Next Sugar - Review
Some Nutrition facts:
Per packet (3g)
Calories 6
Carbs 3g
What is it you ask? Next Sugar is the first clinically tested, low glycemic natural cane sugar blend that tastes just like sugar because it is real sugar. Their unique blend naturally and safely blocks up to 50% of the sugar from being absorbed by the body. Less sugar absorbed, means less calories.
It tastes pretty good compared to sweetners. It doesn't have that aspartame taste. Im not too sure how much I would use it when I am in prep based on the fact it is still sugar. However I will put it to use in my off season!
If you want to try check them out at: http://next-sugar.com
A little bit more info:
Big Sugar is a BIG Problem!
Around the world, hundreds of millions of people need to reduce their sugar intake -- from individuals who need to manage their weight, to diabetics who must carefully control their blood sugar levels.
At the same time, people who are currently healthy must be on alert, too. Studies show that over-consumption of sugar can trigger a range of serious metabolic syndromes like heart disease. It can also lead to obesity, which is now an epidemic crisis -- especially among children. In short: big sugar is a BIG problem!
Sugar Substitute? Not a Chance!
However, so-called “sugar substitutes” are the problem -- not the solution! In addition to tasting nothing like real sugar, these products are loaded with chemicals, and can actually trigger weight gain and cause adverse health issues.
The good news is that there’s a new sugar alternative on the market that is finally delivering the solution that so many people -- including health researchers and medical professionals -- have been waiting for: NEXT SUGAR.
Benefits Backed by Clinical Trials
NEXT SUGAR is the world’s first low glycemic, non-GMO and Kosher natural cane sugar that has a sweetness intensity and profile of conventional sugar, but with a groundbreaking advantage: its unique composition naturally and safely blocks up to 50% of the sugar from being absorbed by the body. NEXT SUGAR is suitable for any traditional use of sugar, such as baking, cooking and sweetening.
What’s more, NEXT SUGAR’s advantages are not based on hyped-up marketing claims. They are backed by successful human clinical trials, such as one by Sydney University’s “Glycemic Index Research Service” (SUGiRS) which concluded that: “NEXT SUGAR would be suitable for consumption in controlled amounts by people with diabetes in line with their individual dietary requirements.”
Drug for narcolepsy could help food addicts lose weight
Overweight people could be given help with the discovery that a drug used for sleep disorder could also reduce the impulse for food.
There are many factors that cause obesity but there is a growing weight of evidence that shows obesity is not just caused by a behavioural disorder, such as a lack of self-control, but that many overweight people are physically addicted to foods rich in fat and sugar.
When we eat food that tastes good we get a powerful release of dopamine in the pleasure/reward section of the brain, but food addicts have been found to have a deficiency in a certain type of dopamine so that their sense of reward and pleasure is diminished, thus they have to eat more to reach the same level of pleasure as anybody else.
Scientists have also found impulsive behaviour is a factor in leading to food addiction and Ivo Vlaev, of Warwick Business School, plus Myutan Kulendran, Laura Wingfield, Colin Sugden, and Ara Darzi, of Imperial College London, discovered that a drug called Modafinil, usually used for narcolepsy, shift work disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness, can reduce impulsivity and thus food addiction.
“We found Modafinil, which is already on the market, did reduce people’s impulsive behaviour,” said Professor Vlaev.
“It has been shown to reduce impulsiveness in a variety of disorders such as alcohol dependence, schizophrenia and ADHD. Food addicts suffer from the same neurobiological conditions so we believe it will help food addicts as well and our initial tests have backed up that theory.
“This could have important implications for people who are obese. There is mounting evidence to show that there is a substantial number of obese people who are food addicts because they have an inability to control their impulsive actions and this drug has shown it can give them more control, which will help overweight people lose weight and so improve their health.
“Food addicts know they need to lose weight, but the desire for more food is overwhelming, leading to a spiral of depression that can lead to psychological issues as well as health problems.”
The drug, which is sold under a wide variety of brand names around the world, was one of two drugs tested by researchers, the other being Atomoxetine. Both drugs have been used for impulsive conditions, including ADHD.
In the paper Pharmacological manipulation of impulsivity: A randomized controlled trial published in Personality and Individual Differences, the scientists conducted a series of trials on 60 men aged between 19 and 32, with 20 taking a placebo, 20 Atomoxetine and 20 Modafinil.
The tests revealed that those who had taken Modafinil had a significantly reduced level of impulsiveness, whereas Atomoxetine produced no difference compared to the placebo group.
“Modafinil was found to have an effect on impulsivity in healthy individuals and so would be able to have an even bigger effect on food addicts, who are lacking in certain types of dopamine,” said Professor Vlaev.
“This drug could be a real help to those people struggling to control their desire for food even though they know they should lose weight.
