Liv Magazine June 2016

FITNESS

NUTRITION

WELLBEING

TRAVEL

E CO

S PA

FREE

JUNE 2016 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . c o m

Pore Us

What we can do to protect our skin from air pollution

Box Fresh Our guide to the best takeout salads

A Taste of Home

HK’s hottest eco restaurant opens its doors

The Big Freeze

We test-drive a cryotherapy sauna

Green Beijing

A healthy holiday in smog city

MUSCLE UP! Three women who took up Crossfit and changed their lives

PLUS enter our Readers’ Choice Awards and win a trip to Chōsen Bali! Page 8

UNE

04 Editor’s Letter

LIV | MORE

LIV | NEWS

26 Food

06 It’s a Date

30 Recipe

Events for your diary

10 Hot Right Now

New happenings on the wellness scene

12 Fresh Cuts

Dining news that’s good for you

14 Cheat Day

Because #YOLO

17 Well I Never

Andrea Lo tries a taco cleanse

LIV | STORIES 18 People of CrossFit

Three women who started lifting and never looked back

Boxed salads for lunches al desko

Paleo lava cake from Bad Food Gone Good

32 Pamper

10

We road-test a cryotherapy treatment

34 Travel

Can you have a green vacation in China’s smoggy capital?

40 Family

Your pre-holiday health checklist

44 Q&A

We speak to Shalini Mahtani of HospitalAdvisor.com

50 How I Liv

Sonalie Figueiras, publisher of Green Queen

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24 Saving Face

How to protect your skin from Hong Kong’s air pollution

34

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EDITOR’S LETTER

HONG KONG HAS GONE CRAZY for CrossFit. This once-niche workout has exploded in recent years, with devotees praising the practice for its dramatic results, scalable exercises and spirit of friendly competition. But it’s not only for those who are ripped of ab and bulging of bicep. In this issue, we speak to three women who started Crossfit and found it immensely rewarding and empowering too (p.18). And if you’re keen to give it a go, we’ve listed all the city’s Crossfit gyms so you can get started straight away.

June is officially yoga month in Hong Kong, with more yoga festivals, workshops and events than you can shake a rainstick at - and many of them are free! Check out our calendar listings on p.6 and mark them in your diary.

Not organised enough to prep your lunch each day? Skip the greasy rice box and pick from our selection of takeout salads (p.28). We’ve got options for all, from vegans to paleo peeps. Tasty!

Living in Hong Kong is amazing in so many ways, but air pollution is definitely a big problem in this crowded city; high particulate levels and constant smog can take its toll on our skin. That’s why we’ve gotten tips from the experts on how to protect your skin from pollution and mitigate its effects, from oversensitivity to premature aging (p.24).

Elsewhere, we’ve spoken to Shalini Mahtani of HospitalAdvisor.com, a new website that aims to provide a consistent quality of care rating for all of Hong Kong’s public and private hospitals through patient surveys.

Learn more about Shalini’s story and find out how you can submit your own survey on p.44.

Sarah

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS For this month’s cover story, Kate Springer learns more about the CrossFit craze sweeping the city, and finds that it’s not just for the boys.

Beauty journalist Rachel Read learns all about how air pollution negatively impacts our skin, and what we can do about it.

Our long-suffering columnist Andrea Lo goes on a three-day taco cleanse and almost makes it to the end.

Travel columnist Gayatri Bhaumik learns about cycling from Phuket to Krabi, and a new wellness retreat in Pune, India.

Going on holiday with the fam? Kate Farr runs through your essential health checklist, so make sure to read before you fly.

SARAH FUNG PUBLISHER

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Liv Media Limited Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG SALES MANAGERS JASMIN BLUNCK, AILEEN CHAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STACEY MARCELO GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS KATE FARR, SHAN SHAN FENG, ANDREA LO, KATE SPRINGER, GAYATRI BHAUMIK, RACHEL READ SPECIAL THANKS ZACH HINES, BLACKIE HUI, EDMUND IP, TOM HILDITCH PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING Copyright 2016 Liv Media Limited. The content provided here is the property of Liv Media Limited and may not be reproduced in any part without the written permission of the Publisher. The information provided by Liv Media Limited’s contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the company. The information provided by Liv Media Limited, or its staff, advertisers and contributors is given in good faith; readers should gather more information before making the decision to purchase any goods or services highlighted here. Liv Media Limited will not be held responsible for any action, omission or error resulting from actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. Please seek the approval of a doctor before following any health advice.

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Calendar

IT’S A DATE JUNE 18-19

X MARKS THE SPOT

Local eco-friendly yoga brand Rumi has rebranded to Rumi X and has expanded its scope to all active pursuits. To celebrate, it’s hosting Feel Good Day, a two-day series of fun workouts hosted by local boutique gyms, plus an eco-wellness marketplace, that everyone is welcome to attend. Email hello@rumixfeelgood.com to register and learn more.

Free. 10am-6pm, Soho Yard, 19 Old Bailey St., Central.

JUNE 17

HEDGE YOUR BETS Who doesn’t want to see bankers beating each other up? Hedge Fund Fight Nite is a charity fundraiser and black tie boxing event that aims to generate $1 million to split between three local and Asia-wide children’s charities. Amateur boxers from Hong Kong’s finance industry have been training hard to put on a good show.

Tickets include a four-course meal with wine pairing and start at $2,000 (individual) to $50,000 (12-seat ringside table).

The Conrad Hotel, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, hedgefundfightnite.com.

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Calendar

JUNE 25-26

ESCAPE ARTISTS

With two successful events under their belt, IRIS: Your Escape with manulifeMOVE will be launching a third installment of the free yoga festival with a two-day event in Central. There will be yoga and meditation classes, a marketplace filled with yoga-related vendors, and entertainment galore. Don’t miss it.

Free. 9am-9pm, Central Harbourfront Event Space.

Register online at www.irishkg.com.

JUNE 4-5

MUSCLE UP

Calling all Crossfitters! The Downtown Throwdown where elite male and female CrossFitters compete for a place at the Asia Championships Finals in Korea - is taking place this month at Kellet School in Kowloon Bay. The best athletes from Japan, China, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong will be lifting, jumping and wodding their hearts out, so head on down to cheer them on and check out the stalls from local fitness industry vendors that will be selling food, supplements and merch.

Free. 7 Lam Hing St., Kowloon Bay. Learn more at www.facebook.com/DowntownThrowdown.

​JUNE 18-19

YO, TEACH

Completed your yoga teacher accreditation but don’t know what to do next? Get some solid business advice from veteran yoga instructor Victor Chau at his Weekend Mentorship Workshop. P ​ articipants will learn how to brush up on their class management techniques, from teaching a multi-level class to creating a nurturing atmosphere. You will receive invaluable advice on how to make yoga a sustainable career, from how to get started to marketing and promotion. $2,400 for two days (12 hours total) or $1,250 per day drop-in. Epic Yoga, 3/F, Man Hing Building, 7983 Queen’s Road Central, 3487-0524. Tickets from epicmma.com.

JUNE 19

OM, THAT’S AWESOME

In celebration of the International Day of Yoga (June 21, but that’s a weekday), pretty much Hong Kong’s entire yoga community is getting together for a free practice on the lawn of Sun Yat-sen park on Sunday, June 19. Last year’s event saw more than 2,000 yogis descend for a morning of sun salutations, followed by free workshops led by community leaders and yoga studios from all over the city 7:30am-9:30am (main practice), 10:30-11:30am (smaller sessions). Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park, Sai Ying Pun. Register online at www.yogainhk.org.

DON'T MISS

The Hong Kong Chinmaya Foundation is hosting the Hanuman Carnival on June 9 at the Central Harbourfront.

This free yoga festival comprises games, food stalls, entertainment booths and a market for health- and yogarelated goods. There will be hourly chanting, mindfulness and meditation classes, and of course, yoga.

Free. More information at 9182-7134 or chinhk@netvigator.com.

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IN stic W ta s! n ize a f pr

Liv Magazine’s

Readers’ Choice Awards and readership survey!

I

t’s time to vote for your favourite health-related brands in Liv Magazine’s first annual Readers’ Choice Awards!

All you have to do is name your favourite businesses in 23 categories, and while you’re there, help us learn a little more about our readers by filling in our survey. What’s in it for you? Well, you’ll be in with a chance to win the following fabulous prizes.

GRAND PRIZE A week-long, all-inclusive stay at Chosen Bali, with flights sponsored by Flight Centre

This isn’t your average bootcamp. Chosen experiences are a remix of luxurious healthy holidays, adventure getaways, fitness retreats and wellness vacations, all edited into a perfect seven-day package. Staying in luxurious accommodation, the carefully curated program combines exercise, life coaching, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and nourishing gourmet cuisine. Every detail is designed to challenge, change and rejuvenate you by pushing you outside your comfort zone. In addition to Bali, Chosen experiences are held around the globe, in far-flung locations such as Guatemala, Iceland and New Zealand. Courtesy of Chosen and Flight Centre, we’ve got an all-inclusive getaway for one extremely lucky reader! chosenexperiences.com, www.flightcentre.com.hk.

WORTH MORE THAN

$42,000!

Log onto liv-magazine.com/rca to vote for your favourite wellness brands!

Courtesy of The Peninsula Hong Kong, we are giving away a Haute Couture à la carte Collagen Facial by Margy’s Monte Carlo, worth $3,157! This 90-minute treatment begins with a skin analysis and consultation, before a bespoke treatment is created to address your skincare concerns. The highly active face masks help to tighten, brighten, even skin tone or plump, while the marine algae and firming mask smoothes and moisturises, leaving your skin relaxed and radiant. www.peninsula.com.

THIRD PRIZE A three-piece workout outfit from Lorna Jane

SECOND PRIZE A Haute Couture à la carte Collagen Facial at the Peninsula Spa

Courtesy of Aussie activewear brand Lorna Jane, we have a three-piece outfit to give away, consisting of a sports bra, top and tights, valued at a minimum of $2,000. You’ll even be welcomed to the Lorna Jane showroom to pick out the pieces yourself to ensure a perfect fit. The brand specialises in creating fashion-forward, highperformance pieces in small batches that rotate monthly, meaning that your ensemble is bound to be unique. www.lornajane.com.

FOURTH PRIZE $1,000 Dining Vouchers for Fish & Meat and Limewood Courtesy of Maximal Concepts, we’ve got two $1,000 dining vouchers up for grabs: one for Fish & Meat on Wyndham Street, and one for Limewood in Repulse Bay. Both restaurants offer plenty of delicious, health-conscious bites with an emphasis on sustainably sourced ingredients. www.limewood.hk, www.fishandmeat.hk.

Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene

Feeling Blue?

If you like your yoga classes cosy and contemplative, you’ll be excited to visit Blue Door Yoga Studio, located in Wan Chai’s quiet Sau Wa Wong neighbourhood.

This dreamy space offers intimate classes for yin, hatha, vinyasa and power yoga, with toddler and prenatal yoga for a familyfriendly vibe. It’s all pay-per-class; no membership required. The studio is brand new so check the Facebook page for class schedules.

28 Sau Wa Fong, Wan Chai, 6468-5859, www.facebook.com/bluedoorstudiohk.

Take a Bite

Love ordering artisanal products from local small businesses, but can’t deal with the hassle of inconvenient payment systems and convoluted pickups? You’ll love Bite Unite, a new platform that connects small-scale chefs and caterers to consumers via a centralised system that makes payment and delivery a breeze. Order from the likes of Bagoes, Bad Food Gone Good and even individual chefs such as Philippe Pierrot, whose specialty is vegan, gluten-free and superfood-packed salads, desserts and smoothie bowls. Thinking about becoming a vendor yourself? Bite Unite takes care of photography, logistics, marketing, payment processing and social media, so all you have to do is make great food.

Learn more at biteunite.com.

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Cool Stuff

How Corny

Though it’s better known as a cinema snack, served stale and covered in sticky sugar, popcorn done right is actually a healthy whole grain treat that’s satisfying, high in fibre and polyphenols, yet low in calories. Enter Yumm Kaax, a gourmet popcorn brand from Canada (but headquartered here) that provides non-GMO, preservative-free, single-origin popcorn that you can pop at home. Try the pop-a-cob ($53), an entire cob that you can stick in the microwave; or pick up a bag of kernels ($46) that you can pop in batches and combine with any toppings you like.

Available online at yummkaax.com and at Citysuper.

Just Ahhh for It

It will have been pretty impossible to miss the Pure campaign in MTR stations and on billboards all over the city - but did you know part of the campaign includes a competition that will net the winner a year-long all access pass to every Pure Yoga and Pure Fitness location across Hong Kong, Taipei and Singapore, worth $22,000? All you have to do is log onto ahhhgrrr.com, share their (extremely cool) promotional video, and then describe in 50 words or less your own “ahhh” or “grrr” moment. And what is an Ahhh or Grrr moment, you ask? The video explains it better, but essentially it’s that sweet spot of exercise-induced ecstasy that either leaves you feeling totally blissed out, or totally badass. You have until the end of June to enter - good luck!

Learn more about the campaign and enter the contest at ahhhgrrr.com.

Say Hi to Bahia

Fans of natural skincare will love Bahia, a new range of Moroccan-inspired skincare products that focus on the natural properties of raw ingredients. Each of the four products are prized in Morocco for their skin-saving credentials: pure argan oil for moisturising; prickly pear for anti-aging; rosewater for skin calming; and rhassoul for deep-cleaning. All the products in Bahia’s line are eco-friendly, ethically sourced from Moroccan women’s cooperatives and totally natural, making them an ideal complement to any skincare routine.

The Bahia line costs $209-$650 and is available at Sparadise, 3-4/F, Wellington St., Central, 2997-2208 and online at www.bahiacosmetics.com.

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FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you

TAKE A BAYTA We love us a fancy meal and all, but all too often a multi-course gourmet meal leaves us feeling sluggish.

On your next date night, pay a visit to Bayta, an intimate, Mediterranean-inspired fine dine on the Western edge of Hollywood Road (where furniture store Deem used to be) that offers a small but well curated menu at $650 for three courses, or $490 for two. Operated by a vegetarian chef, Bayta has plenty of locally sourced veg-friendly offerings and lean proteins to keep health enthusiasts happy.

For starters try the signature asparagus cannelloni (pictured), before moving onto the vegetable couscous with beetroot patty and baby carrots, all plated pretty as a picture. For carnivores, try the rack of lamb with Lebanese eggplant cake, the seared tuna with stuffed vine leaves, or the sea bream la plancha. It’s the sister restaurant of La Cabane, so expect a great organic wine list to pair with your meal.

252 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, 5597-9939, www.facebook.com/baytahk.

WE’RE COMING HOME As if you needed any more confirmation that the healthy living movement is here to stay, HOME Eat to Live has just opened up on Des Voeux Road. A two-storey vegetarian and eco-conscious concept and member of ZS Hospitality Group, this new spot wears its heart on its sleeve: it’s committed to reducing waste, recycling its trash, using biodegradable takeout packaging, and sourcing locally and organically where possible - it even has its own rooftop farm! As for the food, expect wraps and open-faced toasts, smoothies, organic wine and beer, veggie burgers (the pumpkin patty is a real crowd-pleaser) and salad bowls. Plus there’s a raw dessert counter on the ground floor, with plenty of space to chill. We love it!

Shop G01-101, Nexxus Building, 77 Des Voeux Rd., Central, 2777-4777, www.homerestauranthk.com.

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Dining

BEAST MODE “Vegetarian” and “wine pairing” are two words you don’t often see together, but Le Bistro Winebeast’s new set menu has taken the increased demand for plant-based dining and created a wine pairing menu for herbivores that changes every six weeks or so. It all started very healthily for us with hummus and a cauliflower salad with apple vinagrette, before moving onto the seriously indulgent macaroni stuffed with ricotta and tomato marmalade, and the gnocchi with parmesan emulsion and truffle. Dessert was baked apple with salted butter and Brittany shortbread. Each dish is paired with an organic wine selected by their expert sommelier. The meal is $558 with wine pairing and $458 without.

WHAT DO HEALTHY PEOPLE EAT?

Emily Tan, business manager, fitness trainer and aerialist

Sum up your food philosophy in a sentence.

Eat for your goals. It sounds cliched but how else can you identify how YOU should eat to support YOUR lifestyle?

french fries, popcorn, fried rice…

Where do you go for a healthy lunch?

1/F, Tai Yip Building, If I need to eat What three items do you 141 Thomson Rd., always have in your fridge? out for lunch, I opt for Wagyu Wan Chai, Lemons, fish and garlic, though I Lounge or Oolaa in Central as 2782-6689, should state that I don’t keep my they are very understanding www.wine-beast. peanut butter in the fridge. with meal requests. Where else com. could you go asking to sub What do you usually have french fries with spinach and for breakfast? not get dirty looks from the My breakfast usually consists wait staff? of a protein with vegetables, or oatmeal with peanut What’s one thing you wished Looking for a protein fix? Castelo butter. I prefer white fish, people knew about diet and Concepts has partnered with The nutrition? chicken, salmon or grassClean Nutrition Co. to serve up It takes knowledge, patience, fed whey protein from Island protein shakes and protein balls consistency and courage to Supplements as my breakfast in all its Western District outlets, make healthy choices. There is a protein source. Coffee is a given and will be rolling out to selected reason why fitness professionals - I am a coffee fanatic.

Central outlets this month, including invest time and money on their What are your favourite Oolaa, Wagyu Lounge, Oolaa Petite and education, so people can then restaurants when eating out?

Wilbur’s. Made with top-quality grassfed seek help from them! A good I cook the majority of my meals protein from New Zealand that’s source of nutritional guidance (hence the garlic in my fridge) subjected to strong safety and quality is the “Hong Kong Nutrition so I hardly eat out, but when I checks, the shakes are available in Guide” Facebook page, which do, those restaurants are often vanilla, chocolate and natural, and can is, in my terminology, “keepin’ burger joints! Butchers Club be made with skim, whole or soy milk. it real.”

Burger and Burger Circus are Want to add a vitamin boost? Add a among my favourites.

Last meal on earth: serving of fruit such as strawberries, what would it be? blueberries or banana.

What do you eat on cheat day?

Oh dear, what a HARD choice! $60 from Castelo Concepts’ Over many years of trying to The Burger still wins though so Western District retaurants, beat diets, I have learned that it would be a pairing of burgers including Jaspas Kennedy Town the term “cheat day” does and fries... do I get dessert with and Sai Ying Pun, Butcher & more harm than good to my my last meal?

Baker Cafe, Kennedy Town and relationship with food. So my High Street Bar & Grill. “relaxed day” food choices www.cleannutritionco.com rotate between

SHAKE IT UP

Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

SO MUCH PEACOCKING If you only go out on the town once this month, make it a visit to Ophelia, a seriously stylish new lounge in Wan Chai’s Lee Tung Avenue. Designed by Ashley Sutton, who has decked out the gorgeous interiors of Bangkok’s Iron Fairies and Sing Sing Theatre, this vast cocktail bar pays homage to 19th-century opium dens, with chinoiserie, opulent peacock feathers and cheongsam-clad muses perched on loungers above the bar each night. For drinks, expect Asian-inspired cocktails blended with Chinese herbs and spices. Try the Jade Cat, made from Iwai Japanese whiskey, Baika Ranman Ume Shu and house-made bitter green tea liqueur. The bar bites are Asian-inspired too, with a wider menu being rolled out in the coming weeks.

Shop 39A-41A, 1/F, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai, 2520-1117, www.facebook.com/opheliahongkong.

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WIN: A workout outfit from Rumi X Rumi X is an eco-conscious athletic brand that uses upcycled raw materials such as plastic bottles and coffee grounds to create highperformance leggings and tops to get sweaty in. They’re also known for their bright, stylish prints. We’ve got a three-piece outfit to give away, consisting of a pair of leggings, a bra top and head band, worth more than $1,080! www.rumixfeelgood.com.

Deadline: June 28

WIN: A tea hamper from Teapigs Gourmet tea brand Teapigs is known for its topquality teas sourced from all over the world.

We’ve got a fantastic Teapigs sampler to give away, including a Pick & Match sampler of 12 types of teabag (pictured), 12 pre-made matcha drinks, ten sample sachets and their Book of Tea, a bible for tea-lovers. The whole set is worth $950. teapigs.com.hk.

Deadline: June 28

WIN: A one-hour myofascial release therapy session at UP! Health Suffering from neck tension? Back ache? Leg cramps?

Myofascial release, available at UP! Health, aims to help improve flexibility, range of motion and posture by manipulating your fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles. We’ve got three myofascial release sessions to give away, each worth $900. www.uphealth.com.hk.

Deadline: June 28

visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!

Column

WELL I NEVER...

LET’S TACO ‘BOUT IT Andrea Lo attempts a three-day taco cleanse. Yes, a taco cleanse.

W From what I gather, the whole thing is a middlefinger to fad diets.

hen I first heard about the taco cleanse, I had the same reaction as you: WTF? The words “taco” and “cleanse” do not belong together. What are they going to try next a margarita detox?

