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Brussel Sprout Hazelnut Slaw

12/1/2020

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Who would think that this recipe can improve heart blood flow, possibly eliminating the risk for heart disease including heart attack and stroke.  
The nutrient Vitamin K found in these vegetables may be involved in inhibiting the calcification process (narrowing) that occurs in our blood vessels. So eat up! This recipe makes an amazing side dish option.
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Ingredients:
3/4 lb. Brussels sprouts, shredded
2 medium carrots, shredded
1 pear, thinly sliced
2 scallions (green onion), thinly sliced
3 oz. prosciutto, chopped
1/2 C pomegranate seeds or 1/3 C dried cherries
3 T extra-virgin olive oil
juice of 1/2 orange
2 T maple syrup
1/4 C hazelnuts
2 t Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:
In a large bowl, toss together Brussels sprouts, carrot, pear, scallion, prosciutto, and pomegranate seeds or dried cherries. Place olive oil, orange juice, maple syrup, hazelnuts, mustard, garlic, and a couple of pinches each of salt and pepper in a blender container and blend until slightly chunky. Toss dressing with slaw. Makes six servings.
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7 Steps to a Healthier Heart

2/1/2020

 
Now that the peak of New Year's resolution season has come and gone, many of us have abandoned our grand visions for 2020. Big-picture goals, which are often vague and too ambitious, sometimes fall by the wayside as life inevitably gets in the way.  
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But that's no reason to give up on better health this year. In fact, February – also known as Heart Month – is the perfect time to focus on improving your heart health. The key is structuring that goal in a way that keeps you motivated throughout the year. 
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  • Get active. It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise or a combination of the two.

  • Control cholesterol. Everyone should know his or her cholesterol level. If your LDL cholesterol (known as "bad" cholesterol) is 200 or higher, you're in a high-risk category and should consider making important lifestyle changes.

  • Eat healthier. A natural, whole foods diet and active lifestyle will help you fight cardiovascular disease. Visit the AHA's website for guidelines and suggestions.

  • Manage blood pressure. High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Know your numbers and modify your lifestyle as needed to normalize your blood pressure. There are many natural ways of doing like 

  • Lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, you can reduce your risk for heart disease by losing weight and keeping it off. It's a matter of balancing healthy eating with physical activity. Remember, calories in vs. calories out balance! 

  • Reduce blood sugar. Again, it's important to know your numbers. If you have diabetes. work closely with your health care provider to manage the disease and any other risk factors.

  • Stop smoking. Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death North America. If you are a smoker, do everything you can to quit. 

Now, we know what you're thinking: So, you just want me to lose weight, eat right, exercise regularly, quit smoking and keep my blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar down? Fat chance!

But the truth is, each objective really is attainable through manageable behavioral changes. The first step is to find out where you stand. Go to the AHA's website and complete the simple assessment to find out what areas you already excel in, where you need to make improvements and what information you may want to ask your doctor about. For example, if you don't smoke, you've already achieved one of your seven big-picture goals. Don't know your blood sugar levels? That's something you should probably discuss with your doctor. In addition, the assessment will reveal areas where you can improve your diet, how much exercise you need to add to your day and where you stand in terms of body weight and other variables.

Now that you know your long-term goals, it's time to incorporate behaviour changes throughout your day and week to help you progress. Need to get moving? Consider joining us for a gym membership and/or trying some of our fitness classes. Or start with a commitment to walking a 2 km loop in your neighbourhood several days a week. Short on fruits and veggies? Start by adding one piece of fruit to your breakfast each day and eat a salad as part of your dinner three days each week. You can also boost your vegetable content with VegeGreens super food powder, which is availble at the club. Is your blood pressure too high? Talk to your doctor about ways to control it - there are many natural ways to do this. As those new behaviours become habits, you can modify them as needed.

Eventually, small behaviour tweaks will become big changes. They'll also provide frequent successes that keep you motivated throughout the year. Every time you join a fitness class or walk that 2 km loop, for instance, you've achieved another goal!

Remember, lifestyle change is not an all-or-nothing proposition. It may be quite some time before you meet every aspect of the dietary recommendations, or achieve every one of the 7 steps – if ever. But every improvement counts, as does every pound lost. For instance, losing 50 pounds to get back down to your college weight may not be achievable right now, but losing 10 percent of your body weight could lead to dramatic improvements in your health. Likewise, you may not be able to exercise every day, but every moment of physical activity counts. The successes will accumulate and become their own type of habit. It's all about perspective and acknowledging your achievements along the way. You CAN do it! 
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Tips to Avoid Excess Weight Gain During the Holidays

12/1/2019

 
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With all the celebrations and family gatherings this holiday season, are you concerned about maintaining your current weight? If you think about your energy balance (energy in vs. energy out) it is very easy to see how over the holidays you eat a little more and move a little less, which leads to some weight gain.

