Definition Health Club Sea Eagles - Health & Fitness Blog

Which fruit is the clear front-runner when it comes to antioxidants? Hint: It’s smaller than a grape and darker than a blueberry.
It’s the acai (pronounced "ah-sigh-EE") berry, and it may beat every other fruit or vegetable by a mile. Case in point: The freeze-dried berry has 30 times the disease-arresting anthocyanins of red grapes.

Cholesterol, Cancer, and . . .
The berries are so nutritious, writes John La Puma, MD, author of ChefMD’s Big Book of Culinary Medicine, that they may help lower bad cholesterol, inhibit inflammation, and fight off arthritis. They may even have cancer-fighting powers. In a lab study, acai berry extract killed between 45 and 86 percent of a sample of human leukemia cells.

Drink Up
The antioxidant quotient is reason enough to eat this fruit, but acai berries are also chock-full of B vitamins, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, and sulfur. In South America, acai berries are pureed and served warm as a sauce or soup. Check your local health-food store for acai juice, smoothies, and other products containing this berry nutritious fruit.

For further info and SPECIAL DISCOUNTS on MonaVie, the Health Drink that's highly concentrated in the The Açai Berry, click here!

Join the Club for just $1*

Definition Sea Eagles
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Join for just $1* for a limited time only! OFFER EXPIRED! Just $1 gets your membership started!! Its health and fitness that’s truly light on the hip pocket! With Winter on the way out, its time to start planning your Spring and Summer Physique! Get into the best shape of your life now and take full advantage of our beautiful Northern Beaches this Spring! DON'T MISS OUT! IMPORTANT: This offer is strictly for a limited time! Please avoid disappointment, don't miss out, JOIN NOW!
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Diabetes and Depression Go Hand-in-Hand

Did you know?
Thursday, 26 June 2008
And doctors need to be aware of the connection, study says. By Amanda Gardner HealthDay Reporter (HealthDay News) -- The relationship between diabetes and depression apparently cuts both ways: Not only are people with treated type 2 diabetes at a heightened risk for developing depression, individuals with depression are also at risk for developing diabetes. The research revelation suggests that both doctors and patients need to be more aware of the dual risks. "Doctors should have their sensitivity increased toward picking up on the potential for more of their diabetes patients and more of their depression patients having susceptibility to the other disorder," said Dr. Stuart Weiss, assistant clinical professor of medicine at New York University School of Medicine. Type 2 diabetes and clinical depression tend to go hand in hand, the study authors said, although the question has been, which comes first? "There have been studies that show people with diabetes are twice as likely to have symptoms of depression as those who don't, and it could either be because depression itself leads to the development of type 2 diabetes or it could be that having diabetes leads to the development of depression," said study lead author Dr. Sherita Hill Golden, an associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "There are several studies showing that depression and depressive symptoms lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, but only a couple of studies showing that diabetes itself leads to depression. We wanted to look to see whether or not we could tease out the chicken-and-egg situation," she said. Previous studies have also found that treating depression can help extend the lives of people with diabetes. The authors of the new study performed two analyses, both using information from participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis trial. The first analysis involved 5,201 individuals without type 2 diabetes at the start of the trail and found that treated type 2 diabetes was associated with a 54 percent increased risk of developing depressive symptoms over 3.2 years. Persons with untreated diabetes were not at risk of developing depression. Interestingly, people with pre-diabetes or untreated diabetes were about 25 percent less likely to develop depressive symptoms than people with normal fasting blood sugar levels, the researchers said. "That was a little bit of a surprise," Golden said. The study authors aren't sure why this was so, but suggest that maybe the monitoring associated with treating diabetes might contribute to depression. The second analysis included 4,847 participants and found that elevated depressive symptoms were associated with a 42 percent greater likelihood of developing diabetes during the follow-up period. The stronger the depressive symptoms, the higher the chance of developing diabetes. After adjusting for such factors as being overweight, not exercising and smoking, the risk of developing diabetes was still 34 percent higher in patients with depression. "Those with depression are more likely to consume more calories, be less physically active and are more likely to smoke, so they just have poor overall health behaviors in general," Golden said. "That seems to be one component of treating depression that needs to be addressed." The findings, published in the June 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, indicate that integration of care may be helpful to these patients, Golden said. "For people who are being treated for symptoms of depression, it's important also to think about some treatment modalities that can also help them adopt healthy behaviors," she said. "And certainly among people who have treated diabetes and who are at risk of developing depression, we need to be aware of that increased risk." Golden serves on the Merck & Co.'s clinical diabetes advisory board; the study was supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. SOURCE: www.vitacost.com for Supplements, Vitamins, Diet, Herbs, Sports Nutrition, Bath & Beauty