But apparently, this new diet is all the rage in California. Invented by four self-proclaimed “taco scientists,” the 30-day taco cleanse proposes eating nothing but tacos all day, every day.

From what I gather, the whole thing is a middle-finger to fad diets: the “taco scientists”

DAY 1 I started with the easiest recipe: the “tranquility avocado taco,” which sounded yummy. It’s made with avocados, diced mango and lettuce, with corn and black beans fried with Mexican spice mix. The tacos were fresh and filling. So far, so good.

For dinner, I went with the “enzymatic tofu taco”: firm tofu marinated in flour and Mexican spice, then fried and served with lettuce and kimchi on top, drizzled in bulgogi sauce.

I was surprised by how well the flavours worked together.

claim that the cleanse helps dudes grow a beard, for instance. Sounds dubious, but on the health side, every taco they suggest is in fact vegan and gluten-free.

In Hong Kong, taco cleanse kits are available at Taco Chaca (tacochaca.com), and you can choose from a three- or seven-day option. The three-day kit comes with 36 corn tortilla wraps, Mexican spice mix, pico de galle, salsa verde and hot sauce. There’s also a menu containing six taco recipes. Here’s how I got on.

DAY 2 Breakfast was the “tofu breakfast taco”. Cutting firm tofu in squares, I fried them with corn, diced onions and spice mix, then piled on lettuce and roasted beetroot.

This was incredibly filling.

In the evening, I went with the fancy-sounding “portobello spinach taco”, which consists of mushrooms, diced onion and baby spinach, fried with - you guessed it spice mix. This was a pretty substantial taco - I had oneand-a-half and called it a day.

Is the taco cleanse a crock? I asked Eugene Kwok, a personal trainer and nutritionist at Fitness Compass (www.fitnesscompass.com. hk) for his thoughts.

The good: “The recipes contain lots of nutrients that are naturally good sources of antioxidants. The essential nutrients - such as omega 3, vitamins and minerals - could benefit the digestive and immune systems.”

DAY 3 Back to the avocado taco.

I was starting to feel a bit bored by the taste of spice mix, so I cheated in the afternoon and had a slice of toast. Sorry, taco scientists! By dinner time I had lost my enthusiasm and had the rest of the tofu taco from day two for my final meal.

CONCLUSION Whlie the recipes were great, eating only vegan tacos for days on end was definitely a challenge. If your lifestyle doesn’t allow for this level of taco commitment, one per week or so should do nicely.

The bad: “The recipes lack adequate dietary fibre. I would advise the addition of fruits and vegetables, as it is good to optimise excretion during a cleanse.”

On daily tacos: “There is no major harm in eating only tacos for 30 days, but it could get very repetitive. It is suitable if you love the idea of eating tacos every day. However, if you are not active, then I think you may be taking too many carbs from all those tortilla wraps.”

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Don’t let the big weights and big muscles intimidate you: CrossFit is a welcoming environment with scalable workouts that aim to improve overall fitness, mobility and metabolic performance while creating a genuine sense of community. Kate Springer speaks with three Hong Kongbased women about how CrossFit has improved their lives - in ways big and small.

People

Cover Story

Cindy Waldman

CrossFit 852 veteran Cindy Waldman has been an active CrossFitter since moving to Hong Kong four years ago.

What kinds of workouts were you doing before CrossFit? I was a competitive gymnast growing up. In the gym, there was this strong sense of camaraderie. There was something there I never found anywhere else.

Right before CrossFit, I was doing some spinning classes but wasn’t really into it.

How would you describe the CrossFit community?

Through CrossFit, we have met people from all over the world. It breeds people who want a healthy lifestyle. You’re never lonely! Some people think it’s cult-like. But that sense of community is built on the fact that people like it, and they all want to come back. If you’re gone for a week, people are like, “We miss you! Where are you?” The coaches are amazing, too.

You really have a relationship with your coaches and they add so much to the community.

to be that strong? Can I be?

But you’re obviously strong now!

What happened?

I was with some family and we were sitting on the floor. My aunt, who is only about 10 years older than I am, went to get up off the floor and she found it very difficult. She moaned about getting old and told me it would be difficult for me too. That is when I decided it was just fine to be strong. No way was I going to struggle to get up off the floor. A switch flipped in my head, and it was just like, Okay now I’m ready.

Which achievements are you most excited about?

When I did my very first chin-up, I was so excited. I never imagined I would be doing chin-ups in my 40s, but here I am doing them. I’ve always struggled with weight but I don’t think I do anymore. I have a much more positive body image - who says that?

I may not have skinny legs or skinny arms, but I’m quite proud of my strength.

What worried you most getting started?

I guess I thought the people with all the big strong muscles would have an attitude, but really they don’t at all. Then there was the psychological aspect: do I really want

of CrossFit

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Kaili Chen

A member at Coastal Fitness, Singapore-born Kaili Chen is a clinical psychologist who got into CrossFit in 2013 while working on her doctorate.

What was your fitness level like before CrossFit? During my youth, perhaps I was one of the most active within my group of friends.

However, when I first got back to Hong Kong from San Francisco [after university], I went straight into a management training position. I would get into the office at 9 in the morning and leave at 4am the next day.

That was my life for a year. My lifestyle was in complete disarray - eating irregularly, filling my body with processed foods and not exercising regularly.

At what point did you look for a lifestyle change?

Eventually I started my doctorate degree, and it was challenging because I didn’t have much of a routine. Four years in, I had gained a lot of weight, was not looking out for myself, and my stress levels shot through the roof. In my last year of my doctorate program I was working on my thesis when I found CrossFit. How’d you find it?

I didn’t really have the mindset of wanting to reach a particular weight, or waistline.

All I knew was that I wasn’t fitting into my pants. I had a lot of blubber, and I was tired walking up stairs.A friend of mine asked if I would like to try the On Ramp [intro course].

What I saw when the elevators opened were people lifting weights, dropping them on the ground, and at the end, lying on the floor drenched in sweat. I thought, “Oh dear, what did I get myself into?”

Do you remember that first workout?

Oh, yes. I remember just thinking that it felt, in one aspect, like it was the most demoralizing thing in the world because you can’t lift anything. But on the other hand, it was pushing me to new limits. It was a challenge that I was really excited about.

The next day, I woke up feeling so sore but I was hooked.

Any milestones you’re especially excited about?

I feel like I’m the fittest now than I ever have been in my life. I am back into my pants, so that’s a benchmark for me! I have always wanted to hit the 100-kilogram deadlift mark, and I just got up to 105 kilos. It took me a while to get there. But now that I got to 105 kilos, it’s like, what’s next? I can’t wait to learn and consistently push the limits.

Where to CrossFit Reebok CrossFit Asphodel Back in 2010, Reebok CrossFit Asphodel was the very first box to open up in Hong Kong. What started as a relatively bare-bones club has evolved into a powerful community of strength training specialists. Look for specialty seminars, camps, throw down events, strength and conditioning programs in addition to its usual CrossFit sessions.

GF, Fook Hing Building, 33 Lee Chung St, Chai Wan, 3568 7719, www.crossfitasphodel.com.

Fitness Academy A group of CrossFit friends turned business partners are behind this box in Quarry Bay. Fitness Academy champions everyday athletes who want to perform better in various sports, improve their metabolic conditioning, or just get in shape. It’s an impressive 3,000-square-foot box with high ceilings, rope climbs, outdoor facilities.

Shop D, 901-907 King's Rd., Quarry Bay, 3708-8190, fitnessacademyhk.com.

CrossFit 852 One of the largest CrossFit gyms in Hong Kong, this two-story complex is all about community and high-octane workouts. In addition to CrossFit classes, the skilled coaches offer a diverse range of specialty disciplines, such as power lifting, mobility, gymnastics and more. There’s even a kids’ CrossFit class here in case you want to make it a family affair.

1/F, Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen Street East, Central, 2205-0338, crossfit852.com.

LRCF Fitness Box Situated between Mong Kok and Olympic, LRCF is currently Kowloon side’s only box. Its primary focus is on offering oneon-one conditioning programs that address your needs and help to improve your CrossFit technique. Not sure if CrossFit is your thing? There’s also a twohour training course that will give you a solid foundation.

25 Tong Mi Rd., Mong Kok, 26586218, www.lrcffitnessbox.club.

Epic MMA & Fitness EPIC MMA got its start as a martial arts specialist but now offers strength training, AntiGravity yoga and of course CrossFit. Epic’s high-intensity CrossFit workouts incorporate Olympic lifting, metabolic conditioning, functional movements, and gymnastics. Also owns Tung Chung’s 9 Dragons box.

Various locations including 1/F, China Building, 29 Queen's Road Central, www.epicmma.com.

Coastal Fitness Founded by Hong Kong rugby star Ed Haynes, Coastal Fitness takes a community-driven approach to health and fitness. The gym’s Energy System Training program aims to equip you with long-term fitness development through mobility drills, running, squatting, kettlebells, Olympic weightlifting and a battery of tests to ensure continued progress.

3/F, Block C, Sea View Estate, 8 Watson Rd., North Point, 2512-2262, www. coastalfitnesshk.com.

CrossFit Typhoon An authentic garage-like box, CrossFit Typhoon is tucked away up in Sai Ying Pun. The narrow but energetic gym leads a butt-kicking WOD that’s full of squats, pull-ups, jumping, pushing, throwing and sprinting. A focus on functional movement means you’ll fortify everyday movements, while building up lean muscle in the process.

38-40 Third St., Sai Ying Pun, 2858-8864, www.crossfittyphoon.com.

CrossFit Cavaliers CrossFit Cavaliers, Kennedy Town’s dedicated CrossFit box, offers high-octane CrossFit, MobFit, conditioning and personal training sessions. It’s all about straight-forward yet effective exercises, using equipment such as kettlebells, medicine balls, barbells, rings, bars, rows and even some “Assault AirBikes” for good measure.

533-537 Queen's Road West, Kennedy Town, 2573-1180, crossfitcavaliers.com.

Kylie Spiller A familiar face at EPIC MMA & Fitness’s CrossFit 9 Dragons gym in Tung Chung, Melbourne-native Kylie Spiller took up the fitness program about a year ago.

What did you think of CrossFit before you tried it?

I thought CrossFit was only for super fit, super buff and super athletic people. It was certainly nothing that I ever imagined myself participating in!

What kind of exercise were you doing before?

My fitness regime prior to starting CrossFit involved pushing a pram around the local parks in Tung Chung and a ladies kickboxing class once a week. That’s it! For 20 years I went through phases of joining gyms, using cardio equipment and achieving minimal results. When I compare it to what I am doing now, that old regime seems so demotivating to me. No wonder I never enjoyed it!