“The drug improves self-control, which is a key factor in determining obesity, so our hypothesis is that this drug should help in treating the disease.”
ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN WRINKLES AND LINES? READ ON AND FIND OUT
www.zannisplasticsurgery.com
Many aspects of facial and body aging are inevitable and a fact of life. However, there are daily habits, motions and actions that we do that unnecessarily accelerate the aging process. While we are very fortunate to have so many non invasive advances in plastic surgery, many of them would not be necessary at younger ages if we negated some of the behaviors that cause wrinkles to appear prematurely. Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina board Certified Plastic Surgeon who breaks down some of these “off limits” behaviors.
Tanning Beds
Despite skin cancer warning labels and common sense, 45 percent of young women surveyed in a February 2014 study revealed they still use tanning beds. Here’s your wakeup call: Tanning beds blast you with 12- to 15-times more ultraviolet radiation than the sun, which means you’re that much more likely to get wrinkles, dark spots, thick leathery skin and cancer. And that cancer could be the deadly kind: Melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among young women, with more than 32,000 women expected to be diagnosed in the coming years.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a natural diuretic, so the more you drink, the more dehydrated you become. Dr. Zannis states that, “besides sapping the natural moisture from your skin, excessive alcohol also triggers rosacea outbreaks and exacerbates fine lines, acne, and wrinkles, all of which instantly make you look older. You don't have to swear off the bottle altogether, but by drinking less, your liver doesn't have to work as hard to flush out toxins and impurities from your body, and when it works more efficiently, you'll see the results in your skin.”
Smoking
It’s certainly no secret that smoking is bad for your health. But did you know it’s bad for your looks, too? Dr. Zannis says that, “studies show that in addition to shortening your life by increasing your risk for heart and lung disease, smoking can activate enzymes that break down the elasticity of your skin. Even if you’re a closet smoker, the fine wrinkles and pallor that cigarettes cause can give you away — just one more reason to snuff out those smokes.”
You sleep with your face in the pillow
Sleeping on your stomach or on your side with your face smashed into the pillow can create wrinkles and accelerate aging. "The connective tissue and collagen in your face becomes weaker and less supportive with age," says Dr. Zannis. "So when you sleep on the same side of your face night after night, your skin won't smooth out or spring back as quickly as it did when you were young." Those crease lines from your pillow can become permanent. Sleep on your back or invest in a satin pillowcase to keep skin smooth.
Cleaning facial skin too thoroughly.
After a long day, you want to get all the dirt, grease, and grime out of your pores by any means necessary, but this is a mistake that could cost your skin its youthful suppleness and glow. "When people use harsh soap in order to get a squeaky clean feel, they strip their skin of its natural oils and accentuate fine lines," says Dr. Zannis. Stick to a gentle cleanser and don't scrub, your skin will thank you later.
Aggressively removing your eye makeup.
Taking off your makeup at night is important, but you should do it gently. The last thing you want to do is rub, tug, or scrap the skin around your eyes to get that last little bit of mascara off. "You can cause broken blood vessels and puffiness," warns Dr. Zannis.
Sipping Through A Straw
“Yes, repeated straw drinking causes people to purse their lips and can create wrinkles from the repetitive muscle motion,” says Dr. Zannis. He adds, “Much like repeated frowning causes wrinkles on the upper face.”
Meet Dr. John Zannis - New Bern, NC Plastic Surgeon
www.Zannisplasticsurgery.com
Dr. Zannis is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and studied Human Biology and Studio Art at Stanford University prior to entering Medical School. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) from the University of Cincinnati College Of Medicine.
After medical school, Dr. Zannis received his formal training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina under the guidance of world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Louis Argenta. During this time, he performed over 5,000 surgical procedures and covered all aspects of plastic surgery including cosmetic surgery of the face and body, complex reconstructive procedures of face and body, cleft lip and palate surgery, hand surgery, facial and jaw fracture repair, and reconstruction following massive weight loss. He has given numerous national academic presentations and keeps abreast of the latest technologies in Plastic Surgery at symposia across the country.
His studies in art and art history in Florence, Italy cultivated a passion for the Renaissance and geniuses of that time such as Leonardo DaVinci. Dr. Zannis instills artistry and perfectionism into his practice of surgery. His keen interest in procedures like rhinoplasty stem from their sculptural nature and the challenge they pose: “Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most difficult surgeries to master.
The slightest adjustment to the nose’s framework can have a significant effect. The true challenge is knowing what needs to be altered and improving the aesthetics, without changing the uniqueness and personality of someone’s face.”
Outside of medicine, Dr. Zannis enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He has a passion for travel, languages, painting, and guitars. “When I’m not operating or spending time with my family, I retreat to my workshop.”
