Can Intermittent Fasting Lead to Sustained Fitness? We weigh the evidence…

While it’s an undoubtedly popular concept among the more fad-minded in the contemporary health and fitness world, exactly how effective is intermittent fasting when it comes to weight loss and an overall improvement in health? Well, for one thing, it’s certainly easier to manage than you might expect. All it requires is a little self-discipline, though, if you were over-blessed with that you might not be worrying about any excess weight problem in the first place. 

The idea behind intermittent fasting is that, by restricting your food intake, your body will be obliged to deplete its fat reserves to meet your energy requirements. While glucose from carbohydrates is your body’s most direct fuel source, you burn fat to provide energy when glucose isn’t available. Inevitably, this is more likely to happen when your body’s level of food intake is relatively low. 

Essentially, intermittent fasting means scheduling for yourself periods when you refrain from eating. As it is not about what to eat, but only when to eat, it is not considered a diet per se. Although being mindful of what you eat will certainly deliver optimum outcomes, some studies have shown good results are still possible in instances where 14 hours of daily fasting are sustained without changing your normal food choices. 

That aside, let’s briefly consider the five supposed benefits of this particular practice. 

Weight Loss 

Many of those who favour intermittent fasting do so in the belief that it will trigger a hormone reaction that catalyses weight loss. This is based on the notion that lower insulin levels, higher Human Growth Hormone levels and increased amounts of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) will increase the breakdown of body fat and facilitate its use to meet energy needs. 

According to one 2011 study, intermittent fasting also results in less muscle loss than continuous calorie reduction. There have also been claims that it especially benefits those people that don’t have time to devote to meal planning and preparation. This may be why it appeals to those seeking an easy alternative to something more rigorously thought-out and planned. 

Improved Cognitive 

Functioning While the buzz surrounding this practice is relatively new, the notion of intermittent fasting actually dates back many centuries. It was practised by a number of ancient civilisations, with many contemporary religions retaining some vestige of the practice, often in the belief that it helps achieve clarity of focus. In support of this, a study published in Molecular Psychiatry indicated daily fasting can enhance memory and help guard against neurological disorders. 

Fasting is also said to increase the level of a brain hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A BDNF deficiency has been cited as a cause of depression and various other brain problems. Some have even claimed that fasting can help fend off Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common neurodegenerative disease. Such suggestions have, however, yet to achieve widespread acceptance among the medical community. 

Longevity and Slow Ageing 

Another supposed benefit of intermittent fasting is that it can even help you live longer. This is based on the claim that its triggers autophagy, a cellular recycling process that disposes of older and potentially diseased cells, resulting in an extended lifespan. Such assertions are, however, somewhat contentious. 

While there have been some studies that could be seen as lending credence to such a notion, this is a highly controversial medical field and one where commercial imperatives are frequently seen as trumping proper evidential analysis. As ever, it’s best to treat any such claims with a measure of cynicism until an acceptable level of scientific consensus emerges. 

Improved Heart Health 

There have also been a number of assertions that the practice of intermittent fasting can help ward off future coronary problems. As heart disease is both widespread and potentially hugely debilitating (if not fatal) this is an extremely alluring prospect, while again being one that should be treated with a degree of caution until it is comprehensively endorsed by the medical community at large.

Advocates of the notion, meanwhile, maintain that intermittent fasting may improve the body’s insulin response, a mechanism that helps control blood sugar levels. This chimes with the belief that lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels can lower the risk of weight gain and diabetes, two factors known to be related to higher incidences of heart disease.

Prevention of Cancer

Inevitably, given the wide range of benefits attributed to intermittent fasting with varying degrees of credibility, sooner or later some advocate or other was going to champion its anticancer potential. Equally inevitably it was also going to be the ‘sooner’ box that got ticked.

Proponents of this particular belief maintain that intermittent fasting reduces the risk of cancer by slowing the ability of cancer cells to adapt and spread. As a corollary to this, there have also been suggestions that fasting can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. While not wishing to entirely discredit such notions, it’s worth bearing in mind that the higher the Fear Factor, the greater the likelihood that unverifiable solutions will be posited by the less scrupulous practitioners. Few conditions have a higher fear factor than cancer.

What’s Veganuary? Here’s how going plant-based for a month will improve your health

Pledged to eat healthy in the new year? 

