Liv Magazine May 2016

FITNESS

NUTRITION

WELLBEING

TRAVEL

E CO

S PA

FREE

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

It’s in the Genes how our DNA can help us reach our fitness goals

Run Ghengis, Run a race through the Mongolian grasslands

A Dash of Green do you need powdered veggies in your diet?

Try So Hard

meet the captain of the women’s rugby sevens squad

Haute and Sweaty

Lane Crawford’s Fit Room opens

UP YOUR SNACK GAME

We meet the entrepreneurs taking nutritious nibbles mainstream PLUS we’re giving away a ton of goodies on page 16!

Sponsored Feature

MAY 06 Editor’s Letter

LIV | NEWS 06 It’s a Date

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

Surf’s Up! Our resident workout newbie tries a surf simulator class

LIV | STORIES 18 Snack Attack

Level-up your snacking habits with these entrepreneurs looking to change the way we graze

24 Spit Take

We take a DNA test to see if a cheek swab can really help us reach our fitness goals

LIV | MORE 28 Food

Powdered greens for an easy nutrition boost

30 Recipe

Easy-peasy Energy Soup from Sol Wellness

32 Pamper

42

Lymphatic drainage and an antipollution facial from Emmanuel F

34 Travel

A preview of the Genghis Khan marathon in Inner Mongolia

40 Family

Beach bag essentials for summer days

28

44 Q&A

The designer of a desktop aquaponics system gives us the downlow

50 How I Liv

Natasha Olson-Thorne, Captain of the Hong Kong women’s rugby sevens team 38

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EDITOR’S LETTER

LET’S SNACK TOGETHER My name is Sarah, and I’m a snacker. If I could, I would munch and rustle my way through the day, taking regular breaks to nibble on a bit of cake or rifle through my snack drawer. But with so many packaged snacks filled with salt, sugar, oil and preservatives, old-school snacking habits can leave you feeling sluggish, not energised; nasty, not nourished.

Enter the snackpreneurs. These passionate peeps know that people like to graze throughout the day, but that they want fuel, not empty calories. Whether it’s vegan snacks, paleo cakes or natural ice cream and yogurt, we’ve got the folks you need to know about if you want to level up your snack game on p.18.

DNA tests for fitness is a trend that’s here to stay, with testing kits now available in gyms, clinics and dedicated DNA testing companies all over the city. We sent a writer to find out what genetics can tell us about our bodies on p.24.

Short on time AND micronutrients? You may want to consider supplementing your diet with some powdered greens (p.28). The popularity of dehydrated veggies has exploded recently, so we’ve rounded up some local companies that offer their own formulas, and also gotten a nutritionist’s lowdown on what powdered greens can (and can’t) do for you.

No summer holiday plans? The Ghenghis Khan Festival, one of China’s best running and MTB events, is taking place in Inner Mongolia this June. Read our preview of the event and enter to win a race pass on page p.34.

Sarah

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Looking for something new to snack on? Shan Shan Feng meets the city’s newest snackpreneurs for our cover story.

In a bid to learn more about herself, Zoe Bellhomme takes a DNA test and receives some surprising results.

More of a lounger lizard than a surf bum, Andrea Lo hops onto a stationery surf board to see if it can make her fit.

Travel columnist Gayatri Bhaumik has the lowdown on Balinese retreats, laughing yoga and the new St. Regis Langkawi.

Which way’s the beach?

Kate Farr opens up her trusty tote bag to reveal the secrets to a happy summer for the whole family.

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, ZOE BELLHOMME, GAYATRI BHAUMIK, KRIS VAN DE VELDE 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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活力•無 限

V i b r a nt . Eve r y d ay.

LG -3/F, No. 33 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

3968 7600

www.thekinnet.com

The Kinnet

Parents are living longer than ever before.

We can help them live better as they age.

Sign up to bring your parents to a complimentary one-on-one fitness consultation*

3968 7600

As your parents age, it is more important than ever that they learn to stay fit, and learn to stay sharp. At The Kinnet, we offer a full fitness gym, exercise studios, a wide choice of creative classes and a restaurant with healthy dining options to help you take the necessary steps to live a longer, more vibrant life. *T&C : 1) Advanced registration is required. 2) This offer cannot be exchanged to cash or any other products and services. 3) The Kinnet reserves the final decision in case of disputes.

Calendar

IT’S A DATE MAY 20-22

BOOT UP

The biggest event on Hong Kong’s footie calendar, the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens takes place on the third weekend in May. Often referred to as the world’s best seven-a-side tourney, expect thrilling matches between premier league sides such as Leicester City, West Ham, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Stoke City, to name just a few. Don’t forget to cheer on local sides Kitchee and Yau Yee, who will be duking it out against the rising stars of the premiership.

Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, 2830-9500, www.hksoccersevens.com.

Free entry on May 20; otherwise $160 (Sat or Sun) or $300 (all weekend) from ticketflap.com.

MAY 22

ALL’S FAIR

Mindful Wing Chun is hosting a Health & Wellness Fair, with health-related businesses all joining together to showcase what’s new on the wellness scene. You’ll see local brands including Pro Food, Spicebox Organics, Up! Health, Ice N Lean, Redwood Nutrition, FoodCraft, i-Detox, Anything But Salads, Lola’s Ice Pops and more. Head on over to shop, snack and meet some friendly faces.

Free. Noon-5pm, Mindful Wing Chun, 8/F, On Lan Center, 11-15 On Lan St., Central, 6620-7050, www.mindfulwingchun.com.hk.

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MAY 21

A DASH OF GREEN

Race season may be on its way out, but sustainable run organiser The Green Race has a trail-running event that takes runners on a course through Pottinger Peak in Shek O. Join the pre-race stretch with Lululemon at 7:40, before beginning the race at 8pm. The tough route will take you up and down Pottinger Peak, through Big Wave Bay village and along section 8 of the Hong Kong trail. There are two options: a 6.5k or a 13k run (two laps), which you can run either alone or with a friend as a dual race entry.

Make sure to hang back for the post-event stretch and a Mr. Green Juice.

7:40am. $275-$600.

Register at thegreenrace.hk.

Calendar

MAY 28

MAY 29, SEP 25, OCT 23

Dip your toe into summer’s race events with Action Asia’s Royale International Kayak N Run. The family race is almost full, but grownups can still enter to splash four kilometres from Middle Island to Deep Water Bay, followed by a 5k trail run.

Sponsored by Oakley, the Hong Kong Trail Half Marathon Series consists of three races: Hong Kong Island on May 29, Central New Territories on September 25 and Sai Kung on October 23. The upcoming event starts on Stanley Main Beach at 9am and takes runners past Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park, up Violet Hill and over The Twins. There’s also a shorter 10 or 12k option for each race if you want to take it easy.

SPLISHY SPLASHY 7am (family race), 8am (adult race). Start point: Deep Water Bay. $700 per team of two before May 14; $1,000 thereafter. More course info at actionasiaevents.com.

RUNNING THREE

$670 (for all three half-marathons) to $220 (one shorter race). Register online at hktrailhalf.com.

MAY 4-8

KEEP ON TRUCKIN’

Calling all foodies! Creative hub PMQ will be playing host to Hong Kong’s first Food Truck Festival, with four trucks dishing out meals from notable local F&B brands, including Homie Cookies (below), Boomshack and Superstar Korean food. Plus you’ll find tons of cool exhibitors, from bespoke marshmallow makers (yes really) Boomf (above) to Thai organic spa brand Lemongrass House, as well as healthconscious Asian food and health brands. Want to burn off some of those treats? You can earn up to 3,300 Asia Miles while you march around the event by grabbing a pedometer from their booth.

MAY 5-6

$30 (free before 5pm on May 4-5).

PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central. hkfoodtruckfestivals.com.

WELLNESS BAZAAR Upcycling startup DunDum is partnering with green product distributor Harvest Life to hold a Bazaar and Green Product Awareness Event. The 1,000-squarefoot space will be taken over by health-related and eco-friendly businesses. Head on down if you’re interested in what’s happening on the wellness scene.

Noon-7pm, Harvest Life, 10/F, Block C, Eldex Industrial Building, 21 Ma Tau Wai Rd., Hung Hom, admin@dundum.com, dundum.com.