During the holiday season, the average person gains 5-12 lbs! Fortunately, though, you don’t have to fall victim to excess holiday bulge with these fitness tips...

Tip #1 – Write it down
Create a plan during the holiday season and write down your goals. For most people, the act of actually sitting down and writing out a plan of action, helps them to stay focused and increases their chances of following through. Make sure your goals are realistic and plan out some daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Make sure your plan contains some of the following tips in it as well.

Tip #2 – Get moving and make exercise a priority
During the holidays, most people cut out exercise because they say that they “don’t have the time.” Wrong–you do have the time! You don’t have to exercise an hour every day to get the benefits of exercise. If you are pressed for time, try some interval training which can burn more calories than an hour of steady-state cardio and can be done in only 20 minutes. Another way to burn extra calories in a shorter period of time is to perform some strength training workouts. Interval training and strength training both create an exercise-after burn which allows your body to continue burning additional calories even while you rest for up to 36 hours or more.

Tip #3 – Drink water
This really isn’t anything new, we all know that we need water to stay hydrated, but it’s more than just hydration. Sometimes the lack of adequate amounts of water in our diet can cause us to feel hungry when we are really not. Many people end up packing on extra calories because they think that they are hungry when really all they need is some water. Water helps keep our metabolism running at peak performance and aids in the digestion of foods so, drink up!

Tip #4 – Don’t skip meals
Holiday season means huge meals and huge appetites. On these days people generally tend to skip breakfast or lunch in anticipation of that big holiday dinner. The problem is that this tends to cause people to overeat and really pack on the pounds. Skipping meals slows the metabolism and aids in fat storage. Make sure to eat a few small meals before your holiday dinner to help minimize overeating and save yourself a 1,000 calories.

Tip #5 – Moderation
Watching what you eat and losing weight doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself every now and then. The problem is that when most people go to treat themselves, they over-do it. Go ahead and grab a small piece of the pie, but remember to think in moderation and avoid going for seconds on dessert. Eating a few small meals and a small salad before your holiday dinner can help you avoid those cravings for sweets and help keep you feeling full.

Tip #6 – Minimize alcohol
One gram of alcohol contains 7 calories which is nearly double the amount contained in one gram of carbohydrate (4 calories) and is only two calories shy of a gram of fat (9 calories). These 7 calories per gram don’t even include all the calories and sugar you may take it if you mix your alcohol with something else. Drinking alcohol is a quick way to pack on excess calories and weight. If you plan on drinking, just remember moderation.

Tip #7 – Get some sleep
Lack of sleep has been shown to aid in the accumulation of belly fat which can be very dangerous to your health. Make sure, even though holidays are a busy time of the year, that you are getting enough sleep. 

Hearty Chia Breakfast Bowl

2/1/2019

 
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​Chia seeds are packed with nutrients. A mere 2 tablespoons pack 8 g of fiber, 4 g of protein, and 2 g of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants — not too shabby for a tiny seed! Even more spectacular than its health value is its thickening ability, which can turn a plain cup of liquid into a creamy pudding. In just a few easy steps, you can make yourself the most delicious and hearty breakfast to keep you full and energized for hours. 

Rolled oats, chia seeds, and cacao nibs make up the base of this breakfast bowl. Although chia seeds don’t provide any flavor, when soaked in liquids, it adds a great deal of texture. The longer you let it sit, the more the chia seed will plump up.

We use almond milk , but you can substitute any kind of non-dairy milk you prefer. For a touch of sweetness, you can add maple syrup or raw honey. 
There are endless variations when it comes to toppings. The fun part comes with the variety of toppings and mix-ins!
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OATMEAL TOPPINGS GALORE: This chia oatmeal breakfast bowl is topped with granola, blackberries, and blood orange segments. Get creative though - next time try loading your oatmeal with toasted almonds, sliced banana, and a handful of chocolate chunks. And if you're feeling tropical, maybe add some shredded coconut, pineapple slices, and chopped macadamia nuts. Enjoy! 

Ingredients: 
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats 
  • 3 Tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 Tablespoons cacao nibs
  • 1 1/3 cup almond milk
  • toppings: granola, berries, citrus, nuts
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Directions: 
  1. In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds and almond milk. Fold to combine until ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover and let rest at least 1 hour in the fridge (overnight is best).
  2. Divide chia oatmeal between two serving bowls. Add additional almond milk, if desired. Add toppings and serve immediately.


Everyone’s Favourite Roasted Vegetables


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Roasting adds a savory depth of flavor one can only achieve once a bit of caramelization has occurred, and creates crispy edges, which are a textural delight.

