Liv Magazine November 2015

FITNESS

NUTRITION

WELLBEING

TRAVEL

E CO

S PA

FREE

NOVEMBER 2015 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . c o m

YOGA EVENTS GALORE PHOTOS FROM OUR LAUNCH PARTY

Get Fruity with our wet market juicing guide

The Sweet Escape allergy-friendly cakes (that taste good too!)

Wellness Retreats

for every type of traveler

Why social fitness is taking off in Hong Kong WIN dining vouchers, juice cleanses and organic beauty kits on page 18

NOVEMBER 04 Editor’s Letter

LIV | NEWS 06 It’s a Date

Events for your diary

10 Hot Right Now

New on the wellness scene

12 Fresh Cuts

Restaurant news that’s good for you

15 Cheat Day

Your monthly food porn

19 Column

We send a skeptic to try out a gong bath

LIV | STORIES 20 Fit Friends

How Hong Kong’s fitness scene has gotten seriously social

LIV | MORE 28 Food

Allergy-friendly cupcakes that actually taste good

31 Recipe

Palak Paneer from Grub & Co

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33 Pamper

The verdict on Sparadise’s organic mani-pedi

34 Travel

We’ve got wellness retreats up the wazoo

40 Family

Public or private: we weigh in on the Great Hospital Debate

44 Q&A

Talking muscles with champion bodybuilder Adriana Gonzalez

50 How I Liv

Green Monday’s David Yeung

26 Market Fresh

Asian produce for your juicer

28

44

EDITOR’S LETTER

FITNESS IN HONG KONG

has gotten social. Rather than hitting the gym for a solo run or a headphoneclad weights session, increasing numbers of us are using apps, fitness clubs and fun workout events to burn some energy, shake out some stress, and socialise at the same time. For our cover story this month, we’ve taken a closer look at how social fitness is shaping our wellness landscape and allowing us to catch up with friends, network and even find love as we move our bodies. Learn more on p.20.

Elsewhere, we’ve taken a tour of the wet market to find some locallygrown produce for your juicer (p.26). Shopping local not only helps to reduce the carbon footprint of your morning green juice; your wallet will thank you as well. And from choi sum to dragonfruit to red bean, our local market stalls have goodies that pack a legitimate nutritional punch. Who needs kale when you’ve got kai lan?

November must be Hong Kong’s unofficial yoga season, as we’ve got more yoga events than you can shake a rain stick at. There are also tons of races and trail running events taking place just about every weekend for the rest of the year. Check out our Calendar on p.6 to find out more.

With increasing numbers of us suffering from food intolerances, we’ve put together a list of bakeries that cater to allergies (p.30). Whether you need something that’s free from gluten, egg, dairy or sugar, you’ll find a patisserie here capable of whipping up a tasty treat.

Live well, but don’t forget to have fun too!

Sarah

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS This month, fitness fanatic Zoe Belhomme reports on the social side of fitness for our cover story, looking at how fitness is way more fun with friends.

Mum-of-two Kate Farr has weighed up the pros and cons of the great public/private hospital debate for our family story this month. She’s also got the scoop on Mumba, a new baby-wearing fitness trend to hit Hong Kong.

Green Queen Sonalie Figueiras knows that even if you have food allergies, you can still enjoy a sweet treat. Check out her roundup of bakeries making free-from goodies.

For this issue, wellness novice Andrea Lo tries a gong bath. No idea what a gong bath is?

You can find out by reading Andrea’s “Well I Never” column.

Travel writer Kate Springer has rounded up a wellness retreat for every kind of holiday maker, and also dishes the news on Thailand’s Wonderfruit festival.

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 JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS ZOE BELLHOMME, KATE FARR, SONALIE FIGUEIRAS, ANDREA LO, KATE SPRINGER RESEARCHER VALARIKA JAIN SPECIAL THANKS ZACH HINES, BLACKIE HUI, EDMUND IP, TOM HILDITCH PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING Copyright 2015 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 This month’s hottest happenings

NOVEBER 15

CLEAN THE COAST The Green Race, a newly-established trail running community, is hosting a run and trail cleanup to Tai Long Wan. Work up a sweat, protect Hong Kong’s nature trails and reward yourself with a bracing ocean dip afterwards.

Free. Meetup: 10am at the Pak Tam Road ferry pier in Sai Kung. More details at “The Green Race HK” Facebook page or by emailing info@ thegreenrace.run.

