Confessions of a Toronto Foodie

Rain and diet

2009-11-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

http://jungjihoon.biz/id16.html

Nov 23 2009

SEOUL : South Korean superstar Rain had to put himself on a strict diet for his latest role in action flick "Ninja Assassin" in which he plays an orphan who becomes a ninja warrior.

The new, Joel Silver-produced movie, promises plenty of stunts, sword fights and of course, the leading man himself, Rain.

Describing the food he took as "terrible", and just thinking about it makes him shudder. Now that he no longer has to subject himself to a strict regimen, he is glad that he is able to resume a normal diet, reported Korean media.

For the sake of the movie’s role which required him to be in perfect and lean condition, the singer-actor said that he underwent intensive training two months before filming commenced.

Admitting his preference for junk food, French fries and hamburgers, his diet during the eight months of filming and training was replaced by mainly steamed fish and chicken breast with vegetables. During the process, the 27-year-old managed to lose 22 pounds (10 kilograms).

When asked if he would undergo another round of intense dieting for another role in a movie, Rain, whose name is Jung Ji Hoon, shook his head in disapproval.

"It feels scary just thinking about that period. I don’t think it’s possible for me to go through the process again. It was painful especially for someone like me who worships food."

Rain made his American movie debut with last year's "Speed Racer" and "Ninja Assassin" marks his first Hollywood leading role. The movie is scheduled to open in theatres later this year.

Learning Chinese

2009-10-15T04:43:00.001-07:00

http://www.learnchineseeveryday.com/tools/ime.php

Choose healthy snacks

2009-08-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Select foods that satisfy your hunger, supply your body with energy and provide important nutrients. Here are some of your best snack picks:

Whole grains. Whole-grain snacks are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which give you energy with staying power. Look for items such as low-fat whole-grain crackers, whole-grain pretzels and whole-grain crispbreads.
Fruits and vegetables. Eating fruits and vegetables provides a feeling of fullness with no fat and only a small number of calories. They also provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients.
Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds provide protein, so you will feel fuller longer. They can be high in fat, but it's mostly monounsaturated, a healthy kind of fat. Nuts and seeds are high in calories, however, so don't eat them in large quantities.
Low-fat dairy products. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products are good sources of calcium and protein, plus many other vitamins and minerals. Dairy products can be high in fat, so choose the low-fat versions. Some yogurts have extra added sugar, so look for low-calorie or "light" varieties.

Though snacks can contribute to a healthy diet, they can also be a source of excess calories if not eaten in moderation. For example, a single serving of almonds (about 23 kernels, or a handful) contains 163 calories. But if you eat a cup of almonds, the calorie count jumps to 800-plus calories.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-diet/HQ01396/METHOD=print

Soups and Health

2009-08-20T11:31:00.001-07:00

If you choose soup when hunger strikes, you could be placing yourself on the path to weight loss.

In a yearlong study of overweight people on a reduced-calorie diet, snacking on soup each day led to more weight loss than noshing on a calorie-equivalent amount of energy-dense snack foods. The key difference: even though the soup and the high-energy snack had the same number of calories, the soup took up more space in people's bellies. Thus, the soup eaters felt less hungry later and ate less over the course of the day.

Snacking on foods that have a low ratio of calories to mass -- such as air-popped popcorn, vegetable broth-based soups, and fresh produce -- may help you eat fewer calories overall and aid weight loss efforts.

When incorporating soup into your weight-reduction plan, steer clear of cream-based varieties, which are high in fat and calories. Instead, choose soups with a base of chicken broth or vegetable broth and those loaded with vegetables, kidney beans, lentils, or brown rice to keep you satisfied and help you trim down.

In a study of overweight and obese people, those who ate two servings of low-energy dense soup per day as part of a reduced-calorie diet lost an average of almost 16 pounds over the yearlong study period. The people who ate two servings of high-energy dense snack foods per day lost an average of just over 10.5 pounds -- 35 percent less than the soup-snacking group.

How to Make Bananas Ripen Faster

2009-08-14T08:17:00.001-07:00

I bought a couple of bananas at T&T. I got checked out by this asian girl ... but that is a different story for another time.

Place your bananas in a paper bag with an unpeeled, uncut apple. The apple will emit Ethylene gas, that once trapped, will help ripen the bananas. Leave the paper bag in a warm, dry area.

I love eggs

2009-08-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

this is food related at least ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNndX9qua1o

Starbuck Smoothie

2009-08-10T20:09:00.001-07:00

I had no idea I have been spending 5 bucks each time after my muay thai training. I started researching online for recipes that I could make. I found this somewhere:

1 scoop of protein powder (24 g of protein)

1/2 cup of organic soy/brown rice milk (2-4 g protein)

1/2 cup of organic orange juice (1 g of protein)

1 banana or mango or any soft fruit (1.5 g protein)

1-2 tbsp of pure cocoa or pure carob powder (1-2 g protein)

1/2 cup of water

1/2 tsp of pure guar gum (a natural thickener)

Optional 1 tsp of ground flax, wheat germ, berries, etc.

Throw it all in a 1 litre (4 cup) canning jar and I use a wand blender to mix it up. I put it in a steel thermos and after the workout, it's an incredibly tasting, orange, chocolate milkshake. It has 30-32 g or protein, very high in potassium crucial in muscle recover, and simple natural carbs from the banana and milk and orange juice to replenish and feed your aching muscles and revive your depleted energy reserves.

This is close to 300 calories, but you can still use it with a weight loss program and here's how. Use it post workout for aiding muscle recovery and growth

summer resolution

2009-08-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

with the time remaining for the summer ... i got extra juicy from all that ice cream ... so it's time to shrink down to my original class of 160 pounds ... (i have been taking whey isolate but that was only 2kg of weight ...)

i will have to track scientifically again using my excel sheet

Centre Street Deli

2009-08-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

1136 Centre Street
Thornhill, Ontario L4J 3M8
www.centrestreetdeli.com

Went there today after a LONG LONG exhausting week of meetings and work. The old fashion smoked cut meats on rye bread with a slab of honey mustard tasted great. The fries were a little over done but still good.

Would I come back? for sure.

Rating : 8/10

Exercise doesn't pay ... or does it?

2009-08-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Click Here for Story

If you exercise, you come too hungry that you will over eat the benefits away. Just remember it!

Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

2009-08-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Had extra time and lots of ingredients left over ... so decided to make this:

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/recipes/blueberrycreamcheesebraid

PS: It tasted great!

Grapefruit Mango Pie Recipe

2009-08-04T07:28:00.001-07:00

I woke up very early and decided to bake. I had a lot of left over ingredients sitting on the shelve and decided to create them (plus anything else in the fridge).

I use the key lime pie recipe as the basic recipe but with substitutions for all ingredients.

Making the sauce from condense milk + grape juice + lemon,lime zest
(14 ounce can condense milk , 1/2 cup juice, pinch of lemon, lime zest, 4 large egg yolks)

Baked graham cracker shell and layer base with mangos. (shell was made from 1 1/2 cup of graham + 1/3 cup butter + 1/3 sugar + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

put the filling in and 15 mins later ...

It tasted pretty good ... 10.1/10

Another Candy from T&T

2009-08-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

a gift =p

Slave for You

2009-07-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

In Pandora's Heart anime, there is a character who becomes very loyal to the main protagonist. He would probably do anything for him like a slave. After a discussion with sis, there are people like that in the world. She said, "your wife/husband."

It's too true ...

Study Question

2009-07-26T15:52:00.001-07:00

I have been recently reading/studying. I been drilling this point into my head if I want the correct answers...

If you are given a question, can you wager someone's life with your answer?

If not, then I guess I better more ...

Bed Time Story

2009-07-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

I was told this story as I was going to bed and started laughing.

There once was a girl who turns into a princess. She lived in this big castle. She waited one day for a handsome prince to come and marry her. She waited ... waited ... waited ... and she died.

Moral of Story?
Take life into your own hands and stop waiting.

Adventure to the East ...

2009-07-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Mr Piguardy and I went on a little adventure into the east end of Toronto and returned with a couple goodies. One was Turklish delights which is like a sweet jello/potatoe dessert/candy (I think). We also purchased balut eggs for $1.09 which is another coming story. From the carribean islands, I bought ginger beer.

Gummy Choco

2009-07-23T09:08:00.001-07:00

Got this asian candy as a reward for all my hard studying. It is like raisin covered chocolate but with flavours of grape, peach and something else ...

Dessert Trends

2009-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Website

Location:
325 Weston Road (4B)
Toronto M6N 4Z9.