Ingredients:
• 1 bunch Asparagus, Ends Cut Off, Chopped Into 2-3 Inch Pieces 
• 1 Red Onion, peeled and chopped 
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped 
• 8 oz. Mushrooms (any Kind), quartered or halved 
• 1 medium eggplant, chopped into cubes 
• 1/2 butternut squash, peeled and cubed 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• Salt & pepper, to taste 
• 1 tsp. steak seasoning (your favourite brand) 
• 1/3 cup Olive Oil
 
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. 
2. Mix all of the vegetables in a large bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and steak seasonings. 
4. Gently toss to coat all of the veggies. 
5. Spread veggies out on two baking sheets.
6. Roast for 20 minutes, shaking the pans 2x while roasting. If needed, roast for an additional 5-10 minutes.
 
Enjoy!!

Why Does Weight Fluctuate? And What You Can Do About It!

11/15/2018

 
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We know you’ve been doing your best to eat healthy and exercise, and along with this most likely, this means you’re weighing yourself and seeing some fluctuation. But don’t fret, there are many reasons for this!

  • We all know that staying hydrated is super important to healthy bodily functions, but this also means that you if you drink more water one day over another, you may have seen a decrease in weight yesterday because you weren’t hydrated well enough. Remember when you’re weighing yourself you’re not just weighing fat, there is muscle, bones, organs, and fluid being weighed as well. So stay consistently hydrated.
 
  • Did you strength train the day before? If so you’re body is doing it’s natural physiological thing…when you strength train the intensity of it can cause inflammation, which isn’t a bad thing in this case. It means your muscles are recovering from the tiny tears created by the workout and rebuilding it’s fibers, that is making muscle!
 
  • You may be surprised about how much sodium is packed into foods, even foods you wouldn’t have guessed. It’s possible you may just be eating too much salt. Too much salt results in a bloated belly, and a few extra pounds. Remember packaged foods typically have loads of salt, shop the perimeter of your grocery store and you’ll find the healthiest foods with the least sodium.
 
  • Carbs. We all have a love hate relationship with them right? But you do know you also know you should be eating complex carbs that provide you with fiber and energy, and too many of the simple carbs means you body makes up for it by retaining water. Water retention equals an increase in the scale.
 
  • If you don’t have regular trips to the bathroom and you’re constipated, that will show up on the scale. Remember to include foods rich in fiber like spinach and other greens, sweet potatoes, beans, peas and lentils, and seeds such as chia and flax.
 
  • For women, it could be that time of the month. Prior to your period weight can increase just due to hormones…wait to weigh yourself after you have started your cycle.
 
  • Did you know just the weekend can make a difference? Weights tend to go down during the workweek, Friday being the lowest point and Monday being the highest.
 
Need help understanding nutrition and the scale? Contact Us at Functional Performance Fitness so we can discuss which of our programs, both fitness and nutritional will work best for you. Functional Performance Fitness has many programs for nutrition, exercise and recovery – contact us now!

Vegan Halloween Cupcake Monsters

10/29/2018

 
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Feasting on Fruit using just 13 ingredients with only 230 calories and 85 minutes of your time.

A fun and healthy recipe to make and share with the kids!
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Ingredients
  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup cacao (or cocoa powder)
  • 3/4 cup oat flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup purple sweet potato (baked and mashed)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 6 tablespoons milk (non-dairy)
  • 3 green grapes (or kiwi berries)
  • mini chocolate chips
  • chocolate
  • sprinkles

Brought to you by 
Yummly!

Eggs with Beet & Kale Hash

10/1/2018

 
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​Beets contain a unique phytonutrients pigments. These pigments can provide powerful antioxidant protection. They are particularly rich in folate acid, excellent in B1 & B2 vitamin important for a healthy heart and essential for normal tissue growth. Not only are beets are high in nutrients, but are very low in calories. 1 cup of cooked beets contains 75 calories. Enjoy this meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
 
Ingredients: 
• 1 lb. beets, washed, peeled and diced 
• 1/2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and diced 
• 1 sweet onion, diced 
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, smashed and chopped 
• Beet greens (from 6 beets), chopped 
• 5-6 kale leaves, ribs removed, chopped 
• 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil 
• Handful fresh parsley 
• 3-4 fried eggs
 
Directions: 
1. In a fry pan, put in diced raw beets and potatoes with plus enough water to cover them (about 3 cups). Season with salt and bring to a boil and cook for about 7 minutes. 
2. Drain and set aside the beets and potatoes. 
3. In the same pan, add olive oil, onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes. 
4. Add in kale and beet greens, and cook until wilted (2- 3 mins). Set aside. 
5. Heat oil in the fry pan over med-high heat. Add back potatoes and beets and press firmly into a layer, and allow the veggies to brown. Once crispy, flip to the other side. 
6. Add kale and beet greens, stirring to combine. Let the entire mixture crisp up for another few minutes. 
7. Top with 3-4 fried eggs and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!!