Lack of sleep leading to weight gain!

Did you know?
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Previous studies suggest that sleep restriction has metabolic effects that predispose people to weight gain. In a study by the University Hospitals of Cleveland, investigators found that short-sleep duration is associated with a modest increase in future weight gain. The authors said "these findings have the important implication that increasing sleep time among those sleeping less than 7 hours per night may represent a novel approach to obesity prevention". Other possible causes for weight gain may be that fatigue produced by limiting sleep may reduce physical activity thereby predisposing to weight gain. However, in this study there was little relation between sleep duration and reported physical activity. Also, another possible cause for weight gain that other studies have cited is that sleep can affect the metabolic rate through effects on thermogenesis. In summary, it appears that the average person should be sleeping for 7 or more hours per night for good health. Source: American Journal Epidemiol 2006 Nov 15;164(10):947-54.

Hot Autumn Fitness Offer

Definition Sea Eagles

Thursday, 27 March 2008

OFFER EXPIRED!

If you've been thinking about joining a Health Club now's never been a better time!

Join this Autumn and save a whopping $214.50 with the first 6 months half price!

That works out as just a crazy $8.25 per week for the first 6 months of your FULL 12 Month Membership!

To avoid disapointment please grap this hot offer right away as such a great deal is not to last!

Effects of loosing weight without exercise

Did you know?

Thursday, 27 March 2008

When you lose weight without exercise, you lose both muscle and fat, but when you gain weight without exercise, you gain only fat.

It's much easier to gain fat weight than it is to gain muscle weight, which is one of the reasons why yo-yo dieting fails so miserably: When you continually gain and lose and gain and lose, you end up gaining proportionally even more fat, because of the muscle loss that takes place every time you lose.

It is important to chose a maintainable, sensible diet, one that you can stick to for LIFE! Your personal trainer can assist you in making the changes necessary to lose weight, and keep it off.

Understand that when you embark on a diet and exercise program, you are in it for the long haul! Talk to your a trainer today, and make sure the changes you make are working!

Healthy Success Story

Definition Sea Eagles

Thursday, 27 March 2008

Recently Pete has been training with Clare, one of our Personal Trainers and in no time at all has lost 27kg and also changed his body shape completely!

"At times it has not been easy but with Clare's motivation and very professional training with me one-on-one I have gained great benefits. Also there are great benefits when training in between seeing her. ie. Advice and guidance on what to do and how to do it correctly, and advice on diet to help lose those extra kilos."

"Clare also introduced the Vibrogym to my training regime which has resulted in great gains in strength conditioning and weight loss. Until I started the Vibrogym my left knee was full of arthritis and I was on painkillers. But after two months of the Vibrogym I haven't had to take a single tablet."

