Did You Know?

Today’s article includes a variety of health and fitness facts. Enclosed are some fit tips that answer commonly asked questions and also some important but not commonly known fitness facts. If you want to test out your health and fitness knowledge, read on!

- One tablespoon of olive oil has approximately 13 grams of fat and 120 calories.

- A healthy range for body-fat for men is 8-15%, women are healthy between 18-25%.

- Improving your hamstring flexibility and abdominal strength can reduce your lower back pain.

- One cup of peanuts has 830 calories and 70 grams of fat.

- Improving your posture can lead to reduced headaches.

- Egg whites have no fat but egg yolks have approximately five grams of fat in each one.

- Stability balls(a.k.a. Swiss Balls) were developed in Switzerland about 90 years ago, where they were predominantly used by physiotherapists.

- One avocado has the same calories as six apples.

- Your maximum heart rate can be determined by subtracting your age from 220.

- Plyometric exercises are good for athletes that want to improve their speed and acceleration.

- Regular exercise combined with healthy eating can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

- Sweating is one of your body\’s cooling mechanisms and is related to the relative humidity in the air, the greater the humidity the more you may sweat.

- Regular weight bearing exercises are good for osteoporosis prevention.

- Exercising in the morning can increase your metabolism causing you to burn more calories throughout the day.

- Stretching is an important part of an exercise program as it can prevent injuries, improve performance and reduce muscular soreness.

- Water cleanses your body of toxins and wastes and helps your liver convert fat into usable energy so be sure to drink at least eight cups of water a day.

- A “superset” is when you perform two sets back to back with no rest in between.

- The goal of your warm-up is to slightly elevate your body temperature and to increase the blood flow through your muscles.

Karp Home Care Vancouver is committed tp providing priemium in home care to the elderly, ill or injured. For more information call 604-420-7800

Alternative Organic Protein Sources

The battle to maintain a healthier lifestyle coupled with an attempt to be more socially responsible has led many people to search for alternative low-fat protein sources which are also organic.

After researching the fat, protein, and calorie composition of Ostrich, Muskox and Bison, I realized that these products have a similar fat and protein content as chicken or fish but can offer a more dramatic flavour. In my own search, I started with the Bison Rib Eye steak. I barbequed the steak carefully, so as not to overcook it (Bison steaks are best rare or medium). As it turned out, Bison tastes great! With a sweet, rich flavour, not only was it one of the most flavourful meats that I have ever tasted, it was also one of the healthiest. The 8 oz. Filet contained a mere 4 g. of fat (12%) of calories, which is approximately 70% less than a similar cut of beef.

The growing popularity of these alternative protein sources is due in part to their exceptional and exquisite flavour and their nutritional and health value. Wild game meats offer lower fat and cholesterol counts and higher protein levels than domestic meats. One serving of broiled ostrich contains 2.7g of fat, 127 calories and 26g of protein; about ¼ of the fat, nearly half the calories, with an equivalent amount of protein as beef. Bison, Muskox and venison also offer healthy comparisons.

It is not only the less typical meats that are popular, certified organic beef is also in high demand. This is due also to a growing awareness of social and environmental concerns along with health issues. To be certified organic, the meat must adhere to strict standards in both the treatment and production. These meats have been given free range, no genetically modified feed, no hormones or antibiotics, and no animal byproduct in their feed. Everything in the process from the raising of the animal to the moment it is purchased is regulated, which means what you eat is healthier for your body and for your conscience.

These meats can actually be found more readily than you might think. Burnaby is the home of Hill’s Foods, the largest distributor in Western Canada. Organic food stores such as Capers and Choices are expanding while independent meat marketers are also offering “certified organic”. But even unexpected places such as Buy Low Foods, Supervalue and Canada Safeway have become more aware, offering certified organic beef or Free-run Unmedicated chicken in some stores. Many of the fine-dining establishments in the lower mainland also offer wild game meats such as venison, ostrich, buffalo and muskox.

So if you are looking to add variety to your diet, but still want to keep the fat and calorie content low, keep synthetic chemicals out of your body or are concerned about ethical animal treatment, certified organic and naturally raised products really are a viable alternative.

Karp Home Care Vancouver is committed to providing priemium in home care to the elderly, ill or injured. For more information call 604-420-7800