Sunday 26 October 2014

Sports Talk - International Premier Tennis League in Singapore


If you are a fan of tennis, you are in for a treat! Tennis fans and entertainment seekers can now look forward to seeing tennis superstars Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, and Patrick Rafter teaming up with the Singapore Slammers for the Singapore leg of the inaugural International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), which is set to liven up the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 2 to 4 December, 2014. The second stop of the four-city tour – sanctioned by the ATF – promises a dose of exciting sporting competition with the Singapore Slammers vying for top honours and a US$1 million prize purse against the Manila Mavericks, Indian Aces and UAE Royals.

The IPTL brings together NBA-style entertainment and world-class tennis, featuring the best current and past ATP & WTA champions in a team tennis competition from 28 November until 13 December 2014. A star-studded line-up of 24 champions has committed to play in Singapore. In addition to current World Number 1 Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, and Patrick Rafter, notable players include Tomas Berdych, Daniela Hantuchova, Bruno Soares, Lleyton Hewitt, Nick Kyrios, Ana Ivanovic, Eugenie Bouchard, Daniela Hantuchova, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet, Goran Ivanisevic, and Carlos Moya.

This is where the good news is: In conjunction with the upcoming Halloween, I will be giving away 3 pairs of Category-3 tickets for one day (worth $98 per pair)! All you need to do is to dress up as your favourite tennis players and replicate their idiosyncrasies on Instagram in a photo or video (e.g. replicating Serena William’s grunt, Roger Federer's twirling racket habit, etc). Afterwhich, simply use the hashtags #IPTLSG, #ChangeOverSG and #SgSlammers!

You are free to post anytime from today till 2nd November and we will be picking our top 3 favourites on 3rd November, Monday! Have fun! :)

For more information about the event: www.iptlworld.com

For more information on Singapore Slammers: www.singaporeslammers.com
Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SingaporeSlammers

Tickets are also on sale at Sports Hub Tix on the Sports Hub Tix Website: www.sportshubtix.sg 

Sunday 19 October 2014

Health Talk – Omical Organic Milk Calcium Supplement

(Sponsored post)

I have always been a milk-lover until recent years when I started getting slightly lactose-intolerant (for no apparent reason). That could happen, according to my doctor, like any allergy. Since then, I started to cut down on my milk intake and decided to increase my calcium intake by taking milk calcium supplements. Well, calcium is a mineral that many of us adults are not getting sufficiently; even if you tell me you drink a glass of low-fat milk every morning.

Benefits of Calcium:
-       Healthy bones, teeth and gums
-       Blood pressure control
-       Proper blood clotting
-       Enzyme activation
-       Cholesterol regulation
-       Hormone function

So I searched high and low for the best form of milk calcium supplements and… That was when I found Omical, an organic milk calcium supplement, made from pure milk (which is the natural wholesome form of calcium that allows optimal absorption and low in lactose at the same time).

Most of the other calcium supplements that are made of calcium carbonate, lactate or gluconate are derived from sources such as crushed up rocks, shells and bones, which carry potential contamination with toxic substances like lead or mercury. Omical; developed from a natural food source, is free from steroids, antibiotics, hormones, as well as toxic metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic.

Omical contains all minerals that are natural from organic milk that ensures absorption. Only Vitamin D is added and so it is safe even for children.

I take 2 tablets a day, as suggested and each tablet contains 250mg of elemental calcium and perfect for absorption slowly into the bones! For those who have difficulty swallowing tablets, you may also crush the tablets for easier consumption.

Of course, I always recommend a well-balanced diet and regular workout as keys to leading a healthy lifestyle and keeping your health in check! Supplements, as I have mentioned in my previous posts, are as the names state, to make up for what your body lacks or cannot be attained from your daily meal intake. I choose Omical because of the natural and organic milk source, minus the fat I get in my regular milk-drinks.

Find out more about Omical! Each bottle of 60 tablets is retailing at $31.90 and available at Guardian, Unity, Watsons and independent pharmacies.

The great news for my readers today: Omical will be giving away 5 bottles to readers who are interested to try it out! All you need to do is answer this simple question in the comments section with your name and email address, OR, you may email me privately at Limaran@gmail.com if you are shy.


Question:
How is Omical different from other calcium supplements?


If you would like to try the samples, you can leave your details HERE and the sample will be sent to you!

Good luck on winning! Have fun everyone! Strong bones for all! J



Tuesday 7 October 2014

Health & Fitness Talk - Women VS Whey

A lot of my friends were very surprised when I told them I take whey protein, in fact I take about 4-5 scoops of whey depending on the length of my day and activity level. Do not be too alarmed, because I'm going to tell you more about whey protein and why we women should not shun away from it. Of course, do check with your doctor for any allergies or intolerances that you have (which I will be sharing later).