"I still have some 10kg to lose but there is no doubt that having Clare as my personal trainer will ensure I achieve my goals and continue a life-long commitment to fitness and training." -- Pete Gallway

*Pete has since lost another five kilo's and continues to train with Clare.
He is hoping his story and regime may inspire others to achieve what he has achieve

Chicken & Spinach Muffins

Healthy Recipes
Monday, 04 February 2008
INGREDIENTS: 1 kg chicken mince 1 cup almond meal or crush a cup of almonds 1 red onion chopped finely 1 bunch English Spinach 4 medium carrots (grated) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 3 beaten eggs 3 zucchinis (grated) 3 whole peeled Italian tomatoes (canned or fresh - please choose organic) 1 teaspoon Celtic salt 2 teaspoons sesame seeds ½ teaspoon nutmeg. For a different flavour, add 6 rashers of bacon, sauté this first, remove from frying pan, and then cook the vegetables. METHOD: Preheat Oven 190C Step 1 – chop onion and spinach (including stalks) Step 2 – grate carrots and zucchinis Step 3 – Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in fry pan, sauté onions until soft add spinach and cook until wilted. Step 4 – Add carrots, zucchinis and sesame seeds. Cook until vegetables soft Step 5 – Stir this mixture into chicken mince Step 6 – Beat eggs and cinnamon and add to chicken mixture. Stir well Step 7 – Add almond meal and stir in well. Step 8 – Butter a muffin tray and spoon in chicken mixture Step 9 - Cook in oven for 35 minutes. TIPS wash the fry pan in between cooking For a Carb type do not add bacon and add a ¼ of veggies to the mix For the Protein type reduce the amount of veggies to ½ and add the bacon

Eating fruit and vegetables can prevent cancer

Health & Fitness Tips
Monday, 04 February 2008
Vegetables and fruit contain natural substances that can destroy cancer-causing agents (carcinogens). Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit can significantly reduce the risk of developing digestive tract cancers (including the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach and bowel). Tips for increasing your daily fruit and vegetable intake: · Shop for fresh vegetables and fruit weekly to ensure you have a fresh supply available. · Enjoy fruit as a snack or for dessert. · Add fresh or canned fruit as a topping on breakfast cereal. · Fill half your dinner plate with vegetables. · Include at least three different coloured vegetables with your main meal. · For interest and variety, cook vegetables in different ways e.g. oven roasted, grilled or barbequed. · Include salad with lunch or choose dishes which include plenty of vegetables. · Use frozen, dried or canned vegetables and fruit if fresh is not on hand. · Adapt your recipes to include more vegetables, (e.g. add carrot, celery and peas to Bolognese sauce). We recommend eating a variety of vegetables and fruits to ensure you get a good cross section of the substances in plants to protect against cancer. All vegetables and fruits are nutritious and protective. Although we have discovered the protective components in some vegetables and fruits, we are only just beginning to discover the many beneficial plant substances that exist. Fruits should include citrus fruits, coloured fruits (especially red, yellow and orange) and berries. Vegetables should include green leafy vegetables, red, yellow, and orange vegetables. Vegetables from the cabbage family including broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts (sometimes known as the cruciferous vegetables) and the onion family including leeks and chives are also good choices. *Talk to Clare (0410 508 101) or Scott (0423 272 321) today in regards to consuming enough fruit and vegetables to prevent cancer. Five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit a day are recommended for good health and reducing the cancer risk.

When you lose weight without exercise

Did you know?
Monday, 04 February 2008
When you lose weight without exercise, you lose both muscle and fat, but when you gain weight without exercise, you gain only fat. It's much easier to gain fat weight than it is to gain muscle weight, which is one of the reasons why yo-yo dieting fails so miserably: When you continually gain and lose and gain and lose, you end up gaining proportionally even more fat, because of the muscle loss that takes place every time you lose. It is important to chose a maintainable, sensible diet, one that you can stick to for LIFE! Your personal trainer can assist you in making the changes necessary to lose weight, and keep it off. Understand that when you embark on a diet and exercise program, you are in it for the long haul! Talk to your a trainer today, and make sure the changes you make are working!