WOD Words

Director and Movement Instructor at CrossFit 852, Teddy Lo explains the CrossFit lingo for newbies.

THE BOX: A CrossFit gym is known as The Box. That’s because in the past, many operated out of shipping container boxes.

GPP: General Physical Preparedness program. The concept is that with a well-rounded workout you’ll be better at any sport you try.

ON RAMP: Most CrossFit programs require newcomers to complete a multi-hour On Ramp or Introductory program, where they’ll learn safety, technique and practice fundamental movements.

WOD: the Workout of the Day. It’s usually comprised of two to three

elements: the strength, a mobility or stretching element, and the Met Con. MET CON: Metabolic Conditioning.

This part of the program is the tiring, sweaty circuit that leaves everyone on the floor.

AMRAP: As many rounds as possible, or as many repetitions as possible.

EMOM: Every minute on the minute.

DOUBLE UNDER: Skipping rope so the rope passes under your feet twice every jump.

GIRLS: Many workouts are named after women. These are typically recurring benchmark workouts so you can track your progress.

HEROES: Some workouts are also named in memory of CrossFitters who have passed away - usually firefighters, and service men and women.

What was CrossFit like for you at first?

Initially it was difficult. Even though I had completed my On Ramp [intro course], it felt like a whole different world. I spent the first few months hiding in the back, hoping I wouldn’t draw any attention to myself by dropping a dumbbell on my foot!

So what keeps you going back?

Every exercise and movement can be scaled to your ability, so even if you’re 70 years old, you can still do the workout. Most importantly, no one judges you in the class, even if you are doing the simple abbreviation of the movement.

Slowly I made small improvements - this gave me the incentive to come back.

What have you achieved so far?

Initially it was to get an empty barbell off the floor and above my head! I’m doing things now at 40 for the first time in my life - like lifting a kettlebell, participating in charity runs and even participating in the CrossFit Games Open in March this year.

23

Skincare

Living in Hong Kong can get under your skin… literally. Rachel Read learns all about the effects of pollution on our complexions, and what we can do to limit the damage.

G

iven the increasing number of days we can barely see our famous harbour, it’s hardly surprising that the smog can do some serious damage to your skin. “Toxins in the air can lead to premature aging in the skin, especially in exposed areas such as the face, neck, décolleté and hands, whilst the free radicals in air pollution deplete oxygen in skin cells and decrease collagen production leading to fine lines, wrinkles and rough, dry skin,” says Dr. Winnie Mui of Dr. Lauren Bramley & Partners (pictured, left). “Smog, dirt and dust can clog pores, leading to acne and dull, inflamed skin, while long-term exposure to air pollution can cause skin allergies and eczema.”

Although the difficulties in isolating the effects of air pollution from other factors that lead to skin damage mean there are few studies into pollution’s effect on the skin, a 2015 study by cosmetics giant L’Oreal is revealing. Decades of research comparing the skin condition of Mexican and Chinese city habitants with their rural counterparts found that the city

24

Skincare

dwellers suffered more from dry, oversensitive and oily skin, with a lack of vitamin E and sebum - effects believed to be caused by increased exposure to air pollution.

And let’s not ignore the anecdotal evidence from skincare professionals.

Shoshana Weinberg, senior spa director at The Four Seasons Asia Pacific, has seen her fair share of pollution-caused skin problems.

“Pollution affects many places in the world, not just Hong Kong, so we are seeing an increase of dryness and skin allergies in spas everywhere.”

Cause & Effect

There are myriad elements that contribute to air pollution, meaning there are equally as many elements that can cause damage to your skin. Dr. Winnie Mui breaks it down as:

PARTICLES

Matter of various sizes that damage the skin via oxidative stress on collagen, weakening the skin’s structure and thickness.

GASES

These include ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Ozone reacts with UV to generate carcinogens, breaking down proteins, destroying skin lipids like vitamin E and decreasing the skin’s overall skin health (which can ultimately lead to skin cancer).

CHEMICALS

The chemicals found in cleaning products and building materials can cause skin aging, increase melanin (causing “age spots”) and trigger skin allergies.

HEAVY METALS

These can cause halogen acne, chemical pigmentation and skin cancer.

Prevention 101 It’s not all doom and gloom though; there are several steps we can take to combat the damaging effects of pollution. Let’s talk bigger picture first. “The basics of good health are regular exercise, rest and a healthy diet with adequate hydration,” explains Mui. “When you are healthy, so is your skin.”

Unsurprisingly, skincare is hugely important. “Daily cleansing is essential,” adds Mui. “Facials help remove superficial dirt and oils with exfoliants, and manual removal of blocked pores helps clear whiteheads and blackheads. Microdermabrasion sloughs off the top layer of dead skin cells, whilst deeper cleansing can be achieved with chemical peels such as salicylic acid.”

Angela Wong started her business Little Things In Life HK (www.ltilhk.com), an e-store dedicated to selling organic skincare catered towards sensitive skin, precisely to counteract the pollution-caused skin complaints she was experiencing in Hong Kong after years in less-polluted Singapore.

Wong recommends looking out for products featuring antioxidants, which reduce inflammation, protect against UV exposure (especially when used together with sunblock), and help fight skin pigmentation and wrinkles. Popular antioxidants include vitamin C and E, coenzyme Q10 and beta carotene, alongside botanicals like green tea, pomegranate, coffee, berries and cold-pressed coconut oil. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like argan oil are also great for soothing irritated skin or rashes.

Hydrating products are essential. Mui advises using serums, which are usually water-based and can be easily absorbed by the skin without clogging pores, leaving denser creams for the evening. Wong believes that weekly exfoliation is a vital part of the process too: “It’s highly effective for deep cleansing, getting you instantly smoother, brighter skin and allowing your facial products to absorb better.”

And finally, always wear sunscreen. Choose a minimum of SPF30 with a physical block like zinc or titanium dioxide that’s re-applied regularly, advises Mui. This, combined with moisturiser and foundation, forms a barrier to trap nanoparticles, giving your skin its best fighting chance against Hong Kong’s smoggy air.

Food

Toss & Turn This fast-casual salad spot is a godsend for workers on the cusp of Admiralty and Wan Chai.

THE DEAL: Toss & Turn’s Design Your Own (DYO) Salad costs $68 for one base, two proteins and four vege/crunchies options.

The salad bar has an extensive selection of toppings, including sautéed mushroom, ham, pumpkin, beetroot and feta cheese along with many homemade dressings.

MUST TRY: Not feeling creative? Try the signature salads such as the Mushroom Garden or Caesar Extra. For something more filling but meat-free, try the beetroot and avocado or grilled veggie pesto sandwiches.

SO HEALTHY: Everything at Toss & Turn is handmade from scratch and is free from trans fats, stabilisers, emulsifiers and preservatives.

Shop 3, B3, Three Pacific Place, Admiralty, 2633-8312, hk.tossnturnsalad.com.

Our salad days are here again! Here’s our pick of the best grab n’ go options in town.

26

Food

Supafood The newly launched Supafood, by the same guys behind Locofama, is dedicated to bringing healthy and hearty fast meals at a fair price to the masses.

THE DEAL: Right now it offers four salads: miso eggplant on chickpea and hemp seed mix; wild-caught Atlantic halibut on cous cous; pulled pork shoulder on roasted pumpkin; and roast chicken with kale, sunflower seeds and lentils. The salad boxes are $88-$118 depending on the type and size you choose.

MUST TRY: The grass-fed Aussie beef brisket sandwich has been a huge hit, as have the Supa Powerballs to see off that mid-afternoon energy slump.

SO HEALTHY: Supafood sneaks superfoods into every dish, with plenty of nuts, good fats and beans to round out each salad.

All proteins are responsibly sourced.

1 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, supafood.co.

The Restaurant

by The Kinnet The Restaurant by The Kinnet is a casual diner sat on the top floor of The Kinnet, a health centre catering to older people, though everyone, young or old, is welcome to the restaurant.

THE DEAL: Daily salad selections go up on the blackboard; think mushroom salad, kale and tofu, and cous cous to name just a few options. it’s $60 for two choices, and $28 per additional salad.

MUST TRY: Need something more? Try the shredded chicken or tofu brown rice bowls, topped with leafy greens, corn, and either kimchi or guac.

SO HEALTHY: The menu here is extremely healthconscious and everything has been designed by the centre’s in-house nutritionist.

3/F, Hillier Building, 33 Hillier St, Sheung Wan, 3968-7600, www.thekinnet.com.

Chicken on the Run Mid-Levels Stalwart Chicken on the Run has revamped its salad menu and opened up a second branch in The Pulse.

THE DEAL: Small salads are just $31, while medium and large are $55 and $73 respectively.

MUST-TRY: The Vietnamese chicken salad combines shredded chicken, cabbage and peanuts, while the mixed bean salad contains kidney beans, tri-coloured peppers and big chunks of chook to sate big appetites.

SO HEALTHY: The rotisserie chickens are Australian, naturally reared and never frozen, making them a perfect paleo option.

1 Prince’s Terrace, Mid-Levels, 2537 4563, chickenontherun.com. www.chickenontherun.com.

27

Food

Corner Kitchen Cafe Now under new ownership, the cozy Corner Kitchen Cafe sneaks lots of nutritious ingredients into all their dishes, with a newly introduced range of grab n’ go salads.

THE DEAL: The salads range from $58-$88 think beef tataki with soba noodles or a more traditional Greek salad.

Corner Kitchen Cafe

MUST TRY: everyone loves the Asian chopped salad with chicken; the dressing is addictive.

SO HEALTHY: you’ll find kale and quinoa here, as well as clean proteins. The indulgent cake counter is famous, too.

226 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, 2803-2822, www.corner-kitchen.com/

Spicebox Organics Nood Food

Nood Food You don't have to be a member of Pure's gyms or yoga studios to take advantage of their tasty salad counter.

THE DEAL: Small salad boxes are $65 for four options, while a large is $95 and up to six options. Nood has 35 salads, with eight to 10 on offer at any given time. The menu is rotated each week.

MUST TRY: The kale salad with avocado dressing and hemp seeds is a real crowd-pleaser, as is the roasted pumpkin with chia seeds. The wild mushroom salad with pine nuts and tamari dressing is also delish.

SO HEALTHY: There will always be nut-free and paleofriendly options on the menu, and around 30 of their salads are suitable for vegans. Every ingredient is listed and each salad categorised into carbs, protein or fibre, making it extremely easy to make the right choice for your diet.