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Yoga Under the Stars with Liv Magazine

On Tuesday, April 26, Liv Magazine readers and VIPs gathered together for Yoga Under the Stars, an evening of fun and wellness hosted by Liv Magazine and Cordis, Hong Kong. The evening kicked off with a starlit yoga class by the hotel’s pool, followed by a hearty vegetarian supper at Alibi, the hotel’s modern restaurant.

Courtesy of Chuan Spa, guests were able to swim, gym and use the hotel’s jacuzzi and hot tub facilities all day during the event, and took home a gift bag filled with treats from Chuan Spa and our other generous sponsors.

A huge thank you to everyone who came, and of course to our generous sponsors. See you at the next event!

t8fitness.com

Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene

Well Planned

Addicted to making lists? Love stationery?

Looking to track your healthy changes but find planner apps a little, well, soulless? Pick up this wellness planner by local stationery brand Kikki.K., which is ideal for anyone who needs to doodle, list and scribble in order to make sense of their lives. There are various tabs for you to keep track of your workouts, food intake and mental health, as well as helping to keep your eye on your ultimate wellness goal, be it to slim down, stress less or eat better. You’ll also be able to stay motivated on the day-to-day by reading the motivational quotes peppered throughout. $630 from Kikki.K, Shop 411, Level 4, Ocean Centre, Harbour City Tsim Sha Tsui, www.kikki-k.com.

Let’s Bounce

Kowloon Bay trampoline park Bounce Inc is catching up with the bounce-your-way-to-fitness trend with its newly launched Bounce Fit classes. Held at 11am, 7pm and 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the 45-minute classes combine a warmup with HIIT, conditioning, partner circuits and a pyramid challenge to work your core, raise your heart rate and help you tone up in a hurry. Plus, the low-impact bouncing is ideal for anyone suffering from knee problems. Your first trial class is free so give it a go!

Classes are $270, with first-time discounts and cheaper multiclass packages available. Bounce Inc, G/F, EMAX, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, 2556-9555, www.bounceinc.com.hk.

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Cool Stuff

Rice to Meet You

There’s a new superfood on the block, and if you love rice as much as we do, you’re going to be excited about it!

Riceberry is a new type of rice made by cross-breeding Hom Mali jasmine rice and Hom Nil black fragrant rice to create a grain that’s low GI and packed with vitamins and minerals, including zinc, folate and vitamin E. What’s more, it’s also full of polyphenols, omega-3 and beta-carotene.

Use it as you would regular rice in anything from congee to stir-fries, or try the rice flour to make gluten-free cakes and pastries that take on a very pleasing purple hue.

Try Kwong Sun brand Riceberry at $39 for a kilo from Aeon supermarkets citywide, including Basement, 9 Kingston St., Causeway Bay, 3769-6188, www.aeonstores.com.hk. Expect more locations to be rolled out in the coming weeks.

Le Fit, C’est Chic

Join the Club

Wan Chai’s got a new, ultra stylish boxing/Muay Thai training gym. Started by local Muay Thai champion Jimmy Leung, The Fighters Club is a swish spot that exclusively offers one-on-one training, with a real focus on form, technique and developing the essential skills and fitness levels to be a real contender - whether or not you actually plan to spar IRL. Each trainer has serious fighting chops, and has undergone a 100-hour training program to ensure that their teaching technique is up to par. Come for the spar sesh, but stay for the juice bar: Nutkles serves up fresh, protein-rich juices and smoothies for post-workout rehydration - and coffees too.

3/F, Shiu Fung Building, 51-53 Johnston Rd., Wan Chai, 2602-8922, thefightersclub.com.hk.

Athleisure has officially hit the mainstream with last month’s opening of Lane Crawford’s Fit Room. The luxury fashion retailer has put together a fab edit of niche and better known fitness brands that all have one thing in common: they combine serious style chops with high performance, technical fabrics. Browse the kitsch graphic prints of We Are Handsome, the futuristic-chic yet functional cuts of Monreal London (pictured) and the tops and shorts from Koral that would be equally at home in a cocktail bar or a barre class. And before you think that the prices are going to break you out in a different kind of sweat altogether, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by some of the price tags: Tanks and tees are around $500, many pairs of leggings are less than $800, and the stylish nylon-and-suede Saucony sneakers are just $550 a pair.

IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2118-3388, lanecrawford.com.

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Dining

FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you

A SHOT OF GOODNESS Lazy weekends by the beach just got a whole lot healthier with Hotshot’s new health-conscious menu options. For something rich in colour, there’s the Overly Tanned Carrot Salad, a medley of roasted baby carrots, beetroot, feta, cashew nuts and orange; while the “Pasadena Fresh” is a coleslaw made with heirloom tomatoes, blueberries, tofu, micro basil, balsamic vinegar and chives. For something with more protein, the lean, mean chicken tacos combine pulled chicken breast, coriander, lime corn salsa and fresh avocado. Don’t forget to order from the new juice bar, which offers veggie-rich juice options: try the Gold Star, made with yellow beetroot, yellow bell pepper, chinese celery, ginger and orange.

G/F, Shop 114-115, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2515-1661, www.hotshot.hk.

JUST KNEAD IT Sheung Wan is becoming something of a healthy eating Mecca, with Knead, a friendly new salad and sandwich shop opening its doors. The concept is simple: pick a base for your salad or sandwich (e.g. mixed leaves, spinach, rocket; quinoa, Turkish, rye, baguette), add a main (chicken breast, roast beef, smoked mackerel) and then two sides (egg, hummus, avocado, pumpkin, red pepper, beetroot). A salad is $60 and a sandwich is $55, assuming you don’t go for extras or gluten-free bread, which is $5 extra. Easy!

G/F, 28 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, kneadhk.com.

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Dining

WHAT DO HEALTHY PEOPLE EAT?

Marsha Ho, yoga instructor Sum up your food philosophy in a sentence.

I am on a plant-based diet and make most of our food at home as much as possible.

What three items do you always have in your fridge?

Coconut juice (for smoothies), lemon (for my daily cleansing elixir) and grapes (my go-to-snack for running around in between teaching classes and practising)

the day. W try out new restaurants in the city or on Lantau, or pig out at our all-time favourites and eat whatever our hearts desire, be it a nice mezze platter, chinese dim sum or even fries. As long as they are plant-based, we indulge in whatever we fancy.

What’s one thing you wished people knew about diet and nutrition?

All these different types of diets are just trends and they come What do you usually have for and go. Food is what Mother breakfast?

Nature gives us to nourish our Since I practise yoga in the bodies and souls. If we eat well, mornings, I tend to keep we feel well, and we look good. breakfast light and easy. I make So stick with unprocessed food pre-blended and frozen fruit as much as possible. When you smoothies and drink them in are hungry, grab an avocado, between breaks. A few of my drink some coconut juice, have favourites include the vegan a few almonds and your body macciato (coffee, soy milk, raw will be thankful. Quoting Michael cacao powder and dates), and Pollan’s famous rules: “If it came green smoothies with cacao from a plant, eat it; if it was made powder, banana, spinach, in a plant, don’t”. peanut butter and soy milk.

If a nine-course degustation menu seems a When was the last time you What are your favourite bit of a tall order on a casual Tuesday night, ate McDonalds? restaurants when eating out? check out Nur’s much more manageable Probably three or four years ago, My current favourite is Fresca, four-course meal at $788. The menu at at a friend’s house party when great honest food with heartfelt this seasonal, sustainable fine-dine only we ordered in. passion and good vibes. My lists out the ingredients contained in each Last meal on earth: boyfriend and I also enjoy going dish, preferring to keep its cutting-edge what would it be? to Mana!. I usually have a nice preparation techniques a surprise. Expect A fresh young coconut, kale and quinoa salad, while he skilfish with fermented radish, apple and a chocolate cookie goes for a wrap.

And if we are nasturtium to start, followed by a “golden from Life Cafe feeling Chinese, a local dumpling egg” with peas, lovage and rocket. Then (which is no longer joint with vegetarian options there’s a barbecued beef with hen-of-thearound) and a huge available right across the street woods mushroom and black garlic, and pot of leafy green is our usual go-to. to finish, a banana, chocolate, vegetables, and roselle and coconut treat.