What is Whey Protein?

According to Wikipedia, whey, also called milk serum or milk permeate, is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. It is a by-product of the manufacture of cheese or casein and has several commercial uses. Whey is then thrown away as a waste product as a usual practice in the past. Over those years, researchers found out that whey protein is actually a form of high quality, natural protein that is rich in amino acids essential for good health and muscle building.

It is naturally found in mother’s milk and also used in baby formula, and also being considered for use as a fortifier of grain products because of its considerable health benefits and bland flavor. Although protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables, whey protein is proven to have the highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others.

Who should take Whey Protein?

Whey protein has many health benefits including immune support, bone health, sports health, weight management and overall well being. And as women, we need all the help we can get to keep our bones strong and supportive, whether you have given birth or not. It is important for us women to maintain overall health and better nutrition will keep the immunity strong too.

Moreover, because Whey protein is very rich in amino acids which are ‘building blocks’ for the human body, it is sometimes used by patients to speed up the healing of wounds or burns. The high quality protein that comes from whey makes it a recommended choice for those who need optimal benefits from restricted diets including diabetics, those on weight management diets and even ill patients not able to consume enough protein in their diet to assist with healing.

Of course, Whey protein is very commonly known to be used by athletes and especially bodybuilders. However, for us women, we do not have sufficient testosterones (male hormones) in our bodies that will allow us to grow muscular like men so fret not!

Benefits of Whey Protein for Women

Fat Loss
I cannot stress how important a high protein diet will assist in general fat loss and more often than not, you cannot get pure and 'clean' protein from your regular meals. Therefore, the best way to make up for the daily required amount of protein in order to lose fats, is to drink Whey protein. In fact, I sometimes like to replace my meals or top up my meals with 1 scoop of whey protein, if the meal I just had lack the amount of protein I need in a meal.

Lean Muscle Gain/Maintenance
I always like to associate fat loss and muscle gain/maintenance hand-in-hand, because the more lean muscles you have in your body, the smaller the fat cells get (simplified). Whey protein helps in muscle-building, thus shrinking your fat cells in the long run. PLEASE always keep in mind, MUSCLES CANNOT BE CONVERTED INTO FATS, FATS CANNOT BE CONVERTED INTO MUSCLES! So, stop deluding yourself by not working out because you are afraid that your muscles will be converted into fats when you grow older and stop working out (why should you stop working out when you grow older anyway?).

Overall Health Benefits
Protein in general, is classified as an essential nutrient, meaning it performs tasks that are necessary for your body's daily functioning. Proteins build and repair skin, blood, bones, muscles and cartilage so it definitely is beneficial for overall health and especially for women who are expecting. Do check with your doctor/gynae first though, before you start downing scoops of protein during your pregnancy.

Limitations

Whey VS Whole foods
As much as Whey protein is beneficial for us women (and men), do take note that the commercial protein powder that are advertised and consumed by me are still merely supplements. If you are able to get enough protein from whole foods and your daily meals, go ahead and do without the Whey protein powder. I do know of some athletes who do not take Whey protein powder at all.

Lactose-Intolerance
I have also heard of friends who are lactose-intolerant so the main range of Whey protein powder is a no-no for them. You can look for alternatives like soy protein, which may cause slightly higher but still as nutritious, or simply look for whey protein that are lactose-free!

Ways to make Whey protein taste better

Well, I'm not saying all Whey protein taste bad, but if you have to take 4-5 scoops or more daily like me, I love to do quick tweaks to my protein drinks to have more variety.

Smoothies
If you are someone who likes smoothies, simply add a scoop if you like! I love it with bananas, avocados, strawberries, basically most fruits. This way, your breakfast is complete with carbs, high protein and good fats (if you use avocados).

Protein bars
If you are someone who likes to snack and munch all the time, the OhYeah! protein bars are perfect for you. This is my favorite flavor, together with the Peanut butter Strawberry flavor. It keeps me full so I use these bars as meal replacements when I have back-to-back pt sessions, don't have time to eat or don't have access to healthier choices outside.

Protein drinks
On days when I have to rush out of home without breakfast, or when I have super early sessions, I will grab a bottle of OhYeah! Nutritional shake, which contains 32 grams of protein (perfect!). I love it because it is so convenient and yummy at the same time! Most importantly, it is lactose-free!

I get all my Whey protein powder, protein bars and drinks from www.richnutrition.com! Quote 'LA774' for an additional 5% off all purchases and there is free delivery for orders above $100! Happy shopping and live healthily! :)