2/F, Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Rd., Central. Salad counters also available at Pure Yoga Hutchinson House, Admiralty; and Pure Fitness Lincoln House, Quarry Bay. www.allnood.com.

28

This popular organic health food shop has a cafe serving snacks and vegetarian meals that are raw, vegan, gluten-free and otherwise good for you.

THE DEAL: Their jarred salads are $78 each. There are five styles, including organic kale and beetroot, gluten-free pasta and kale, quinoa, and their famous curry chickpea. Can’t make it to their Sai Ying Pun cafe at lunchtime? They’ve partnered with Deliveroo so you can get your food straight to your desk.

MUST TRY: The gluten-free and vegan cupcakes and muffins, as well as the raw carrot cake and brownies for dessert.

SO HEALTHY: Tons here for vegans, celiacs and those following a raw diet.

Shop 1, Golden Valley Mansion, 137 Caine Rd., Mid-Levels, 2559-9887, www.spiceboxorganics. com.

Food

Maison Libanese

Fresca This friendly vegetarian neighbourhood cafe serves salad, soups, drinks and baked goods to stay or to go. Everything is sourced locally and some of it is grown by the Fresca folks themselves, making it a true farm-to-lunchbox experience.

THE DEAL: $65 for two salad choices, or $85 for three. Think Asian-inspired salads, such as tofu with Korean bean paste, raw pad Thai, spicy pumpkin curry, or beetroot, candied apple and walnut. The offerings depend on the harvest, the weather, and how the chef feels that day.

THE RESTAURANT: Life Cafe may be gone, but don’t be sad: there’s still a takeaway salad bar on Shelley Street.

Maison Libanaise is an everyday Lebanese canteen inspired by 1960s Beirut.

THE DEAL: Salads start at $78, depending on the protein choice. Try the tabouleh, almond falafel or haloumi for vegetarians, and baharat spiced beef brisket or spiced yoghurt roasted lamb if you’re a carnivore MUST-TRY: saffron chlli chicken with Syrian salad is a real crowd-pleaser.

SO HEALTHY: There are tons of protein and paleo options for the gym-goers from next door, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

MUST-TRY: The gluten-free steamed muffins are a tasty add-on to any virtuous salad.

10 Shelley St., Central, 2111-2284, www.maisonlibanaise.com.hk.

SO HEALTHY: Almost everything served at Fresca is vegan and gluten-free, with plenty of chickpeas, tofu, lentils and beans for a protein hit.

Urban Bakery Works

54-58 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2770-2282, www.frescahk.com.

A fav among the Central set, Urban Bakery Works at The Landmark has a kick-ass salad bar with new dishes for summer .

THE DEAL: It’s $60 for three toppings in a small salad box, or $80 for five toppings in a large.

MUST TRY: The sous vide salmon salad with sugar peas and avocado is set to be a new go-to. Or opt for the Spanish corn or feta cheese salad, all of which are new items.

SO HEALTHY: A hugely diverse selection means it’s easy to eat your rainbow, while the salmon salad is packed with lean protein and good fats.

Shop 322, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, 3565-4320.

29

Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

PALEO, GLUTEN-FREE MOLTEN LAVA CAKE

By Cece Hoang, co-founder of Bad Food Gone Good This indulgent treat is actually far lower in sugar and fat compared to your standard lava cakes.

It’s also low in carbs and high in minerals, fibre, protein and antioxidants.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 egg

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar

• 20 grams good quality 70 percent dark chocolate

• 1/4 cup almond flour

METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 220C or 425F. 2. Place chocolate and butter in microwave for two minutes and combine.

3. Using a whisk or blender, mix in the coconut palm sugar, egg and almond flour.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy

PREP TIME: 20minutes

30

4. Pour batter into two ramekins (approx.

2 inches deep) and bake for 8-10 minutes. www.badfoodgonegood.com

FAST TRACKING CELLULAR DETOX

Just add 5mls of Restore to 1.5L of your drinking water each day to experience an energised body and mind.

50+ Organic Electrolytes & Essential Trace Minerals Anti Pollution Fast & Effective Cellular Detox Increases Energy & Wellbeing 100% Natural

AVAILABLE AT

www.stanleywellnesscentre.com

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For more information contact restorehydrationhk@gmail.com

Pamper

REVIEW

Cryotherapy at Polaris Wellness THE BUZZ: What the heck is cryotherapy? Well, essentially, you walk into a chamber and get blasted from the neck down with air that hits minus 130 degrees celsius. Proponents of the practice claim that just three minutes spent in freezing cold temperatures can aid muscle recovery, boost the metabolism and kick-start collagen production, to name just a few benefits. The cold temperature also gives you an adrenaline rush and gets endorphins racing around your body.

THE SPACE: Located in Lee Theatre Plaza, this large space is all futuristic whites and blues, curved lines and long corridors. There are spacious and comfortable changing areas for you to get ready in, and the cryotherapy sauna itself looks a bit like a tardis.

THE TREATMENT: First you take off all your clothes and metal jewelry and pull on a pair of thick socks and gloves. Then you walk up a ramp into the sauna, disrobe and peek out over the top of the machine at the therapist, who guides and encourages you as the machine rapidly cools down to minus 130 degrees. It started off pretty manageable, but we started shivering pretty quickly. By the end we were yelping and cursing, but our therapist managed to keep things fun and lighthearted. We definitely felt tingly afterwards and after a few nights of insomnia, slept like a dream that evening. We’re interested to learn more about the other 32

health benefits, but more sessions are needed to experience long-term effects.

BEST BIT: While we are definitely on the cold-phobic side, the experience was far more pleasant than we had expected. We also got to experience a cryofacial, which uses cold air to tone up the muscles around the jaw and boost collagen production. This was actually quite relaxing and we felt fresh afterwards.

WHAT ELSE: Cryotherapy not your thing? Polaris also offers Omnilux LED light therapy that targets skin problems such as acne and premature aging.

THE COST: $900 for a single session, but can go as low as $550, depending on the package you buy. Cryofacials are $600 per session, or $450 per session if you buy a package of 12.

Shop B, 10/F, Lee Theatre, Plaza, 99 Percival St., Causeway Bay, 2446-6163, www.polaris-wellness.com.

R E A D E R’S D E A L !

For the month of June, all Liv Magazine readers can get a two-for-one on whole-body cryotherapy treatments, as well as an extra five percent off any packages purchased. Just mention Liv Magazine when making your booking!

Pamper

ANTIPOLLUTION SKINCARE

TRIE D TEST AND ED

With summer's smoggy days around the corner, keep your skin protected with these products that are designed to combat the effects of pollution on your skin.

Anti/Ox+Cleansing Oil

By Shu Uemura

Formulated with papaya, moringa and green tea, this cleansing oil is specially designed to clear the skin of tiny particulates that contribute to a dull complexion. The key ingredient is ILS, a new generation natural emollient that efficiently removes stubborn waxes, oils and tiny pollution particles from the surface of the

skin without drying or irritating your complexion. In trials, 93 percent of testers said that their skin looked healthier after four weeks of use. $670 for 450ml from Shu Uemura counters and shops citywide, including B207A, Times Square, 1 Matheson St., Causeway Bay, 2788-3276.

Antioxidant Mask

by Kahina

A cult product among natural beauty fans, this weekly clay mask combines argan oil and rhassoul clay with pomegranate and acai extracts to deep clean, draw out impurities, nourish the skin and protect it from free radical damage. Plus it offers a gentle exfoliating effect when you remove it with water. Now that’s a hard working product! $605 from Little Things in Life, ltilhk.com.

33

Travel

Green Guide to Beijing When you think of China’s capital, a great wall of smog may first come to mind.

But when the sun peeks out, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

By Kate Springer

B

eijing is constantly making headlines for its thick smog and “airpocalypses,” experiencing its first pollution “red alert” last year. While high levels of pollution are a real issue in Beijing, it’s also provided an opportunity for more ecofriendly businesses to blossom. If you’re a responsible traveller looking for more sustainable options, check out these local restaurants, hotels and services

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES At the right time of year, the air around Beijing generally clears up and reveals a world-class city with an abundance of green parks, lakes, biking paths and hiking trails outside the city centre.

Wonder Wall Sure, you can drive an hour outside of Beijing for an in-and-out trip to the Great Wall’s Badaling or Mutianyu sections, but you’ll be battling for elbow room the entire walk. A more back-to-nature experience starts in the Jiakou Great Wall. For a half-day hike, drive to Xizhazi Village and follow the steep dirt path through the forest, climbing up to The Great Wall. This overgrown and crumbly section has never been renovated, which makes for a challenging hike and more dramatic panoramas free of tourists. Head East towards Mutianyu, up through the super-steep Ox Horn, and eventually you’ll reconnect with civilisation.

Renting a private car from most hotels costs about RMB1,200 (HK$1,440) for eight hours.

Insider Tip: Make sure to clearly outline the itinerary with your driver, and get it all written down in both English and Chinese so that you can easily show others if you get lost.

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Gardens Galore From the Summer Palace to The Temple of Heaven, Beijing has a surprising amount of green space. You can’t go more than a few blocks without stumbling upon a tree-lined street or a public park to explore. For the quietest experience, head there in the mornings when older women are practicing tai chi and men calligraphy. A few suggestions for your itinerary are Zhongshan Park, Beihai Park, Jade Spring Hill, Chaoyang Park and the Beijing Botanical Garden.

Travel

Bike Beijing The most charming neighborhoods in Beijing are the pedestrian-friendly heritage hutongs (narrow alleys connected by courtyard residences), some of which date back 700 years. You can explore the hutongs on

foot, but much more ground can be covered by bike.

Stop by Bicycle Kingdom Adventures (81 Beiheyan Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, bikebeijing. com, (+86) 10-6526-5857) to rent a bike for the day, starting from RMB100 (HK$120).

While you’re cruising around, check out Bamboo Bicycles Beijing (pictured left, 26 Langjia Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, www.bamboobicyclesbj. com), a DIY bamboo bicycle workshop that aims to promote sustainable urban transport. Head to one of the weekend workshops and get more hands-on, using locally sourced bamboo to create your own bike (from RMB5,000 (HK$6,000) or just pop in to learn more about the cause.

GREEN BITES

From traditional Chinese to organic western cuisine, Beijing has a fresh table for every taste.

Tribe Dedicated to locally sourced produce and healthy, wellbalanced recipes, Tribe (pictured right) serves all kinds of mixed-grain bowls, wraps, noodle dishes, coffees, smoothies, kombucha and craft beer. The two-story, loft-like space combines cool design and delicious waist-friendly dishes that are clearly identified as “Very Vegan,” “Probiotic” or “Gluten-free.” Ingredients are sourced from local organic farms such as Xiao Liu Shu farm and Green Yard.