What do you eat on cheat day? rice noodles, 3/F, 1 Lyndhurst Tower, Saturday is usually my cheat day maybe...

1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, since I finish teaching by noon and 2871-9993, www.nur.hk. pretty much chill for the rest of

NOMMING AT NUR

Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

HAVE YOUR CAKE… ...and eat it too at The Cakery, a new health-consciuous cupcake pop-up at The Landmark. Yes, you read that right: all the cakes are much better for you than your regular butter-and-sugar bombs. In addition to recipes that are free from wheat, gluten and dairy, you’ll also find low-GI, refined-sugarfree creations. Try the Monkey Business ($34) that uses ripe bananas for sweetness; or the Rabbit Food ($36), a paleo-friendly carrot-based treat that’s free from grains and gluten. All sounding a bit too virtuous? The Cakery also does more conventional treats using organic ingredients, with the occasional superfood snuck in too. Try the Sunflower ($36), a pumpkin cupcake with low-fat, lowsugar frosting; or the Zest ($36), a lemon cupcake with chia seeds for an extra protein hit. The Cakery is open from now until July 5, so head on down quickly for a better bite.

Shop 316, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, 6688-6883, www.thecakeryhk.com.

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WIN:A skincare set from Le Mont Botanique Swiss skincare brand Le Mont Botanique creates botanical products that are so fresh and free from nasties they have to be stored in single-use ampoules and used within five days of opening. We’re giving away a Le Mont Botanique starter set that consists of a Fresh & Natural Active Day Revitalizing Serum, an Eye Contour Serum and a box of three organic Bulgarian rosewater sprays. The entire set is worth $1,008. www.lemontbotanique.com.

Deadline: May 28

WIN: A race pass to the Ghenghis Khan Festival in Inner Mongolia Ever wanted to run or bike through the Mongolian grasslands? We are giving away four race passes to the Ghenghis Khan Festival on July 1-3. Widely considered one of Asia’s top destination races, the event combines a marathon run, a mountain bike challenge and plenty of entertainment and culture to boot. Learn more about the event by reading our story on p.34. www.genghiskhanmtbadventure.com.

Deadline: May 29

WIN: A high tea for two at The Peninsula OK, so this one isn’t 100 percent virtuous, but you gotta live, right? Courtesy of The Peininsula, we are giving away a high tea set for two, valued at $690. The high tea menu has recently been revamped, with brightly coloured, summery pastries and delicate savoury treats - don’t worry, the scones are still the same. peninsula.com.

Deadline: May 28

WIN: A two-month supply of TrueGreens Good health starts with your gut, so give your digestive system a helping hand with a two-month supply of top quality, all-natural supplements from Body Awakening. We’ve got a bottle each of TrueGreens and Probiotic+ to help balance your gut flora, boost your micronutrient inta ke and improve your overall wellbeing. bodyawakening.net.

Deadline: May 28

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

Column

WELL I NEVER...

SURFING SAR I

Terminal landlubber Andrea Lo dips her toe into an indoor surfing simulator in Hung Hom.

To me, the beach is for sunbathing, creeping on hot guys and taking selfies for Instagram

’ve never surfed before. To me, the beach is for sunbathing, creeping on hot guys and taking selfies for Instagram. When I heard about Surfset, a total body workout done on a “surfboard” indoors that mimics the physical demands of real surfing, I assumed it’d be pretty simple. There’d be no crashing waves, no struggling to stay afloat. You’ll basically be “surfing” comfortably within the safe confines of a gym. Easy right? Wrong.

Surfset was invented in the US by former pro hockey player Mike Hartwick, who found surfing in California to be a better workout than all the weight training he did in the gym while off season. It was brought to Hong Kong by fitness fanatic Cherilyn Chow, who first learned about the exercise online. After trying it out, she opened up the centre in October 2015.

There are four Surfset classes on offer: Balance, Build, Blend and Burn. Balance helps train your core strength, flexibility and stability. Build offers targeted body weight and resistance circuit training.

Blend consists of a total body session, inspired by surfing.

I would be trying the Burn class: toning the core and burning fat through high intensity intervals.

Before the class, Cherilyn - who was our instructor for the day - told me that I might find some moves difficult. Having completed a grand total of six fitness classes for the column to date, I basically consider myself an Olympic athlete now, and was totally unfazed.

We took to our boards for our warm-ups. To kick things off, we hopped onto the board with one leg, while the other stayed on the ground, switching legs in rapid succession.

Little did I know that this was the only move I would be able to complete in the whole class. I found the other warm-up moves - like planking on the board while keeping the whole body flat (no butt sticking up) - impossible to do on the board, which was shaking like crazy. It’s not like I felt like I was going to fall off, but it was seriously hard work trying to keep my balance. Another move had us lying flat on our boards, waving our arms in circles twice, then quickly rising and pulling our legs to our chest and dangling them in front of us. How are these warm-up moves?!

I was already soaked in sweat by the time our main workouts came around. We had to hop on and off the board, take up a push-up like position with one leg raised high in the air, and hop on and off the board from the front, side and back. One move I particularly enjoyed was when we partnered up and gave each other high fives while adopting a kind of semi-plank pose (though admittedly I cheated and stood up more or less straight on the second round).

If you’re a total novice, it might be a good idea to start off with the gentler Balance class - but if you love a challenge, go ahead and go for the Burn. Not only did I feel my adrenaline pumping, I felt certain parts of my body - like my stomach and arms - getting a great workout. Though with that said, I’m not about to give up vegging out on the beach in a hurry.

Unit A, 13/F, Kaiser Estate Phase 1, 41 Man Yue St., Hung Hom, 2362-3665, www.surfset.hk.

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Cover Story

Mega

Bites

Next time the 4pm slump hits and you find yourself reaching for the snack drawer, make sure it’s stocked up with healthy, nutrient-dense treats from these local small-batch snackpreneurs. By Shan Shan Feng.

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Cover Story

1

Sow Vegan WHAT IS IT? Sow Vegan creates packaged vegan snacks such as kale chips, fruit crisps and granola, with plenty of raw and gluten-free options too. All snacks are made from natural ingredients and are free from additives and preservatives.

WHO’S BEHIND IT? Friends for more than 10 years, Marium Butt and Pamela Joey Poon decided to start a business together.

After brainstorming different ideas, including a cafe, they decided to focus on portable, convenient vegan snacks.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? Currently sold online www.sowvegan.com and at various markets around town. Check their Facebook and Instagram for details.

MUST TRY: Vegan teriyaki “squid” - young coconut meat with homemade teriyaki marinade ($40).

2

Wild Mylk WHAT IS IT? Dairy- and gluten-free ice cream made from a blend of organic cashew milk and pure coconut milk. Wild Mylk products contain no preservatives or unnecessary additives. Think ice cream flavours like strawberry balsamic or cinnamon toast, with new flavours each month.

WHO’S BEHIND IT? Determined to make healthier lifestyle changes, Laura J. Perez began making homemade ice cream for herself and her family. One thing led to another and she found herself testing ways to make traditional and unique ice cream flavours using dairy, wholesome, clean ingredients.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT: Wild Mylk is currently focusing on the market circuit and is planning to launch online orders on www.wildmylk.com this summer.

MUST TRY: Maca Karmel Sutra – decadent salted caramel ice cream with a pinch of maca for an aphrodisiac twist. $35 for a cup and half a pint for $65.

19

Cover Story

Mail-Order Nibbles

3

Mad Bars WHAT IS IT? Made from only the finest Iranian fresh dates and loaded with superfoods, Mad Bars are a great way to cut your sugar cravings and fill you up when you’re on the go.

Not to mention they’re vegan and dairy-free.

WHO’S BEHIND IT? Fitness entrepreneur Madi Chu created Mad Bars to educate the public on how to refuel their bodies with a nutritious bar. Working closely with a nutritionist, the bars are perfectly balanced to deliver great taste and nutrients that most people lack, such as vitamin B12.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? Orders can be made directly through madbarshk@gmail.com. A minimum of $250 to qualify for free delivery.

MUST TRY: Raw cacao and cranberry balls.