Delicious & Healthy Baked Pears

9/1/2018

 
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​Bosc and Comice pears are in season in the fall!
Delicious & Healthy Baked Pears
(serves four)
​Ingredients:
• 2 large ripe pears
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1/4 cup crushed walnuts
 
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the pears in half, and place on a baking sheet (inside facing up)
3. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon, top with walnuts, and then drizzle 1/2 tsp. honey over each pear.
5. Bake for about 30 minutes. Remove, cool & enjoy!
 
DELICIOUS!

Rainbow Boats

7/1/2018

 
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​A delicious side for your summer BBQ!
​
(Servings 2-4)

​Ingredients:
• 1 head romaine lettuce (organic if possible, separated into individual leaves)
• 1/2 cup beet store bought hummus (no preservatives)

• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

• 1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3/4 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 ripe avocado, cubed

• 1 tbsp. hemp seeds
 
For the Sauce:
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. maple syrup
• Pinch sea salt
• Water to thin, if needed
 
Directions:
1. Prepare sauce by whisking tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt in a small mixing bowl. Add water 1 tbsp. at a time, until dressing thickness is to your liking. Taste and adjust flavor as needed. Set aside.
 
2. Arrange lettuce “boats” on a platter, and begin filling with 1-2 tbsp. of hummus. Top with lots of veggies.
 
3. Drizzle the dressing over the top, and serve.

Got Water? Reasons to Drink More H2O

6/15/2018

 
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We all know water is good for us and that we should probably drink more of it. So why, then, do people find it so difficult to sip from what is arguably the fountain of youth?
 
We're all guilty of it -- choosing a can of pop over a bottle of water. But what happens when our kids develop the same habits? Forty-five percent of Canadians drink an average of four or more non-water beverages per day, according to a survey released for Nestle Waters Canada. In the survey, 22 percent of respondents said their child drinks fruit juice the most often.
 
"It's scary to think about, but it does grab my attention," says Sherry Torkos, pharmacist and author of The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. "This issue needs attention because it can lead to larger health threats, especially for kids."
 
Water provides the body with health benefits…just take a look at how water helps:
 
•    It balances body fluids. Your body is composed of about 60 percent water and performs vital functions such as protecting your organs and tissues, regulating your body temperature and carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells—essentially it keeps your body running like a well-oiled machine.
 
•    It keeps skin looking healthy. Water moisturizes your skin and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss (think free anti-aging cream). In addition, it can keep your skin fresh and smooth.
 
•    It boosts the immune system. Those who guzzle water are at a lower risk of getting sick. This crystal-clear concoction may help fight against flu and other ailments.
 
•    It can help control calories. While drinking water may not be a weight-loss strategy, per se, substituting it for higher-calorie or sugar-filled beverages can help by removing by products of fat, filling you up so you’re not noshing, acts as a natural appetite suppressant and raises your metabolism.
 
Some additional reasons to get enough water throughout the day:
 
1. Maximize your physical performance.
2. Increase the your energy and brain function.
3. May prevent and treat headaches.
4. May relieve constipation.
 
You get it right? It’s important to get enough water, but how much is enough? There is so much information out there about what amount is the right amount, but a good guideline is to drink enough water so that you don’t feel thirsty – you’re body WILL tell you. And keep in mind the right amount of water is going to depend on your activities throughout the day. You’ll definitely need more water if you’re exercising, especially in humid or hot weather, if you’re ill, or you’re pregnant.
 
But, if you’re someone that needs a hard fast rule to go by, “The National Academies of Sciences suggests that women consume a total of approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of water from all beverages and foods each day and that men get approximately 3.7 liters (125 ounces) daily. But these are just general guidelines and are not supported by firm scientific studies.”

Have more questions about hydrating for optimum health? Contact Natatia at Functional Performance Fitness. - she’ll help you get on the road to proper hydration. 
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    Author

    I'm Natatia Gemmell. No matter how busy life gets, eating well and exercising is always a priority! I LOVE fitness, and I share my passion for exercising and clean eating with my friends and family, And I want to share with you too! Let me know how your next recipe turns out!

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Functional Performance Fitness

Settlers Ridge Centre Mall              
275 Brockville St, Unit 14
Smiths Falls, ON
K7A 4Z6

Phone: (613) 205-1234
Email: info@functionalperformancefitness.ca
www.FunctionalPerformanceFitness.ca

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Saturday: 8 am - 12 pm

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  • Services
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