Celebrate the holidays with swoon-worthy gifts from Toronto's favourite brands: Province Apothecary, Bacchus & Barley, Studio Fitzroy, Erin Tracy Bridal & Fine Jewellery, MISFITSTUDIO and VdeV Maison
The lights are strung, the snow is glistening and the streets are filled with joy. That's right folks, the holiday season is finally here. As the holiday spirit grows, so does your shopping list. Finding uniquely stunning gifts for your loved ones can be a battle. Fear not, Toronto's favourite brands have created exciting holiday gift guides with something for everyone on your shopping list. Celebrate the holidays this year with Province Apothecary, Bacchus & Barley, Studio Fitzroy, Erin Tracy Bridal & Fine Jewellery, MISFITSTUDIO and VdeV Maison. From beauty and fashion to fitness and home, these luxe Canadian brands will brighten your holiday season.
Give the gift of glowing skin with Province Apothecary's all-natural holiday must-haves
New Radiant Body Oil with Argan + Black Cumin - $28.00
Province Apothecary is here to gift young, radiant skin this holiday season with the new Radiant Body Oil. Province Apothecary's new Radiant Body Oil with Argan & Black Cumin is a luxurious blend of pure plant oils formulated to benefit all skin types. Let this rich body oil moisturize and nourish your loved one's skin and enliven and empower their spirit. Province Apothecary's beautiful blend of botanical carrier oils softens the skin, while geranium, clary sage, lavender and frankincense essential oils stimulate your creativity, boost cellular circulation, tone your skin and gently detoxify the body.
New Sea Salt Soap - $14.00
Does someone on your shopping list have sensitive skin? Meet the perfect soap for everyone! Province Apothecary's rich soap gently cleanses with the moisturizing benefits of pure, unscented botanical oils of coconut and olive. Canadian sea salt infuses the skin with beneficial trace minerals and draws toxins out of the body naturally, resulting in soft, healthy skin. Say goodbye to dull winter skin and hello to a radiant complexion with the new Sea Salt Soap.
New Sweet Orange & Bay Essential Oil Incense - $16.00
For a limited time only, Province Apothecary has the perfect scent for the holidays.Province Apothecary's new Sweet Orange & Bay Essential Oil Incense is the perfect way to uplift spirits and calm the mind through aromatherapy. Let the smell of Sweet Orange & Bay wash over your home with their soothing aromas. Whether your setting the mood for a holiday party or finding that perfect gift for that special someone, Province Apothecary's new Sweet Orange & Bat Essential Oil Incense has got you covered this holiday season.
Bacchus & Barley has leather lovers covered this holiday season with this leather accessory wish list
The Necessities Tray (Spotted Cow-hide) - $59.00
The Necessities Tray is designed for those who like to keep their essentials organized. Ever go to head out the door and can't find your keys, wallet, or phone? We used to have that problem until we discovered these trays. Problem solved. Every full-grain leather tray is totally unique as a result of the distinct markings on the hide. The tray also unsnaps to flatten for easy travel. The Necessities tray is a gift everyone can enjoy!
Available in spotted cow-hide, jet black, copper and whiskey brown
Night on the Town Wallet - $59.00
Bacchus & Barley's minimalist credit card wallets, made of full-grain leather, are perfect for someone who loves a night on the town. Don't pull a Costanza, put away your bulky wallet and keep things simple by taking only the necessities. With a slim design, the Night on the Town Wallet kills "fat pocket syndrom." This is the perfect gift to keep your friends and family organized while painting the town red.
Available in: copper, whiskey brown, chevron navy, black and red.
Leather dog collar (brown) - $65.00 - $75.00
Does fido need a holiday gift this year? Bacchus & Barley teamed up with a local tack shop to bring you these handmade saddle leather collars, giving your dog a look of elegance. In addition to their raw beauty, these leathers have been tried and tested to take on the wear-and-tear of your playful pooch. These products are crafted to grow more beautiful over time and are guaranteed to last the lifetime of your dog. Give that cute doggy in your life a classy gift this year. Matching leashes available as well.
Available in: brown and black
Stun at every holiday party with Studio Fitzroy's glamorous dress rentals
The Last Word Dress by Pink Stitch - $65.00 for 4 day rental
Your favourite LBD is finally here in RED, just in time for the Holiday Party season! Book this one early because she's a magical little number that looks good on everyone. Plus, POCKETS. Also available in Black and Blue.
Fully lined.
Back zipper.
Midi length.
Night Shimmer Mini Dress by Free People - $60.00 for 4 day rental
This piece is the cutest little sequin party dress with nude lining. This dress looks gorgeous layered under a faux fur or even over a black turtleneck for when you're heading straight from the office to the party!
Poly/Nylon blend.
Imported.