Marinated Figs with Buttermilk-Honey Sorbet

Healthy Recipes
Monday, 04 February 2008
From T he South: The Beautiful Cookbook by Maria Reid Rogers (HarperCollins) GREDIENTS: For the Sorbet: • 4 cups (32 fluid ounces/1 liter) lowfat buttermilk • 1 cup (8 fl ounces/250 ml) heavy (double) cream • 2/3 cup (8 ounces/250 g) honey • Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon • Juice and grated zest of 1 orange For the Figs: • 3/4 cup ( 6 fluid ounces/180 ml) clarified butter • 2 pounds (1 kg) fresh figs, cut in half and marinated in 1 cup (8 fluid ounces/250 ml) creme de cassis for 2 hours • 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 6 equal pieces • 6 vanilla beans PREPARATION: To make the sorbet, in a large mixing bowl, blend the buttermilk, cream, honey, and the citrus juices and zests. Pour the mixture into an ice-cream freezer and freeze according to the manufacturer's directions, to make a somewhat loose, creamy sorbet (not as stiff as ice cream). Keep frozen. To bake the figs, preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Brush six 12-inch (30-cm) square pieces of parchment sheets in half and place equal portions of the figs on one half of each sheet. Top figs with a piece of lemongrass and 1 vanilla bean. Fold the other half of the parchment over the fig mixture. Then fold the edges over together or pleat and twist the corners to seal tightly. Place the parchment parcels on a baking sheet. Bake until the figs are heated through, 6 to 9 minutes. Remove the figs from the oven. When cool enough to handle, cut open the parchment and remove and discard the lemongrass and vanilla beans. Carefully transfer the figs to 6 individual goblets or bowls. Top with sorbet. Yield: 6 servings

The Perfect Eating Plan

Health & Fitness Tips

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Have you ever wondered why so many weight loss programs don’t work?

Are you tired of counting calories to loose your unwanted weight?

The reason most weight loss programs fail is that they address the symptoms rather than the causes of being overweight. Like chronic fatigue, headaches, or constipation, excess weight and obesity are expressions of underlying biochemical imbalances within the body’s fundamental homeostatic controls.

That’s why it’s so critical for you to identify your metabolic type.

If you think of your food as fuel, then the proportions of proteins, carbohydrates and fats can be viewed as fuel mixture. If you get the right fuel for your type, you’ll have a powerful force at work.

Your food will be efficiently converted to energy rather than store as fat.

Achieving your ideal fuel each time you eat will maximize your performance physically, mentally, and emotionally. More often than not, illness and increased stress of any kind will increase your need for protein.

If you have a meal but don’t feel a distinct and sustained energy boost, an improve sense of well-being an emotional stability, a sense of fullness an end to food carvings (especially for sweets) the more likely explanation is that you’re combining proteins and carbohydrates incorrectly. Remember 70% of who we are is WHAT WE EAT!

For more information about how to achieve your ideal weight and to find out what Metabolic Type you are please contact Ken Harding on 0429 300 378

Special offer for you & your friends

Definition Sea Eagles

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

OFFER EXPIRED!

This new year we have kicked off with a fresh new freebie!

With over 24 FREE* shoes for men and 21 FREE* shoes to the women to choose from, they include brands such as New Balance, Puma, Fila, Asics, Mizuno and Reebok.

To avoid disapointment please get them while they’re hot, this offer ends 29th Feb. 2008!

A healthy exciting year ahead in 2008!

Definition Sea Eagles

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Welcome to our first official newsletter of 2008! Since the change of ownership of the club in July 2007 we have had great success in improving the club and it’s team to greatly benefit our members. We have a new and improved group exercise timetable, excellent new instructors, and have spent thousands of dollars upgrading the facility appearance and amenities.

This year we have a jam packed schedule with heaps of exciting offers and promotions plus more exciting facility upgrades! We won’t spoil the surprised but needless to say, we’re confident our members and guests will be very impressed!

It’s great to have you as an official newsletter subscriber and we will be sending special promotions right your way! If you’re already a Club Member, please feel free to forward this email to your friends, collegues and loved ones and if they would like to receive special promotions they can do so by Clicking Here!

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