Tel.: 416.537.9696

Went here for a good bye meeting. This is a Vietnamese operated modern bakery/bistro. The decor is pretty good with white and palette colours. I ordered a sandwich which came with a side of salad and it was pretty good. I was saving room for dessert and order sour cherry gelato. Just for the journey home, I order a lot of pastries to go (they are all so good!)

I will let the pictures do the talking:

The 3 pictures are chocolate mousses ($5 each) with the last one being macaroons ($6). There were more pastries but I ate them all before the pic. Sorry!!

Mezes

2009-07-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

Mezes
http://www.mezes.com/
456 Danforth Avenue
It's all GREEK

Greek Food. Visited this restaurant for a bday. I thought all greek food was like Mr Greeks! I was wrong. Good food. Parking spaces are rare in the neighbourhood and we had to wait long even thou we had reservations.

Here are some seafood pics:

Another Non Food Related Post - Korean Music Video

2009-07-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

I got lazy with my food postings since I have to upload pictures ...

Got this from my friend, one sad video

Red Ant Restaurant

2009-07-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

Address: 9425 Leslie Street, Unit 6 & 7, Richmond Hill (16th & Leslie)
Phone: (905) 237-4726

People have been complaining that I haven't been writing about food (aka Piguardy). And of course, people say that I am Homer, everything taste goood ....

So regarding the food , it tasted good ...

Parallel Hearts Song

2009-07-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Been watching this new anime and I really like the tune. I have been using it for my jogs. The series features heavy references to Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and can be considered both fantasy and mystery ...

PANDORA HEARTS
by FictionJunction

bokura wa
mirai o kaeru chikara o
yume ni miteta

noizu no naka kikoete kita kimi no nakigoe
waratte ita boku no yowasa o abaita

kimi no yuku michi wa kimi ni shika wakaranai
chigau sora oikakete

bokura wa mirai e mukau yuuki o
hoshigatte kako ni mayou
kimi ga warau hontou no
ima e kaeritsuku made

kimi no koto o shiritai to omotte hajimete
yorisoenai kokoro no kyori ni obieta

wakariaenai to wakatta sore dake de
futari ga hajimatte yuku

namida mo itami mo subete dakishimete agetai kedo
hashireba hashiru hodo tooku naru ki ga shite fuan ni naru
doko made yukeba ii no

noizu no naka kikoete kuru kimi no utagoe
nakushite ita boku no sugata ga ima mieru yo

hitori de yuku hazu datta mirai o
kaeru chikara o kudasai
kimi ga warau sore dake de
takaku toberu

bokura wa kokoro o tsunagu yuuki o
hoshigatte ai ni mayou
kimi to warau hontou no
boku ni kaeritsuku made

English

We
Saw the power to change the future
In our dream

In the midst of the noise, I heard your cry
It exposed my weakness as I was laughing

The road that you go on is only known to you
So chase after a different sky

We desire the courage to face toward the future
So we get lost in the past
Until I return to the true present
Where you laugh

Thinking that I want to learn about you, for the first time
I was daunted by the distance between our hearts that can’t come together

We understood that we couldn’t understand each other, so with just that
We’re starting

I want to embrace your tears, pains, and everything
But I feel that the more I run, the farther I become from you and I get worried
Where should I go…?

In the midst of the noise, I hear your singing
Now I can see my form that I’d lost

Please give me the power to change
The future that I would’ve gone through by myself
You laugh, and with just that
I can fly high

We desire the courage to connect hearts
So we get lost in love
Until I return to my true self
That laughs with you

Living Life Longer

2009-07-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

This was an article more towards animals; however the findings could be true for humans too.

In summary, it is all about caloric restrictions. You might be more grumpy but live longer/healthier?

more muay thai training

2009-07-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Last friday, I did so many calf exercises by standing next to the wall and pushing up on your toes (20-3o repetitions) with different foot stance combinations (one foot, inward feet, outward feet).

Additionally, we practiced on our explosive powers by setting up a push up stances against the wall and jumping our foots onto the wall.

a few days later, 5k and 1 hr swimming (been trying to improve front crawl)

Tabata Training

2009-07-10T08:25:00.001-07:00

This is something I found when researching gym boss item.

The Tabata protocol is a high-intensity training regimen that produces remarkable results. A Tabata workout (also called a Tabata sequence) is an interval training cycle of 20 seconds of maximum intensity exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated without pause 8 times for a total of four minutes. In a group context, you can keep score by counting how many lifts/jumps/whatever you do in each of the 20 second rounds. The round with the smallest number is your score.

Summary:

1. 20 seconds of max intensity

2. 10 seconds of rest

3. repeat 8 times for total of 8 minutes

Credit for this simple and powerful training method belongs to its namesake, Dr. Izumi Tabata and a team of researchers from the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo, Japan. Their groundbreaking 1996 study, published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise, provided documented evidence concerning the dramatic physiological benefits of high-intensity intermittent training. After just 6 weeks of testing, Dr. Tabata noted a 28% increase in anaerobic capacity in his subjects, along with a 14% increase in their ability to consume oxygen (V02Max).

Source

When Life Gives You Lemons ....

2009-07-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Lately, I been hearing stories about life. Life isn't kind and you have only yourself to look after.

Rocky Balboa -

I'd hold you up to say to your mother, "this kid's gonna be the best kid in the world. This kid's gonna be somebody better than anybody I ever knew." And you grew up good and wonderful. It was great just watching you, every day was like a privilige. Then the time come for you to be your own man and take on the world, and you did. But somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you're no good. And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow. Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain't gonna have a life. Don't forget to visit your mother.

muay thai day

2009-07-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

I went to training and died. Probably did 300+ situps, crunches, etc ... I woke up at 6 ish and probably lost a lot of energy for skipping. Still got weak pushups!!

Gal's Sushi

2009-07-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

3621 Highway 7 East, Unit 106,
Markham
phone: 905.305.7753
Map

My colleagues and I went here on Monday afternoon. Gal’s Sushi is located at Highway 7 and Warden in Markham. It’s right across from Markham City Hall and the Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts (beside the Hilton Suites Hotel and Conference Centre‎). They offer both Japanese and Korean fare.

Note: all images are taken from web. REALLY lazy with carrying a camera and feeling like a food stalker. Pictures Link

Bluestone Bistro

2009-07-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

4261 Hwy. #7 E Unit A-18
Unionville, ON L3R 1L5
Phone 905 475 6999
Website

I went here for a second time to this restaurant. The location of this restaurant is horrible. It's located within a plaza at the corner. If you do come, remember it is located in the same plaza with Royal Bank.

It is very well hidden and wouldn't have known about this place. The food is okay. Order the lunch menu special of salmon, eggs salad. (For those wondering, yes, I am on a special meal plan) When I got the salad, it wasn't what I expected. The salmon and eggs were already mushed up like potato salad but everything else was good.

Would I come back? Probably not.

Rating: 7.1234/10

Publish Post

Note: the image is taken from dine.to website. Got lazy with camera

Restoran Malaysia

2009-07-08T06:25:00.000-07:00

815 Major MacKenzie Dr E
Richmond Hill, ON L4B
(905) 508-1432
Map
Website

This is a popular malaysia restaurant up in Richmond Hill. It was so popular that the owners updated the space and interiors. Unfortunately, the menu prices did increase; however, the food still taste great! I tried the pad thai yesterday and was great.

They have this special drink called Iced Teh Tarik. It is pricy (4 bucks) but is a specialize milk tea drink that is cooled by constant pouring of the drink from tall heights.

Note: I got lazy these days and haven't brought my camera with me. All pictures in this blurb are from the net.

Update: went back on Wednesday and had the Mee Krob (it's like chinese stir fry, crispy noodle). It was good!!

Rating: 9.12343456/10

HIIT

2009-07-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

muay thai day

2009-07-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

went back to muay thai class and found hell again. Just one day of rest, I can still feel pain in my abs. We learnt how to do proper breathing techniques with zig zag attack patterns. Additionally, I was able to take a few jabs at the instructor before I got hit in the stomach.

One interesting training routine was used to build the quad muscles.

1. Bunny Hops (forward, back, left, right, clockwise, counter clockwise rotations)
2. Leg stands with hands flat on the ground (knee and stand while hands touch ground) - 10-20 times
3. Intermix 1 & 2 = lots of pain

Words of Wisdom from RFD Guy:

What most people never grasp is that to lose weight and maintain it, its a lifestyle change. You can NEVER go back to your old eating habits, your old style of living etc. This is a change most people cannot understand or do not want. If you are use to eating the amounts of fried greasy foods and suddenly cannot have that anymore, its a shock and most people give up before they see results.

Motivation is another factor. If a person is really motivated and has something pushing them to lose weight, they can do it. Otherwise they will start out then give up.

stuff really happens!