Well, vegan burgers are no longer a dull sermon enticing only the 5% vegetarians on the planet… Over the last few years, the rise and the reputation of veganism has sky-rocketed. It’s no longer a case of a few evangelical legume-lovers ordering a chickpea salad at Pret A Manger, the diet concept of Veganuary – an annual online resolution for meat-lovers to avoid animal flesh for one month, is soaring in popularity. Keep scrolling for all the details on how to kickstart a month of healthy eating…

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Move over Dry January and the Whole30 refined-food elimination diet. Veganuary is here to encourage us to eat cleaner and help the planet one plant-based meat substitute at a time. More than half a million people around the world pledged themselves to a month-long plant-based diet last January – double the number who dipped their toes in Veganuary 2019, and excluding countless others who didn’t declare their intentions on the internet.

How did the campaign start?
The campaign was born in the United Kingdom over a bottle of wine shared by Jane Land and Matthew Glover, a couple who had found each other on a vegan dating site, and in just seven years it has attracted celebrity advocates like Billie Eilish, Elliot Page and Alicia Silverstone. Last year Natalie Portman asked her 5.9 million Instagram followers to join the movement and “fight climate chaos with your fork”.

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Meat, milk and egg production accounts for almost 15-percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, but those choosing to reduce the amount of animal products in their diet for planetary, ethical or personal health reasons can take heart in the changing landscape. In 2020, vegan meat substitutes claimed a whopping US$1.4 billion market share in the United States. As we digest the prospect of a new, cleaner lifestyle, let’s consider what good a month of plant-based eating could do for our bodies.

Also Read: Hong Kong’s best vegan and vegetarian restaurants

Plant Eating Benefits

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Within 3-4 days: Digestion and gut health will begin to improve. With increased amounts of fibre and water in your system from all those fruits and green vegetables, bowel movements will become more regular.

Within 7 days: Blood sugars dip almost from the get-go, and as you banish processed foods, energy levels enjoy a noticeable boost. A well-balanced plant-based diet is high in vitamins, minerals and fibre, has zero cholesterol, and is generally much lower in saturated fats (avoid palm and coconut oils if heart health is your priority). Several studies have shown that levels of LDL ¬– low-density lipoproteins, a.k.a. bad cholesterol ¬– improve over one or two weeks of total immersion in clean, plant-based eating.

Over 2-3 weeks: You begin to drop pressure and pounds. According to medical research, a single week of sticking to whole foods – fruit and veg – and a diet low in salt and processed foods can reduce high blood pressure by 10mmHg. Another impressive feat of going vegan is that your taste buds become more receptive to the natural flavours of food.

Over 3-4 weeks: The cleaner you eat, the clearer and brighter your complexion becomes. Research has proven that adult acne miraculously disappears in less than a month of cutting out the hormones and steroids found in dairy products from your diet. Dropping dairy also calms skin inflammation and shrinks cystic pimples.

Also Read: Hong Kong’s best vegan and vegetarian restaurants

Moving Over Meat

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The benefits of a meat-free existence are compelling, and the realisation, spurred by an increasingly eco-enlightened mainstream media, is accounting for a rapid change in eating habits. In the US in 2020, plant-based food retail sales grew at 27-percent compared with a total retail food market increase of 15-percent. Every month, we witness the mega launch of a meatless meat product or a buzzy new line of dairy alternatives. Shopping, social life and dining out for vegans, even in a city of carnivores like Hong Kong, is now far less challenging.

Eschewing meat and dairy seems sensible after December’s indulgences, but is a January of clean living going to deliver lasting benefits? “While we are definitely seeing a shift in dietary habits over the years, switching to a plant-based diet has to be long-term and sustainable for you to see any health benefits,” says Shirley Kwok, founder of online concept store KIRR (Keeping it Real and Raw). “[Veganism] is more than just a diet du jour; it’s a lifestyle and a mindset change.”

Also Read: Salad Daze: Do’s and Dont’s of veganism

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While there is no doubt that the meat (beef in particular) industry negatively impacts greenhouse gas emissions and thus the planet, questions have been raised about the greenness of the vegan diet, and whether our quest for better health has gone too extreme?

“Not everyone benefits from dropping meat and dairy,” says Hong Kong-based holistic health coach Mayuri Punjabi. “Long-term veganism can leave the body severely deficient in proteins and amino acids. I did a three-month plant-based diet challenge with my brother and we both had drastically different results. While I had hair loss, patchy skin and bloating, my brother saw dramatic health benefits. Before blindly following a fad, you should know if the trend suits your bio-individual needs.”

For Health’s Sake

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While high rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease – largely driven by the quantity and quality of food we consume – are of grave concern, doctors have warned that cherry-picking nutritional research to make a case for veganism can result in the depletion of essential vitamins like D and B12 (found in animal products), amino acids responsible for brain and heart health, and vital minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and iodine.