Marchesa lace Gown by Elle Zietoune - $100.00 for 4 day rental
Be still our beating hearts. Ultra feminine long sleeved lace bodycon off the shoulder gown for when you need to get really fancy this holiday season.
Hidden back zipper.
Built in cups & boning.
Designed in Australia.
Imported.
Perry Set off the shoulder crop and tulle skirt - $90.00 for 4 day rental
Bring sexy back this holiday season with this flattering number. High waist tulle overlay ballgown skirt with a lace off the shoulder crop top! Crop it like it's hot, ladies.
Designed in Australia.
Imported.
Sparkle this holiday season Erin Tracy Bridal & Fine Jewellery's his and her gift guide
For him
Koi Band Ring - $225.00
Sterling silver or gold
For him
Koi Tag Necklace - $295.00
Sterling silver
For him
Koi Link Bracelet - $295.00
Sterling silver with matte black plating
For her
Talon Necklaces - $125.00
Sterling Silver, Gold Fill, Rose Gold, Crystals
For her
Deco Luxe Rings - $390.00
Sterling Silver or 10K Yellow Gold, Crystals
For her
Caldera Earrings - $250.00
Gold Fill, Grey Moonstone, Quartz
Celebrate the holidays with a healthy mind and body courtesy of MISFITSTUDIO
MISFITSTUDIO Gift Card
The MISFITSTUDIO gift card is the perfect holiday gift for the spiritual, fitness gurus in your life. Adopting a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to movement, MISFITSTUDIO takes the mind, body and soul on a wild physical journey with the MISFITMETHOD. Rooted in yoga, informed by pilates and inspired by dance, MISFITMETHOD incorporates movement as meditation.With two studios in Toronto, located on Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue, MISFITSTUDIO is the perfect place for health conscious Torontonians to re-centre, balance and move. Simply load up the gift card and wrap for a great holiday gift!
Deck the halls this season VdeV Maison's favourite holiday home accessories and gifts
Wool throw made by Latvia - 178.00$
Get snuggled up by the fire this holiday season with this stunning wool throw. Made with 100% lambswool, this cozy piece comes in red, black and grey.
Dimensions: W:79" X H:51" (W:201cm X H:130cm)
Alpine Candle - $28.00
Nothing says the holidays like the perfect candle. This soy wax candle comes in a variety of
festive colours and scents. The green Alpine Candle smells of festive evergreen and embers. The indigo Alpine Candle smells of the sea, with a driftwood and indigo. For the man in your life, The brow Alpine Candle has the smell of tabacco and moss. Finally, the white Alpine Candle smells of sweet woods and mint.
Dimensions: H:3" X Ø:3.5" (H:8cm X Ø:9cm)
Fox bar glass - $12.00
Love to serve spirited holiday drinks? VdeV Maison has the perfect bar glasses for you. These quirky glasses boast a lovely gold rim and a decorative painting of a fox, sun, moon or pineapple. Which one will you choose?
Dimensions: H:5" (H:13cm)
Cinema Lamp - $60.00
Have fun this holiday season with VdeV Maison's Cinema Lamp. With 100 interchangable letters, you can select a festive, joyful message to illuminate your home. The Cinema lamp has Battery-powered LED or USB cable included, powered by an on/ff switch. The lamp requires 6 AA batteries or USB plug adaptor (not included).
Dimensions: W:12" X H:8.5" X D:2" (W:30cm X H:22cm X D:5cm)
Cindy Necklace - $24.00 
Add some sparkle to your holiday outfit this season with VdeV Maison's stunning Cindy Necklace. Available in three colours, gold, silver and copper, this lovely piece makes for the perfect gift for a lovely lady.
Dimensions: W:17" (W:43cm)
About: Province Apothecary is a holistic skincare and wellness brand recognized both for it’s effective natural skincare products and custom organic facials. PA is leading the way in green beauty with a unique blend of 100% active plant based, synthetic-free ingredients, establishing itself as a brand focused on a whole-body approach to beauty.
Owner and founder Julie Clark's journey into natural skincare developed out of her own struggles with allergies and eczema. Unable to find products that were pure and effective enough to heal her sensitive skin, she began blending her own. Now an accredited Holistic Health Practitioner and Aromatherapist, Julie continues to develop new products drawing inspiration from her facial clients, the weather and the seasons.
Province Apothecary sources the highest quality organic, wildcrafted ingredients from each Canadian Province and hand-blends these ingredients in small batches to create skincare that will nourish + balance skin. Julie’s favorite ingredients include: seaweed from Nova Scotia, maple syrup from Quebec, organic sunflower oil from Ontario, organic beeswax from Alberta, organic lentil flour from Manitoba, and organic raspberry oil and glacial clay from British Columbia. PA is blending the wilds of Canada into nourishing and balancing skincare.