2009-07-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

went to gym and did my usual rocky training ... my nike speed skipping rope broke! I guess after too many rotations ... it just cracked. Lucky, I can shorten the rope a little and continue to use it. This rope has been for years and has travel so much even to Mexico.

stuff happens

2009-07-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

I got lazy and ate a lot (damn those pocky sticks & ice cream). I guess I am losing my motivation. So what is my motivation? what is my reasoning? If I do even accomplish what I want, it's not going to get what I want. I guess I have to set some realistic expectations and time lines.

1. 7-11 is going to be my special time Mr Bookworm. Speed and Accuracy is key!

2. If I want the beer package, then I have to sacrifice my eating into a calorie deficit

Self Reflection

2009-06-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

I think I hit a wall in my training. Like someone said before, I can either

change up my eating habits
modify my workout routines

So what have I been doing wrong?

Eating Lifestyle

eating ice cream when it's hot -> maybe I should make cold water available
eating jelly beans and pooky sticks -> learn to say no ... ... ...
eating peanut and jelly sandwiches -> cut down to one and look for alternative substitutes
eat a lot? -> examine portion controls

Exercising Lifestyle

probably not enough hard core cardo -> set a time limit of 40 mins and try for 4-5 times a week

Motivation?

have to rediscover it again ...

Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

2009-06-23T06:44:00.001-07:00

This is one of the easiest recipes to make. Even a baby can make it.

Just get two toasts together with one side latter with jam (I use strawberry) and other bread piece with peanut butter (I use 100% natural peanut butter)
I like the bread toasted so it holds the form together more.

Why does this taste so great?
I believe it is the texture of sweetness, bitterness, hard and softness of everything combined.

This sandwich will out live god.

Back to fitness

2009-06-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

Feeling almost 99% better, I still don't know if I got sick from food poison or some sort of swine flu ...

I went back to Muay Thai Kickboxing on Monday and died in the middle of class. My abs can feel the full pain with any laughing and coughing. Back to biking too. It wasn't easy. I haven't bicycled since my sickness, and my crotch paid the price. I limped around the office all day. But now I can say I've added another exercise to my quest for physical respectability.

In regards to the missing food posts, I got really lazy uploading photos ...

P.S. Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwiches rule!

Reduce Intake and Weight Loss

2009-06-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

I ate many many foods last weekend and got sick. I point my finger at Mr. Piguardy.

I have been on a special diet of congee, apple sauce, bananas and fruit juices. Sugar has been the only fuel for my body to take. Everything in ... Everything out.

On a related note, I lost a lot of weight (4-5 pounds?) indirectly...

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/05/28/f-forbes-diet-nutrition-calories-exercise.html

More Cycling

2009-06-05T12:03:00.001-07:00

I have been doing stationary cycling for the past weeks. My average now is about 3.7 miles for every 10 minutes. I usually go for 20 minutes or longer depending on my knees.

Summary Distance:
7.2 miles=12km /20 minutes daily at 9/20 Resistance Level

Pad Thai Recipe

2009-06-04T08:22:00.001-07:00

Special thanks to my friend. She loves food as much as me =) I just need to collect some ingredients before I try this out.

Recipe

Serves 4 as a noodle course or 2 as a main course

8 oz Thai rice noodles
1/4 cup tamarind paste
1/4 cup warm water

4 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast
4 oz fried tofu
6 tbsp roasted unsalted peanuts
3 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
8 large shrimps, shelled and deveined (50 oz)
2 eggs
1 cup bean sprouts
2 stems green onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 tsp roasted chilies

Strips of red pepper
Fresh coriander leaves
Wedges of lime

1. Soak noodles in plenty of cold water for at least 1 hour.

2. Combine tamarind paste with a 1/4 cup warm water in a small bowl and let soak for at least 15 minutes.

3. Slice the chicken into 1/4-inch strips. If you find it difficult to cut thinly through fresh meat, leave it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden slightly and then slice. Reserve.

4. Slice the fried tofu into 3/4-inch cubes. Reserve.

5. Blend or process peanuts into coarse meal. Reserve.

6. Return to your reserved tamarind paste in its water. Mash it and transfer the mud-like mixture to a strainer set into a bowl. Mash and push with a spoon, forcing liquid to strain into the bowl. Scrape off the juice that clings to the underside of the strainer. You will have about 5 tbsp of tamarind juice. Add to it the fish sauce, sugar and lime juice. Beat to thoroughly mix and reserve. Discard the solids left in the strainer.

7. Heat oil in a wok (or large frying pan) until it is just about to smoke. Add garlic and stir, letting it cook for about 30 seconds. Add chicken and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add tofu and shrimps and stir-fry for 1 more minute. Break eggs into wok and let them fry without breaking them up for 1-2 minutes.

8. While eggs cook, quickly drain the noodles and then add to wok, giving them a quick fold, stir-frying for 1 minute from the bottom up. Add reserved tamarind juice, etc. (from step #6) and continue stir-frying, mixing everything together for 1-2 minutes. Your noodles will have subsided to half their original volume and softened up to al dente.

9. Add about 2/3 of the reserved ground peanuts and stir. Add about 2/3 of the bean sprouts and all the green onion pieces. Stir-fry for 30 seconds and take off heat.

l0. Transfer noodles to a serving dish and sprinkle with roasted chilies. Top with the rest of the ground peanuts, the rest of the sprouts, some strips of red pepper and fresh coriander leaves. Stick a couple of lime wedges on the side and serve immediately.

Source Link

Mind and Body

2009-06-04T04:21:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/06/02/fitness-children.html

In Ontario, there was a 36 per cent increase in reading ability among students who took part in a school program that included more exercise, and math scores improved by 24 per cent, the report's authors found.

By improving memory, concentration and attention span, physical activity positively improves academic achievement.

Physical activity produces chemical substances that protect neurons in the brain to improve memory, concentration and attention span needed for academic achievement, as well as increasing self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image, the report's authors said.

June Biking Month

2009-05-31T16:42:00.000-07:00

The City of Toronto's effort to promote biking started back in 1988. The biking began as a special day event to a week. Finally, biking has come full circle to be known as Bike Month for June. There have been noticeable improvements to encourage cycling. Bikes may be used on the TTC during non-peak hours. Bike racks on buses may be used at any time of day or night. You may also take your bike on GO trains on weekends.

If you are looking for some fresh air and exercise, cycling is perfect for you. This activity is suitable for any age group. Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity. This sport is beneficial to the lungs which expand to push as much oxygen into the body as possible and the heart which beats faster to transport this oxygen around your body. A strong heart and powerful lungs form the basis of general fitness.

Even if you cycle only a few miles per day, your muscles will gain the benefit, usually becoming trimmer and more toned. The main muscles you use when cycling are the upper thigh muscles, backside, and calf muscles.

With great summer weather coming, enjoy the sights of Toronto on a bike.

Ride fun and safely!

Cycling

2009-05-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I been doing more cycling than before. Still averaging 3.7 miles/10 mins at 9/20 resistance.

I got injured from working out and started doing weights.

I realized that I have been eating very bad (gummy colas, chips, juices, crackers = 1000000+ calories) and I have been working out hard.

If I actually want to see results, my food intake lifestyle has to change.

Cycling

2009-05-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything for a while. I been pulling "weed".

On a side note, I have been doing indoor stationary cycling.

For the past few weeks, I have been averaging 3.7 miles for every 10 mins which is about 6 km. This is with resistance setting 7/20.

How to Pick a Good Papaya

2009-05-22T10:36:00.001-07:00

I have been eating papayas often these days. They are delicious and sweet. Unfortunately, they aren't good if you want a 6 pack.

Tips on Picking a Good Papaya:
-find a papaya with green to yellow skin
-make sure no brown, black spots with smoonth skin (not cracked or torn)
-make sure the texture is firm and not soft else it would be overripe
-if you can smell sweetness, then it is overripe

How to Pick a Good Watermelon

2009-05-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

This is the season to start eating those big green/red juicy melons.

Tips Found Online:
It is also a good idea to press the skin of the watermelon in many different spots to test for firmness. Good watermelons will not have soft spots.

While looking at the exterior color of a melon isn't sufficient to determine if a melon will be good, dark green melons tend to be sweeter than those that are lighter in color.

When you pick up the melon, pay attention to how heavy it is. Watermelons are more than 90 percent water, so the most juicy melons are going to be the ones that seem very heavy for their size.

Ripeness:
Look on the bottom of the melon. You will find a discolored spot where the melon was in contact with the ground while it was growing. If this spot is light green, the melon is not yet ripe. If the spot is a yellowish-white color, the melon is probably ripe.

