As I sit here drinking tea in Melbournes winter, I’m out on the back deck with my blanket and tea, listening to the birds and working…but it’s a nice place to work and I remembered that just last week we wrote about the benefits of tea in our regular update to our clients so here it is for you…

Drinking Tea Has Its Benefits…There is nothing better than sitting in relaxing in front of the fire, rugged up with a hot cup of tea in hand. Tea is delicious but it is also so good for you! Black has been time and time again been described as the longevity beverage. With over 1,500 varieties, not including all the different herbal blends, it is full of many health effects. Some say when consumed regularly, it is healthier than water…Tea leaves contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that help to prevent cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and some other chronic problems. Polyphenols are normally found in large amounts in fruits, vegetables, grains, coffee, and wine (yes wine!). The specific polyphenols in tea are called catechins or EGCG, which are more powerful than the polyphenols contained anywhere else in nature.

• Tea is also wonderful at decreasing stress by increasing relaxation level and concentration. Fun fact, the amino acid, L-theanine, counteracts any caffeine in the tea. Tea is the only way you can get this supplement in your diet without taking a manufactured supplement.
• Amino acids increase the activity in the brain to achieve a state of relaxed concentration. The highest concentrations of L-theanine are in green and white tea varieties. Its been shown to help lower Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), or bad cholesterol, fight body fat accumulation, inhibit viral illnesses such as the cold or the flu and reduce the buildup of plaque on the teeth- who knew!
• Hot, cold, iced or spiced, tea can be enjoyed in various ways. So do yourself a favour and boil the kettle and enjoy a cup of tea or two a day. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

Enjoy!

Our biggest priority is to keep you fit and HEALTHY so, we are introducing new measures in the anticipation of our returning to the studio. We have been very actively listening and learning from our own industry, the government and other business’ to ensure we protect you as best we can. In this update, we’ll start with a little easing you into what we are doing, we’ll be sending out an email prior to returning when confirmed to take you through the changes we have made and will make going forward i.e. new procedures when you arrive, cleaning equipment, hand sanitiser stations etc. First off we have put together a Hygiene Tote Bag if you would like to purchase some of your own personal items which you can read more about below.

Hygiene Tote Bag – You can pre order now and have delivered or you can purchase on your first visit back.

Option 1 – Hand Sanitiser, Rubber Power Band, Spiky/Massage Ball, Sanitised Wipes and Eye Cleaner $30

Option 2 – Hand Sanitiser, Rubber Power Band, Spiky/Massage Ball, Sanitised Wipes and Eye Cleaner PLUS Fabric Hip/Knee Band, Stainless Steel Water Bottle $70

Option 3 – Hand Sanitiser, Rubber Power Band, Spiky/Massage Ball, Sanitised Wipes and Eye Cleaner, Fabric Hip/Knee Band, Stainless Steel Water Bottle PLUS Massage Stick, Towel, $100
Please Note: that we can add or subtract from the bags if you have something else in mind i.e. purchasing a foam roller or you have a water bottle already, let us know.

Call me (Linda) on 0410 544 759 or email us and we’ll organise for you.

We’ve been busy making videos and I’m so proud of Estelle and JC for getting these video’s together over the last few days so we can help keep our community be fitter, healthier and happier! More will be coming soon but check this one out if you’d like some ideas to exercise from home.

This video gives you ideas for your home work out. It is designed to show beginner, intermediate to advanced exercise routines. When watching you can choose your level of ability and fitness.

Commencing https://youtu.be/6Uimjm_Xjxg

0:00mins – Starter Level – appropriate for someone who is just starting out

3:00mins – Beginner Level – for those who have some experience

5:51mins – Intermediate Level – you will need to have done some exercise and be able to push to the next level of your fitness

9:25mins – Advanced – These exercises require a good level of skill, body awareness, strength and stamina.

Want to know more or like a customised program or zoom session with us, contact us at +61 410 544 759

By Amy Patterson-Bocchi

ALTA Personal Trainer and Health Coach @ Active Glow Wellness Training

Before we head into this article Amy is giving a seminar at ALTA Fitness on Thursday 27th Feb at 7pm on Healthy Longevity.

Book now $25pp on 0400063 786 or contact@altafitness.com.au

“DON’T STRESS… THEY ARE NOT EVIL.”  The story with carbohydrates is complex. Your body DOES need them. The body can operate on fat as fuel, but carbs are more than just fuel for your brain. It’s about FIBRE for your gut. 

Let’s back up a little… all foods can be broken down into categories: proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Our bodies require all of these categories. All three categories have very important and numerous roles in our bodies. 

There are also different types of carbohydrates. Quite often people think of rice, pasta and bread when the ‘C’ word comes up, but carbohydrates are also in meat, dairy, nuts, fruit and vegetables in different amounts. It’s impossible to avoid them completely and you wouldn’t really want to. 

Females in particular need carbohydrates in their diet leading up to their menstrual cycles, as low-carbohydrates can affect your hormone production and fertility. 

Carbohydrates in the form of fibrous vegetables is probably one of the most important things you can do for your health. Down at the distal end of your intestines is your colon and it is HERE that those fibrous vegetables will make ALL the DIFFERENCE to your overall health. 

Your GUT health is linked to your immune system and the health of the good bugs down there create numerous chemicals that influence your health. If the microbes in your gut don’t get fed with fibre they can’t produce helpful chemicals and they will start to eat away at the lining of your gut or worse move further up your intestine in search of food. If the microbes eat away at the mucus lining of the gut then the thin wall lining will also follow and little holes will become bigger holes and then things that are not supposed to be in the blood will slip out and the immune system will attack raising inflammation levels. 

So, CARBS are not bad. I want you to get most of your daily carbs from your vegetables, preferably the lower end of the Glycemic Index if you are trying to lose weight, but still include smaller portions of the higher GI veggies like sweet potato. If in doubt, GO GREEN! Spinach, asparagus, celery, broccoli, brussel sprouts etc.  If you still want to include bread and pasta etc. I want you to think of them more as a luxury. Something, of which, you have just a ‘little’. Small and infrequent portions of bread, pasta and rice are fine, but they are high in energy and low in nutrition. So when you choose bread or pasta consider it a once off for the week if you are trying to lose weight. If you’re an athlete, they help to power your performance. 

If I can get you associating carbohydrates with vegetables instead of bread and pasta, my job will be well done.