All products are free from: petroleum, parabens, synthetic fragrances and ingredients, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, dyes, alcohol, solvents, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), palm oil or derivatives, cosmetic grade ingredients and toxins of any kind.
Stockists: 50 Canadian + USA retailers including Urban Outfitters, Whole Foods Market, The Detox Market, Well.ca and Credo Beauty. All products can be ordered online both in Canada and the US - and can shipped nationally.
Visibility: Province Apothecary PA has been featured internationally in print and online by Vogue, Huffington Post, InStyle.com, Garance Doré, Wallpaper, Cool Hunting, Protein, Refinery 29, and Our Body Book. In addition, a number of Canadian publications including: Fashion, En Route Magazine, Chatelaine, Flare, Elle Canada, Today’s Parent, Toronto Life, Globe and Mail, and The Toronto Star.
THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT LIPOSUCTION? THINK AGAIN. 10 OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS/MYTHS ADDRESSED
OR YOU COULD DO IT VIA TRAINING - For PT inquiries and online training email go to www.trainitright.com/programs
GUEST POST:
www.zannisplasticsurgery.com
Liposuction is one of the top 5 most common surgical procedures in The United States. Approximately 363,912 procedures are performed each year. While every lay person knows that ‘liposuction sucks out fat,’ many are misguided about the procedure in terms of who is an appropriate candidate, how long the results last, and what the procedure can and cannot accomplish. Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina plastic surgeon who seeks to set the record straight.
Fat Will Come Back Somewhere Else After Lipo
The “fat return” fear is something plastic surgeons hear about pretty often, which is understandable! “New fat does not ‘find its way’ elsewhere after liposuction. This is one of the most common liposuction myths out there. Liposuction removes part of the fat in an area, but if the body is overwhelmed by a large amount of calories that are not burned they are stored proportionately in every remaining fat cell in the body, ” Explains Dr. Zannis. Fat cells aren't distributed evenly to begin with, and after lipo (or any type of fat cell removal) they definitely won't be distributed evenly. Even though individual fat cells grow evenly, there will be fewer in the places where the lipo happened, so those places won't fill out the same way they used to (which is what lipo patients want). Remaining fat cells in the rest of the body will pick up the slack. These cells will gain fat evenly, but not in the areas you're used to gaining in, since the fat cells in those places were liposuctioned out. He adds, “The more fat cells removed, the more the remaining fat cells will gain when you gain weight.”
Are the results of liposuction permanent?
The results of liposuction are intended to be permanent. What this means is that the fat cells which are removed will not reappear, but if you gain weight in the future, fat can accumulate in surrounding areas and the remaining fat cells in your treatment area can become larger. Dr. Zannis adds, “While the fat cells are permanently gone, you can once again find yourself with unwanted fat if you gain weight, so your healthy habits will determine whether you maintain your liposuction results.”
Is Liposuction a Reasonable Treatment for Obesity?
“Liposuction is not a good treatment for obesity,” says Dr. Zannis. He adds, “Liposuction is not effective, even as a last resort, for people who are unable to lose weight by dieting and exercise.”
Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives to Liposuction?
“Liposuction is still considered the gold standard for body contouring: It’s the most predictable, and it’s performed in a single treatment, says Dr.Zannis. However, there are minimally invasive alternatives though they won’t give you as dramatic results and treatments may need to be repeated for the desired effect. The most effective non-invasive options use heat, cold, or ultrasound on the surface of the skin. These alternatives include, but are not limited to:
CoolSculpting
UltraShape
Vanquish
Liposonix
Kybella (currently only FDA-approved for use underneath the chin)
How much weight will I lose from liposuction?
Liposuction actually has little effect on the number on your scale. It is not a method for weight loss but is instead a way to address specific areas of stubborn fat, also known as body contouring. However, many patients who want to lose weight find great success by reaching their goal weight first and then using liposuction to fine-tine the appearance they’ve worked so hard for.
Can liposuction reduce sagging skin?
“Liposuction solely focuses on removing fat, so it will not tighten excess skin. However, some patients benefit from a surgery which combines both fat removal and skin excision, like a tummy tuck or arm lift accompanied by liposuction,” says Dr. Zannis.
Will I have scars after liposuction?
Any surgery will leave a scar, but the scars from liposuction are particularly small and subtle. Dr. Zannis explains that, “The incisions only need to be large enough for the tiny tube which removes the fat, so the incisions are very small and are strategically placed in areas that are as discreet as possible.”
Does Liposuction Treat Cellulite
Cellulite is the fat right below the surface of the skin. It typically looks bumpy and uneven because the fat pushes through the connective tissue. While many people think it is unattractive, cellulite doesn’t present any health concerns. “It’s also not removed by liposuction, although the procedure might make your cellulite less visible. If it’s a concern for you, you can discuss options for reducing the look of cellulite with your doctor,” says Dr. Zannis.
