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: Breakfast and Lunch Protein?

Q: I know eating enough protein is important, but what are the best sources to consume early in the day? A: You’re right that protein is important! It builds muscle, keeps you full, and is not readily converted to body fat. A healthy diet should include about one gram of protein per three pounds of bodyweight, or 50g/day for someone … 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 Many Benefits of Weekly Meal Prepping

Eating five times daily, as most know we should, is difficult if you also want to eat cleanly by limiting artificial and processed ingredients. That’s partly why so many have recently turned to weekly meal prepping. Getting Started… The ultimate goal should be eating well-balanced daily meals we can call breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, and supper. But considering … 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

Fast Food Facts

1 McDonalds Big Mac contains 585 calories, 27g protein, 46g carbohydrates and 32g fat 1 McDonalds medium fries contains 344 calories, 3.7g protein, 44g carbohydrates and 16g fat 1 McDonalds Egg McMuffin contains 294 calories, 17g protein, 28g carbohydrates and 12g fat 1 McDonalds medium Coca Cola contains 215 calories, 0g protein, 56g carbohydrates and 0g fat 1 McDonalds McVeggie … 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

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