oleh admin | Apr 14, 2025 | body weight, health & fitness, news, obesity, weight loss
City desk journalist Oscar Liu recounts his journey of challenges and successes as he managed to reduce his weight from 98kg last September to 78kg this January.
I recall the day in July from last year when the anticipation for my upcoming three-week adventure across Europe rose within me as I purchased a new pair of running shoes and slipped them on.
However, when I looked down, I couldn’t spot my new shoes. My stomach was obstructing my view.
A few weeks later in Spain, as I ascended a gradual slope in Toledo, it started feeling akin to climbing a mountain. My lungs were afire, my heartbeat thundered, and I had to pause for breath.
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I had to acknowledge that after making inconsistent efforts to stay fit for eight years, I ended up being overweight, consuming excessive food and neglecting my health.
I had reached 98 kg (216 lbs), which was my highest weight ever and 23 kg over the desirable weight of 75 kg for someone of my stature.
It provided little comfort knowing that I belonged to the majority in Hong Kong, where 54.6 percent of adults were classified as overweight or obese, based on the Department of Health’s 2020-2022 Population Health Survey.
Men seldom confess their insecurities about their physical appearance, yet this battle had defined my existence.
Sei fei jai
, which literally translates to “deadly fat boy” in Cantonese, was a label that dogged me practically from the day I was born a robust 4kg and through a childhood of hurtful comments and being teased and bullied about my size.
While in college and seeking a rapid solution, I discovered a physician who provided me with weight-loss medication that I used for about nine months.
They were effective, yet they consistently made me feel restless and anxious. To steer clear of these side effects, I discontinued their use, and subsequently, all the weight I had shed came back.
Driven by desperation, I fell into a harmful pattern of binging and purging, which became a hidden source of deep embarrassment and erosion of my self-esteem over many years. It took me over ten years to confide in even my nearest companions about this struggle.
Until 2016, my parents didn’t appear worried about their youngest child’s weight. But once they were both diagnosed with diabetes that year, they started pressing me to make changes.
That year, I started a new fitness adventure by joining a CrossFit gym and diving into weightlifting, gymnastics, and intense metabolic conditioning workouts with great enthusiasm.
My trainers functioned more as life coaches, giving me a solid base in fitness for the very first time in my life.
I tried out more nutritious food options and various dietary approaches. As a result, the weight came off, my clothing became less snug, and I started feeling a sense of pride in these transformations. It was quite rewarding.
However, this situation also unraveled. The firm I was with shut down, which left me jobless for a year. Under stress, I reverted to my exercise routines, and previously abandoned habits resurfaced.
The weight came back. I was still stuck on that disheartening carousel, which served as an ongoing reminder of my failures.
I surrendered in the fight against weight gain and tried to wear a smile, yet deep down, I wasn’t truly content.
Next was the vacation last summer in Spain, struggling to see my feet as I huffed and puffed up that hill in Toledo.
It was time to attempt once more.
After coming back from Europe, I discovered a new fitness coach, began hitting the gym thrice weekly, focused on nutrition, and meticulously tracked and recorded everything I consumed.
The guiding principle of my trainer was that health is a way of life, which implied that beyond working out and monitoring my diet, I needed to focus on getting quality sleep and handling stress effectively.
Having empathetic coworkers who brought takeout lunches and stayed with me for these nutritious meals in the newsroom was quite beneficial.
It wasn’t simple, yet I successfully reduced my weight from 98kg last September to 78kg in January, and since then, I’ve kept myself under my targeted weight of 83kg.
Friends, family members, and coworkers have been giving me praise for the transformation they’ve observed. They mention that I seem more vibrant as well.
When I take time away from work, I prefer engaging in physical pursuits like jogging and trekking rather than lounging at home munching on potato chips and cheese while binging shows on Netflix.
On some days, I catch myself pondering whether this could be the authentic version of me, permanently in place.