Instant six pack abs & breast reductions are possible with liposuction
But it's important to manage your expectations. “The less fat you have, the more likely you will achieve sculpted, six pack abs than patients with higher body fat (despite having more fat removed),” Dr. Zannis stresses.
The More Fat Removed, the Better
“Actually, the more fat you remove, the higher the chances for risks you don’t want to deal with such as lumps and bumps.These fears are most likely driven by the fact that patients request aggressive treatment of localized fatty deposits. The more fat that is removed, the greater the potential risk of developing these problems,” says Dr. Zannis. The American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends limiting liposuction to 5 liters (about 11 pounds) in an outpatient setting.
HelloFresh Canada expands nationwide
HelloFresh Canada is now delivering its healthy and convenient meal kits from coast to coast, to help all Canadians answer that age-old question: “What’s for dinner?”
“The entire team is proud of the progress we’ve made in just six months since our launch. We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our current customers in Ontario, and we’re certain people across the country will soon see the benefits of our meal kits,” said Ian Brooks, Managing Director, HelloFresh Canada. “This expansion reinforces our mission to provide nutritious, tasty meals to Canadians.”
HelloFresh’s unique culinary experience streamlines meal preparation by sending at-home cooks inspirational recipes and pre-measured, pre-chopped ingredients to make meals from scratch in 30 minutes or less. HelloFresh takes care of the meal planning, shopping, measuring, and delivery, leaving time for the fun parts: cooking and eating!
The service is simple – customers visit HelloFresh.ca, or download the app on Android or iOS. From there they choose their subscription option (Pronto Plan or Family Plan), and select their meals for the upcoming week. Meals are delivered weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays directly to customers’ doorsteps, packed in state-of-the-art boxes to ensure each delivery arrives fresh.
Recipes are developed in the HelloFresh test kitchen by an in-house culinary team headed by Irene Ngo. The meal kits contain seasonal ingredients, along with step-by-step recipes and nutritional information.
“We love sharing the joy of cooking every day in a way that is approachable and rewarding. We believe that healthy eating patterns start in the home, and our kits get Canadians started with easy and delicious recipes, and high-quality ingredients,” said Ngo. “Our recipes explore new flavours and deliver crowd favourites, and get people on the path to healthy eating.”
The globally renowned organization first launched in Ontario, in June 2016, and will now reach nine provinces, excluding Quebec. The company continues to adapt its services to meet the ever-growing demand for “cook from scratch” meals. Subscribers globally are rediscovering the joy of food with HelloFresh by preparing healthy, tasty meals they can be proud to place on the dinner table. Canadian meal kits start at just $10.85 per plate. Visit HelloFresh.ca for all the available options.
Twitter: @HelloFreshCA
Facebook: Facebook.com/HelloFresh
Instagram: @HelloFreshCA
#HelloFreshLife
About HelloFresh
HelloFresh currently operates in the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, and Canada. HelloFresh delivered 22.1 million meals in the 3-month period up to 30 September 2016, to about 850,000 subscribers. HelloFresh was founded in November 2011, and is based in Berlin.
Additional offices are located in New York, London, Amsterdam, Zurich, Sydney, and Toronto. Current investors include Baillie Gifford, Insight Venture Partners, Phenomen Ventures, Rocket Internet, and Vorwerk Direct Selling Ventures.
New Study Confirms That
Mercury Is Linked to Autism
Researchers found strong relationship between mercury toxicity levels and autism severity.
By Robert. F. Kennedy, Jr.
Two new studies by international teams, including Egyptian scientists, have validated the link between autism and mercury.
In an article published in the journal Metabolic Brain Disease, a team of nine scientists from leading Egyptian universities and medical schools confirmed the causal role of mercury in the onset of autism.
The scientists determined the extent of mercury poisoning in children by measuring urinary excretion of organic compounds called porphyrins, which act as biomarkers for mercury toxicity. The researchers also measured blood levels of mercury and lead. The researchers found a strong relationship between mercury toxicity and the presence of autism and a direct correlation between levels of mercury toxicity and the severity of autism symptoms.
The scientists studied 100 children; 40 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 40 healthy individuals and 20 healthy siblings of ASD children. The results showed that the children with ASD had significantly higher mercury levels than healthy children and healthy siblings. Children with the highest mercury levels had the most severe autism symptoms.
At least six American studies have linked autism presence or severity to mercury exposure as determined by measuring urinary porphyrins. The first study, completed by Heyer et al. in 2012 (Autism Res 5:84) showed a correlation between the presence of autism and specific urinary porphyrins associated with mercury toxicity. This affirmed an earlier study by Kern et al. (2011, Pediatr Int 53:147) where specific porphyrins associated with mercury toxicity were significantly higher in ASD children as compared to non-autistic controls. Woods et al. (2010, Environ Health Perspect 118:1450) also saw disordered porphyrin metabolism in autistic kids which was not observed in non-autistic control children. This again suggested increased mercury toxicity associated with autism and autism spectrum disorder.