Want to make healthy choices but you’re lazy and disorganized? Join the club. Luckily, there are plenty of snack subscription companies that deliver to your home or office.

MunchBox Sourcing natural and organic snacks all over the world, Munchbox is carefully curated with 12 portion-controlled snacks that are either non-GMO or free from artificial flavours, gluten and trans fats. Offers a mix of both sweet and savoury snacks that change each month.

Two options available: Personal Munchies ($210 per month) or Sharing Munchies (four boxes for the price of three, $630). Order online at www.munchbox.hk.

Greenberry Greenberry delivers nutritious snacks that not only satisfy your mid-afternoon cravings but also help regulate your metabolism and blood sugar levels.

Each box comes with six to eight products that meet the company’s nutrition standards, which includes guidelines such as no high fructose corn syrup and no refined sugar. Choose between the Wellness box, which encourages daily energy, vitality and healthy digestion; or the Darlings box, designed especially for children. $238 per month. Order online at www.greenberry.com.hk.

20

Cover Story

Chewswize

Health Addiction

If you’re a frequent snacker, try the weekly snack box from Chewswize. This company delivers five portion-controlled snacks (each pack containing no more than 250 calories) weekly. Afterwards, rate your snacks so you can receive more of the snacks that suit your taste and diet preferences. There are currently more than 38 snacks for you to choose from (more flavours are added all the time) and three box types: Original, Skinny (less than 150 calories per pack) and Kidz, which are all nut-free. It also fits in your mailbox, which means no signing necessary.

Vending machines are typically filled with junk foods and sodas, but Health Addiction, Hong Kong’s first and only healthy vending machine operator is making delicious, healthy snacks more convenient. Fill your machine with healthy drinks such as Virtue iced tea, sweetened only with stevia and fruit extracts. For snacks, think low sugar chocolate, protein bars and rice crackers, to name just a few options.

$88 per box. Order online www.chewswize.com.

Get a Health Addiction vending machine for your office by emailing info@healthaddiction.com, or check them out online at www.health-addiction.com.

We Also Love: Earth Balls

She Squats Bars

Superfood-packed energy balls that are paleo-friendly and free from dairy and refined sugar. weareearthballs.com.

Freshly made high protein bars.

Order through their Facebook page.

BiteUnite Ordering portal that connects customers with artisanal chefs. www.biteunite.com.

Ice N Lean High protein ice cream and paleo pieces. icenlean.com.

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Sponsored Feature

New personal training service “World Trainer” helps frequent travelers stick to their fitness goals.

W

hile a jet-setting job might sound glamorous, the combination of busy networking sessions, management meetings, rich hotel food and irregular hours can sabotage your fitness routine faster than you can say “buffet breakfast.” But the exciting new service "World Trainer" keeps business travelers fighting fit no matter which city they’re in, thanks to this top-notch high quality service that individually matches clients with pre-screened elite personal trainers. These trainers can access your health info, prior workout routines, and fitness goals in order to help maintain the hard work done by you and your regular trainer while you’re on the road. World Trainer will even liaise with your regular trainer to ensure seamless workout consistency and experience for you.

HOW IT WORKS? All you have to do is sign up, pick a membership package that best suits your travel frequency and follow the intuitive interface to schedule a training session at a location of your choosing, be it a hotel gym, nearby park or function room. Trainers are matched so that they complement your workout requirements and details of your workout are sent to your trainer back home so they know what you’ve been up to. Payment is processed through the system so all you have to do is show up and get sweating!

WHERE IS WORLD TRAINER? World Trainer is present in more than 27 cities in Asia, Europe and North America, including Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, London, Paris, New York, San Fransisco and Toronto. Don’t already have a trainer? You can also request a Hong-Kong-based fitness expert through World Trainer.

WHAT DOES IT COST? Customers joining this year can get a special membership price of just US$79 per month (billed as US$950 for the year), which will get you access to your very own fitness concierge that goes everywhere with you.

Want to learn more? Visit worldtrainer.fitness for details. For free trial and special offers, contact team@worldtrainer.fitness

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Bad Food Gone Good, aka #BFGG WHAT IS IT? These guiltless paleo goodies combine the best of both worlds: convenient snacks that are highly nutritious and totally delicious. #BFGG goodies are made from premium ingredients are all free from gluten, dairy, refined sugar and preservatives.

MUST TRY: Their signature banana cakes that are available in five flavours: original, choco chip, silky choco, nutty, and cinnamon ($230$250 per loaf).

WHO’S BEHIND IT? Created by sister and brother team CeCe and Minh Hoang, they were inspired to bridge the gap between convenient but unhealthy snacks and healthy but tasteless bites. Their aim is to show that snacks can be healthy and delicious too.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? Order via their Facebook page or from select retailers. Find a list on www.badfoodgonegood.com.

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Sour Times Diary Company: WHAT IS IT? Handcrafted in Hong Kong with fun and unusual yoghurt flavours, (think cocktail bun and red ginger) Sour Times Dairy Company is the perfect way to start your morning. The yoghurt is also free from stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives, making it creamy and nutritious - a rarity in this dairy-deprived town!

WHO’S BEHIND IT? Winy and Eileen, two Hongkongers who met in the design world and craved the fresh yoghurt they grew up with aboard. The duo founded Sour Times to create locally handcrafted innovative food using only fresh ingredients.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? Available on their website www.sourtimes.hk and Tong Chong Street Market in Quarry Bay on alternting weeks. Two large 500-gram pots are a very competitive $116.

MUST TRY: Red ginger flavoured yoghurt, inspired by the Hong Kong classic tofu fa dessert.

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Protein

Gene Genies

DNA tests that tell us about our body’s needs are all the rage right now, but do our genes really hold the answers to living healthier? Zoe Belhomme takes a simple cheek swab test to find out.

I

n the past few years, DNA testing has gone mainstream. Once the domain of crime scene investigations and paternity suits, DNA technology has become faster, cheaper and much more widespread, and now a simple, non-invasive test can tell us everything from our risk of developing certain diseases to whether we’re part neanderthal.

For fitness fanatics, the most interesting development is how DNA testing is now able to tell us about the kinds of food and exercise we respond to best. This effectively takes the guesswork out of our training and nutrition regimens and puts us on a more efficient path to functioning optimally.

Founded in the UK in 2013, DNAFit came to Hong Kong late last year, and offers DNA testing for nutrition and fitness. Alex Poole, DNAFit’s director in Hong Kong, says: “While some individuals are just interested in finding out more about their genetic make-up, we often work with personal trainers so they can deliver a highly tailored fitness programme to their clients.”

Unlike in the UK, where you buy the swab and have the results sent to you, here in Hong Kong you must have a consultation with Alex or one of his team. It was really valuable to be walked through the results, as they were explained thoroughly and put into the context of my fitness levels and food preferences.

A cheek swab sent to DNAFit’s UK lab analyses 45 genes linked to how the body responds to various food groups and types of exercise. The results tell you your sensitivity to carbohydrates, salt and saturated fat, whether you are lactose and gluten intolerant, your individual antioxidant and vitamin needs and also how you react to alcohol and caffeine. They will also tell you your power vs.

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Protein

WHAT DOES IT COST? A DNA Fit test is $5,000 www.absolutedna.com.

An example of DNAFit’s analysis

endurance response (i.e .are you better at longdistance running or hitting the squat rack?), VO2 Max (rate of oxygen consumption) and also how quickly your body should recover after exertion.

This information can then be considered, either by you or your personal trainer, when developing an exercise plan. For athletes, for whom tiny changes can mean the difference between success and failure, this knowledge can have a huge impact on performance.

I met with Alex three weeks later to go through my results, which were presented in an easy-to-read infographic. We first went through my fitness profile.

I was surprised to learn that I have a 25 percent power to 75 percent endurance ratio. All my life I have considered myself to be terrible at distance events and always preferred exercise that consisted of short bursts of strength or speed. But in fact my body is genetically wired to respond better to endurance activity and for me to get fitter I should train with this in mind.

Alex described it like this: to train for a halfmarathon, I should be doing more distance-based training than someone who had a higher power response. I would perhaps do one session of hill sprints, two days of running at a medium distance and at least one very long run each week.