NOVEMBER 20-22

WELL WEEKEND

Fancy a yoga retreat without having to jet off to Thailand? Local yoga instructor Charlotte Douglas (pictured) is hosting a retreat right here in Hong Kong at the Kadoorie Centre in Yuen Long. The weekend includes five yoga classes, twice-daily meditation sessions, a movie night, accommodation and all (vegetarian) meals, which will be provided by ayurvedic chef Lakshmi Harilela of Love True Food. All experience levels welcome. $4,350. Book your spot through Eventbrite, by emailing charlotte@lovelifehk.com or by calling 6680-0340. Kadoorie Centre: Lam Kam Road, Shek Kong, Yuen Long, 2488-5000.

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Calendar

NOVEMBER 14

SLACK OFF

Flex yoga studio is turning 10 this month, and to celebrate it’s hosting a Yoga and Wellness Festival on the grassy outdoor podium in Cyberport. This all-day event will see healthy food and drink stalls, yoga workshops for adults and kids, shopping and live performances. You won’t want to miss out on a class with YogaSlackers (pictured), who have come all the way from the US to run workshops on yoga slacklining and acro-yoga. The festival is free, but if you want to take part in a class you need to book and pay ahead of time. Can’t get a spot on the 14th? No worries, the YogaSlackers will be running classes out of Flex on November 21-22.

9am-6pm, The Podium, Cyberport, Tickets from www.flexhk.com.

NOVEMBER 14

THE GREAT ESCAPE

Your Escape, Hong Kongs’ biggest outdoor yoga festival is hitting the Central Harbourfront space. Expect classes, workshops and booths showcasing Hong Kong’s healthiest products to thousands of yogis.

Free. 10am-11pm, New Central Harbourfront, tiny.cc/yourescape-hk.

NOV 11-13 DON’T MISS

COSMOPROF ASIA

NOV 24-25 MR. OLYMPIA AMA-

JAN 31 2016 CHINA COAST MARATHON

Beauty junkies: Get your TEUR ASIA 2015 AND HALF-MARATHON fix at the largest beauty Asia’s biggest bodybuilding This popular run takes you products expo in town. competition. Go cheer through Pak Tam Chung in Sai Nov 11-13, Hall E, Hong on Hong Kong’s henchest Kung. $400 for early bird registration, Kong Convention and pose-strikers. 6pm, 3/F, Star which closes December 14. $500 Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart thereafter. Enquiries and registration: Rd., Wan Chai, www.

Drive, Kowloon Bay. Tickets chinacoastmarathon2016@gmail.com or cosmoprof-asia.com. $500 for a 2-day pass from book online through www.avohk.org. hkticketing.com.

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Calendar

NOVEMBER 22

PAINT THE TOWN RED

According to the Department of Health, a shocking average of two new HIV infections were recorded each day in the second quarter of 2015 right here in Hong Kong. Do your part to support AIDS Concern, which aims to eliminate stigma, new infections and deaths from HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong, by signing up to the Love Love Run. This fun run (4 or 15k) takes you around the picturesque Tai Po Waterfront Park, with plenty of game booths, performances and even free gelato from Holly Brown. All runners will receive a treat-filled goodie bag designed by Stanley Wong, aka anothermountainman, who is known for reimagining Hong Kong’s classic red-white-blue shopping bags into new, cool designs. The race is $250 for the 4k or $280 for the 14k.

8am-noon, Tai Po Pak Shek Kok Waterfront Park. loveloverun.com.

Elsewhere, The Langham is offering a special “TRIPLE ZERO RED” menu at The Bostonian restaurant from November 13 to December 12, also in support of AIDS Concern. The four-course meal has a red theme running throughout - take the baked scallop with sundried tomatoes (pictured) to start, followed by the Bostonian’s signature lobster bisque. For mains there’s a petit filet mignon served with cranberry Johnny cake, asparagus and crispy beetroot, and a forest berry panna cotta to finish. The special menu is $480 per head and 10 percent of proceeds will go to AIDS Concern.

Alternatively, pull up a seat at the hotel’s Artesian bar, and order a 2-5-0 cocktail - 10 percent of proceeds from sales will also go to AIDS Concern. And don’t forget: World AIDS Day is December 1.

NOVEMBER 6

GLOW WITH THE FLOW

Social yoga classes just went to a whole new level with Flow in the Dark, a large-scale yoga event in PMQ. Co-hosted by event planners Whoopee Club and yogawear brand A Day with Fe, the event starts with a yoga class in the dark, followed by an art and dance session, and finally an after-party at Sohofama with a complimentary hand-crafted mocktail.

Yoga class: 7:30pm; after-party: 9pm. Tickets $250 in advance from flowinthedarkhk.eventbrite.hk or $300 on the door. The Qube, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central.

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Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene

Common Grounds

Central just got a huge new healthy living superstore that you just have to check out. Health food store Green Common (by the same guys behind the Green Monday project) and lifestyle brand Ovo have joined forces in a vast concept space that combines a healthy supermarket to the left with a vegetarian cafe and florist to the right. There’s even free filtered water for anyone who brings their own bottle.