Nevertheless, I remain acutely conscious that the allure of delicious cuisine and fine wines persists constantly. Additionally, nowadays, there’s considerable excitement surrounding novel diabetes medications like Ozempic, which can lead to significant weight reduction.
They are promoted as an easy solution for those dealing with excess weight. However, I still remember the episodes of anxiety I experienced from taking diet pills during my college days.
Should I admit that my life has been transformed? In the past, I looked for instant solutions, valuing an altered look more than making lasting changes to my way of living.
My current priority is achieving enduring wellness and a feeling of mastery over my life.
However, acquiring genuine confidence remains an ongoing endeavor. Acknowledging these uncertainties makes me feel exposed, particularly since societal norms demand that men should be resilient, even though this challenge isn’t exclusive to one gender.
Body image and eating problems impact numerous individuals, both women and men, yet perhaps discussing these matters candidly is an essential stride toward self-acceptance and collective assistance.
The difference this time around is that I am dedicated to constructing a healthier, more self-compassionate version of myself.
Fingers crossed as I attempt to avoid getting on the roller coaster.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
oleh admin | Apr 3, 2025 | entertainment, health, health & fitness, health and exercise, news
The daughter of Phillip Wain, who was a co-founder of the health and beauty chain in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, announced that he passed away on March 14 at his residence in Australia.
Edwin “Eddie” Phillips, who was both a businessman and the co-founder of the health and beauty retail chain Philip Wain in Hong Kong and throughout Southeast Asia, passed away due to lung cancer at the age of 74.
Natasha, his daughter, disclosed the information on Wednesday, mentioning that Phillips passed away on March 14 at his residence in Byron Bay, Australia.
Phillips, renowned for introducing aerobics to Asia, launched the fitness chain alongside his business associate, Barry Wain, in the city during October 1977. The venture later extended its reach to Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
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Natasha mentioned, “He was a gifted entrepreneur even when he was young and had a strong passion for fitness and well-being as he led an energetic sports-oriented life. Competing vigorously in judo and participating in various athletic activities, he also had an intense love for surfing.”
Whenever my brother and I participated in our extra-curricular activities at school, my dad was always eager to be there.
Natasha mentioned that she actively participated in drama productions, noting that she had extended an invitation to her dad for the special showing of the play.
South Pacific
which she was part of.
“I wasn’t aware of what a gala entailed, so I didn’t inform my dad that it required formal attire. As a result, he showed up to watch me perform wearing his usual clothes but still managed to pull it off with style,” she remembered.
Phillips has been married two times. His first marriage produced two offspring: Natasha and Bogart, who currently reside in Australia. The kids were born from his union with Deborah Sims.
Following his separation from Sims, Phillips tied the knot with Kellie Bright in Australia. They became parents to a boy named Jesse, yet their union ultimately concluded in divorce.
Phillips was born and raised in Entrance, a quaint seaside locale on the Central Coast of New South Wales. He began his professional journey at a gym in Sydney before obtaining certification from the prestigious Academy of Natural Healing.
In the 1970s, Phillips departed from Australia for Asia, journeying through Thailand prior to achieving success in Hong Kong.
Natasha mentioned that he was dubbed the “Fitness King of Hong Kong” and the “Spa King” in Australia.
His former spouse, Sims, who was referred to as “the Fitness and Aerobics Queen of Hong Kong,” contributed significantly to building the Phillip Wain brand over several years. Additionally, she represented the city as an Olympic swimmer.
In Australia, he established a vast business enterprise featuring Camp Eden Health Retreat in Queensland and Temple of the Body and Soul in Sydney. His investment holdings also encompassed establishments such as Kirra Beach Hotel in Queensland and the Pearl South Pacific Resort in Fiji.
He died in Byron Bay, an area he once described as “natural, undeveloped and has fabulous surfing”.
He stated in a 1998 interview with the Post that he could connect with nature both physically and spiritually.