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Protein

How to However, someone with a higher power response should do more hill sprint or speed sessions to prepare for a long race as their body reacts better to this type of training.

This isn’t to say that people with certain profiles should only do certain types of exercise or sports; it’s merely an indication of the way you should be training so you can get the best results.

While I initially didn’t see the need for a consultation, my time with Alex was invaluable. For example, I had a normal sensitivity to alcohol, which I interpreted as a good thing. But in fact people who have a raised sensitivity gain an improved lipid profile (which is linked to cholesterol levels) when they consume moderate levels of alcohol.

My results also showed that I wasn’t sensitive to lactose or carbohydrates, but as my body has a need for Omega 3, I should be taking a supplement to compensate postexercise. The test could also tell from my genes that I was prone to soft tissue injury - something that has plagued me most of my adult life - so I should take precautions during and post-exercise to minimise the risk.

Alex concluded our session by adding, “There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to fitness and nutrition. We are all so different and our genetics play a vital role in who we are and how we react to training and diet. DNA gives you a much better understanding on your genetic makeup and what you need to do to get better results, whether that’s on the pitch or in the gym.”

Since the test I have been incorporating many of the recommendations made by the test into my daily routine and I’m already starting to notice some improvements.

For me the main benefit of a test like this was awareness.

Instead of trial-and-error, you are able to make informed decisions about what to eat and how to train in order to achieve your fitness goals. But it’s important to remember that while genetics play an important role, nurture always trumps nature when it comes to fitness ability. Your genetics should not stop you from doing an activity or sport, but as I’ve found out, if you know more about your body, you can train in a way that will help you perform better.

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Want to test your DNA? Dr. Justin Gregory, (DPhil) of genetic testing lab Biorna Quantics tells us everything you need to know.

Q: Why do people come to you for genetic testing?

People generally come to us because they are looking to eat and train smarter. Many people wisely see DNA testing as a way to understand their lack of progress with their current program. They have become frustrated that others around them appear to respond perfectly well to exactly the same regime, but they do not. Others come to us seeking an extra advantage in their sporting pursuits or general performance - work or play. What all these people share is that they are switched-on and knowledge hungry.

They want to better themselves and are open to what emerging technologies might offer.

Q: How does our DNA tell us about our wellness needs?

One thing we know from substantial scientific research is that one size does not fit all when it comes to a person’s nutrition and exercise needs. You only need to look around to see the huge

Protein

Win the Genetic Lottery range in shapes and sizes of our athletes - consider the metabolic requirements of a distance runner compared to a strongman. We are all unique individuals with wideranging needs when it comes to how we respond to exercise and diet. The various pressures in our ancestral environments gave rise to a spectrum of specialized metabolic traits, each best suited to those environments, and modern humans are an intricate mixing of these genetic traits.

Q: How does DNA testing work?

Although a DNA sample could also be harvested from blood or hair, for ease of collection the preferred choice for labs is a simple skin cell swab from the inside of your cheek. The sample can be collected at home or with your provider.

For us, we then send the returned samples to our lab at Louisiana State University. Turnaround time for us is two to three weeks; we have slightly longer processing times due to our use of 99.9 percent accurate full-sequence technology. You then receive a detailed, actionable and self-explanatory report.

Q: What should I look out for when I go for a DNA test?

Make sure the scientific evidence is solid for the claims made by the genetic testing provider. In the US, the FDA has recently stepped up against charlatan companies offering DNA analyses with unsupported claims. However, this is not the same in many countries.

You should also consider the technology the testing provider uses at their lab. Currently, a majority of genetic testing is performed using SNP analysis [analysing part of the strand, rather than all of it] due to the inexpensive nature of the test.

Although this is a common approach that’s often described as “industry standard”, it is not the most accurate and has been shown in studies and government reports to have an error rate of up to 60 percent. A better option would be genetic testing providers that use a combination of both full sequencing (Sanger DNA sequencing) and SNP analysis technologies to ensure results are accurate, valid and useful.

Q: What usually surprises people when they get their results?

It surprises some individuals to see that their DNA reports suggest they actually train less than they currently do by incorporating a few high-intensity training sessions (circuits, interval training or CrossFit) into their weekly programs, instead of relying on daily steady aerobic training. For some, short bursts of intense exercise provides greater efficiency in time and effort for faster results. It often happens that many other people are also very surprised to see that

they just don’t get enough protein in their diets, or have other dietary deficiencies that they were unaware of.

Q: What are the limitations of DNA testing?

Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics are fledgling sciences. As such, some genetic testing providers are not always as well regulated by governmental bodies as they should be, and available technologies can vary considerably in error rates.

Q: What can't DNA testing tell you?

DNA testing tells you very little about how environment and outside forces shape a person and their metabolism. It is useful to think of our DNA as our blueprint for life. Just as construction of a building can change from its original planned blueprint (think changes in materials availability, budget cuts, and building errors), so too can the human body change in response to its environment through unconscious mechanisms. DNA says very little about the variable and rather unpredictable environment in which a person will develop that will also shape how they are.

WHAT DOES IT COST? A Simply Fit test with Biorna Quantics is $5,150 biorna-quantics.com.

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Food

Struggling to get your five-a-day?

Powdered greens may be a quick and easy way to top up on vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

By Sarah Fung.

Talk about multitasking - Hong Kong-based supplements company Body Awakening does a TrueGreens powder that gives your body a mineral boost and your gut a shot of healthy bacteria at the same time. The powder is made from bio-fermented whole superfoods, including mung beans, wheatgrass, spirulina, alfalfa grass and chorella. The fermentation process means that the powder also contains eight different strains of probiotic bacteria, which is freezedried and therefore shelf-stable (something to hide in your desk at work, perhaps?). All you need is three grams per day taken in water, juice or a smoothie. $280 from health food stores citywide (including Just Green) and online at body-

Super Duper

Another local company, Superfood Lab has worked hard to make a green powder that actually tastes awesome.

SuperGreen pH contains powdered barley grass, wheatgrass, spirulina, chlorella, spinach, kale, broccoli, asparagus, cucumber, artichoke, alfalfa, parsley, nettle leaf and kelp, the rather strong flavour of which is tempered with the addition of powdered lime, kelp, apple pectin, pineapple, aloe vera, green tea and peppermint. The resulting powder is rich in iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, soluable fibre (from the pectin), omega-3 and vitamins. On the go? It also comes in travel-sized sachets for extra convenience. $399 (tub) or eight sachets for $210. Available in supermarkets citywide, including Olivers,201-205 Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Rd., Central, 2810-7710.

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Food

I

f, like many of us, you find it a struggle to fit in your requisite number of fruit and veg each day, you may have considered rounding out your diet with powdered greens. Sales of these nutritional powders have exploded in the past couple of years, and now you can take your pick from pill, powered and otherwise packaged vegetables perfect for busy Hongkongers.

“If you’re looking for antioxidants, then you may want to consider these products," says Stephen Ngan, a nutrutionist with JAS & Associates.

“They usually contain good antioxidants that can fight free radicals. However, I wouldn’t recommend them as a substitute for real fruits and vegetables

because they contain no water and little fibre [compared to fresh vegetables]”.

Ngan also encourages potential users to read labels carefully to ensure the powders contain sufficient quantities of vitamins and minerals.

“You want these products to give you a good supply of micronutrients but these values don’t have to be listed by law,” he says. “You also need to keep an eye out for the term ‘extracts’ - we don’t know what part of the vegetable is being used and so it becomes a very vague term,” he adds.

So what’s a sensible way of introducing powdered greens into your diet? Ngan suggests taking a closer look at the fruits and vegetables you are

Over a Barrel

Designed by a nutritionist, Hong Kong-based Jack & Sparrow creates certified organic superfood powders with raw ingredients sourced from New Zealand. Its Barrel of Greens blend includes Barley Grass, Wheatgrass, Spirulina and Cholrella, with a dash of Stevia for sweetness. In each packet you’ll find fibre, vegan protein, chlorophyll and vitamin C and carotenoids. Each batch is fully traceable right back to the farm so you can be sure that all you’re getting is natural green goodness. Mix with water or juice, or chuck it in a smoothie for a vitamin kick.

eating regularly to see where you are falling short. “If you are eating a narrow spectrum of fruits and vegetables then I would recommend a supplement to boost the range of foods you are eating,” he says. “I would also look at the formula and consider whether you have any sensitivities - for example the caffeine in green tea extract.”