The store is part of Nan Fung Place, a new fourstorey wellness destination conceived by business conglomerate Nan Fung Group. It’s the perfect spot to grab a delish vegetarian meal, followed by a whiz around the store to stock up on healthy essentials.

Shop 1, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, 2263-3153, www.greencommon.com.

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NEED SOME COACHING? If your deadlines are getting on top of you and you’re experiencing more stress than serenity, you might want to book in with a life coach. From now until December 2, The Mandarin Oriental is hosting life coach Anna Mathisen as a visiting consultant. She’s holding one-on-one consultations ($1,400 for 60 minutes) where she’ll give you the tools to tap into your inner resiliency and enhance self-awareness, willpower and physical health. There are also group workshops taking place throughout her residency; the ones on November 8 and December 2 (both 7-9pm) focus on physical fitness and motivation. These are $600 per workshop, or book both at $1,200 and receive a private 60-minute consultation. Sign us up!

24/F, The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Connaught Rd., Central, 2825-4088, mandarinoriental.com/hongkong.

Cool Stuff

Remember Movember

It’s Movember, which means that dapper dudes citywide will be sprouting silly facial hair in the name of raising money for men’s health issues. This year the campaign is focusing on the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, and is encouraging both men and women to do 30 minutes’ of physical activity every day for the month of November. Get sponsored and track your progress on your donation page, or just use it as mo-tivation (sorry) to get out of your chair. Log onto hk.movember.com for more info on where the funds are directed, and to keep tabs on fun Movember events happening near you.

GYM BALLER IF THE SHOE FITS…

Hong Kong-raised, London-based shoe designer Beatrix Ong, former creative director at Jimmy Choo (at age 22, no less) has released a new minimalist shoe collection with an anti-waste design and manufacturing process that we can really get behind. The “Wen” canvas plimsolls are inspired by “Beijing old shoes” with a hint of British tailoring, and are made to order ensuring no wastage. The shoes are seasonless, meaning that they’re designed to be a long term investment that won’t fall in and out of fashion. What’s more, the insoles are made from bamboo and charcoal, natural deodorizers that maximise comfort and breathability. The shoes are 188 pounds and are available for international pre-order now at www.beatrixong.com.

If you’re a tech fiend who likes to train in style, you’ll be delighted to learn that the W Hotel is now offering gym memberships. They’ve also introduced the “Techno Ball” - a tech-loaded fit ball that can track your workout - to Hong Kong. If you buy a gym membership before the end of November, you can take home a wellness ball (valued at $4,000) and also get five training sessions to teach you how to use it properly. The membership will also grant you access to various exercise classes held by the gym, plus the 73rd floor outdoor rooftop swimming pool. Annual membership is $42,500 - no small chunk of change - but just think of the kudos that comes with being a member of the coolest gym in town.

73/F, The W Hotel, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon.

Enquiries: 9666-6403, www.w-hongkong.com.

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Dining

FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you

MANA, OH MANA

There are plenty of outlets around town that fly the eco-friendly flag, but none practice what they preach quite like the folks at Mana!, who have worked hard to declare their restaurants officially zero-waste, from the biodegradable plant-based packaging, right down to composting diners’ leftovers and kitchen scraps. Since the restaurant group opened in 2012 (it now has three outlets: two on Wellington Street and the new Mana! Cafe in PoHo, pictured), it’s composted some 63 tons of food waste. Not only that, each month it diverts 110 kilos of packaging away from the landfill, and gives away free drinking water that could have otherwise been charged at $180,000. How’s that for a guiltfree coffee break?

Mana! Cafe: 8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan, 2347-8555, www.mana.hk.

ICE TO MEET YOU

We are so excited about the launch of Ice N Lean, primarily because this high protein, low-sugar ice cream company has managed to successfully combine one of our favourite desserts with real nutritional value. Made with whey isolate protein, organic milk from grass-fed cows, raw organic cacao and a tiny bit of raw coconut sugar, these chocolate ice creams have the taste and texture of the real thing, but without the additives and calories. The ice cream comes in two varieties: Light (10 grams of protein, 125 calories) and Muscle (20 grams of protein, 160 calories). Ice N Lean plans to roll out more flavours and products soon, so watch this space.

Available at gyms and health food stores citywide, including Just Green, Spicebox Organics, Epic MMA and The Store. icenlean.com.

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Dining

WHAT DO HEALTHY PEOPLE EAT?

Victor Chau, instructor at Epic Yoga and Lululemon ambassador.

Sum up your food philosophy in a sentence.

Anything in its most natural form, or that can be cooked at home.

What do you usually have for breakfast?

Home baked bread, muesli with homemade yoghurt, espresso and freshly squeezed juice.