Fact:
Don't buy a watermelon that you know isn't yet ripe thinking it will be ripe by the time you eat it. Watermelons do not continue to ripen once they have been picked.

Cottage Food

2009-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

May 16-18 in Canada was our Victoria Holiday. I disappeared into the north and ate well. There are some photos of the foods we digested and made. Special acknowledgment to Pigurdy and getting all the ingredients. You should have bought more lobsters!

Food Porn Photos:

This was my special lychee float with Cookies and Cream top with a marshmellow.

Ming's Noodle Cafe

2009-05-20T04:20:00.000-07:00

3447 Kennedy Road Scarborough,
ON M1V 3S1
(416) 291-6088

This Asian cafe spot is located in a plaza south of Pacific Mall in Toronto. My friends and family have been visiting this place for a while. The prices are very affordable and the food tastes superb. With most Asian establishments, the servers bring food quickly.

These are photos after coming back from cottaging. Special thanks to Joot for his "Jootfest" treat.

Photos of Stuff Asians Eat:

Bombay Bhel

2009-05-20T04:11:00.000-07:00

230 Commerce Valley Dr E
Markham, ON L3T
(905) 731-9758
Website

This is one of the best authentic Indian restaurants. It features vegetarian dishes and takeout as well as meat dishes. The flavours are range from balance to spicy. Most of the time, the dishes I have tasted from this place are delicious.

The pricing of food compared to other restaurants are a little more (especially the Chinese food). However, you get great taste and ethic foods. This restaurant is located with many parking spots and is located side Go for Tea.

Rating: 10/5.

Food Pictures:

Note: The first picture is water with tamarind & cumin & exotic spices. It isn't for everyone but I love it.

What is Balut?

2009-05-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard of balut before? If you seen the tv show "Fear Factor" or lived in the Philippines, then you would have seen this snack. A balut is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell. This food item is as popular in Philippines as to hot dogs vendors in New York City. Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, balut are mostly sold by street vendors in the regions where they are available. They are often served with beer. The Filipino and Malay word balut (balot) means "wrapped".

The eggs are sold by number of days since fertilized such as 14, 16, 18, and 21 days. This picture seems like it is 21 days old.

According to my friends, this snack is tasty and delicious but not visually appealing.

Where in Toronto to Buy Balut?
I found only one place so far - Soon Lee Market

Related Links
http://www.cracked.com/article_14979_6-most-terrifying-foods-in-world.html

muay thai hell again

2009-05-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

The condition for today was unbelievably painful. It was any combination followed by 30 push ups and do this xxx times. At the end of condition, we probably finished over 300 push ups. Usually by the end of class, my mind was so sharp that it can cut through paper.

My kicks were getting much better (forceful with proper breathing techniques and with accuracy).

Healthy Links

2009-05-13T14:26:00.001-07:00

This page will be my collection of internet health links. There is always a new scientific discovery/revelation regarding how our bodies work.

Do I Need to eat Protein Powder to Gain Muscle?

2009-05-13T10:20:00.001-07:00

Original Article Link

It's a pretty safe bet that the guy at the gym who is built like a tree trunk and bench-presses the entire rack also has an enormous barrel of protein powder tucked into his gym bag. This, you might think, is a pretty good endorsement of the "you've got to eat muscle to build muscle" school of thought.

But correlation is not the same as causation.

"It's hard to argue against years of practice that apparently works," says Stuart Phillips, a McMaster University researcher who studies protein needs in athletes. "The real question is, do they gain [muscle] because of what they do or in spite of what they do?"

On this basic question, athletes and scientists remain deeply divided. But there is increasing consensus on a range of related issues, such as when we need protein and what type is best.

At McMaster and elsewhere, researchers have spent years conducting careful studies of how much protein exercisers can actually use. By tracking nitrogen, which is found in protein but not in carbohydrates or fat, they can determine whether their subjects are building muscle, losing muscle or holding steady.

"We monitor the food going in and collect the poop, pee and sweat going out," explains Mark Tarnopolsky, one of Dr. Phillips's colleagues.

Surprisingly - but consistently - the results show that even serious athletes process only marginally more protein than their sedentary peers, and far less than the megadoses recommended by muscle magazines. Novice weightlifters use the most protein, since they are adding muscle most rapidly, while veteran bodybuilders use less despite their enormous muscles.

So, whose advice will you take: the egghead in the lab or the muscle-head in the gym?

Given the limitations of current research techniques, a middle path is likely most appropriate, Dr. Phillips says. While current dietary guidelines in Canada and the United States suggest consuming0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass daily, there is reasonable evidence that 1.1 grams is appropriate for serious endurance athletes and 1.3 grams for serious strength athletes.

Even those amounts are below the 1.6 grams per kilogram of body mass that average Canadians tend to eat daily when their diet is unrestricted, Dr. Tarnopolsky says. That means an ordinary, balanced diet should easily meet your needs - unless you're restricting calories to lose weight. In that case, higher protein intakes (35 per cent of calories instead of 15 per cent, for example) combined with resistance training appear to help maintain muscle mass while overall mass drops.

Timing also matters: You'll build muscle more effectively if you take in protein within about an hour of finishing your workout. The optimal post-workout dose is about 20 grams, according to a McMaster study in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. That's equivalent to about 600 millilitres of skim milk, four medium eggs or 80 grams of cooked beef. Powders, shakes and bars offer a convenient way to get this right after a workout - but then again, so does a tuna sandwich.

In the end, if you decide to side with the gym rats and supersize your protein shakes, it's unlikely to do much harm.

"The extra protein will, for the record, not pack your kidneys in and will not destroy your bones," Dr. Phillips says.

The main drawback is that, by taking too much protein, you might end up not getting enough of the carbohydrates that are crucial to performance in both endurance and strength athletes - and that risk should be enough to keep any smart athlete from overdoing the protein.

Klean Kanteen Usage & Care

2009-05-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Just some notes for maintaining the Kanteens

Care & Use of Klean Kanteens:

For every day cleaning, rise your Klean Kanteen with warm soapy water and let air dry with the top off. When thorough cleaning is required, hand-wash with diluted vinegar or baking soda.

Klean Kanteens are dishwasher safe, though we recommend not washing the stainless caps in a dishwasher because it is possible for H20 to squeeze itself into the cap.

Note: H20 is chemical empirical and molecular formula for water

Update (May 20 2009):
Le Baron in Markham sells different caps for the Klean Kanteens - stainless caps to suction caps

Buns of Steel

2009-05-13T08:05:00.001-07:00

There are no special clothing lines from Lululemon to fix your butts for guys.

The only way is old fashion blood and sweat.

Single-Leg Supine Bridge:

Lie on your back with your right knee bent 90 degrees and your right foot flat on the floor. Folding your arms across your chest and lifting your left leg off the floor, bend your left hip and knee 90 degrees so your left knee is pointing to the ceiling. Brace your core and push your right foot into the floor, then raise both hips until the middle of your back is off the ground. Hold this position for 3 seconds, then lower your hips and return to the starting position. Perform 10 reps with each leg.

Squat:
Without weights, stand with your legs shoulder width apart, your hands either on your hips or resting at your sides. Squat down until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor, making sure your knees don’t extend past your toes. Hold for a count of five and stand again. With weights, you’ll need a dumbbell bar held behind your shoulders. Your hands should hold the bar wider than shoulder width apart. Inhale and slowly bend your knees to an almost parallel position and then straighten.

Lunge:
Without weights, stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Bring your right foot in front of you and lunge with your leg until your right knee is bent at a 90-degree angle. Again, make sure your knee doesn’t extend past your toes. Perform all your reps on your right leg before switching to your left. When using a barbell for this move, rest the dumbbell behind your head on your shoulders as you lower and lift yourself.

Hamstring curl:
You’ll need a leg-curl machine for this move, using weights that aren’t too heavy for you to lift several times. Lie face down on the bench with the padded lever behind your ankles. Your knees should extend off the bench. Keeping your back flat, raise your feet toward your rear in a slow, controlled motion before releasing.

Bench step ups:
Using a step bench, step up with your right foot, making sure your entire foot is squarely on the bench. Your left leg can be held straight behind you. Step down and now step up with your left foot. Continue alternating feet. If you start off with a bench that’s just a few inches off the ground, you can progress as you build up strength to a bench that’s raised eight to twelve inches. You can look into exercise suppliers for adjustable benches; they are typically inexpensive, sturdy pieces of equipment.

Ppushu Ppushu Snack

2009-05-12T15:21:00.001-07:00

I found this item at Pat Korean supermarket along Yonge Street and Steeles (a little north). My friend said it is like instant noodles but it is to be eaten raw. The snack was like popcorn with kettle powder sauce. With about 400 calories, the snack is tasty. I wonder if you can just bowl the noodle snack ...