Powdered greens can be very potent, and for anyone considering chugging them by the bottle, more doesn’t automatically mean better.

“Everything can be toxic in excessive quantities, so follow the company’s recommendations and don’t overdo it.”

A New Leaf

Can’t stomach that healthy flavour? Bypass your palate entirely and wash down all that goodness with a pill instead. Leafdrops is a new Hong Kong-based company that offers pressed spirulina tablets, made with 100 percent Australian spirulina, a blue-green algae with a fantastic nutrition profile: it’s 60 percent complete protein and is chock-full of vitamins and minerals to boot. Take 10 drops a day for general health management, or 15 for a healthy, high-protein snack to keep hunger pangs at bay.

$229.50 from retailer citywide, including berrytime.com or lifeproject.hk.

From $120, exclusively at www.leafdrops.hk.

Moringa has Broken

A relatively new player on the health food scene, the leaves of the Moringa tree have been used throughout Asia and Africa for centuries for medicinal purposes. Dubbed “The Miracle Tree”, the leaves are high in protein, fibre and micronutrients, and are also said to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Nutrigaya is a new Hong Kong-based company that offers moringa in both capsule and powder form, as well as a line of other supplements designed to aid with cholesterol control, liver balancing and calming.

The moringa powder starts at USD38.88 for 150 capsules at nutrigaya.com.

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Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

ENERGY SOUP

By Chan Cudennec, Sol Wellness (Adapted from the original recipe by Ann Wigmore) Rich in enzymes and nutrients, this raw soup is a fantastic light meal for summer.

INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups Rejuvelac* or water

• 1 avocado

• 2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and chopped

• 2 tablespoons dulse flakes

• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

• 2 sprigs coriander or parsley

• 1 cup sprouted mung beans or lentils

• Dash of cayenne pepper, turmeric and cinnamon

• wedge of lemon

DIRECTIONS: 1. Place the water and apples in a highspeed blender and process until smooth.

2. Add the spinach or kale and blend.

3. Add the avocado, dulse, sprouted beans and seasonings. Blend until smooth.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

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4. Decorate with chopped bell peppers and coriander. *Rejuvelac is a fermented, enzyme-rich drink made from soaking sprouted quinoa or soft wheat berries.

It’s easy to make at home and there are plenty of recipes online.

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

|

www.sportsandspinal.hk

|

www.laurenbramley.com

For more information contact restorehydrationhk@gmail.com

Pamper

REVIEW

Lymphatic Drainage and Anti-Pollution Facial at Emmanuel F

THE BUZZ: Having recently relocated to the Pemberton in Sheung Wan, organic spa and salon Emmanuel F has a cool new space that stands out in an area of town packed with health-conscious businesses.

experience was definitely noted, with mini hand, foot and scalp massages offered while the products took effect. We were pleased with the results and felt as if our skin had taken a vacation from the polluted streets outside.

THE SPA: Tucked away to the left of the salon, this dimly-lit space feels almost like a monastery with earthy tones and raw stone tiles. There are three good-sized treatment rooms, and there’s a secret sliding door that leads straight to the salon’s shampoo area, should you need to tame your hair after your treatment.

BEST BIT: Every facial treatment at Emmanuel F begins with a 10-minute back massage to really get you in the spa spirit.

THE TREATMENT: We tried the lymphatic drainage massage to help rid us of water retention, followed by an anti-pollution facial using French organic brand Phyt’s. If you’re used to Chinese-style lymphatic drainage, you’ll be surprised by how gentle the treatment here is. The therapist uses light fluttery strokes punctuated by deep presses at various points on your abdomen, armpits and groin - so you can’t afford to be shy! For our facial, each product smelled wonderfully natural - including the mask that smelled like freshly-cut grass. The focus on a pleasant 32

WHAT ELSE: On our first trip to the spa, we could faintly hear music from the salon carrying over to the treatment room. However by our second visit, this had been addressed and the spa was totally tranquil.

THE COST: $880 for the 60-minute lymphatic drainage and $950 for the 75-minute facial. emmanuelf.com.

R E A D E R’S D E A L !

Any reader trying a spa treatment can get a complimentary 15-minute organic makeup touch-up afterwards.

MOTHER’S DAY TREATS

TRIE D TEST AND ED

Mother’s Day is on May 8, but you can treat your darling ma any day of the month with these natural skincare goodies.

Mother’s Day Gift Set from Aromatherapy Associates

This gift set is specially designed for mature skin. It contains an overnight repair mask and fine line face oil, both of which are packed with essential oils to soothe and nourish the skin as well as give serious skin-improving results. The set also contains a free Rose Radiance skin serum for a full-on skin treat. $1,665 from Lane Crawford IFC, 8 Finance St., Central, 2118-3388.

Diamond Absolute Damask Rose Body Oil from Natura Bisse

Spanish skincare brand Natura Bisse has created a limited-edition body oil from damask rose extract that just launched on April 21.

Used for centuries in skincare, damask rose helps to relax the mind and soften and detoxify the skin. It smells gorgeous too. $580 for 60ml. From Natura Bisse, Shop 153, Beauty Gallery, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2918-1583.

Travel

As the 10th anniversary of the Genghis Khan Festival in Inner Mongolia draws closer, race director Kris Van de Velde takes a closer look at the celebrations.

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Travel

I

n early July, all of China’s cycling and running communities will be gearing up for the 10th anniversary edition of the Genghis Khan Festival.

The event is set in and around the lush green grasslands of Xiwuqi, a remote town 150 kilometres north of regional center Xilinhot in Inner Mongolia.

It consists of a Grassland Marathon & Half Marathon run and a three-day mountain bike stage race. Over the years the race has become a genuine cult event in China, and this summer, close to 2,000 participants - runners, bikers, adventurers and Mongolian culture enthusiasts from more than 40 countries - will once again travel to Xiwuqi to enjoy a long weekend of sports, culture and fun.

The first Genghis Khan MTB Adventure took place in 2007 while the Grassland Marathon run had its inaugural edition the previous year. Nordic Ways, a Swedish-Chinese company based in Beijing organised the event alongside the local authorities and set the benchmark for all other event organisers in China. It wasn’t until a few years later, though, that participant numbers began to boom as the region’s traffic infrastructure improved (the bus ride from the airstrip in Xilinhot to Xiwuqi used to take five gruelling hours on a very bumpy dirt road). More significantly perhaps, Chinese citizens began to embrace leisure sports at the beginning of this decade. In line with

these developments, the event’s race programme was also redesigned and since then the Genghis Khan Festival has been a sell-out year after year.

“Seeing how the event has grown over the last few years, and especially seeing so many local people here in Xiwuqi and neighbouring towns who have taken up sport is just fantastic”, says Niclas Hellqvist, managing director of Nordic Ways. “We are confident that we can continue for another ten years, and who knows, maybe we even get to see a local athlete winning the marathon or the mountain bike race one day”.

Considered to have been the most powerful conqueror of the ancient human world, many legends of the Mongolian emperor Genghis Khan are still passed on today. One of the stories is set in Xiwuqi, the marathon’s host town. When Genghis Khan crossed the Gobi Desert, he lost two of his best and most beloved horses. The emperor was so furious he destroyed all settlements he came across, desperately looking for his steeds. When he came across the grasslands of Xiwuqi and climbed a hill to overlook the valley, he suddenly saw his two horses grazing near the river Qiduer. Genghis Khan was so relieved he renamed the hill he was standing on after his two

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Travel

horses: Siriguleng and Halagatu. This famous hill, 25 kilometres away from Xiwuqi, is now a tourist hotspot and overlooks a beautiful valley with over 100 square kilometres of untouched grassland.

Mountain bikers will pass the statue of the two horses on their first day of racing.

Xiwuqi, which is sometimes more elaborately referred to as West Ujimqin Banner, has about 60,000 inhabitants. The majority of its citizens are still ethnic Mongolian. Everywhere you go, you hear people speaking Mongolian and the traditional Mongolian script is omnipresent next to the Chinese characters. On Saturday night, the event organisers lay emphasis on the local minority culture during the official banquet dinner and outdoor bonfire party inside the grassland. Dubbed “Grassland Crazy Night”, it is definitely a highlight of the weekend for a lot of people, and more than one mountainbiker has failed to get out of bed the next day for the start of the last stage on Sunday morning!