2 Gongti Dong Lu, across from Gongti East Gate, 8587-1899, tribenutrition.com.cn.

Jing-A Brewing Co. If beer is what you’re craving, head to Jing-A Brewing Co. in the leafy Sanlitun neighborhood. Tucked away in a pedestrian Courtyard, Jing-A is one of the most popular pubs in town thanks to its rotating roster of locally brewed beers, delicious pub grub, and locally sourced ingredients.

The Airpocalypse Double IPA (a nod to the city’s infamous smog) is a must try and the bar has a cool deal — the price of this beer falls as the air pollution index rises.

1949 The Hidden City, Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, jingabrewing.com.

Baihe Vegetarian Restaurant You can’t go to Beijing without an epic Chinese meal and Baihe Vegetarian is heralded as one of the best in town. Meaning “lily” in Chinese, the charming spot is nestled in a courtyard within the Dongzhimen hutongs near the Lama Temple. The vegan-friendly menu features a host of mock meats, organic veggies, delicious noodle dishes and premium teas.

23 Caoyuan Hutong, Beijing, (+86) 10-6405-2082.

35

Travel

Gung Ho! Founded by New Zealand expats, Gung Ho! has invested in its sustainable, eco-friendly mission by hiring local Beijingers, supporting the local art scene (check out the designs on the pizza boxes!), recycling pizza boxes (and menus, and napkins), using battery-powered delivery bikes, and the list goes on.

The pizzas are made with love too — think healthy whole-wheat flour, vegetarian options and creative flavour combinations.

Opposite House

Shop 101, Building 3 China View, 2 Gongti Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, (+10) 8587-1404, gunghopizza.co.

SUSTAINABLE SLEEPS Rest assured you’re making responsible choices in Beijing.

Opposite House

The Opposite House A stylish address in the happening Sanlitun neighborhood, The Opposite House was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma using locally sourced, reclaimed materials.

The eye-catching glass facade streams in an abundance of natural light and every room has a minimalist, Japanesestyle interior with immense wooden bathtubs and spa-like showers. At the front desk, guests enjoy paperless check-in and check-out, and there are bamboo bikes on hand to offset that carbon footprint.

From HK$1,600. 11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, (+86) 10-6417-6688, www.theoppositehouse.com.

The Brickyard

The Brickyard Originally an old tile factory, the gorgeous 25-room Brickyard is a haven of serenity just a few miles from the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, and offers great floor-to-ceiling views from the contemporary bedrooms. The team employs local workers, sources products from the village, uses recycled materials to renovate, composts its organic waste, and uses nearly 100 percent LED lighting. Committed to its sustainability efforts, The Brickyard publishes a report every year detailing its annual progress.

From HK$1,775. Beigou Village, Beijing, (+86) 10-6162-6506, brickyardatmutianyu.com.

Aman Summer Palace Built within the Summer Palace, China’s oldest imperial garden, the Aman has renovated the interiors of dozens of Ming Dynasty buildings, preserving the heritage architecture and charming courtyard setting. Best part? You can beat the crowds by taking a secret entrance into the Summer Palace early in the morning, or right before sunset.

From HK$4,200. 1 Gongmenqian Street, Summer Palace, (86) 10-5987-9999, www.aman.com.

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Time it Right: A springtime visit to Beijing, around April to June, will reward travellers with clear, blue skies and crisp evenings. The weather lends itself to outdoor hikes, bike rides and alfresco bites for an eco-friendly getaway. Check online before you go if you’re keen to catch the cherry blossoms that pepper the mountains along the Great Wall.

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Chiva Som, Hua Hin

Maalifushi by COMO, Maldives

This tranquil wellness resort offers 58 private rooms – all with butler service – set within seven acres of tropical beachfront. Offering a holistic approach to health, Chiva-Som’s welcoming team of medical and alternative health experts steer clear of one-size-fitsall solutions. With a focus on balance and rejuvenation, the retreat offers guided detox packages to guests wishing to regain clarity and improve their overall health. Programmes are all tailor-made to guests’ individual needs and preferences – from intensity to duration – ensuring results that are safe, achievable and realistic.

Discover the magic of one of the most scenic places on earth where you’ll experience the five-star luxury of COMO’s Maalifushi – think crystal-clear waters as far as the eye can see, and sun decks for soaking up the rays. The resort is home to an award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat, which blends modern science with ancient healing techniques to create a wide-ranging spa menu of massages, facials and authentic Ayurvedic treatments.

When you’re not zoning out on a massage bed, enjoy an adventure with worldclass diving, sunset yoga classes and more exciting activities.

Vikasa Yoga Retreat, Koh Samui Vikasa is a dedicated yoga retreat, dedicated purely to refining and deepening its guests’ practice, while helping them attain greater clarity and focus. A true community of like-minded yoga enthusiasts and instructors, people gather here from around the world to enjoy total immersion in unique accommodation set within lush tropical surrounds. Solo travellers will enjoy the simple yet comfortable yoga caves, while those travelling with friends may prefer the more spacious bungalows, with sweeping ocean views.

Flight Centre Health & Wellness proudly partners with a wide range of destinations to offer a truly enriched holiday experience. Targeted workouts, nutritious dining and serene spas in some of the world’s most stunning settings will leave you feeling renewed, revitalised and ready to face the world once again. Contact the experts at 2830 2824 or retreats@flightcentre.com.hk for more details.

For any more informations, call + 852 2830 2864 | email retreats@flightcentre.com.hk | visit flightcentre.com.hk Terms & conditions apply, visit our website www.flightcentre.com.hk for full details. Written quote must be presented prior to booking. *Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Prices are per person in HKD, exclude taxes & subject to availability, and only applicable when two people are travelling together. Prices are correct at time of print and subject to change without notice. Flight Centre (Hong Kong) Limited trading as Flight Centre.Travel Agent licence no. 350062

t

Travel

TRAVEL WELL with Gayatri Bhaumik

SAA RELAXING Get some R&R this summer with three wellness journeys at Cambodian getaway Song Saa. Available until October 31, the new five- or seven-night retreats revitalize guests with a bespoke program that includes individual consultations, bathing rituals, personal yoga and meditation, and Song Saa’s specially-developed Stillness, Blessing, Healing and Beautifying massages and treatments. Choose the “Refresh” package to escape the stresses of modern life with powerful treatments and ionizing energy scrubs and mud wraps; detoxify and purify with “Rejuvenate,” which combines diet, physical activity and a bumper spa treatment that incorporates a scrub, massage and facial; or find serenity with the “Revive” retreat, the highlight of which is a treatment harnessing the power of marine flora and Himalayan salt. The Journey to Wellness retreats also include accommodation, transfers, full board, guided tours, watersport equipment, sunrise yoga, and 15-minute foot massages.

From US$7,200 (HK$55,880) for five nights or US$10,800 (HK$83,820) for seven nights per couple. songsaa.com.

ANOTHER ATMANTAN Drawing on India’s ancient healing traditions, Atmantan is a brand new wellness destination nestled in the Sahyradri mountains outside Pune. The results-driven resort invites guests to rejuvenate with eight signature retreats that are designed to address individual needs and specific concerns. Try “Spa Life” for total relaxation, “Master Cleanse” for detoxing, or “Ayurveda Panchakarma” for Indian-inspired wellness. The resort’s Wellness Pavilion brings together 23 treatment rooms, 10,000 square feet of fitness and physiotherapy space, an indoor salt pool, a salon and a dedicated Kriya pavilion for Ayurveda treatments. Unwind at the meditation pavilions, then indulge in pampering treatments at the spa where you’ll find Ayurveda rituals, western-inspired massages, Chinese treatments, a hammam, Vichy showers, colonics and Balneotherapy using mineral springs. Packages range from three to 28 nights and are priced from US$1,674 (HK$13,000). Atmantan is currently offering 25 percent off on all stays booked and completed by June 30. www.atmantan.com.

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Atmantan

Mad Dogs

BELIEVE IN BODYISM Wellness warriors visiting the Maldives can now indulge in Bodyism, the wellness concept loved by celebs, supermodels and royalty the world over.

Bodyism incorporates a range of techniques focusing on alignment, posture, intelligent weight training, functional movement, yoga, stretching and pilates, and counts model Lara Stone as a fan. Wellness guru James Duigan has brought Bodyism and his Clean and Lean philosophy to the Javvu Spa at boutique resort Amilla Fushi, where guests can enjoy the unique combination of specialised personal training, classes and carefully created menus. Each personalised program begins with a Body Oracle consultation, and features a mix of Clean and Lean classes, high-intensity Clean and Lean Warrior training, Bodyism Ballet for posture and core strength, Bodyism Yoga and B Calm for mind-body balance. The program is complemented by delicious unprocessed, gluten-free dishes like raw pad Thai and sautéed scallops by the new Island Café by Clean and Lean. www.amilla.mv.

DASHING THROUGH THAILAND Ideal for those looking for fun, physical challenges that you can squeeze into a weekend, biking specialists Mad Dogs are running their new-this-year “Dash from Phuket” ride in August. The three-day journey, which includes one full day of cycling on August 20, will see participants race 160 kilometres from north Phuket to idyllic Krabi. Race day is broken down into three manageable runs of 40, 35 and 90 kilometres, giving cyclists plenty of time to enjoy the coastal roads, green hills, Karst topography and beach views as they make their way to the finishing point of Krabi’s Ao Nang beach for a well-deserved dip in the ocean. The Dash from Phuket package includes two nights’ accommodation, breakfast on race day, baggage forwarding, support vehicles with mechanics and a Mad Dogs jersey. Right now, Mad Dogs is offering four early-bird spots at US$340 (HKD$2,640); the usual price is US$380 (HK$2,950). gomaddogs.com.

Seasoned travel writer Gayatri Bhaumik contributes travel stories to publications such as Jetsetter, Buro 24/7 and The Loop, to name just a few. Send your travel news to gayatri.bhaumik@gmail.com, and follow her adventures at gbhaumik.wordpress.com and on Instagram @gontheroad.

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Family

Heading off on holiday this summer? Here’s the knowledge you need to keep your family safe and healthy. By Kate Farr

S

ummertime sees the annual exodus of families from Hong Kong. The city’s well-travelled broods head to all four corners of the globe to see relatives, sit in the sun and escape the city’s humidity. But holiday preparedness is more than packing enough pool toys - you need to keep the fam healthy while you travel, too. We chat to two experts about what we need to consider before hitting the road.