Your body can store minerals and vitamins for almost a year, so transitioning to a vegan diet might not initially result in deficiencies. If you plan on ditching diary, meat and fish for good, though, you may need to turn to supplements. Count your macros, and arm yourself with the knowledge to plug any nutritional gaps. Bacon doesn’t have to be the only measure of happiness, of course, but remember that turning around your health and the planet’s ills takes a lot more than cutting out cheese and salami.

Also Read: Premium healthy meal plans that deliver right to your door step

(Text: Nikita Mishra)

Five healthiest fish to eat and deliver to your doorstep

Whether you’re concerned about which fish is the cleanest type to eat or just looking to add a healthier option to your diet, you can skip the narrow range of seafood and depressing small-tanks at the supermarket and opt for a fish that will offer ample protein and Omega-3 without the fear mercury levels and other contaminants. Here, we’ve listed the healthiest fish types to eat and where to order to get them delivered straight to your doorstep.

  1. Albacore (Longfin) Tuna
    Found in Washington, Oregon and California coasts, this fish type have significantly lower mercury levels and are high in protein and an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids.
  2. Wild caught Alaskan Salmon
    A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein and are packed with vitamins and minerals, they are said to contain very low levels of mercury and heavy metals in their meat. Also known as pacific salmon, it is better for the health than its antibiotic- and hormone-fed farmed counterparts.

  3. Rainbow Trout
    Unlike wild Salmons, trouts caught in the lake are said to be high in contaminants. Farmed rainbow trouts, on the other hand, have been billed as more sustainable and contains low mercury levels. They also provide a higher amount of Omega-3 fatty acids.
  4. Arctic Char
    These cold-water fish, native to alpine lakes and arctic and subarctic coastal waters are found to have the least mercury level, alongside Salmon and Sardines and are similarly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, though its flavor profile is milder which is appealing to many.
  5. Barramundi (Asian sea bass)
    A fish type that is native to Australia and Indo-pacific, it is packed with high levels of healthy fats, other nutrients, a meaty texture and a mild flavorful profile. It is usually raised in farms without any hormones, antibiotics or chemicals which is a healthier and sustainable choice for consuming fish.

 

Where to order: 

Seafood Society

Website: seafoodsociety.com

Contact: +852 2563 0001

Aussie Meat 

Website: aussiemeat.hk

Contact: +852 8191 3100

South Stream Market

Website: southstreammarket.com

Contact: +852 2563 0001

​Pacific Gourmet

Website: pacificgourmet.com.hk

Contact: +852 2898 0221

Law and Orders: Lawyer turned entrepreneur Lianne Lam heads Sing Health, the all-new health food

Wellness and healthy eating are the core precepts of Sing Health, the all-new health food brand masterminded by lawyer and entrepreneur Lianne Lam…

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Tell us a little about your early years in Singapore and the UK…
Well I was raised in a very conservative, typically ‘old Chinese’ family in Singapore as one of three sisters. I went to an all-girls school there, before enrolling as a boarder at Cheltenham Ladies College at the age of 16. After I graduated, I was accepted into King’s College and the College of Law in London, which is where I obtained my law qualifications.

Did you always know you wanted to become a solicitor?
Honestly? I always wanted to become a lawyer. Coming from a traditional Chinese family, I was encouraged from an early age to pursue a career in law or medicine. It was lucky, then, that I loved reading legal cases and had a strong desire to uphold justice even as a youngster.

Having said that, after I spent a few years as a lawyer at an international firm in London and then moved to Hong Kong, I did branch out. I was very into education at that time, so I decided to run an Australian childhood neuro-physiological development centre called Kindyroo. It was basically for toddlers aged two to three years, and I continued to be involved with them until my two sons came along.

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In another departure, you’ve just launched your own health food brand, Sing Health…
Well, Sing Health is a new venture with a focus on nutrition and diet-friendly foods, which are basically guilt-free alternatives and a means of promoting healthy eating. We are the exclusive distributor for a well-established Singaporean brand, XNDO Products, and I’ll be opening our first flagship store in Mongkok. Our mission is actually very simple and based on four key concepts – Replace, Block, Boost and Detox.
We plan to offer a range of quick meals that are calorie-controlled and high on taste, with a choice of 30 Asian flavours. We’ll also be offering functional beverages in order to help with weight loss programmes. Our teas and coffees, for instance, contain the hero ingredient MCT, which helps to step up the metabolism, while the white kidney beans in our milk tea act to block carbohydrates. Our shop will also be stocked with vitamins and supplements, including ones for children that taste like jelly – something I assure you that kids will love.