Here is are some photos of it and inside:

another muay thai day

2009-05-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

The lessons for today had been to keep on going. The routines have been the normal push ups, plancks, dips, explosion jumps, HIIT skipping, and etc ...

We performed the partner push up combination. We faced each other and slapped our opposite hands at each other and alternated hands.

My sidekicks have appeared to be getting more accurate since my partner had complained about the nerve pain from each hit. I had been going easy ...

Miu Garden @ Market Village

2009-05-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

4390 Steeles Ave E

Markham, ON L3R 0A1

(905) 947-8340‎

This is another Chinese Asian dim sum restaurant within Market Village besides Pacific Mall. The size of the restaurant is large and the dim sum dishes are $2.10 from Monday to Fridays. Weekends dim sum cost are about $2.50 a dish.

For Mother's Day, the restaurant was filled with elderly people. They would usually do the tai tea exercises in the cafeteria of Market Village but seems everyone took a lesson break today for tea.

The food service was very slow. When the dim sum cart eventually came to our table, some of the foods were gone (ie Chicken Feet!). Additionally, the food becomes colder as the cart trolleys around the restaurant. I also found out that the master Dim Sum chef does not usually arrive till 11 am; so the variety of foods was lacking.

I would probably come back next time when the master chef is there.
Note: this is probably the only restaurant where the shrimp crap hands dishes are the cheapest (2.50 per 2 craws per dish)!

Some Pictures of the Dim Sum Foods:

CopaCabana! Grilled Brazlian

2009-05-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

150 Eglinton Ave E
Toronto, ON, Canada
Map
Website

My colleagues and I decided to pig out on "meats". We decided we are meatatarians. It is something we decided long ago and we feel very comfortable about. =)

This restaurant was formally a pizzeria on Eglinton Street. Now it is location to the new CopaCabana - a barbeque steak house buffet where a variety of mouthwatering, skewed meats are brought directly to your table and carved onto your plate. This style of service is called Rodizio-stype dining. To keep the meat servers coming, you keep this paper face up "Fire It Up!" Once you are almost dead, just flip this paper over for "Cool It".

In addition to their selections of meat, they have a salad/appentizer buffet bar on the side which contains seafood, rice dishes, pasta, cheese and vegetables. Desserts are extra; however you probably will get full from the meats and grilled pine apple. The cost per person without tip, tax is exactly $30 dollars per person.

By the end of the evening, I was going to explode. It was great especially the pineapple. I wish they had more selection since they give more on Fridays and Saturdays. Would I come back? For sure.

Side Buffet Stations:

Our choice of side buffet foods:

Complimentary Dishes:

Note: tasted like korean mochi bread, deep friend banana, corn bread muffin

Meat Selections:

The Grilled Pineapple:

This was the best tasting pineapple in the world. Crispy on the skin with flavours of caramel with the soft inner texture of the pineapple. I probably requested 6+ slices.

Piazza Gelateria & Cafe

2009-05-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Piazza Gelateria & Cafe
3255 Highway 7 East, Unit 30
Entrance E - First Markham Place
Markham, ON L3R 3P9
Tel: (905) 604-2704

This Italian run gelato place is located inside the First Markham Place (FMP) mall (where you can get pirated DVD's) at the southern-most entrance where the Optical place used to be.

I would have to say the owners were ambitious in opening in a 99% east Asian client for gelato. I picked up a brochure and found they have a website as well: http://www.piazzagelateria.com/ .

They have this deal for $3.75 for one gelato flavour with waffle cone. They sell gelato cakes too but they sure do look pricey.

They have many of the classic Italian flavours and probably would try them all once I get a chance. According to another blog:

"We talked with the owners and they explained that the reason they opened up a store in Markham was because their original Woodbridge store was getting about 20% Chinese clientele which is a high proportion given there aren't so many Chinese residing in Woodbridge. So they saw the opportunity to open up a store in Markham to serve the Chinese market and they have been very successful so far. So successful in fact, that they've opened up another store at Market Village (that strip mall beside Pacific Mall) through a franchise agreement."

Cafe Green Tea @ J-Town

2009-05-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

3160 Steeles Ave. E., Unit 6-11, Markham (North Side of Asian Kitchen)
Tue - Fri : 10:00am - 7:00pm, Sat : 9:00am - 7:00pm
Sun : 11:00am - 6:00pm, Mon : Closed
Website

This is one of the many shops within the J-Town community. I believe it is the largest Japanese shopping mall in Toronto/Markham. It is like a one stop shopping experience for Japanese items. This J-Town community includes a bakery, butcher, fish market, a grocery and more. This area is one of our popular lunch hangouts. The quantity of food is usually lesser in comparison to other Asian places; however, the food quality tastes great!

Pictures of Lunch Time:

These are images of the pork cutlet curry rice ($8), rice with chicken in egg omelet, funny looking knife/spoon and fruit sauce. The ice green tea sells for $1.50 and is very refreshing.

Note: The bakery is such an amazing place too. This is one of their creation. The chocolate turtle custard for $1.50.

muay thai kickboxing hell

2009-05-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

I been through many classes and I am still surprised to discover classes I cannot get through.

The instructor saw we were in slushish form and so he did something "new" with our conditioning training. We cleared the floor by removing our skipping ropes and walked to the other side of the room. The gym is about 15 metres in length (remember it).

What we did (probably in 20-30 mins) with no BREAKS - the routine:
-partnered up and did cart wheel push ups across the gym and back to the original side of gym
-followed by 40 flutter kicks
-did the spider crawl using our foot and palms of our hands across the gym
-30 dips
-did the spider crawl backwards using our foot and palms of our hands across the gym
-30 dips
-did the spider crawl using our foot and palms of our hands across the gym
-front back leg combinations 30 times
-jab, punch, knee combinations back to the other side of the room
-front back leg combiantions 30 times,
-knee to knee combinations back to the other side of the gym
-front leg kicks - 40 times
-did the spider crawl using our foot and palms of our hands across the gym
-30 dips
-did the spider crawl backwards using our foot and palms of our hands across the gym
-right front leg kicks - 40 times
-did the spider crawl using our foot and palms of our hands across the gym
-30 dips
-did the spider crawl backwards using our foot and palms of our hands across the gym
-left front leg kicks - 4o times
-did the spider crawl using our foot and palms of our hands across the gym
-Bunny Hop forward across the gym
-Bunny Hop sideways across the gym
-Bunny Hop sideways across the gym
...

Forgot the rest ... sounds hellish?

Interview Questions about Food

2009-05-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Mr. Pigurd's question got me thinking. These were some of the list of questions that are asked to hardcore foodies to be invited to special dinners in Toronto.

Questions:
What are your 3 favourite restaurants in Toronto?

What would your last meal on earth be?

Anything else you want to tell us about yourself? Please don’t tell us you like food and cooking. Get creative and don’t be shy…

My Answers:
Restaurants -> Pho 88, Auberge du Pommier, Pho Hung

Last Meal -> Satay Pho XL from Pho 88 with Spring Rolls with Malt Milkshake from Johny Rockets

About myself eh? Borderline crazy :)

Good Taste Shanghai Cuisine

2009-05-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Located at Commerce Gate
505 Hwy 7 E., Bldg C. Unit 98-99
Thornhill, ON L3T 7T1
Tel: 905-370-6868

This corner of Commerce Gate has changed ownerships at least 3 times in many years. It could be a curse. The atmosphere looks very business professional with the leather seats and large LCD tv on the wall. The lunch menus set started at 17 dollars which seems quite pricey to the average Asian. Other than the lunch menus, they do sell single plate dishes.

I found the classic Taiwanese chunky beef noodle soup (priced at $8) and it was good. My colleague and I order fried beef buns (item 101, $3.50) ; to our amazement, they were delicious! Once you take a bite, a sweet soup sauce base explodes out of the bun.

Would I come back? For sure!

Goldsor Restaurant

2009-05-06T04:09:00.000-07:00

550 Hwy 7
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3Z4
(905) 881-8392
Get directions

This is a popular chinese cafe restaurant for the lunch crowd located at Time Square in Richmond Hill. They serve cheap, fast and filling foods. Prices range from 6 dollars to the 12 dollars for the sizzling plates. When you get the lunch combo, you get soup of the day or russian soup, meal and your choice of hot tea or hot HK milk tea. Usually I get the cold lemon tea.

Pizza Pizza Coupon Canada: Buy One Slice Get One Free (2 for 1)

2009-05-05T07:14:00.001-07:00

Here’s a coupon from Pizza Pizza. Receive one FREE slice (of equal or lesser value) with the purchase of any slice at Pizza Pizza Canada. Coupon expires May 31st, 2009.