Dr. Gerald Wong

When asked what parents should be aware of before booking their summer trip, General Practitioner Dr. Gerald Wong from Dr Lauren Bramley & Partners advises the need for research, particularly when travelling with young babies. “Choose your destination carefully. Isolated areas may not be appropriate for young children, and bear in mind that anti-malarials can’t be given to babies weighing under five kilograms.”

INSURANCE NEED TO KNOW Family travel blogger Nicola Burke of Jetlag and Mayhem (jetlagandmayhem.com) puts finding good quality family cover right at the top of her list prior to any trip, “For me, the most important part of a travel insurance policy is its medical coverage. Evacuation costs are exorbitant and you want to be covered for every scenario, no matter how unlikely.” Happily, this needn’t be an expensive process. “Start by checking your existing health insurance coverage, but also check plans that come as standard with some credit cards. In some cases, you may not need extra travel insurance, but if you’re not fully covered for medical expenses, 40

don't risk it.” She adds, “If you travel frequently, buy an annual policy. The cost is marginal compared to what you could be spending out of pocket if something went wrong.”

Nicola also advises carefully checking the fine print.

“Make sure that you’re covered for your destination.

For example, many insurers don’t cover US medical costs as standard, so you may need to supplement your cover. Check how reimbursement works in the event of a claim; do you need to pay up front for a hospital stay and then claim repayment, or does your travel insurer settle bills directly?”

Family

GET YOUR JABS

WORST CASE SCENARIO

He also recommends scheduling in any jabs well in advance of your travel. “See your GP at least six weeks before departure to check that your children are up to date with their routine vaccinations, and discuss any additional travel vaccines. Some vaccines, such as rabies, need to be given over three to four weeks.” Providing your GP with a detailed itinerary of your trip, be it a beach break, hiking trek or safari adventure, will help them to identify the most appropriate vaccines for your family’s travels. Dr. Wong also recommends the Department of Health’s Travel Health Service (travelhealth.gov.hk) as a good resource.

In the worst-case scenario of an overseas emergency, Dr Wong stresses the importance of seeking immediate medical attention. “Even if there is a language barrier, a doctor can assess vital signs and stabilise a child in an emergency. Wherever possible, try to bring someone from your hotel or a tour guide in order to translate.” Whether you opt for immediate treatment or an emergency evacuation home will depend on your insurance policy and severity of the illness. However, if in doubt, “Try to seek advice from your own GP if you’re unsure whether the advised treatment plan advised is appropriate.”

AVOID BUGS So you’re all vaccinated and on your way, but there’s nothing worse than having your holiday ruined by an easily preventable illness, such as the dreaded ear infection, usually from hours spent in the pool or sea. “Ear infections can be prevented by drying the ears after swimming. Dab with tissues and avoid cotton buds. Avoid gastroenteritis with frequent hand washing, or use an alcohol hand rub. Drink bottled water and watch what your kids eat; your motto should be “boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it!" adds Dr. Wong.

Happily, although Nicola’s family have used their insurance coverage when travelling, their experiences of medical claims have been relatively uneventful; “We’ve frequented a few foreign hospitals for ailments ranging from tonsillitis to a sprained ankle. Nothing too serious, but my husband's tonsillitis required an overnight hospital stay in Koh Samui which was expensive!

Fortunately, our insurer settled with the hospital directly and it was all fairly straightforward.”

So, with just a little preparation, your trip should be no more stressful than figuring out which flavour of ice cream to pick once you finally hit the pool. Bon voyage!

GET KITTED OUT A first-aid kit is invaluable for dealing with simple injuries and illnesses when travelling. Dr. Wong recommends packing the following essentials: • Fever or pain medicine, e.g. paracetamol • Antihistamine such as Zyrtec to relieve itching from bites or allergies • Antibiotic ointment for bites or minor cuts • Rehydration salts, in case of diarrhoea

Nicola Burke 41

Family

FIT FAM with Kate Farr

This month we’re taking a look at two awesome brands that put charity front and centre of their businesses, plus we find the perfect outlet for monkeys with too much energy to burn (hint: may involve swinging from the ceiling).

TEE PARTY An overseas import that’s well worth the $89 shipping cost, these tees by UK parenting blogazine Selfish Mother are stylish, comfortable and are raising money for some extremely worthwhile causes. The best-selling “Mother” tees are made from organic cotton, and all profits from their sale goes to Women for Women International, a charity that operates in war-torn regions to help women rebuild their lives. Not a mum? The universally relatable “Winging It” tees raise funds for disabled children and their carers, while the “Human” range benefits The Refugee Council. Munchkins can get in on the action with their own chic and charitable line of togs.

Adult tees cost GBP30 ($326) and kids tees cost GBP18 ($195) from shop.selfishmother.com

OH BROTHER Founded by mum-of-three Jennie Peterson, Henry & Brothers makes super-soft and breathable baby blankets, swaddles, bibs and sleep sacks from 100 percent yarndyed cotton. Ideal for Hong Kong humidity, the lightweight blankets are perfect for travelling tots who can’t sleep without their special cuddly, and come in packs of three, making them a smart solution to those heart-sinking “But I thought YOU packed his blankie?” moments at the boarding gate. But it’s not all about the shopportunities; this year Henry and Brothers have donated thousands of brand new bibs and burp cloths to selected children’s charities, including Po Leung Kuk here in Hong Kong, and are made to high ethical standards in Chinese factories that reject child labour and support local schools. Add them to your socially conscious baby shower list and make your tot look even more angelic as they snooze.

Blankets cost from $120-$399, depending on size and style. Buy in store at Tiny Footprints, 10/F, 1 Duddell St., Central. www.facebook.com/henryandbros.

Family

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE As it’s now prime summer camp booking time, make sure you get in on the (circus) act before it’s too late with this exciting, high-octane camp from Jungle Paradise. Unique in Hong Kong, if only for the fact that it’s suitable for kids aged from six up to to 17, junior acrobats will master daredevil aerial skills, including trapeze, hoops and silks, all the while improving their balance and coordination. Supervised by fully trained instructors and with a choice of either Sai Kung and Sheung Wan locations available, this five-day course lets them test-drive the life of a Cirque De Soleil performer without even having to board a ferry to Macau.

Summer Circus Skills camp costs $1,500. For more information email info@jungleparadisehk. com or visit jungleparadisehk.com

Kate Farr is the co-founder of writing and editing agency Editors’ Ink (editorsinkhk.com).

She also blogs about Hong Kong family life at Accidental Tai-Tai (accidentaltaitai.com).

Send your family health news to kate@editorsinkhk.com

​Superfood Salads - new recipes!

Clean, Lean Protein

The perfect post-workout bite Our Aussie chickens are never frozen and hormone-free

www.chickenontherun.com

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Q&A

Well Rated

Part of social policy think-tank The Zubin Foundation, HospitalAdvisor.com is a new non-profit website that aims to provide standardised rankings of Hong Kong’s hospitals in both English and Chinese.

Founder Shalini Mahtani tells us how the site came about, and her determination to provide objective information about healthcare to Hong Kong’s patients.

Shalini and other experts at HospitalAdvisor’s launch in May

Q: What is HospitalAdvisor, in a nutshell?

A: HospitalAdvisor is an online platform for patients to share and explore hospital experiences through narratives and an objective quality of care score. It covers all 41 public and 11 private hospitals, in both English and Chinese. We’re giving the people of Hong Kong an opportunity to find out what other people see and experience in hospitals to help them make more informed decisions about about which hospital to choose. HospitalAdvisor also exists to celebrate those hospitals that put patients at the centre of their service delivery. We’re not here to attack or bring down care providers; instead we want to celebrate successes and encourage a more inclusive hospital experience for patients and providers alike.

Shalini Mahtani

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Q: How does the review process work? How can we be sure the reports are accurate?

A: The review process is surprisingly straightforward.

Any patient in Hong Kong can register and submit a patient experience survey within three months of their hospital stay. They’re asked a series of questions, which were developed by the Harvard Global Health Institute under the direction of Professor Ashish Jha, which is then used to calculate a quality of care score for the hospital. What makes HospitalAdvisor different from a lot of platforms and systems is that our survey asks objective questions about specific subjects that are backed by hard data. By doing that, we’re able to create a score with scientific and statistical validity. There’s a lot of research from major academic institutions and healthcare systems around the world that suggest patient experiences are directly correlated with medical outcomes. Hospitals that see high scores for patient experience also tend to see better outcomes in terms of medical success and safety.

Q: How many reviews have you received so far?

A: We’re just past 450 reviews right now, just a week after our launch. We’re seeing consistent positive growth right now, which suggests that people are interested in sharing their own experiences and finding out more about how hospitals are doing. Considering the number of people who are hospitalized on a monthly basis in Hong Kong, those figures aren’t large, but we’re expecting to get more as people hear about us and see what we’re doing.

Q: Do you work in partnership with the hospitals or the Hospital Authority?

A: We’re not directly affiliated with any hospitals or the Hospital Authority. That said, we’ve told all Hong Kong hospitals, both private and public, about what we’re doing. There’s a method for hospitals to create an official account and comment on the reviews they’ve received. We reached out to every hospital in Hong Kong to encourage them to set up their account and also to see if they would like to be notified when someone posts a review about them. To date, we’ve had three hospitals sign up for notifications.

able to develop an objective concept of the standard and quality of care in Hong Kong hospitals.

Q: People often say that bedside manner can be lacking in Hong Kong. Has this been found to be the case with HospitalAdvisor reports?

A: Everyone in Hong Kong has a different concept of how doctors and nurses should act. We’ve seen what we expected so far; some people have had wonderful experiences while others were unhappy with the way they were treated. In general, it’s hard for me to say whether a strong consensus has emerged as we’re still in a knowledge gathering stage. That said, courtesy and respect from doctors and nurses are important factors for quality of care and I hope that we find that healthcare providers are making an effort on that front.

Q: How do you think Hong Kong's hospitals compare to other countries?

A: Honestly, it really depends on who we compare ourselves against and what factors we’re basing that comparison on. Different places and healthcare systems have very different challenges and obstacles to face, so it can be difficult to make a straight comparison. Additionally, there’s a big difference in how public and private hospitals compare with each other and the ways in which they’re governed.

Just making the comparison between different hospitals in Hong Kong can be tough, let alone other countries.

Hospitals that see high scores for patient experience also tend to see better outcomes in terms of medical success and safety.

Q: Can you tell us more about the Zubin Foundation and how it came about?

A: The Zubin Foundation is a social policy think tank in Hong Kong that works on bringing attention to social issues that are often ignored. We are a registered charity with several primary focuses: racial integration, special education needs, and patient care. The Zubin Foundation was set up to honour my son Zubin, who died tragically and unexpectedly at the age of 3 in Hong Kong. In the years following his death, I decided to do what I could to help Hong Kong people in his memory. The Zubin Foundation is a way for us to make some good come from Zubin’s death and help other people live in a city that is better because of his life.