He revealed to the Post in 1994 that besides surfing, he was an avid swimmer too. Each morning before breakfast, he would swim 70 lengths in his 17-meter pool located at his residence on Bowen Road.
Allan Zeman, chairman of the Hong Kong Lan Kwai Fong Group, said Phillips was “very popular” in the city’s social scene, and was often seen at the nightlife district Zeman founded.
Zeman mentioned that he was consistently well-dressed and maintained an excellent physique since he managed a gym.
He would often serve many affluent individuals. Back then, being a member there was the thing to do in Hong Kong.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
oleh admin | Mar 29, 2025 | food and drink, health, health & fitness, health tips, Travel
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The Gut Stuff duo is offering their best advice to MailOnline Travel.
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Discover why you might experience constipation when traveling abroad.
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EXPLORE FURTHER: Discover the globe’s most enchanting fairy tale locations revealed
Nothing compares to the disappointment of planning a relaxing seaside vacation for a week, only to find yourself stuck next to your hotel bathroom toilet instead.
A lot of individuals fall ill when traveling globally due to numerous factors such as dehydration and alterations in their eating habits.
However, do not worry, for twins Lisa and Alana McFarlane, the creators, have stepped in to handle this situation.
The Gut Stuff
, have experts available for guidance.
From the snacks you should include in your luggage to foods that help with constipation, here are Alana and Lisa’s suggestions for steering clear of frequent bathroom trips rather than heading to the all-inclusive buffet during your upcoming international journey.
If you’ve ever experienced some difficulty with digestion during vacations, know that you’re not the only one. Lisa explains: “This issue often arises due to alterations in your eating habits when traveling. If usually you stick to a fiber-rich diet that supports digestive health, yet upon landing you find yourself indulging in foods like gooey cheese bread instead, this shift might impact your digestive system. There’s no reason for embarrassment; these dishes are tempting! However, they have the potential to make you feel somewhat blocked up.”
Alana points out that long-haul flights exacerbate the problem, stating: “These trips often result in bloating and constipation because we tend not to consume enough water during the flight.”
Our digestive systems can likewise be influenced by geographical factors. “Inside and outside of our bodies reside various microorganisms,” clarifies Lisa. “These same tiny life forms are present all over the surroundings as well. Therefore, when traveling to a different nation, one might encounter previously unknown microbial entities, an experience that could prove beneficial.”
However, it can also bring in detrimental strains that were previously absent from your microbiome.
If you find yourself somewhat “blocked up and constipated” during your vacation, how should you address this issue?
Lisa says: ‘Try having a few kiwis from the breakfast buffet; they should take care of it. Kiwis can aid digestion and relieve constipation. It’s what some people refer to as a “natural exit.”’
The selections available at the buffet might have a significant impact.
Lisa clarifies: “Both Alana and I really enjoy an all-inclusive buffet. It’s important for us to feel we’re getting good value for our money, but still maintaining a balanced approach.”
Add nuts and seeds to your soup. If you’re enjoying a large cooked breakfast, consider serving a small portion of fruits on the side. Fiber plays a crucial role.
If possible, choose brown rice instead of white rice, and brown pasta over white,” suggests Alana. “These minor adjustments can help increase your fiber intake in a positive way.
Additionally, there’s an essential food item that the sisters recommend including in your luggage.
Alana states: “Including fiber in your routine is essential. You might opt for high-fiber bars and beverages, or simply include a packet of chia seeds in your luggage. They’re quite lightweight.”
GUT STUFF’S BEST ADVICE FOR STEERING CLEAR OF TRAVEL TUMMIES
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Carry your fiber easily with lightweight and convenient snacks.
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Include packets of chia seeds for your morning meal or to prepare your homemade chia pudding.
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Carry a large water bottle with you during your flight.
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Wear comfortable clothes and steer clear of snug waistbands while flying.
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Pack rehydration salts
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If you’re experiencing constipation, choose kiwis from the breakfast buffet.
Source: The Gut Stuff
Adding chia seeds to your morning meal or yogurt can provide a fiber boost that might prevent digestive issues during your vacation.
Staying hydrated is crucial for preventing stomach issues. Lisa advises: “Get yourself a large water bottle, particularly when traveling to warmer climates. Maintain your fluid intake throughout your trip.”
And there’s a simple method to determine if you should replenish your fluids.
Alana clarifies: “Observe the color of your urine; this will provide a clear indicator if you need to increase your water intake.”
Urine ranging from medium to dark yellow typically indicates a need for hydration.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 16, 2025 | health, health & fitness, health and exercise, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare
Sleep remains an enigma even though it is essential for our well-being.
Many of us dedicate about one-third of our lives to sleep, yet you might require more or fewer than eight hours each night.
This is what sleep experts and physicians recommend regarding the amount of time you should dedicate to sleeping.
‘Self-care’
“The exact reasons remain unclear, yet it’s a crucial activity for everyone,” stated Dr. Rafael Pelayo, a sleep expert from Stanford University.
When you sleep, something extraordinary occurs. It stands as the most innate way of taking care of yourself.
The majority of people get between seven to nine hours of sleep, which shows the least correlation with health issues, according to Molly Atwood, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist at Johns Hopkins.
According to Atwood, once individuals consistently obtain less than six hours or over nine hours of sleep per night on average, their likelihood of experiencing health issues gradually increases; however, individual differences play a role.
According to Pelayo, when determining the amount of sleep required, it’s crucial to consider the quality of your rest. He mentioned that the ultimate goal should be waking up rejuvenated.
“If someone informs me that they get plenty of sleep but still feel exhausted upon waking, there’s an issue,” Pelayo stated. “You should not depart from your preferred eatery without being satiated.”
The amount of sleep required varies from person to person.
The quantity of sleep required varies across our lifetime. Infants require the highest amount—ranging from 14 to 17 hours.
“Atwood mentioned that definitely during our infancy and childhood, as we grow very quickly, we require much more sleep,” he stated.
The National Sleep Foundation suggests that many adults aged from 26 to 64 should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Seniors might receive somewhat lesser amounts, whereas young adults aged 16 to 25 could potentially get slightly higher sums.
People go through various sleep stages approximately every 90 minutes. During the initial part of the night, as Atwood mentioned, a larger segment of this cycle consists of slow-wave sleep, also known as deep sleep, which is crucial for bodily repair and restoration. This is also when “growth hormone” gets secreted.
During the later part of the night, a larger portion of your sleep cycle is dedicated to REM sleep, also known as dream sleep. This stage plays a crucial role in learning and consolidating memories, essentially converting short-term experiences into long-lasting ones.
Children experience more “profound sleep,” spending roughly half the night in this stage, she explained. This decreases during adolescence, according to Atwood, as our bodies require less repair and rejuvenation.
Another intriguing change during puberty is the emergence of gender-based disparities in sleep patterns.
Is it true that women require more sleep compared to men?
The research does not indicate that women require more sleep; however, women generally tend to get marginally more rest compared to men, according to Atwood.
It begins when they are young. Despite having similar sleep requirements, adolescent girls appear to obtain less shut-eye compared to their male counterparts, according to Pelayo. Furthermore, teen girls often report experiencing insomnia more regularly.
According to Allison Harvey, a clinical psychologist and professor specializing in sleep at UC Berkeley in the U.S., when women become first-time mothers, they tend to look after their newborns during nighttime more often, resulting in reduced sleep.
Hormones can also affect how much and how well women sleep during pregnancy and menopause.
Specialists suggest that women might require additional rest leading up to their period.
When should you get assistance with sleep?
You’ll recognize if you aren’t getting sufficient rest if you feel cranky, easily annoyed, and unable to concentrate. Over time, these small issues can escalate into severe concerns – potentially life-threatening ones.
Atwood mentioned that if you’re not getting adequate sleep or if you have untreated insomnia or sleep apnea, your likelihood of experiencing depression goes up.
You face higher risks of cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. Your immune system gets weakened. You become more susceptible to Alzheimer’s.
If you’re meeting the suggested hours of sleep each night yet still feel exhausted upon waking, it may be time to consult with your primary care physician.
They can eliminate other medical issues that might impact your sleep, according to Atwood. However, if the troubles continue, consulting a sleep specialist might be beneficial.
oleh admin | Mar 9, 2025 | health, health & fitness, health and exercise, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare
Frequent oversleeping might be an initial sign of several serious illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, suggests recent research.
Research has shown that individuals getting approximately seven hours of sleep are less prone to experiencing significant health problems.
Individuals who get more than seven hours of sleep are at an increased risk of experiencing cognitive decline along with heart disease and conditions related to it.
diabetes
.
However, individuals who managed less than seven hours of sleep tended to experience lower moods, feelings of tiredness, and poorer muscle and bone health.
MRI studies showed that the brain regions associated with emotions tend to be smaller in individuals who get less sleep. Experts think this shrinkage may explain why these people often experience lower moods.
Experts labeled the discoveries as a ‘game changer’ in comprehending the link between sleep and well-being.
The research conducted at the University of Warwick examined sleep patterns involving almost 500,000 individuals aged between 38 and 73 years old.
The researchers indicate that for individuals who sleep excessively, this is probably a sign of an underlying condition rather than the reason behind it.
Prior studies have indicated that getting more than nine hours of sleep might signal the presence of Alzheimer’s, a degenerative brain disorder. However, investigators from Warwick suggest that consistently sleeping for over seven hours may also point towards this serious illness.
Nevertheless, individuals who get less than seven hours of sleep attribute their health problems to the lack of sufficient rest.
Experts express their optimism that these discoveries could enable early detection of illnesses and swiftly offer treatment strategies for individuals struggling with sleep issues.
The subsequent phase of the study will involve monitoring alterations in sleep patterns as time progresses.
‘This represents a significant change in our understanding of the connection between sleep and overall health,’ states Professor Jianfeng Feng, a biologist and co-author of the study at Warwick University.
‘Our final objective is to create a complete sleep health overview throughout an individual’s entire lifetime, offering practical recommendations for people at each developmental stage.’
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 4, 2025 | health, health & fitness, health and exercise, lifestyle, nutrition
Seorang pakar gizi menguji coba gaya hidup makanan seperti milik Victoria Beckham dalam satu hari. Ternyata, hal mengejutkan berlangsung di tubuhnya setelah itu.
TRIBUNSTYLE.COM –
Victoria Beckham sudah lama dikenal sebagai ikon inspirasi kecantikan dan penampilan sempurna sejak debutnya sebagai Posh Spice dalam grup Spice Girls pada tahun 1994.
Sejak saat itu, dia tetap menjaga postur tubuh yang sangat kurus, entah karena tekanan dari perhatian publik atau pengaruh partisipasinya di dunia mode.
Namun, apakah memiliki tubuh sangat ramping sebenarnya hal yang layak diidamkan? Atau malah harus dibarengi dengan peringatan?
Saya sendiri tidak pernah bercita-cita untuk menjadi sangat kurus, tetapi setelah menonton video dari ahli gizi Abbey Sharp, saya semakin yakin bahwa saya tidak menginginkannya sama sekali.
Menjaga Berat Badan Tetap Langsing Biaya untuk menjaga berat badan seimbang ala Victoria Beckham ternyata tidak murah. Namun, setidaknya ia cukup transparan mengenai upaya yang dibutuhkan agar bisa tampak demikian.
Satu hal yang kerap kali mengusik saya terkait industri selebriti adalah ketidaktahuan publik akan cara mereka merawat penampilan fisiknya.
Banyak di antara mereka membentuk kesan seolah-olsih badan ideal tersebut diperoleh dengan cara yang natural, namun pada dasarnya dibutuhkan komitmen kuat terhadap rutinitas diet dan latihan fisik.