Amazingly yet tellingly, some people have participated every summer since 2007. Wang Lidong from the northern Chinese province of Heilongjiang has made the Genghis Khan Festival his annual pilgrimage to the grasslands of Inner Mongolia.

He recalls: “First I came because it was the first ever MTB stage race in China, but nowadays it is the beautiful scenery and also the delicious local food that keeps attracting me. Though modest, Wang Lidong is a serious competitor. In 2013 and 2014 he even became the King of the Grassland, a competition that combines the MTB race with the marathon run.

The KOG, as it is commonly known was an innovation that was officially launched three years

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ago following the sudden popularity of ultrarunning and other extreme adventure challenges in China.

But the organisers never thought that so many people would attempt it. This year there may be up to 200 athletes, including many women, riding all three long distance stages of the MTB and running the full marathon in between. It does however remain an enormous physical and mental accomplishment. Last season, just 68 percent of the KOG competitors made it to the finish line.

The organizers recommend that participants from Hong Kong get to Xilinhot via Beijing. Take one of many flights from Hong Kong to Beijing, and from there you can connect on Air China to Xilinhot.

There’s also an official event bus from Beijing’s Jiandemen Station that goes straight to the Xiwuqi grasslands. It’s an eight- to nine-hour ride, but it’s a lot more convenient than it sounds.

Wanna Race?

Win Tickets With Liv! In celebration of the Ghenghis Khan Festival’s 10th anniversary, Liv Magazine is giving away four free race entries! Take your pick from the various races taking place at the event, from the MTB, the marathon, half-marathon, or the entire King of the Grassland competition.

Enter via our giveaways page on our website: liv-magazine.com/giveaways.

You have until May 29. Good luck!

Travel

TRAVEL WELL with Gayatri Bhaumik

MARKET FRESH Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain is bringing the farmers’ market experience to guests at its property near Chengdu, China. Known for having one of the region’s largest kitchen gardens, where staff grow fresh organic produce for the hotel’s restaurants, the property is now hosting a farmers’ market every Sunday, where guests can interact with executive chef Rick Gonzales, explore the wide variety of produce he helps to grow, and interact with the local farmers who have been invited to display their harvest. The new initiative is a great opportunity for guests to learn about Chinese farming, and see first-hand the high quality of the food served here. Best of all, guests will be able to purchase an array of vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms to take home as an edible souvenir of their holiday, and benefit the local farming community too. www.sixsenses.com.

BALI BLISS Relax and rejuvenate with mindfulness practices, yoga sessions and Bali’s pure natural surrounds on a June retreat with France-based retreat company Come Back to Yourself.

On the “Sky Meets Earth” Bali journey, you’ll spend six nights in a jungle-view private villa in the traditional village of Banjar Bukian, which boasts antique décor, modern amenities and a saltwater infinity pool. Enjoy three healthy meals every day, plus a host of wellness activities including daily yoga, spa treatments, walking meditation, creative workshops and nature excursions. You’ll also explore the best of Balinese culture with day trips to coffee plantations, rice terraces, hot springs and sacred Buddhist temples.

Also included in the holiday are day-trip transportation, quality yoga mats, blocks, straps, blankets and eye masks, plus complimentary wifi throughout your stay. The Sky Meets Earth Bali retreat runs June 4-10, and is priced from US$2,287 per person. 10 percent of the trip price is donated to the company’s Come and Give Back Program, which benefits three social and environmental non-profits. www.comebacktoyourself.com.

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LAUGH IT OFF The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is encouraging guests to take a light-hearted approach to wellness with the new Laughing Yoga classes. Laughter is often said to be the best medicine and the new classes, held at the spa’s yoga pavilion, aim to prove just that by using the body’s positive emotions as an effective form of exercise. Lead by resident yogi Vishal Ganatra, the 60-minute sessions begin with a gentle warm up and include stretching, chanting, clapping, and body movements, as well as breathing exercises that prepare the lungs for laughter. The highlight is the “laughter exercises” that combine acting and visualization techniques to encourage a sense of playfulness. The classes are available for hotel guests at €15 (about HK$130) per person. www.fourseasons.com.

RELAX IN LANGKAWI It’s not quite summer, but the living is definitely easy at the brand-spanking new St. Regis Langkawi, which invites guests to take a load off with a thoughtful selection of wellness amenities.

Malaysia’s first Iridium Spa is a tranquil oasis with eight spa suites and two Iridium Room relaxation areas, all clustered around a light-filled water courtyard. A well-curated menu of signature treatments incorporate Malaysian heritage and products from German beauty brand Babor. Inspired

by the beauty traditions of the royal palaces, the Malaya treatment uses natural botanicals to cleanse and revitalize; while the Golden Babor Sea Creation facial harnesses the power of the sea with marine concentrated serum and luxurious creams, a tiger conch and heated obsidian and cool coral stones.

Also onsite are a salon, an infinity swimming pool, a natural saltwater lagoon and a fully-equipped fitness club. Swoon. www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis.

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

What are you packing in your pool bag this summer? Kate Farr finds products that are good for you, your kids and the environment.

H

ong Kong is home to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches and getting the tribe together for a day of sand, sea and sunshine is as easy as hopping into a cab. Here’s what we’re packing in our totes this season for a healthy family day at the beach.

Frankie Rays Relax Nothing says cool like a pair of awesome shades, and Frankie Ray’s leopard print kids’ frames, metal aviators or sporty wraparounds are cooler than most. All sunnies are fitted with Aussie-certified UV-resistant lenses and come with a durable case to prevent scratches when they’re dumped unceremoniously back in your bag at home time. $249. Available from Bumps to Babes, 5/F, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder St., Central, 2522-7112, www.bumpstobabes.com.

Rash Decisions Speaking of UV-proofing, a good quality rash vest is a safer option than relying on sunscreen alone if you’re planning a full day at the beach. Sandy Feet offers a great selection of UVPF 50+ kids swimwear made from quick-dry, chlorine-resistant print fabric that’s guaranteed to keep its shape and look pretty darn cool too.

Prices from $220 to $380. Available from Tiny Footprints, 10/F, 1 Duddell St., Central, 2522-2466, www.tinyfootprints.com.

Bohemian Wrapsody An ingenious baby-wearing beach buy, the Duo Water Wrap by Wrapsody keeps you hands-free in the sea - invaluable if you’re keeping an eye on more than one kid. The quick-drying fabric is stretchy enough to be comfortable, while strong enough to be secure in the water. It’s also pretty versatile and can be used for yoga or other gentle exercise, making it good value too. $607. Buy online from petittippi.com.

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Family

Totes Kewl Mary and Marie’s beach totes are made from vegan-friendly recycled plastic, making them super-lightweight, durable and stylish. But it’s inside where things get really interesting. The entire hand-washable lining zips out, making it a doddle to shake out sand, rid yourself of sunscreen smears and mop up sippy cup spills. Plus, there’s a neoprene bottle holder to keep drinks cool and large mesh pockets that are perfect for stashing pirate treasure.

Beach bags range from $465-$820. Buy online from maryandmarieshop.com.

Let’s Talc About It Did you hear about the magic trick that rids you of sand? Impress everyone with this epic parenting hack using Neal’s Yard Remedies’ talc-free Lavender and Tea Tree body powder. Simply sprinkle on, and in the shake of a leg, all sand is right back where it belongs: on the beach. $100. Available from Neal’s Yard’s Hollywood Road flagship store.

65 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2155-0508, www. nealsyardremedies.com.

Bug Off Sand means sandflies, and here in Hong Kong, the dreaded’no see-’ems can cause relentless itching, particularly for little ones. Cherub Rubs’ all-organic Scatterbugs lotion is a DEETfree formula that contains no petrochemicals or artificial preservatives, colours or fragrances, making it safe for use on even the most delicate skin. $188. Available from Mothercare stores citywide, including Shop 305-307, 3/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Rd., Central, 2523-5704, www.mothercare.com.hk.