Q: In your own experience, how do you find the standard of care in Hong Kong's hospitals?

A: Like many people in Hong Kong and around the world, I’ve had positive and negative experiences in hospitals. The issue is that a single person’s experience is never enough to make a qualitative judgment. I’m taking the lead from patients and families and waiting to see what they have to say about their own experiences. With a wide-ranging sample from across the city, we will be

Q: How would you like to see HospitalAdvisor grow in the future?

A: I’d like to see us get to a point where every patient in Hong Kong shares their experience. If we can get into the public consciousness as the place to share hospital experiences, we’ll be able to get more information and help more patients learn and make more informed decisions about the hospital choices. There’s still a lot to learn and we’re excited to be a part of the process.

In the future, we’ll be looking at ways to get input from doctors and nurses as well as methods of providing information to patients to make their hospital experiences easier and more productive.

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The Guide RAW RESOURCES

Foodcraft

Allergy-friendly packaged foods, including raw coconut yogurt and parfaits, stoneground nut butters, dehydrated nori snacks, flax crackers and cocoroons. Available online or in health food stores citywide.

Kitchen: Flat A, 21/F, Yiuga Factory Building, 62 Victoria Rd., Kennedy Town, www.foodcraft.hk.

Greenwoods Raw Cafe

Raw food, Asian-style. Greenwoods has raw vegan soup noodles, sushi rolls, raw tofu cheesecakes and other sweet treats. Fruit “pizzas”, wraps and Western-style raw dishes also available. 13/F, 2 Carnarvon Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3428-2416, www.facebook. com/GreenwoodsRawCafe.

Maya Cafe

Mediterranean raw takeout spot, with a few seats available for dine-in.

Offers raw dips, zoodles, plenty of raw desserts and juices, as well as nonraw vegan mains.

G/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des

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Peace of Green Rawsome Kitchen Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan,

barbecue grills.

2111-4553, www.facebook.com/

www.farmerskitchen.com.hk.

MayaCafeMediterraneanLifestyle.

Peace of Green Rawsome Kitchen

POG holds regular raw cooking workshops, where you can learn how to prep raw food - from tree nut cheese to bliss balls - at home.

Also does regular pop-up brunches, catering and private meals.

Gonzalo Kosher Meat

Specialises in grass-fed beef from Uruguay, which is certified antibioticand hormone-free. Also happens to be Glatt Kosher. Also on offer are lamb, turkey, chicken, veal, sausages and cold cuts. www.gonzalo.hk.

www.facebook.com/pogkitchen.

GRASS-FED MEAT Farmer’s Kitchen

Grass-fed australian beef and lamb, with plenty of large cuts at a good price for carnivores on a budget.

Also available are barbecue packs, salts and sauces, and even Australian

Farmer’s Kitchen

MANA! Raw

Meat Market

Predominantly sells grass-fed bonein cuts, roasting joints, secondary cuts, steak packs - and that’s just the beef section. There’s a handy key on every product, telling you everything you need to know: the country of origin, whether it’s chilled or frozen, how the cattle is fed, and more. Also has a great selection of organic and hormone-free pork and chicken. www.meatmarket.com.hk.

Mm Fresh Food

Grass-fed, wet-aged beef and lamb from New Zealand that’s free-range, hormone-free and fully traceable. Also offers sustainably-caught seafood from the waters off New Zealand and Australia. Deliveries are made on Fridays to Hong Kong Island, and

Saturdays to the rest of Hong Kong. www.mmfreshfood.com.

Pacific Gourmet

Has plenty of choice when it comes to beef. Each product is marked as grain- or grass-fed on the website.

Prices start at $282 per kilo for grassfed striploin. Organic, hormonefree poultry, Australian pork and deli meats also on offer. Delivery available six days a week. www.pacificgourmet.com.hk.

Tenderloin Fine Foods

Offers grass-fed beef from New Zealand and Argentina, both of which offer free-range, lean and hormone-free cuts. Also has freerange lamb from Australia or New Zealand. Preparation tips available on the website. tenderloin.com.hk.

OUTDOOR WORKOUTS Apefit

Functional training inspired by the movements of animals. Classes take place in Kennedy Town, Mid-Levels, Sai Ying Pun and the Southside.

Prices are $200 for a drop-in session; packages make this cheaper. ape.fit.

Bikini Fit

Women-only outdoor training club with programs in Victoria Park, Hong Kong Park, Sun Yat-sen Park and Kowloon Park. Workouts take place daily over a 12-week cycle, with plenty of support, personalised attention and lectures for a full lifestyle overhaul. bikinifit.com.hk.

Circuit 25

One of Hong Kong’s first outdoor bootcamp classes. Runs sessions in Bowen Road, Victoria Park, ICC and Happy Valley. circuit25.com.

NT Bootcamp

Bikini Fit

An outdoor bootcamp based in the New Territories. Classes currently run three times per week: Sundays at 11am in Sha Tin Wai, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm in Kowloon Tong’s Cornwall Street park. The first class is free; packages are $180 for three sessions, down to $140 each if you buy 10. www.facebook.com/ NTBootcamp.

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MARKETPLACE - For Independent Living PRACTITIONER CREATED HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS . SINCE 2012

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Distribution List

WA NN A L IV ?

Pick up a copy of Hong Kong’s wellness magazines at 140+ locations citywide

FOOD AND GROCERIES

HEALTH CLINICS

Mum Veggie + Coffee

Strip

Opendoor Cafe

Thann Spa

Anything But Salads

Alive Wellness

OVO Cafe

Cabinet Organic

Balance Health

Posto Pubblico

The Landmark Mandarin Spa

Food for Life

Byrne Hickman Physiotherapists

Sohofama

The Nail Library

Stone Nullah Tavern

The Mandarin Oriental

Supafood

The Peninsula Spa

Health Concept I-Detox Just Green Maya Cafe Takeaway Spicebox Organics

GYMS Barre 2 Barre Bodywize

Central Health Dr. Lauren Bramley Life Clinic SOL Wellness Stanley Wellness The London Medical Clinic The Sanctuary

Bounce Inc

CLUBHOUSES

BounceLimit

Queen’s Garden

Crossfit 852

United Services Recreation Club

Epic H-Kore Impakt MMA International Fitness Studio Odinson

The Herbivores Winston’s Coffee

HOME DELIVERIES

Zumufi

Berrytime

TREE Cafe

Foodcraft

RETAIL A Day With Fe Beauty Nest Gone Running Lululemon Hysan Place RC Outfitters

RESTAURANTS Be-juiced

Thann Tiny Footprints

Bless Cold Pressed Juice Chicken on the Run

SALONS AND SPAS

Options Studio Pilates

Corner Kitchen Cafe

10/10 Space

Pherform

Crafty Cow

Browhaus

Power Station

Fish & Meat

Capelli Salon

Ryze

Fresca

Chuan Spa

Sane Fitness

Grassroots Pantry

Emmanuel F

Studio Fitness

Healthy Chicke

Fast Beauty

Topfit

Hotshot

Feel Good Factor

Torq

Kale

Flawless

Ultimate Performance

Kinnet Cafe

Four Seasons Spa

Ursus Fitness

Knead

Indulgence

Utime

Limewood

Iyara Spas

Versus Performance

Litle Cove Espresso

Melo Spa

Yoga Bam Bam

Locofama

Plateau Spa

Yoga Room

MANA! Cafe

Sense of Touch Spas

Optimum Performance Studio

Mr. Green Juice

Catch Juicery

NEWLY ADDED THIS MONTH!

• HOME Eat To Live • Butcher & Baker Cafe • Jaspas Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun • High Street Bar & Grill Kennedy Town Bar & Grill • Soholistic • Le Meridien Cyberport 49

Back Page

Green Queen started as a personal blog to keep track of where to find eco-friendly and organic products in Hong Kong. Eventually Tracy (my business partner and co-founder) and I realized that a lot of people were looking for this information, so we decided to go from blog to a content platform with an online magazine and a searchable directory.

I was at my most unhealthy during my last year of uni.

I was deeply unhappy due to a broken heart, and while it pains me to say it, I was eating the worst food - burgers, pizza, hoagies - all the time. If I had to guess, I was probably consuming 4,000 calories a day!

Doing that wrecked my health in a big way and it took years to heal from it. On the plus side, that’s how I got into wellness.

Wellness to me means lots of time spent in nature, lots of time spent reading and learning, and lots of time spent with a few very good people. Also: really delicious, high quality food, mostly made at home.

I get asked most how to make healthy choices on a budget. So much so that I have become extremely passionate about this and do my best to offer Hongkongers information and resources that can help them make wallet-friendly, healthy choices.

Most people seem to think that being healthy requires having a lot of money. Hiking, cooking at home, knowing where to grocery shop, using online workout/yoga videos - all these things are free or low-cost, and can keep you healthy.

HOW I LIV

The very honest truth is that I work a lot on weekends.

Being a business owner is not a part-time job. I do my best to stay committed to my Sunday rule though: going for a hike with my husband and our dog, enjoying a nice meal somewhere and getting a Thai massage - my one regular indulgence.

I very much believe in the triple bottom line philosophy: what’s good for the earth is good for people is good for business. The math just works. Companies ignore this at their own peril.

Discounting health and environmental factors means paying the price eventually, either through lawsuits, customers deserting you, or bad press.

My advice to new businesses: try everything once, then quickly evaluate what works and ditch what doesn’t. Before hiring a team, do the work yourself: the boring stuff, the admin work, the intern projects… it is so important to understand your business from the ground up. And lastly, make sure you are evaluating your return on time; It should be a crucial factor when making business decisions.

For Hong Kong’s wellness scene, I see a couple more years of innumerable launches and openings in healthy food, fitness and wellness. Then, I think some serious consolidation will occur!

I am extremely passionate about food and food culture. I am food curious: I want to try foods from all over the world and learn about how they came about. I want to stuff my face with my mother’s food, which is world-class (she is the best chef I know, bar none). This means I do end up indulging in some decidedly NON health-conscious meals.

SONALIE FIGUEIRAS

Sonalie Figueiras is the woman behind Green Queen, Hong Kong’s healthy and sustainable living website.

Together with her business partner, she also runs Ekowarehouse, a global B2B platform connecting trade buyers with suppliers of certified organic and eco products.

She tells Liv Magazine about her journey towards a healthier lifestyle, and shares her thoughts on the business of wellness in Hong Kong.

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