What three items do you always have in your fridge?

Butter, apples and celery.

Where do you go for a quick, healthy lunch?

I pack my own sandwich for lunch most of the time. But if I’m out and about and lunchless, then I’d go to Cali-Mex for a cheesy quesadilla or a veggie taco.

What do you eat after yoga?

Normally a mix of almonds, cashew nuts and raisins.

Sometimes a vegan protein bar by Vega (shop.myvega.com).

What’s your go-to snack How do you make healthy when you need a boost? choices when you’re eating out?

A Snickers chocolate bar I’m 95 percent vegetarian so I know it’s very bad and I will order anything with sugary, but if I’m so tired that vegetables. If I’m taken to a I’m about to faint, I buy one steakhouse or a burger place then for a quick pick-me-up.

I’ll opt for a seafood alternative.

Basically the ingredients need to be When was the last time you as fresh as possible. ate McDonalds?

August 20. I was stuck at the What’s your one food airport in Nanning, Guangxi. weakness that you can’t The only non-Chinese option give up? was McDonald’s so I had a French Fries! mocha. I managed to resist the temptation of getting the fries.

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Dining

JUICY GOSSIP

The designer juice trend continues unabated, with the official opening of Be-Juiced Bar on Hollywood Road, which has branched out from its delivery-only cleanse service with a proper retail location. It has more than 22 juice and mylk blends, including “Oh My Gazpacho’, a savoury tomato-based juice that’s a great lunch substitute. There’s also a frozen acai bowl bar (pictured), where you top up your blended acai and banana base with a selection of healthy superfoods, such as fresh fruit, raw cacao nibs or granola. It’s got competition though: Catch Juicery has opened up on 67 Wellington Street, and Michelin chef Akrame Benallal’s Water Juicery is also entering the market this month.

49 Peel St., Central, 3693-4550, www.bejuiced-hk.com.

EVER THE OPTIMISTS

Wan Chai’s new three-story dining destination, The Optimist, may not exactly bill itself as a healthconscious restaurant, but if you’re looking for lean protein and paleo-friendly dining options, it’s a great spot for a dinner that’s low on starch but still tons of fun. The restaurant specialises in Spanish-style grilled meat and fish: the showstoppers here are the Txuleta steaks (pictured), massive cuts of grassfed ribeye that weigh in at a minimum of 1 kilo and are strictly to share. For something a little lighter, the Basque-style grilled turbot comes to the table whole at a minimum of 1.4 kilos. And for sides? Think endamame with egg and truffle, charcoal grilled vegetables or a salad of fresh burrata and Spanish tomatoes. Just ask them to hold the potatoes.

G/F-2/F, 239 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2433-3324, www.theoptimist.hk.

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Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

EASY PEASY, BALINESEY

Balinese hotspor TRi has unveiled a decadent but not-overindulgent weekend brunch.

The seven-course feast is modern Balinese with a fine-dining twist - think beautifully plated Indonesian twists on brunch classics. Take the kemangi-lime island fruit salad with dairy-free coconut yogurt to start, followed by sharing platters of smaller bites such as heirloom tomatoes with soybean tempeh and kaffir lime, and pan-fried chicken curry flatbreads. For mains, you can choose from a menu that includes the signature coral trout (pictured), beef cheek rendang, and Jimbaran Iberico pork ribs. TRi’s gorgeous, sustainable interiors complement the beachside views and add to the serious holiday vibe. Cozy up in a show-stopping bamboo nest table, or sidle up beside the living green wall, and insta your heart out.

11am-1pm or 1pm-4pm. $680 per head includes free-flow Louis Roederer champagne.

Shop 302, 3/F, Lobby C, The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2515-0577, www.tri.hk.

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Hong Kong’s wellness magazine throws a party in honour of its first issue.

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A huge thank you all our friends, sponsors and clients who came down to Liv Magazine’s launch party on October 8. Held on Sohofama’s outdoor terrace. Guests were treated to delicious locavore canapes from Sohofama’s chefs, including soba noodles, spring rolls and drunken eggs.

On the drinks front, guests were served biodynamic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Chile’s Matetic Vineyards, courtesy of Wine N Things. Cocktail consultants Spirit of Spirits also mixed up bespoke drinks made with

Hanson Organic Vodka, courtesy of Woodside Wine & Spirits.

As guests departed, they got to take home a goodie bag featuring samples from French skincare brand Caudalie, a raw vegan snack bar from Foodcraft, a flavoured coconut water from Jax Coco, and organic tea bags from Spicebox Organics. Each guest also received discount vouchers from Bodywize, Wine N Things, Jack & Sparrow and Genie Juicery. All of the party photos can be found on Liv Magazine’s Facebook page.