Screen Time It’s now known that sun damage sustained in childhood can make you up to 50 percent more likely to suffer from skin cancer in later life, so a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. MooGoo delivers a non-greasy SPF40 protection with added moisturising benefits from plant-derived ingredients. It also smells like coconut milkshake, encouraging even the most reluctant kiddos to slip, slop, slap. $200. Buy online at baobae.com.

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Family

FIT FAM with Kate Farr

It barely seems possible that summer’s already knocking on our door, but while the year is flying by, it also means it’s almost time for lazy beach days, ice creams in the park and jumping off the top of a junk for a spot of banana boating. And that’s just the parents. Here’s what’s on the healthy family’s radar for May.

AN EASY SELL Staring down piles of barely used kids’ clothes with no storage space? Want to cash in on their old designer duds and channel some funds towards your own? Retykle is a super-smart designer resale site that tackles the city’s teetering mound of outgrown kids’ outfits. Register online and Retykle will collect, photograph and list your kids’ used items online and, once sold, send you the proceeds. If your kids are sprouting ever skywards and your four-year-old’s clothing budget now rivals that of a Kardashian (raises hand), make sure you grab some quality designer gear at a fraction of the usual cost while you’re there. You’ll either make or save money on your kids’ wardrobe while also reducing landfill waste, which we count as a #parentingwin.

To register as a seller or to shop the online store, visit retykle.com

LET’S GET RIO Now everyone’s dressed to impress, it’s time to party like they do in Rio! The 2016 Brazilian Arts Fest takes place from May 24 to 29 this year, bringing eight guest teachers to Hong Kong for a series of dance, music and capoeira workshops, along with the grand finale: an authentic Brazilian party. With kids’ workshops running throughout the daytime and adult classes in the evening, this dual site event will take place in Central and Discovery Bay, giving urbanites and islanders of all ages the chance to learn more about Brazilian culture in a fun and accessible way. Each workshop costs $200, or $500 for unlimited classes.

For more information visit capoeirahk.com.

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Family

THE BIG SQUEEZE Squeezy baby food pouches are undeniably useful, with plenty of additive-free, organic options on the market to keep small tummies happy. However, a hardcore purée habit can be pretty tough on the wallet, and these one-hit wonders are also an eco mis-step, being pretty heavy on packaging for what, if we’re totally honest, often amounts to two seconds of actual eating versus ten minutes of coating everything in orange goo. Enter Squiz, a BPA, phthalate and PVC-free pouch that’s reusable up to 50 times. This Swiss range is easy to fill, freezer- and dishwasher-safe and features loads of cute designs, including everyone’s favourite baby shower gift, Sophie La Girafe. Time to put that Nutribullet to work. $170 for a pack of three. Buy online at themoonandbackhk.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

Clinics throughout Hong Kong Duddell Street, Central: 2526-7533 Repulse Bay Arcade: 2812-7231 Grand Centre TST: 2730-4437 New Town Tower, Sha Tin: 2604-4388 Yuen Long Centre: 27960-022 Visit www.byrne-hickman.com for details

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Q&A

Fishy Business

Aquaponics, a symbiotic system of plants grown using converted fish waste, is touted by many as the future of horticulture: it’s a natural, eco-friendly and pesticide-free method of growing crops. SuperFarm is a Hong Kong company that has brought aquaponics to homes, offices and schools with Potti, a self-contained desktop aquaponics system. We speak to Dick Chan Wing-hang, one of the founders of SuperFarm, to learn more.

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Q

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Q

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Can you tell us a little more about aquaponics and how the system works?

Aquaponic systems have three main components: fish, plants and microbes. The microbes are a commonly overlooked part of an aquaponic system, but they actually do the most important work in the nutrient cycle. Aquaponics uses no soil at all, but you can use either an alternative growing media such as clay pebbles, pumice stone, lava rock or gravel, or the plants can simply be grown in the nutrient-rich waters coming from the fish tanks.

What maintenance does the Potti require?

Once your Potti is set, all you have to do is feed the fish. Any common pond fish food is fine. It is however important to pay attention to the quantity and frequency of your feedings as the water quality may be affected.

Changing the water is not necessary with Potti as it is self-cleaning.

Is the enclosure a little small for the fish?

Are they happy in there?

The suggested volume of water for the Potti is six litres, which is a normal tank size for a home aquarium. We believe it large enough for goldfish to live happily in there.

We conducted an 18-month research program with the Institute of Vocational Education and found that goldfish are the best choice of fish for Potti.

How do you get the balance right in order for the fish and plants to coexist?

In order to achieve the best environment for both the fish and the plant, we have introduced a precisely calculated siphon system for water and nutrient circulation.

The roots will have enough water and air to breathe, and the water will be purified within one hour.

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Is an aquaponic system good for feng shui?

Do you find that customers buy them for this reason?

It was not our original intention to create a feng shui aid, but we do have customers buying Potti for this purpose, including one very famous feng shui master.

What kind of plants can you grow in an aquaponics system? What plants are best suited to Hong Kong's climate?

When it comes to types of plants, I would say most herbs, salad greens and cherry tomatoes work well. Some overseas reports say that succulent plants such as cactus and aloe vera can grown by aquaponics too.

Can you offer some plant care tips for novice aquaponics keepers?

Some plants require a “waking up� process they need to be soaked in warm water or tap water for one day when sprouting. We organise regular workshops and provide online support for all Potti owners so help is never far away.

Potti systems are $799 and can be ordered online at potti.hk (website in Chinese only).

Or shoot them an email at enquiry@superfarmhk.com.

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.

MANA! Raw

Raw food to go. Think vegan leaf wraps, smoothies, juices, raw balls, zoodles, chia puddings and more.

97 Wellington St., Central, 2259-5125, www.mana.hk.

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Peace of Green Rawsome Kitchen

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.

GRASS-FED MEAT Farmer’s Kitchen

2111-4553, www.facebook.com/

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 barbecue grills.

MayaCafeMediterraneanLifestyle.

www.farmerskitchen.com.hk.

G/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan,

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. www.facebook.com/pogkitchen.

Farmer’s Kitchen

MANA! Raw

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.

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, hormone-free 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 hormonefree cuts. Also has free-range 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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Hotshot Knead Supafood Yumtake 49

Back Page

Rugby is a contact sport, but you learn to cope with the contact and you learn to protect yourself.

My worst injury has probably been a concussion.

I went head-first into something - or someone! knocked my head and was out of the game for a few weeks.

Our toughest challenge was after Qingdao, the first leg of the Sevens series last year. We did really well, coming first, so it was then really hard going into the second leg and then not doing so well.

We came third overall instead of first or second.

Support for women’s rugby in Hong Kong is definitely growing in comparison to a few years ago.

I started playing rugby when I was in high school here in Hong Kong. I went to Sha Tin College. They started a rugby team and that’s how I got involved.

In Asia, the top four teams are very competitive and so [the Rugby Sevens Olympic entry] went to Japan, who well deserved it.

In Dublin we’re going to be playing teams like Russia, Spain, Ireland - teams with a very strong rugby background and good skills.

My toughest challenge is my fitness because I’m asthmatic. It’s mainly sports-induced so I’m always having to manage my asthma on the pitch and during games, and making sure I’m not pushing myself into an asthma attack.

We have a very small player base - we’re a city right? - so it would be great to see more girls coming to play in our leagues so we can have a bigger and more competitive league domestically.

I swim a lot and that is mainly because swimming has a lot of health benefits for asthmatics. I’m not a long distance runner - I like short, sharp sprints and that’s about it.

I’m planning to keep going for as long as I can, as long as I don’t get an injury.

I coach under-16 girls for my club, the USRC Tigers.

I’m planning to go back to school and maybe do a Masters as I’ve just graduated from uni - I’ve got time to figure out what I want to do!

The air pollution definitely affects it. Some days are worse than others.

HOW I LIV

NATASHA OLSON-THORNE The captain of the women’s rugby sevens team, Natasha Olson-Thorne leads Hong Kong’s squad of professional female rugby players. Ahead of their tournament in Dublin this June, where they will be competing for a repechage, or “wild card” spot at the Rio Olympics, she talks to Liv about her rugby journey.

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