Autism severity has also been correlated to levels of specific porphyrins associated with mercury toxicity. Kern et al. in 2010 (Biometals 23:1043) showed a strong relationship between the level of autism severity as measured by the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) instrument and the amount of urinary porphyrins observed in ASD children. Geier et al. (2009, J Toxicol Environ Health A 72:1585) also correlated urinary porphyrins to autism severity in a blind study using the childhood autism rating scale (CARS). This study was further elucidated by Geier et al. (2009, J Neurol Sci 15:280) where children with severe autism showed significantly higher urinary porphyrins associated with mercury toxicity as compared to those children with mild autism and non-autistic controls. Other biomarkers measured in this study correlating mercury toxicity with autism severity include the presence of glutathione, cysteine and sulfate metabolites in plasma.
In a second study, by Mostafa et al., published in Metabolic Brain Disease in June 2016, an international team of Egyptian, Norwegian, Saudi Arabian and Chilean physicians and scientists used a different set of measurement protocols to find a direct correlation between mercury levels and autism diagnosis. The reasearchers measured levels of neurokinin A and B - pro-inflammatory neuro peptides that indicate the presence of mercury in the blood – in 84 children with ASD and 84 controls. The results showed a positive linear relationship between mercury levels and the severity of autism symptoms.
Many of the mothers of children in the first 2016 Egyptian study (Khaled et al.)had multiple dental amalgams which may have contributed to the children's body levels of mercury. The study does not examine the potential link between autism and the vaccine preservative, thimerosal, which is 50 percent ethyl mercury by weight. However, other studies indicate that the ethyl mercury in thimerosal is 50 times as toxic to human tissue as the methylmercury in amalgams and fish (Guzzi et al. 2012, Interdiscipl Toxicol 5:159) and at least twice as persistent in the brain (Burbacher et al. 2005, Environ Health Perspect 113:1015).
The 2016 Metabolic Brain Disease studies are only the latest in a series of important studies by leading Egyptian doctors and scientists linking mercury exposure to autism. A September 2015 paper published in Behavioral Neurology (Mohamed et al. 2015, PMID 26508811) by a group of researchers from the faculty of Cairo's Ain Shams University and the National Institute of Standards studied 100 autistic children and 100 healthy children. The researchers found significantly high levels of mercury, lead and aluminum in the autistic children (probably from maternal fish consumptions, living near gas stations and usage of aluminum paints) and concluded that "environmental exposure to these toxic metals at key times in development may play a causal role in autism."
A November 2014 study published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology (38:1016) by Heba Yassa of the Assuit University Medical School's Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, looked at 45 children with autism and 45 controls. Using blood and hair samples, Dr. Yassa also found high levels of lead and mercury among the children with autism and not the controls. Using dimercaptosuccinic acid or DMSA as a chelating agent, Dr. Yassa was able to reduce blood mercury and lead levels in the autistic children. His study documents significant declines in autism symptoms with the decrease of metals in the children's blood. The study's concluded: "Lead and mercury are considered as one of the main causes of autism. Environmental exposure as well as genetic inability of certain individuals to excrete metals is responsible for the high levels of heavy metals. Detoxification by chelating agents had a great role in improving those kids."
Dr. Yassa's study duplicated the results of numerous previous peer-reviewed papers and case studies. For example, Blaucok-Busch et al. 2012 Maedica 7:214 and Adams et al. 2009 BMC Clinical Pharmacol 9:17 documents improvements in autism symptoms and even loss of the autism diagnosis following mercury chelation.
Dr. Yassa's 2014 study supported earlier findings by a team of German and Egyptian government and university medical school scientists, which reported in a 2012 study published in Maedica, a Journal of Clinical Medicine (Blaucok-Busch et al. 7:214). The scientists studied the efficacy of DMSA chelation therapy in a sample of Arab children with autism spectrum disorder. That study found that oral DMSA chelation in 44 children with autism ages 3 to 9 reduced body burden of three metals—sodium, mercury and lead—and that detoxification reduced their behavioral effects and neurological symptoms of autism.
These 2014 and 2012 Egyptian studies supported the findings of several other publications and case studies, suggesting that heavy metal chelation has a measurable therapeutic effect on autism. Other studies have reported significant improvement in the symptoms of autistic children following treatment with chelating drugs that remove metals from the body. In a 2002 study, 10 patients with autism were treated with a chelating agent. All but two of the patients showed improvement in their ATEC scores (Lonsdale et al., Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2002, 23:303). A study in 2003 by Jeff Bradstreet compared mercury excretion after three day treatment using the chelating agent, DMSA, and found that children with autism excreted three times the amount of mercury in their urine as the non-autistic control group (Bradstreet, et al., J Am Phys Surg 2003, 8:76).