A huge thank you from the Liv Magazine team, and see you at the next bash!

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S FR T E U E F F !

WIN: a $1,000 dining voucher for Sohofama Locavore restaurant Sohofama serves up modern homely Chinese food that’s sustainable, healthy and locally sourced where possible. It even has an outdoor urban farm and herb garden where you can kick back with a coconut and a steamer of their signature xiaolongbao dumplings. We have a $1,000 dining voucher up for grabs so you can take a friend for a sustainable, low-carbon-footprint feast.

Unit SG09-SG14, G/F, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central, 2858-8238, sohofama.com.

Deadline: November 27

WIN: A juice cleanse from Mr. Green Juice Ever wanted to try a cleanse but didn’t know where to start? Mr. Green Juice delivers cold-pressed juices to your home in its signature reusable glass bottles, and starting from this month you’ll find a copy of Liv Magazine bundled in there too! To celebrate, we are giving away three “Cleanse Easy” one-day cleanses, containing six tasty juices to get you through the day. Each cleanse is valued at $528. mrgreenjuice.com.

Deadline: November 27

WIN: A travel-sized organic skincare set from Green People Fresh out of the UK, Green People is an-all natural, ethical and organic beauty brand that’s free from harsh chemicals and synthetic colours and fragrances. It arrives in Hong Kong courtesy of ethical online shopping platform Inspired Collection. Each set contains a 30ml cleanser, fruit scrub and 24-hour cream, all contained in a travel pouch by Smateria, which produces ethical bags in Cambodia.

Each set is worth $350 and we’ve got six to give away. Didn’t get lucky this time? Inspired Collection offers a free sachet sample delivery service so you can try before you buy. Just email info@inspired-collection.com. to make a request. inspired-collection.com.

Deadline: November 27

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

Column

WELL I NEVER...

GONG SONG Our resident wellness newbie Andrea Lo dips her toe into a gong bath.

My skepticism, she later told me, was written all over my face

What is a gong bath, you ask? When I first heard that I was going to be sent to one, I thought I was going to be submerged in a pool of water. What actually happens is that you lie on the floor surrounded by gongs, while someone hits each of them in turn.

The idea is that the sound waves generated by this centuries-old practice have healing powers, and can help soothe the mind.

As a wellness newbie with zero experience in holistic treatments, I was utterly skeptical.

How can the sound waves from a bunch of bronze plates clanging around do anything more than give you a headache?

My gong bath took place at Red Doors Studio in Wong Chuk Hang, which is run

by Martha Collard, a fascinating character who’s been in Hong Kong for more than 30 years and is, among other things, a labyrinth builder, Boy Scout leader, Kundalini yoga instructor and the owner of the largest private Paiste gong collection in Asia. Red Doors is a cosy space that opens up to a sun-drenched fitness studio, the only difference from your regular zumba or yoga class being that there’s a single yoga mat and blanket on the floor, and it’s surrounded by 14 massive gongs.

Martha talked me through the exercise before we began. She would hit the gongs, The sound would then supposedly bring me

into a meditative state and relax my mind.

The treatment is popular with over-stressed, over-worked Hongkongers, and Martha guaranteed that I’d fall asleep during the session. My skepticism, she tells me later, was written all over my face.

I lay flat on the yoga mat and placed a piece of cloth over my eyes. The bath began with Martha instructing me to carry out breathing exercises and gentle movements such as hugging my knees and rocking from left to right. Then the gong-hitting began.

It was gentle at first, but as Martha hit more and more gongs, their reverberations filled the room and the sound became louder and louder.Kind of like the soundtrack to a space movie.

The next thing I knew, I woke up to the sounds of the gongs slowly fading away. Huh, I had fallen asleep after all.

I only managed to nap for about 20 minutes but when I got up I felt amazing - a vast improvement from the “disco naps” I take before heading out to a party, which generally leave me feeling groggy. I had a slight headache before the gong bath, which had disappeared completely by the time the session was over.

While I still need a convincing on some of the more dramatic health effects of gong bathing (Martha says a gong bath helped break down her kidney stone), I definitely found it to be far more relaxing than expected, and it was far easier to slip into a meditative state with the help of the gongs.

If you don’t have the mental calmness for a full meditation class, this might be a good introduction.

Red Doors Studio, 21/F, Lee Fund Centre, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2110-0152, red-doors.com.

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WE CAN

WORK IT OUT

Who says that working out needs to be boring?

Hongkongers all over the city are grabbing their friends, swiping their phone screens, and socialising as they get fit, writes Zoe Bellhomme.

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e all know that exercising with friends motivates you to push yourself harder during training – you’re also much less likely to press the snooze button at 6am if you’ve got a friend waiting for you at the gym. But the basic concept of social fitness has come a long way from simply calling up a friend and asking them to come work out with you. From devices that let you compare your performance with friends on the other side of the world to apps that help you find a date with other fitness fans, or even exercise events that seem more like club nights, the new way to work out, it seems, is with your tribe.

This year, three “fitness sharing” apps launched here in Hong Kong: Guavapass, KFit and Class Cruiser. Designed for people who appreciate flexibility and prefer group classes and alternative activities to the typical gym session, these platforms require you to sign up for a monthly membership, which then gives you access to a huge selection of gyms and fitness studios all over the city.

Antonia Da Cruz, General Manager of Gauvapass Hong Kong says, “We’re expecting to see this trend of ‘social fitness’ continue. Friends no longer just want to meet for Sunday brunch or a bottle of wine after work, they want to do something fun and active together - maybe even try an activity they haven’t done before. We’re seeing a lot more companies creating microsocial networks for their users due to the escalating demand for this”.

HOW VERY APP

A side-by-side comparison of Hong Kong’s three social fitness apps:

GUAVAPASS THE GIST: Guavapass comes to Hong Kong via Singapore. It’s also got branches in Bangkok, Shanghai, Dubai and Melbourne, with more cities to come. Getting a membership in one country grants you access to all locations.

THE COST: $899 per month WHAT ELSE: “Guavaperks” scores you invites to exclusive events, community classes, workshops, talks and discounts from Guavapass partners.

KFIT THE GIST: A fitness sharing platform and app that originated in Malaysia, KFit has a huge range of classes from some 466 venue partners. Many are smaller studios outside of Hong Kong Island. #KFithappyhour lets you meet and socialise with other KFitters.

THE COST: $499 per month WHAT ELSE: Everyone is entitled to one KFit class per month for free, no credit card required.

And, if you refer a friend, you get money off your following month’s subscription.

CLASS CRUISER THE GIST: Hong Kong’s homegrown fitness sharing platform, Class Cruiser focuses on driving users to local fitness enterprises. It has a “friends” section where you can see what classes your buddies have booked.

THE COST: $899 per month.

WHAT ELSE: Its app is launching soon, which will make booking into a class even easier. A full list of venue partners can be found online, no sign-in required.

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Da Cruz adds, “One of the cycling classes listed on our app has a ‘happy hour’ and dance studios now host bachelorette parties.

By socialising fitness, hopefully more people will see that it doesn’t have to be intimidating it can be fun and take on so many different forms.”

Even your love life can’t hide from the rise of social fitness. California-based Jaha has just announced it will be launching in Hong Kong in the next few months. The intelligent location-based fitness friend finder offers health-conscious people of all ages a unique way of finding and chatting with folks who share common fitness goals - it has even been referred to as the “Tinder of fitness”. Users create a profile including a bio, pictures, and

Find fellow fitties with Jaha

interests so they can track their own daily activity, connect with other app users who are in their region, create challenges for friendly competitions or just simply share tips with others in the community.

Fitness trackers have become almost as normal as a wristwatch, and they’re not just worn by the super fit. Popular bands such as the FitBit or Jawbone include IoT technology that connects with your phone and monitors your movement and vitals such as heart rate throughout the day. These apps have the capability to link you up with your friends through smartphones so you can see how your performance matches against theirs. Through apps such as Strava you can easily share your achievements through social channels such as Facebook and Twitter - the potential embarrassment of everyone knowing your terrible 5k time is likely to spur most of us to run that little bit faster.

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r an n ise ok ssio Cru o b se lass ut: ga g o y yo i t h C n h a a v i t ze w i r t’s Le nti-g dyw a t Bo a

Cover Story Gr a Ac b a f roYo riend ga wi and th t Gu r y av ap ass

if you’re a flyer or a base, and the instructor will safely guide you into all sorts of perfectly balanced poses. Classes are popping across the city but we love Yoga Bam Bam in Sheung Wan. $200 ($150 for your first session). www.yogabambam.com.

WORKOUT FRIEND FINDER

Follow these fun exercise clubs to add some sweat to your social life.

NO LIGHTS NO LYCRA Born from the belief that everyone should be able to shake their bootie without judgment, NLNL is a casual free-form dance class in the dark. Bring a buddy and get ready to throw some mad shapes.

Every other Wednesday in Shek Tong Tsui. $50. www.nolightsnolycra.com

THE WHOOPEE CLUB This events collective was created for those who want to “be part of a conscious global groovement”.

In addition to throwing their own shindigs, such as glow-in-thedark yoga parties, they also share and promote cool events they’re involved in, including the recent Secret Island Party, Omfest and Imagine Peace festivals. Sign up to keep up with what’s on the horizon. www.facebook.com/ whoopeeclub.

ACRO-YOGA A combination of yoga and acrobatics, this practice is a fun and slightly more intimate yoga experience than you might be used to - and to do it you need a fellow fit friend. Grab a partner, decide

HONG KONG HIKING MEET UP Hong Kong’s largest hiking group has more than 15,000 members and arranges hikes almost every day of the year.

Meetups are generally free and vary from from basic hiking to bushwhacking, stream trekking and more. See Hong Kong from a different perspective and join here: www.meetup.com/ hongkonghikingmeetup.

BIKINI FIT An outdoor ladies-only bootcamp class that encourages women to engage in friendly competition, build friendships, network and push each other to reach their fitness goals. The “Bikini Fit Mafia”, as they’re known, has a dedicated following. www.bikinifit.com.hk.

HK HARBOUR RUNNERS A free weekly running club that meets at 8pm Wednesday on alternating sides of the harbour for an 8k run. Bring a friend and set your own pace. harbourrunners.hk.

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midst a number of dairy product recalls in the Hong Kong market, consumers are looking for a quality and safe choice of milk. Daioni, the award-winning British milk brand, is now available to meet this.

FIRST BRITISH ORGANIC DAIRY BRAND Daioni, which is certified organic by the UK Soil Association, comes from happy cows that are free to roam and graze over acres of British farmland. Daioni has also received organic accreditation from the China Quality Certification Centre, making it the first British dairy brand in the Mainland China market. In Hong Kong, Daioni proudly supplies organic milk to Pret-a-Manger’s outlets throughout the city.

DAIONI IS HEALTHY, DELICIOUS AND FULLY TRACEABLE.

DELICIOUS AND SAFE To preserve product integrity, Daioni’s long-life milk is UHT-treated and stored in special aseptic packaging. This enables Daioni to retain all the flavours and nutrients of quality organic milk, while safeguarding against spoiling through the entire supply chain.

The Daioni brand was founded by farmer Laurence Harris. For the past 40 years, the heart of the business has been Ffosyficer farm in West Wales. Recent expansion in the East has been spearheaded by son, Ben Harris, who now calls Hong Kong home. With a young family here, the Harris family is passionate about supplying Hong Kong with milk that’s nutritious, delicious and 100 percent safe.

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Studies show that organic milk is:...

• Higher in antioxidants • Higher in vitamins, especially A, C and E • Higher in minerals

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Daioni’s organic milk is free from the following: • Pesticides or synthetic fertilisers • Synthetic growth or breeding hormones

• Antibiotics • GMOs • Pollution and dangerous waste

One-litre cartons of long-life organic milk, available in whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed Price: $32-$36 200ml cartons of naturally flavoured, low-sugar organic milk in chocolate, strawberry and banana Price: $12-15 Daioni is available at leading supermarkets citywide, including Citysuper, Market Place by Jasons, Oliver’s the Delicatessen, AEON, Foodwise, Organic Plus and Apita

Learn more at www.daioni.co.uk, or find us

Juicy Secrets

Tired of spending a fortune on fancy fruits for your home juicer? Ditch the designer deli and see what your friendly local wet market has to offer. By Sarah Fung

G

etting in on Hong Kong’s juice craze? Good for you.

Veggie-rich juices (go easy on the sugary fruits) are a quick way to pack in a day’s worth of vitamins in one easy drink. But if you’re finding that all those recipes calling for expensive imported produce are starting to get a little tough on the wallet, look to our city’s cheap and plentiful Asian ingredients to make health -boosting drinks that are super fresh, high in health benefits, and with a low carbon footprint to boot.

Bitter Melon

WHAT IS IT: It’s an acquired taste to say the least, but bitter melon, or fu gua, is popular in Chinese stir-fries and is thought to have “cooling” properties. Local juice stores have been serving it for years.

GOOD FOR YOU: Studies have shown that bitter melon may be effective at lowering blood glucose levels, while a 2013 study also indicated that rates of pancreatic cancer in mice lowered significantly when given bitter melon juice.

Scientists need to do more research on this vegetable, but initial findings are positive.

TRY IT WITH: Your favourite green juice recipe perhaps as a substitute for curly kale.

Pak Choi

WHAT IS IT: One of the most commonly used leafy greens in Chinese cooking, pak choi is served on just about every Chinese dinner table in the city, often stir-fried with ginger and garlic.

GOOD FOR YOU: Low in calories and high in fibre, pak choi has recently been touted as a superfood in the west. It’s also an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, calcium and a host of other healthy minerals.

TRY IT WITH: Carrot (the large Chinese-style carrots are deliciously sweet) and ginger.

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Choi Sum

WHAT IS IT: Another very common Chinese veggie, choi sum is a gorgeous dark leafy green, enjoyed in a similar way to pak choi. For juicing, remove the stalks first as they can be fibrous and tough.