Click here to print Pizza Pizza coupon from its original source

Aijsan Ramen

2009-05-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

7010 Warden Ave., Unit 23
NW corner of Warden Ave. & Steeles
905.470.6318
Website

Aijsan is a chain of noodle house restaurants that spans much of this world like McDonalds of ramen noodles. The soup base is good but the noodles, not a fan of it so much. The average prices start at 8 dollars for a bowl of ramen and up.

Just to feed your curiosity, the waitress staff are Chinese but they say "Irrashaimase," which means "welcome" in Japanese. They do it sometimes.

The ramen at Ajisen is definitely only for a quick bite. Very little authenticity in its quality; their other dishes and sides are passable though. The selection is what sets this chain apart because it does not serve your average western-influenced Japanese menu.

Would I come back? Maybe, I think sometimes this is a pricey version of Cup Noodles

ABC Bakery

2009-05-03T21:17:00.001-07:00

3618 Victoria Park Avenue
North York, ON M2H 3B2
(416) 493-3151
Map

This is a popular bakery within the asian community for it's low prices and sit in cafe style. Normally, I would get the 85 cents egg tarts from this place. I ordered the $2 cold hong kong milk tea. Tasted good. From a bakery perspective, there are much better bakeries in Toronto. When I bite into a bun will filling, I don't just want to eat just bread. It would be nice to have it filled evenly with filling.

Eastern Ocean Chinese Cuisine

2009-05-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

7750 Kennedy Road. Unit 4
L3R OA7, Markham, Ontario
Telephone: 905-475-2822

This is another Chinese restaurant in the city of Markham area. I have been here once for dinner but never for dim sum. Overall, it was a little costly. The special dim sum deals are Mondays and Fridays with every dish being 2 dollars. The service was lacking too. One of the waitresses forgot to pour the soy sauce over the rice noodle rolls. One new dim sum dish I never seen before is a tofu rice noodle roll. Unfortunately, there was this long veg inside and it made the experience of eating the roll a tedious task.

The order of the dishes is done via pencil and paper (which has English and Chinese text). I'm just glad no waitress came to take away my camera ...

Would I go back here? Nah ...

Photos of the Dim Sum Foodie:

Rice Paper

2009-05-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

101 Ravel Road
North York, ON M2H 1T1
(416) 498-9800
Map

This place is located at Finch and Leslie. The restaurant recently introduced introduced an ALL YOU CAN EAT(AYCE) selection. So my "hot date" and I decided to "pig out" after the long yoga exercise. The price for the meal came out to be about $27.50. For AYCE places, I do not expect much for quality. However I was surprised as to them getting us every dish we wanted (this is usually not the class with other AYCE places). Sometimes, the servers delivered the wrong items and I should have expected this from teenagers. The best item I liked was the black sesame ice cream ... Would I go back ? I don't know ...

Here are some of the food photos:

Yogatree - Richmond Hill

2009-05-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

360 A Highway 7 East Unit 1&201
Richmond Hill
Phone: 905-882-9642 (YOGA)
Email: richmondhill @yogatree.ca

This is one of more recent yoga places around the Hwy 7 and Leslie area. The studio is very modern with a nature atmosphere. They have these special classes on Friday nights for 7 dollars especially the Reduce Hot Yoga class. The teacher, "Jason", went kind of fast but it was manageable. Regarding the temperature, it was about 28C and I didn't have to touch my water bottle. No puking and fainting :) I probably would do it again.

Website
Schedule

P.S. They do sell the 27oz Klean Kanteens!

Sapporo Sushi

2009-05-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

330 Highway 7 East
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P8
(905) 882-7877

This korean sushi restaurant has been a favourite restaurant to my group of colleagues. We call it the "Double Dragon". Why? Did we play too much games as children? No, there is a lunch combo called the Double Dragon such that it will fill you up no matter how hungry you are. This is our sushi place. Fish is fresh. Seaweed is crispy. The restaurant is small but cozy. Staff and owner are friendly. They have lunch and dinner specials that are a great value. The only drawback of this place is when it gets busy, the service does downhill.

This is the Famous "Double Dragon" combo

Salmon Bento Combo

All combos comes with dessert

All combos come with this Spicy Tuna Handwrap (which was sooo good)

Overall, this restaurant is great. When always hungry, I can guarantee this place to fill you up with delicious food.

Rating 4.5/5.0001

You are what you eat

2009-05-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

Many people were commenting that my blog seems to be more about fitness than foods. So maybe it is ... but health and food are intermixed.

So Bon appétit!

Just to summarize the key points in the first article:
Healthy Foods to Eat:

get your vegs: broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts
almonds & sunflower seeds, brazil nuts
yogurts
green tea
tomato soup
flaxseed, safflower oil, and eggs

Second Article Summary:

To drop pounds, you need to stop blaming your willpower and start changing your environment. Eat the same meals for breakfast, lunch and snacks and change up the options for dinner. By decreasing the variety of foods, you'll decrease the risk for bad choices and cravings – and you'll sail right into those favourite jeans.

Healthy Links:
http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/health-fitness/articles/diet/divine/fitness_nutrition-flu-fighting_foods-flu-fighting_foods

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/626975

my Muay Thai Kickboxing equipment

2009-05-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

This is my standard equipment for Muay Thai Kickboxing
I have a 270 Calories protein bar in that picture since that usually is my DINNER.

They are:

bag gloves
hand wraps (this is to make you look cool and straighten your wrists)
skipping rope (light weight and plastic, the length of rope is for my height)

Here are some videos on how to put on the hand wraps:
-note: my instructor says to always pad your knuckles really well since it's the thing the opponent may feel

Mellow Chinese Cuisine

2009-04-30T11:40:00.001-07:00

505 Highway 7 E
Thornhill, ON , L3T7T1
(647) 292-2411

This was a chinese restaurant at Commerce Gate that replaced a former Japanese restaurant. My colleagues and I were bored and decided to try something adventurous for lunch. We were the first customers in the restaurant and I found that a little unsettling. A waitress gave us the menus and tea and thus we began our search for dishes.

My coworkers and I have always been on a search for the best spicy wonton dish. If a restaurant had it, we judge it because we never had a good one ... and we found the spicy wonton dish to cost $3.50. Ironically, the sign out door advertises "LUNCH SPECIAL for $3.50". However, reading the fine print says "lunch special starting at $3.50"

Here are some photos from our meal:

The Special Peanut Spicy Wontons - tasted more sweet than anything

The Hot and Sour Soup - tasted pretty good

The Szechuan Beef with Rice - seemed like regular chinese food

This was my coworker's fried fish with sauce. It reminded me of my childhood of fish sticks with ketchup.

Overall, the price of the items are 7-8 dollars which is the average price for lunch in the area. The food is alright. Would I come back again? Maybe.

Rating 4.456/6.043

Pho 88

2009-04-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

325 Bamburgh Circle
Scarborough, ON M1W 3Y1, Canada‎
(416) 497-8899‎

What is Pho?
Phở is served as a bowl of white rice noodles in clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef (steak, fatty flank, lean flank, brisket). Variations featuring tendon, tripe, meatballs, chicken leg, chicken breast, or other chicken organs (heart, liver, tongue, etc.) are also available. 'With the lot' (made with chicken broth and all or most of the shop's chicken and cattle offering, including chicken hearts and livers and beef tripe and tendons) is known as 'Phở đặc biệt' (specialty phở). There are also various vegetarian varieties of phở.

There are many pho places in Toronto especially with the name Pho 88. What is this 88? The number is supposely lucky for Asians. The term 8 in Cantonese is similar to the word "rich". As to why they put only 2 "8"s, I do not know. During my university years, I have always been a cold vermicelli noodle fan. It was one day in winter that I decided to try this "XL satay pho" at this restaurant. It was very popular with my colleagues. With one slip, I was instantly converted. I have never gone back to vermicelli.

Of all pho places tried (uptown and downtown chinatown), this place is the best. The price is good and the food is orgasmic. If you always wonder how the Viet people stay so thin, it's the pho.

Pho a good time, visit pho 88 - Rating 98765321/1

A picture of the Extra Large Satay Pho

My jackfruit shake (jackfruit looks similar to a durian but less spiky)

Another simple dish

yesterday's muay thai class

2009-04-30T04:17:00.000-07:00

This was a really laid back class but I did learn two new conditioning moves.

Isometric Pushups:
-In a regular pushup stance but with elbows and forearms on the ground (hold for 30 seconds or more)
-Using the same move, you can do the yoga pose by moving one arm vertically into the air and vice versa

Did I tell you how weak I am from push ups?? Still need to solve that ...

Update (April 30 2009):
I forgot this special training for specialize partner push ups.

-two people are doing pushups but facing each other
-first pushup followed by suspending one hand on ground and slapping your partner's hand
-same thing as the first with another pushup and vice versa with the other hand
-ending with another pushup and clapping both hands together in mid air

Repeat this 10 times. (note: I was already dead from 3 rounds of bag boxing)

Nando's Chicken

2009-04-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Nando's Chicken
9625 Yonge St, Richmond Hill
Tel: (905) 508-6500

This is another hang out for lunch that is popular with my other half of lunch crew. This is a Portuguese restaurant that has a style of McDonalds but with full table service. You place the orders at the cashier and food will be delivered to your table.

Here is a picture of the menu board:

and here are some of the lunch items my coworkers order:

Overall, the food was okay. The chicken is the only meat at this restaurant and they are only grilled (even the chicken wings). There are 4 hot levels for the chicken. If you are a big fan of chicken and special spiced fries, this would be your heaven. I personally like variety and this place is lacking.

Rating: 2.534596345/3.14

New Restaurants at Don Mills Mall

2009-04-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

There was a recent opening of the new outdoor concept at Don Mills Road and Lawrence. I don't know how well this mall will do especially in winter and rain.

Here are the list of restaurants there:
Jack Astor's Bar & Grill
Linda by Salad King
Anthony's Restaurant
Joey Don Mills Grill/Lounge - Coming Soon
Glow Fresh Grill & Wine Bar - Coming Soon

Articles:
http://www.thestar.com/living/article/626990
http://www.martiniboys.com/Toronto/articles/Toronto%27s-Shops-at-Don-Mills-Ready-to-Reinvent-the-Suburban-Village-12348.html

Update (May 6 2009):
I heard from a colleague that the Linda's Salad King Restaurant quality and price was horrible in comparison to the downtown Toronto location.

Map Location of Stores/Restaurants at Don Mills Mall

Map Location:

View Larger Map

Harvey's Angus Burger Deal: 2 for 1!

2009-04-29T07:30:00.001-07:00

With the purchase of any Angus Burger, enjoy a free Angus Burger of equal or lesser value. Present coupon before ordering. Limit one coupon per guest per visit. Not valid with any other offers or with combo specials. Valid only at participating locations.

Coupon expires: April 30, 2009.

Toronto locations that are not participating:
Eaton Centre
Union Station
RBC Plaza
Commerce Court

Cafe 28

2009-04-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

East Wilmot St. & Leslie St.
Richmond Hill (right across of World Bowl)

A small restaurant Chinese Caffe across from World Bowl up in Richmond Hill. It is a popular hang out for the worker crowds in the area. Place was cosy and service was very friendly by Chinese standard. They sell VIP cards for 10 dollars which gets you 10% discount every meal.

These are the photos taken from lunch:

There are multi rolls served as appetitizer.

Additionally, I got the butternut squash soup which was really good.

My other coworkers got the fruit salad which has a raspberry sauce.

My coworkers and I order the following for lunch:

This is a curry veal with rice dish (8 bucks)

Red Curry Chicken with Rice (8 bucks)

Teriyaki Chicken Steak with Rice (9 bucks)

Louisana Chicken Steak with rice and vegs (8 bucks)

Overall, the meals were good and no waitress harassed me about my photo taking. The prices were average for the lunch area and the music of Richard Clayerman were fitting for the place.

My Rating: 2.915/3.142568

Basket Robin - 31 Cent Scoops!!

2009-04-28T12:28:00.001-07:00

On April 29, Baskin Robbins will be offering 31¢ scoops from 5PM until 10PM. This event is to help support the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation. There will be a limit of three scoops per person. Cheap ice cream and a worthwhile cause -- that sounds good to us!

http://www.baskinrobbins.ca/cfff/

Bikram Yoga - Torture from Hell

2009-04-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Bikram Yoga Toronto
500 Sheppard Avenue East
North York, ON M2N 6H7
(416) 250-0055

I went to the Bikram location 2 weeks ago for their $20 trial for unlimited classes for 1 week. I managed only to visit once and it was my first time. Bikram, also known as "hot yoga," is a style of yoga or series of yoga postures designed to be practised in a room heated to 40.5 °C with 40 per cent humidity. On the day I went, I had a spot in the studio where the sun was in full force and everywhere else had shades ... Additionally, the temperature of the studio was set to 50+ °C. I was fully covered in water and feeling dizzy. During one point, I drank too much water and ran to the washroom to empty my stomach ...

Would I do yoga? Sure, just watch out Van Damme. Bikram Yoga? Probably try something "cooler".

More About Bikram:
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/582269

April 28 2009 - Daily Health News

2009-04-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Found in the media other than Swine Flu:

Cleanse your Body? - http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/04/24/f-forbes-cleanse-diet.html
Grapefruit a Day - http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/04/09/f-grapefruit.html
Sports Drink and Industry - http://www.cbc.ca/health/fitness-blog/2009/04/sports_drinks_playing_with_you.html

Who is Mr. Awesome?

2009-04-27T14:43:00.001-07:00

So someone was asking who is Mr. Awesome? How was he born? Does he like children? Is he the next Michael Jackson? Rich? What kind of fruit would Mr. Awesome be and why? Has Mr. Awesome try durian?

Let's just say Mr. Awesome came from a topic at Casa Imperial dimsum about a guy who has "AWESOME" muay thai kicks

Sigg vs Klean Kanteens Water Bottles

2009-04-27T08:05:00.001-07:00

I was thinking of getting a new water bottle. Glass would be the perfect material for storage of liquids; however, they can break easily.I have been eyeing two brand names of water bottles. SIGG and Klean Kanteen.

What is SIGG?

Sigg bottles are bottles designed and manufactured in Switerland. The aluminum bottles are made by an extruding press which forms an aluminum puck into a cylinder in a single movement after which it is pressed into one of several possible bottle sizes. A separate threading ring is inserted and secured. Once the bottle has been formed, it is cleaned and the interior is sprayed with a food-compatible stove enamel which is heated while the outside is coated and heat bonded with powder paint. The lining that coats in the side of the bottle inside has been a controversial issue since the SIGG company does not disclose the composition.

What is Klean Kanteen?

A company based in Chico, CA that produces a line of reusable food-grade stainless steel "kanteens". The company bills their product as the safe and sustainable way to lug around water and other liquids. They can be bought all over Chico and some stores such as Le Baron sell bottles with their logo on them. These bottles are made in China supposedly to keep cost low.

My Personal Thoughts:

Sigg bottles look Apple-ish but the lining chemical is unpleasing. Seriously, are you in it for the fashion or your health? The Klean Kanteens look simple and plain. The aluminum has too many what ifs ... I might just get the Klean Kanteens.

Locations Where to Buy Klean Kanteens in Canada: click here

Update: Le Baron sells the Klean Kanteens too (April 28 2009)

Update: Running Free store in Markham has the 27oz stainless steel bottles (April 27 2009)

Update (May 11 2009):

Finally bought the 27oz klean kanteen at Le Baron for 17.50+tax. They had a lot of selection for sizes and colours (for the 27oz version).

Chili Secrets

2009-04-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

Chilli Secrets

It is located on Leslie St. just north of Hwy 7, it is in a small plaza surrounded by industry parks. They have a popular lunch special ($2.05 dish dim sum) which is popular with people working nearby. But something happen ...

My coworkers and I went to Chill Secrets on Hwy 7 & Leslie Street for lunch. I brought my camera just for causal picture taking. My group of coworkers started taking some pictures and played with camera features once we got seated. A waitress at restaurant says in Mandarin "We are not allowed to take pictures of the menus." We say okay. She grabbed the camera and started going through all photos. She deleted any photos with the menus. She returned the camera soon afterwards.

My coworkers and I were semi shocked and peeved. We ceased using the camera and received some glances from the staff. When we finished our meal, we departed the restaurant with a bad tip.

Below is like one of the photos the waitress did not delete. BTW, I did not want to UFC her ass in a public setting.

Rating of Restaurant: 1/5 stars

Make your Own Sport Drink

2009-04-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

For people who are physically active, it is very important to restore electrolytes in your body and carbohydrates that your body desires. On the market, there are brand name sport drinks but they are costly. Here are some recipes I use to save a buck or two:

Recipe 1:
1 cup orange juice
2 tb of lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
water

Recipe 2:
1% Chocolate Milk (the Olympian Phelps drinks something almost similar after his swims)

another jog day

2009-04-26T15:45:00.001-07:00

I went and jog the Don Mills run up into Markham. The weather reached to 11C and was still sunny. I think I managed 7k with some mix HIIT.