These are only a sampling of the groundbreaking studies by Egyptian scientists, doctors and researchers on the etiology of autism. Impressive Egyptian studies beg a host of questions for public health officials and American citizens. Most prominently: why can a chaotic society in a war torn and relatively impoverished nation produce high quality science on the etiology and successful treatments of autism while the science on the environmental triggers of autism in the U.S. is stagnant despite the National Institutes of Health spending more than $1 billion on autism research since 2010?
Burnbrae Farms: EGG Creations – Recipes
Scrambled Vegetarian Hash Brown Pizza
PREP TIME: 10 min.
MAKES: 1 pizza, 10 slices
INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg (500g) Egg Creations Fat Free Garden Veggie
1 cup (250 mL) cooked diced potatoes (1 leftover baked potato)
½ cup (125 mL) black beans, rinsed and drained
Veggies and herbs of your choice (diced tomatoes, diced sweet peppers, diced avocado, corn kernels, chopped basil or cilantro)
1 cup (250 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese
Ranch dressing, to serve
DIRECTIONS:
1. Grease a large frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
2. Add Egg Creations Fat Free Garden Veggie eggs, diced potatoes, black beans, veggies and herbs of your choice and season well with salt and pepper. Let cook, covered, until almost set, about 7 min.
3. Top with mozzarella cheese, cover and continue cooking for 2-3 min., until cheese has melted. Remove from heat and let stand 5 min. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 10 slices. Pack for lunches or grab for breakfast on the go. Serve with ranch dressing as a dipping sauce and top with extra herbs, if desired.
TIPS:
* Feel free to add different vegetables like sliced mushrooms, chopped asparagus and diced eggplant.
* Try adding different types of cheese or a combination of cheeses like shredded cheddar and Havarti.
* This hash brown pizza is delicious cold. You can make in advance and eat cold for lunch or re-heat slices in the microwave.
Burnbrae Farms: EGG Creations – Recipes
Ramen Egg Cups
PREP TIME: 10 min.
MAKES: 12
INGREDIENTS:
2 x 85g ramen noodles, cooked according to package directions
Egg Creations Whole Eggs Original Mushroom & Spinach
1 tbsp (15 mL) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 mL) hot sauce, plus extra to serve
¼ cup (60 mL) sliced green onions, plus extra to serve
DIRECTIONS:
1. Grease well a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Place cooked ramen noodles in a large bowl. Pour over Egg Creations Whole Eggs Original Mushroom & Spinach. Stir to combine. Equally divide noodles into prepared muffin tin, letting excess egg drip back into bowl. Leave a dip in the middle of each noodle “nest” using your hands. Place in the oven and bake 5 min., to set noodles.
3. To remaining Egg Creations Original Mushroom & Spinach add soy sauce, hot sauce and green onions. Divide egg mixture between ramen “nests”. Continue to bake in oven until egg has completely set, 10 – 12 min. Remove egg cups from muffin tin, using a butter knife to loosen edges if necessary.
4. Top with extra hot sauce and a sprinkle of extra green onions, if using before serving.
TIPS:
* Use leftover spaghetti noodles instead of ramen noodles.
* Try adding a drop of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to ramen cups.
* Replace green onions with chopped cilantro or chopped fresh basil.
Burnbrae Farms: EGG Creations – Recipes
BURRITO OMELETTE
PREP TIME: 10 min.
MAKES: 1 burrito omelette, sliced into six “sushi” pieces
INGREDIENTS:
½ pkg (250g) Egg Creations Whole Eggs Original Veggie & Feta
1 large whole-wheat wrap
¼ cup (60 mL) salsa
¼ cup (60 mL) finely shredded romaine lettuce
1 green onion, finely sliced
DIRECTIONS:
1. Grease a large frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Pour Egg Creations Whole Eggs Original Veggie & Feta into heated pan. Using a non-stick spatula slightly scramble eggs. Then, leave to set in an even layer and cook completely in the pan, about 2 mins, flip and continue cooking 30 sec.
3. Remove omelette from pan and set on top of a whole-wheat wrap. Spread evenly with salsa, chopped lettuce and green onions. Roll up, burrito style, and slice into 6 equal rounds. Stick a toothpick in each round and serve or pack in lunch boxes.
TIPS:
* You can add burrito toppings of your choice – try adding a few black beans with your salsa or grated carrots and sliced zucchini.
* You can alternatively serve the burrito omelette sliced in half and serve with a side salad for a filling dinner.
* You can easily make this recipe for two people. Just cook two separate omelettes and increase the amount of toppings.