What was it that persuaded you to enter this new sector?
Back in March 2020, I was with my family in London during the time of its first Covid-19 lockdown. There was a lot of endless rumours about what would happen and how bad things were going to get. The only places we could go were parks for exercise, while we could also still shop at essential stores, including pharmacists and food outlets. Every day, I’d queue up at these shops on the high street in order to purchase healthy foods, juices and supplements, such as vitamin C, D and antioxidants – anything that could boost my family’s immune system. That’s when my eureka moment occurred, and I suddenly thought that starting a business related to healthy eating would be a good forward direction for a healthy life. That was the seed of what would eventually become Sing Health.

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What are the particular benefits you are aiming to offer?
Well, firstly, our nutritious meals are low in calories and high in fibre and protein, while also having a low transfat content. Basically, we are offering quick-to-prepare dishes that are satisfying, yet guilt-free on account of their healthy content. We’re trying to promote a way of losing weight while eating healthily.

For my part, I believe everyone should mentally train themselves out of any detrimental eating habits, while introducing nutritious meals and supplements to their family. It’s very important that we educate the next generation with regard to the importance of fitness and dietary wellbeing.

Any more projects in the pipeline?
Well, as I mentioned, Sing Health’s flagship store opens later this month in Mongkok, so I’m super excited about that. I’m then looking forward to introducing even more premium healthy food brands, while working with business partners who share the same vision as me.

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You mentioned the pandemic earlier – what has been your personal takeaway from that?
I think the biggest thing for me has been the realisation that we can’t simply take life for granted and that you have to prioritise your health and that of your family. I’ve spent a lot of time educating my kids about the importance of healthy living, warding them off fast food and getting them to focus on maintaining a positive lifestyle.

Having said that, the past year has been something of a blessing in disguise because it’s given me so much quality time with my husband and my boys – particularly with my eldest, who would have otherwise been away in boarding school completing his A-Levels. This has seen us explore a range of new family activities, such as watching YouTube and TV, while also learning how to cook and bake together. Without the pandemic, we may never have had this special time together.

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The pandemic aside, how do you normally juggle your work responsibilities with looking after your kids?
I have to say it’s no easy feat. At one time, when the boys were younger, I used to do all the school runs and support all their after-hours activities. There came a time, though, when they were old enough to no longer constantly require my attention. That’s when I took a step back and let them develop naturally. As they’re older and more independent now, it means I can focus on myself and my new baby, Sing Health.

If you were stranded on a desert island, which three items and one person would you most want to have with you?
Firstly, a satellite phone so that I can call for help and reach out to someone to rescue me. I’d also have to have my passport for official identification purposes, allowing me to catch the first flight post-rescue to wherever I need to be. Finally, I’d pack a gun for protection, because you never know what might be lurking on the island… As for who I’d like to bring along, that would definitely be my husband, Matthew… he’s my soul mate and pillar of strength, and I would want to share everything, whether good or bad, with him.

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Finally, tell us something most people don’t know about you…
It may surprise some people to know that I’m actually very old-school, very traditionally minded. I still read printouts of emails and contracts, for instance, rather than going through them on-screen… I also love to relax by watching hair-raising horror movies – that’s something no one really knows about me. My go-tos are all of Alfred Hitchcock’s movies and The Sixth Sense. A good horror movie can make my day or even my week sometimes, because it scares the hell out of you, which is kind of therapeutic in its own way.

Thank you.

 

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Jack Law
Videographer: Kingsley Lau
Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma
Hair & Make-up: Heti Tsang

Collagen soup, the beauty broth for body and soul at Bijin Nabe

If you browse through the ingredient list of beauty products, there’s one common item that’s just bound to recur time and again. This magic ingredient is none other than collagen. Glowing skin, shiny tresses, long nails – it’s all down to collagen apparently. Interestingly enough, collagen already exists in our body without ever being supplemented externally. But as we age, our we produce less and less collagen with every passing year. Thus arises the need to supplement our body’s collagen with external intake. Hence the long list of beauty products that all promise to enhance our body’s collagen content.

Now imagine, instead of applying collagen externally and hoping it gets absorbed effectively, what if you could directly digest collagen in form of food? And not just in the powder that you have to mix with a juice to make it more palatable. We’re talking about bone broth – the original, old-school way of partaking collagen.

Hongkongers can now try this authentic mode of having collagen soup, thanks to Japanese ‘farm-to-table’ hotpot brand Bijin Nabe, that has opened at the apm shopping mall in Millennium City 5, Kwun Tong. On their menu is the collagen-rich chicken ‘beauty stock’ that looks like a pudding when it first makes an appearance on the table but soon melts into a rich creamy soup when heated, acting as the broth for the hotpot.

What makes it so special is that this soup is not just super-delicious but also packed to the gunwales with – besides collagen – vitamins and minerals that help reduce inflammation, treat joint pain and boost our digestive and immunity systems.

Bijin Nabe, 3/F, apm Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong