Ask Shaun: Options for healthy, portable snacks?

Q: I am a college student and I often buy something from the vending machine when I get hungry in between classes. What is the best thing to have? A: Most vending machines contain very few nutritious foods – if any. Many people choose sunflower seeds or peanuts thinking they are having a healthy snack. While nuts and seeds contain valuable vitamins and … Read More

Ask Shaun: How can I eat low-fat at restaurants?

Low Fat Foods at Restaurants Karp Fitness Vancouver

Q: I want to enjoy restaurant dining with my friends. How can I eat out while still keeping up with my low-fat diet? Q:  If you prepare your food at home, you have control over the amount – and the kind –  of fat you add. But this isn’t always as easy when you eat at a restaurant. Whenever you eat out, … Read More

Ask Shaun: Avoiding Afternoon Energy Slump?

Q: At around 2pm I can barely keep my head up. A nap is not an option! Any other healthy suggestions? A: Mid-afternoon malaise is healthy, but it should feel more like drowsiness than total exhaustion. Caffeine can help, but it causes unpleasant side-effects for some. Other options include eating a healthy breakfast and performing regular cardio. Breakfast sets the dietary tone … Read More

You Need Water to Lose Weight

Everyone knows water is important for general health. But not as many realize how integral getting enough quality H2O is to a successful weight loss plan. In fact, there are many ways that proper hydration can help you lose weight. Here are just a few! By drinking water, you will:   Burn more fat & Reduce rapid weight change: First … Read More

The Fitness Triangle

Trying to shed a few pounds before beach season? Read on to ensure you aren’t ignoring any of the three building blocks of fitness. The best way to attain optimal fitness is to divide the task into its three basic components: proper nutrition, cardiovascular training, and muscle strengthening. But remember, simple is not the same as easy! 1) Nutrition: avoid simple carbs; … Read More

Don’t Sweat Skipping Some Summer Workouts

Every summer, regimented exercise programs take a backseat to lawn maintenance, daylong barbecuing, and outdoor fun. But here’s the good news: the heat of summer naturally boots the metabolism and the longer days enable you to fit in more activity. So there’s a chance you’ll burn even more calories simply having fun than you would in the gym! Consider that … Read More

Fresh Produce Is Always In Season

Eating fresh produce is always a good idea.  First though, you need to stock-up. Grower Direct Is Best The best resource is a personal garden. Growing your own produce not only saves money, but also provides hours of exercise! Obviously, gardens are not an option for everyone, but do not discount the potential of a porch, deck, or well-lit windowsill. … Read More

Vitamin E and Me!

What is Vitamin E and Why do I Need It? Did you know that every day cellular reactions in our bodies normally generate highly reactive compounds called free radicals? Free radicals seek out electrons, which are present in high concentrations in cell membranes and DNA. When free radicals pull electrons from these sources they cause damage, either by altering the … Read More

Is it true that ceasar salads and sushi are high in fat?

The lettuce and vegetable ingredients in salads are low in fat, it is the salad dressing and the garnishes that you have to look out for. One to two tablespoons of caesar salad dressing can add up to as much as 15 grams of fat. Also beware of garnishes on salads such as nuts and cheese. A mere ¼ cup … Read More

My doctor says that I need more protein in my diet?

Protein is the major source of building material for the body and next to water is the most plentiful substance in the body. Protein is of primary importance in the growth and development of all body tissues. It is the major source of building material for muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs, including the heart and the brain. … Read More

The Benefits of a High-Fibre Diet

Many of us have heard about the benefits of dietary fibre, but likely aren’t getting enough of it, and may not even be sure why we need it! Studies have shown that a diet high in fibre helps to reduce the risk of digestive and bowel diseases, stabilize blood glucose levels and lower cholesterol, and even aid in weight loss. … Read More

Jumpstart your day with breakfast!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! It provides you with vital energy that is required to jump start your metabolism after the long night of fasting. By adding breakfast each day you will be less inclined to snack on those high calorie and high fat foods during those “sleepy” afternoons. Following are some healthy breakfast ideas and … Read More

Don’t be Fooled Into Eating Fat

Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and simple sugars is not easy. If you prepare your food at home you have control over what you are getting, but if you eat out frequently you cannot be sure about what you are eating. Do you ever wonder why food always tastes better in a restaurant? It is usually … Read More

Brightly Colored Foods May Be A Good Source Of Antioxidants

As we become a more health conscious community, we begin to hear more about the benefits of healthy foods, and more specifically about the importance of including certain vitamins and minerals in your diet, such as antioxidants. You may have already heard that antioxidants are good for your skin and hair, but studies have also shown they help to slow … Read More

Alternative Organic Protein Sources

The battle to maintain a healthier lifestyle coupled with an attempt to be more socially responsible has led many people to search for alternative low-fat protein sources which are also organic. After researching the fat, protein, and calorie composition of Ostrich, Muskox and Bison, I realized that these products have a similar fat and protein content as chicken or fish … Read More