minimise temptation.  
  
My awareness is high and I keep my finger on the pulse, and fortunately, I get to guide my clients about this every day being a Brisbane Personal Trainer.  Firstly I learnt the knowledge and rules (educated myself) and then I took control of my OWN
health instead of letting big corporations and supermarket chains take my control away.
These So-Called "Healthy Foods" That Are Causing You to Gain More Body Fat, Than You Should?

I can't tell you how many times I've looked at my client's food log and I see their diet LOADED with foods that they think are "healthy" (or have been deceived by clever food labelling coning them into believing they are healthy), but in reality are fat-storing traps in disguise.  It's either that or I hear "that was a bad week".

The most common foods I see are:
  • whole grain breads (with soy)
  • whole grain cereals (with soy, sugar and corn syrup)
  • whole grain crackers (with soy)
  • soymilk (no need to say what)
  • tofu or "veggie burgers"(I rest my case)
  • orange juice (might as well drink sugar and water)
  • apple juice (might as well drink straight sugar and water)
  • skim milk (from grain fed cows and no good fats)
  • margarine (scary plastic oil)
  • pre-packaged "diet" dinners (additives and preservatives - soy, corn and wheat)
  • gatorade or other sport drinks (sugar and water)
  • protein bars (the wrong type which are candy bars in disguise!) 
  • overly processed protein powders and meal replacements (not grass fed an no active enzymes)
  • diet drinks, sweets, ice creams and yoghurts (with cancer causing artificial sweeteners)
  • pasta (especially too regular and wrong time)
  • so-called "energy" drinks (full of sugar and crap)
  • low-fat foods (low fat = high sugar)
  • soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil (do your heart a favour please)
This is a very constant trend over and over again with almost every client when I first  inspect their food log and the foods that they were eating that they thought were relatively healthy, and they didn't realise that these exact foods are sabotaging
their weight loss and fat burning efforts, increasing their cravings, throwing their hormones out of whack, and more.

21 Days Detox Challenge - This is the Simple Solution for Eating a Healthy Elimination Diet That Promotes Fat Loss, Leaner Body and Feel Amazing!!!

I'm confident that you'll LOVE the unique nutrition tips and ideas that you'll gain through this 21 Day program... After 21 Days you can say goodbye to pre existing cravings when you start to eat the right way to turn your body into a healthy fat-burning machine 24/7!

COMING SOON!!!
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By the way, if you’re ready to get started with a workout program that works (and you live in the Brisbane Southside area – we are located in Stones Corner) drop on by and we will be happy to give you a FREE Personal Training Experience session You can also check out our 21Day Fit & Tone Personal Training Package for $21 on our website.  

Of course, if you’re not a local resident you can like our
Facebook page to receive all the latest information, knowledge and events as well.

HAVE FAITH & TAKE HELFI ACTION!
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Helfi Joe

Helfi Joe, is the Owner & Chief Fitness Officer of Health and Fitness Australia in Brisbane Southside, located in Stones
Corner.  He also runs personal training sessions and group personal training Toning and Cardio sessions at his Personal Training Studio, which is a wonderful alternative to a Brisbane Gym.

Helfi Joe is obviously a fully certified Master personal trainer with the Australian Institute of Fitness, and is fully registered with our governing body Health and Fitness Australia.  He also has a background in managing and mentoring people for over 20 years and with such people and personal development experience combined with his technical expertise in health and fitness, you can be rest assured Helfi Joe will give you the best guidance for you goals. 

To contact Helfi Joe for training, education or to have him speak at an event please email
[email protected].

P.S. – If you enjoyed this post please share it with your friends using the social media buttons below.

P.P.S. – Please ask a question or share a comment with us in the Comment section at the very bottom of the page.  We love your feedback and will use it to develop future blog posts.
PLEASE CLICK THE “LIKE” BUTTON, POST A COMMENT AND SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS…
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10 Reasons You Should Workout With a Brisbane Personal Trainer

2/7/2013

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10 great reasons why working out with a Brisbane personal trainer helps you get the most out of your health and fitness routine.

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Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 1: They teach you new things, even in their free trial
If you are new to a gym experience, getting a personal trainer can be one of the smartest choices you make.  Many Brisbane Gyms and Brisbane Personal Training Studios offer a free session before you join in order to help you get familiar with the environment, training style, equipment, and other members.  You should always take up the personal training free trial with an open mind and not be worried about being pushed into joining straight after.  Good reputable Brisbane Personal Training studios and Brisbane Gyms, are never pushy and are happy for you to take your time when considering to join.  Remember, this also gives the Personal Trainer an opportunity to trial you too, so they can be sure you fit into their culture.  The is the formula for a very successful and powerful team formation that will give you outstanding results. 

Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 2: They can be your support person, mentor, or unofficial therapist
I must admit, as a personal trainer a really look forward to support part of my role, just as much as the technical.  It really is a balance tailored for each individual client.  Our fitness and health always seem to be the first to drop off and the last to consider whenever we are having a personal drama.  Your personal trainer can be the perfect person to talk it out with while you're bending, balancing, and lifting.  I even have regular coffee catch ups with my clients.
 
Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 3: They are your honest and objective eye and personal feedback channel
Of course, we all have areas of our body and mind that we would like to fix and work on.  Your personal trainer can not only share with you their realistic feedback on what to expect with each exercise, workout, fuel source or situation, they are also brilliant on how to optimise your sessions to target special and variations of your muscle groups, with a balanced, safe and sensible approach.

Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 4: They are better than a mirror and your gym buddy
Every single client that walks through our Brisbane Personal Training Studio and gym door, has needed some form of corrective feedback on their posture, exercise technique, program balance.  Don't get me wrong, watching yourself while you work out or having a gym buddy with you, may help you make you, but there is no better alternative to your fully qualified personal trainer  checking your form is correct and helping you make the required tweaks while you workout in a more in-depth way.

Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 5: They keep your program and sessions safe even when they push your limits
Okay, I know what you are thinking - not all personal trainers are sensible.  Yes, I have to agree - too many are way too immature, too young, have no idea with life experience, and their only association to fitness is over the top serious boot camp style training that increases your risk for injury - that is if your motivation and personal pride hasn't been damaged beforehand.  We the good news is, not all personal trainers are like this - you just haven't found the right one yet.  My team and I at Health and Fitness Australia, pride ourselves in being mature, sensible and ultra safe with our training methods.  Don't get me wrong, if you need to be pushed a little, we know how to do that, be being safe and sensible.  In fact don't expect to be pushed too hard in  your first few sessions, as our focus will be on improving your posture, form, fitness and conditioning before we consider pushing you more.  On the positive side, when you are more fitter and conditioned and better prepared, we will sensibly up the intensity so just when you think you cant go anymore, we'll help you find that extra "hold for 30 more seconds" or do  that "3 more reps", that you wouldn't be able to do on your own .  And you will see the dramatic improvements in your body shape, muscle tone, core strength and fitness...

Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 6: They hold you accountable and help you stay focussed
It's much more difficult to justify blowing off an appointment with a personal trainer than just your own freestyling time at the gym. This is because you have invested that little be extra in yourself, and also you don't want to let your personal trainer down either.  At our Brisbane Personal Training Studio and Gym, we run both group and one on one personal training sessions, and I have always found clients that invest a little more with one on one personal training (even if its once a week, fortnight, or monthly) have always got fantastic results, because of their consistency due to better accountability.  If you need better motivation, better self discipline and more focussed accountability then you need a Brisbane Personal Trainer that is suited to helping you achieve your goals

Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 7: They keep you from plateauing and feeling stuck
A resourceful personal trainer always has a new trick up their sleeve to keep you having fun and seeing results!  I found, when my clients openly communicate with me about their slumps, plateau, or drop in motivation, I can easily find a way forward with them, whether it means changing program, session, workout, shifting mindset, putting perspective on things, adjusting helfi eating habits... There is always a way forward.  Have faith and take helfi action

Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 8: They keep count of your progress
The great thing about personal training is you don't have to think about the next session, the loads, the reps and for how long, its all done for you by your personal trainer.  It's part of their job, to keep track of everything in fitness including your weight and measurement.  Your progress is therefore tracked and recorded

Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 9: They can help you work around any niggles, injuries or health conditions
As we get older, we naturally become more prone to niggles, injuries and health conditions, many of which are caused by lack of regular quality exercises (and I don't mean just walking - it just isn't enough contrary to popular belief).  Having physical and health challenges should not deter you from seeing a sensible personal trainer - a good one is skilful and knowledgeable enough to work with you and around the concerned area, while helping you progress with your goal.  So all hope is not lost - in fact if gets worse if you do nothing.  I've always found really good communication with my clients has always minimized risks and also help them get back on track, even if it mean I need to refer them on to another professional.
 
Brisbane Personal Trainer Benefit 10: They love to see you get results
A personal trainer loves to see the fruits of their dedication and your hard work.  Seriously, there is nothing more pleasing to them.  Results are not there to be achieved overnight - firstly its impossible and secondly chances are you will lose them just as fast if you don't build solid foundations.  This is why you need a Brisbane personal trainer.  Yes, your fitness trainer will show you and guide you to the fast way forward, and I always found by having a realistic balanced approach to your programs will always get you longer lasting durable results - irrespective of life's challenges!
HAVE FAITH & TAKE HELFI ACTION!
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Helfi Joe
Helfi Joe, is the Owner & Chief Fitness Officer of Health and Fitness Australia in Brisbane Southside, located in Stones
Corner.  He also runs personal training sessions and group personal training Toning and Cardio sessions at his Personal Training Studio, which is a wonderful alternative to a Brisbane Gym.

Helfi Joe is obviously a fully a certified Master personal trainer with the Australian Institute of Fitness, and is fully registered with our governing body Health and Fitness Australia.  He also has a background in managing and mentoring people for over 20 years and with such people and personal development experience combined with his technical expertise in health and fitness, you can be rest assured Helfi Joe will give you the best guidance for you goals. 

To contact Helfi Joe for training, education or to have him speak at an event please email [email protected].

P.S. – If you enjoyed this post please share it with your friends using the social media buttons below.

P.P.S. – Please ask a question or share a comment with us in the Comments section at the very bottom of the page.  We love your feedback and will use it to develop future blog posts.
 
PLEASE CLICK THE “LIKE” BUTTON, POST A COMMENT AND SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS…
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    Helfi Joe

    Helfi Joe, blogs are derived from his background in managing and mentoring people for over 20 years and combining this with his personal development experience and technical expertise in health and fitness, To contact Helfi Joe for training, education or to have him speak at an event please send him an email.

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