Mempertahankan bentuk tubuh ramping tanpa menggunakan obat-obatan atau genetika khusus memerlukan disiplin yang kuat, pengendalian pola makan yang ketat, serta mengonsumsi jenis makanan yang hampir sama tiap harinya.
Rutinitas Diet yang Ketat
David Beckham pernah mengungkapkan dalam sebuah wawancara betapa ketatnya pola makan istrinya:
Saya mengalami kesulitan karena sudah menikah dengan orang yang selalu memakan hal yang sama untuk 25 tahun belakangan ini. Sejak pertemuan kami dengan Victoria, ia cuma menyantap ikan bakar serta sayuran kukus saja.
Satu-satunya saat dia pernah mencoba makanan di piring saya adalah ketika dia sedang hamil Harper. Itu adalah salah satu malam favorit saya.
Klaim tersebut cukup menggambarkan betapa kaku dan membosankannya diet yang dijalani oleh Victoria. Banyak orang menemukan bahwa saat mereka berkumpul bersama keluarga atau sahabat, aktivitas makan menjadi bagian penting dari momen-momen istimewa itu.
Walaupun kegembiraan tak selalu ditentukan oleh makanan, namun menahan diri dengan berlebihan untuk merasakan kenikmatan masakan dapat membuat perasaan sedih.
Resiko Kesehatan Akibat Diet Ketat Menurut ahli nutrisi Abbey Sharp, terdapat berbagai resiko kesehatan yang berkaitan dengan diet ala Victoria Beckham.
Sebagai contoh, memakan terlalu banyak ikan dapat menyebabkan peningkatan tingkat merkuri di dalam tubuh. Ahli kesehatan merekomendasikan bahwa asupan ikan harus dibatasi sampai 2-3 porsi setiap pekan, sedangkan Victoria mengkonsumsinya dua kali sehari.
Berikut adalah sketsa tentang pola makan harian Victoria Beckham:
Pagi: Dua sendok makan cuka sari apel ketika perut dalam keadaan kosong serta secangkir air hangat yang dicampur jeruk nipis.
Sarapan: Minuman smoothie hijau yang terdiri dari apel, kiwi, lemon, bayam, brokoli, biji chia, dan air kelapa atau toast dengan alpukat
Untuk makan siang: salad yang berisi alpukat dan kacang-kacangan disertai ikan bakar, tidak menggunakan minyak tetapi hanya memakai cuka balsamic.
Makan malam: Ikan bakar disertai sayur steamed.
Abbey Sharp enggan mematuhi diet tersebut dengan ketat. Alih-alih, dia menyiasati pilihan makannya supaya tetap sehat namun lebih beragam dan enak.
Olahraga yang Keras, Di samping menerapkan diet yang sangat disiplin, Victoria Beckham juga melakukan olahraga fisik dengan keras.
Dia berlatih olahraga dua kali sehari selama setidaknya dua jam. Hal ini tidak menjadi tugas ringan untuk mayoritas orang yang mempunyai kewajiban dan aktivitas lain dalam kehidupannya.
Menemukan Keseimbangan yang Sehat Pada akhirnya, setiap orang bebas memilih gaya hidup yang mereka inginkan.
Mungkin bagi Victoria, rutinitas ini sudah menjadi bagian dari hidupnya dan ia merasa baik-baik saja. Namun, kesehatan tidak hanya soal bagaimana kita terlihat dari luar, tetapi juga tentang bagaimana kita merasa di dalam.
Kebugaran sesungguhnya meliputi kecerian hati, keserasian, serta menikmati hidup. Anda tidak harus menjalani rutinitas makanan ketat atau berolahraga secara berlebihan untuk memenuhi standar penampilan tertentu.
Lebih utama adalah mencari keseimbangan yang menjaga kebugaran tubuh dan pikiran kita.
(TribunSytle.com/Aris/yourtango.com)