Finally today, I checked my weight in a long time. It is currently resting at 165 pounds. My post cruise weight was probably 175 pounds. Additionally, I'm starting to get the Budweiser pack which means my body fat percentage is probably 9-10% now.

So tired. I will pass out now.

Another Health Link:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/03/11/f-nutritionmyths.html

Sights from another TTC day

2009-04-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

I saw a teenager at Dundas Station rapping to himself. It was like a scene out of "M&M" and when he brought his hand to his mouth, there was no mic in his hand.

Lin's Garden Restaurant

2009-04-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

Located at:
Lin's Garden Restaurant
1806 Pharmacy Avenue, Scarborough - website (almost not developed)

Went after Muay Thai Kickboxing classes. I can eat Richin. I met up with some yoga enthusiasts and binged on the food. It was a shame I didn't have pictures. We went to Lin's Garden. The cuisines are of Hakka type. Hakka cuisine is the cooking style of the Hakka people, who are primarily found in southeastern China (Guangdong and Fujian), but also may be found in many other parts of China, as well as in the Chinese diaspora. According to wikipedia, there is some disputes over what is the authetic Hakka cuisine. The internet says it's mainly a mix of Chinese and Indian influences into the dishes.

The presentation of the food was very simple but the flavour was spicy and tasteful. The desserts were amazing. I had this Kullfi mango dessert. It is like a sorbet mixed with rose water.

There is a picture of the menu from the take out papers.

Lavash Crackers

2009-04-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

My coworker introduced me to this brand of crackers. They are really good but costly. I tried spicy one and apple & honey. I can find these crackers only at Metro and they sell for 4 dollars per package. Each package contains about 17 crackers and each cracker has a nutrition content of 50 Calories.

I rarely get them but I decided to treat myself today.

More about the crackers:
http://www.ca.pitabreak.com/products/lavash/

Lettuce Eatery @ Yonge and Eglinton

2009-04-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

After my 4 hours swims, I normally would drink a protein shake from Booster Juice. However, I was hungry for something to chew. I have to admit the prices are more expensive compared to something from subway. I was REALLY hungry and got a chicken club wrap with blue cheese dressing. I ended up eating my wrap on the TTC subway and it was delicious (maybe because I was hungry).

Would I go back? Maybe. If there was a Subway, I would probably do that instead.

Muay Thai and Impacts

2009-04-25T17:09:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking scientifically about the impacts of kicks and punches.

My mind says it's all about momentum => P=MV and F=MA (force = mass x acceleration)

If you hit fast and have a lot of mass, your force will be greater.

To take an impact hit, you got to either build up some significant mass (muscle mass preferably) to lessen the transfer of energy or/and change the vector direction of the momentum. In other words, when someone is attacking, you can absorb the attack by moving in the same attacking direction.

Elements of Nature and My Jog

2009-04-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

After my 4 hour leisurely swim, I went to a Winners and found some amazing deals. A sleeveless dry fit for 14 bucks. So cheap! Lululemon can food it self. The brand has become ... well another status. The people who have Lululemon aren't necessarily fit and they don't have my respect.

I went for a quick jog from home to steeles and back. The distance was probably about 5.31111111 k but the weather was starting to get nasty (thanks Richin for years of weather forcasting when we almost died on yellow fever lake). Near the end of the jog, the elements of god started to hammer down. I had leaves, dirt, dust and objects flying at me. I made it safety home with a layer of rain on me. A couple of the neighbours were asking me how bad it was after looking at me @_@.

During the run, I'm surprise to hear the yelling of guys from a passing car. Great to hear guys like me ........................

P.S. Still in minor pain from muay thai kickboxing

Update: Found out there was a lot of wind damage to some structures in the area. Good thing this didn't fly/hit me

Muay Thai Kickboxing Lessons

2009-04-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Today, my instructor wasn't here today and had an equal substitute of same class.
She was asian and was very tough. I was surprised we ended on time at 9:30. My quads and thighs are still stiff and probably bruised from all those impact kicks. I hope I can still walk tomorrow. As any workout class, any meal would satisfy me. Hakka food was good.

New Techniques I Never Seen Before

bunny hop combinations (with rotations) interlayed with push up combinations
raised legs ab workout combinations with raised circling mid air legs (going both directions). Just think of it as if you were about to give birth ...
back stretch - lay flat with stomach and raise both arms and legs 30 times!
she actually did the proper techniques to do the SPLITS
To take impacts of kicks, twist/move legs in the same direction as the attack

I really hope I wake up fine tomorrow.

Skip Rope Training

2009-04-24T12:50:00.001-07:00

When I saw Rocky movies, these boxers must be training right. In addition to their bag work and running, they do a lot of skipping. They must be quick on their toes and always focus on their skips. Some girls say "Oh it's like the days in elementary school. It's just regular skip rope." They are in for a complete surprise.

Rope Equipment

First, you need to purchase a good quality rope. I recommend a light weight plastic speed rope. In my opinion, these ropes are more better than heavier leather ropes and weighted ropes. The speed rope will allow you to maintain a much faster pace. The leather ropes would be painful if you hit yourself. Weighted handles will slow you down for beginners with weak wrist/arm strength.

After locating a rope, you must determine the ideal length. Common rope lengths range from 8 to 10 feet. I find the rope length must be good enough to encompass from above one waist side, down to the ground and back up to the other side. If too much rope, then cut the excess off.

Jumping Area

I would train on a cushion flat surface. Best to avoid concrete if possible for the knees.

Conditioning Training

Boxing rounds are about 3 mins each. If you can skip that length of time in a quick pace, you are pretty good already. I would try to train max 3 mins quick pace followed by low pace intensity for 30 seconds and alternate.

If you are a beginner, start slow and try to maintain a consistence pace with correct form. Keep the elbows to the side of your body. You do not want to swing your whole arms as this will tire you out quicker. You will always be on tip toes too and never landing with your heel.

Jumping Routines

side to side jumps
one foot jumps (left / right)
alternate foot jumps then double combinations
jumping jack formations
knees up kicks
push kick jumps (for muay thai classes)
double jump combination (VERY DIFFICULT)
running in place (knees up!)
cross over technique

Youtube Videos:

This is one of my favourite introduction videos to skip roping. Very clear instructions with good demonstrations.

interesting video for skip rope

Similar to my muay thai training but horrible music ...

A really good video for beginners to skip roping

Workout Summary

2009-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Today, I got dressed in my usual nike XXX outfit and did 2.5 miles on tready with unknown amount of HIIT skipping.

I was very bad. I only managed 20 mins non stop jogging before I started to feel the limits of my knee. Either I am getting older or I exercise too much. The weekend will be a semi rest day; however I will still do that leisurely swim.

Tonight, I shall get to be Mr. Awesome and hopefully beat someone up. I need to burn off all that junk food yesterday night.

A Way of Life

2009-04-24T04:21:00.000-07:00

Found on red forums:

If you want to stop being a wuss here's a few things simple things you can do.

1. Get into stuff. Have a hobby, be a member of a club or go out do something on a regular basis. The more stuff the better. It will make you more interesting and you'll be able to bring something interesting to a conversation. Also believe it or not women find competence hot, it'll be different from woman to woman, but most girls will find it pretty attractive if you can change the oil in your own car or cook a beautiful meal in the kitchen.

2. Start exercising. Go for a run every day, do some push ups before you go to sleep. In my experience most women don't really care THAT much about how you look with your shirt off or anything like that, but it will most likely make you feel better about yourself and you'll have more energy and confidence. You'll take that energy and confidence into everything you do.

3. Read books. Doesn't really matter about what (avoid books about how to talk to and pick up women though), just make sure you're learning something useful and substantial. Again, this ties into the first point. Be interesting, know things, be competent, have to aptitude to learn new things.

4. Be good at everything you do. Spend the extra time and really commit to everything you do, don't half ass anything. Take pride in everything you do and really strive to be better than everyone else at whatever it is you are doing. Again, this will improve your confidence and ability to master skills.

5. Improve your god awful social skills. Meet new people, make new friend, talk to the person behind the counter serving you your big mac meal. Make an effort to be more of a social person and have the ability to converse with someone. This will be rough at first, just work at it. It's all about stepping outside of your comfort zone.

6. Go for what you want. Don't worry about being polite, say what you mean and go for what you want. Don't befriend a girl if you want to date her or sleep with her. Be up front about your interest. It will save both you and her a lot of time and heart ache. Don't be passive aggressive either, if you have a problem with something speak up and say it, dont sit and dwell on it.

Work on those 6 steps, for say, about a year. Try and avoid getting really involved with anyone while you're working at them. Minimize your free time, dont ever just idle wasting time playing video games or watching TV. Always be striving to be more than you are.