GOOD FOR YOU: Choi sum has many of the same health benefits as pak choi, with a healthy dose of B-complex vitamins, carotene and folic acid to round out its healthy credentials.

TRY IT WITH: Apple, lemon and cucumber.

Tofu

WHAT IS IT: The white blocks of tofu you see in the market are made with coagulated soy milk, which itself is made from ground soybeans that have been mixed with water. To thicken smoothies and make them more filling, silken tofu is your best bet.

Dragonfruit

WHAT IS IT: A brightly coloured cactus fruit, dragonfruit is a mild-tasting juicy fruit containing many small, edible seeds. It’s named for its bright pink skin, which looks a bit like dragon scales.

GOOD FOR YOU: Low in sugar and high in vitamins, these fruits can help bulk out a juice without sending its sugar content through the roof. The seeds make the fruit a good source of fibre and monosaturated fats. With its anti-inflammatory properties, you can even apply it to your skin to soothe sunburns and other irritations.

GOOD FOR YOU: At just over eight grams of protein per 100 grams, tofu has a similar protein content to cow’s milk. Soy protein is also thought to lower your bad cholesterol levels.

TRY IT WITH: Soft berries, nut butter, honey or vanilla - or as a replacement in recipes that call for bananas.

TRY IT WITH: Chinese pear, lime juice and mint for a dragonfruit “faux-jito”.

Adzuki Beans

Known in Cantonese simply as “red bean”, adzuki beans are a popular ingredient in Chinese desserts. Don’t forget to soak them for one to two hours before using.

GOOD FOR YOU: Adzuki beans are high in dietary fibre, making them good for digestion and heart health. They’re also an excellent source of potassium and protein. In addition to being nutritious, they’re also filling, which can help if you’re trying to reduce portion sizes.

TRY IT WITH: Coconut milk, bananas and figs for a healthy take on the classic Cantonese red bean ice drink.

Food Top left and bottom right: Baking Maniac; Top right and bottom left: The Cake Minstrel

...and eat it too, with these allergy- and intolerance-friendly specialty bakeries, writes Green Queen’s Sonalie Figueiras.

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Food

TETE A TETE

SWEET SECRETS

One of the first bakeries to bring gluten-free options to Hong Kong, Sweet Secrets can make cakes, cookies, brownies and other sweet treats that are

Tete a Tete’s fully vegan kitchen means that there’s no risk of contamination from egg or dairy in its cupcakes, cheesecakes, breads, bars and cookies.

You’ll also find options that are variously free of sugar, gluten, nut and soy. Order via Facebook and email. www.facebook.com/teteatetebakery

free from gluten, dairy or eggs. As an added bonus, an express order option is available, with cakes delivered to you the next day. You can order via email, phone, or just drop in to the store.

BAKING MANIAC

G/F, 35 Graham St., Central, 2545-8886, www.sweetsecrets.com.hk.

Don’t let the fact that the Baking Maniac is 18-yearold Ankrish Gidwani: this baker has serious chops.

If it’s a celebration cake you’re after, then the gorgeous, elaborate creations are sure to impress.

The cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, dessert cups and tarts can all be modified to be gluten- and egg-free and organic ingredients are used where possible.

Substitutions include rice milk instead of dairy, yogurt and vinegar instead of egg, And as a bonus, a portion of all sales go to charity. How sweet!

Order via the website or Facebook. www.bakingmaniac.me.

THE CAKE MINSTREL

If you have a serious gluten intolerance, The Cake Minstrel’s certified gluten-free facility should give you some peace of mind, There are cakes, cupcakes, breads, muffins, donuts and profiteroles all available if you’d like to try something a little different. You can also find dairy- or egg-free items, as well as some made with lower-GI coconut sugar.

Its breads and vegan-friendly cupcakes are available at Spicebox Organics stores. Order via email or Facebook. www.thecakeminstrel.com

NICHE

SWEETPEA PATISSERIE

Sweetpea Patisserie uses organic ingredients where possible, and many items are baked with organic coconut sugar, a healthier option than refined. If you need to go gluten- or dairy-free, the team here can accommodate such requests.

The patisserie is inspired by French and Japanese desserts, so expect unusual flavours such as passionfruit chiffon, rhubarb cupcakes or japanese pumpkin cheesecake. Order by email or phone. www.sweetpeapatisserie.com.

The cakes and cupcakes at Niche are always organic, and if you’re looking for options that are free from gluten, nuts or refined sugar, then the master bakers can accommodate with ease. For flavours, think east-meets-west creations such as pandan and vanilla, or a rather more sinful banana with dulce de leche Malteaser cream cheese.

Vegan options also available. www.facebook.com/NicheFood

Sonalie Figuerias is the founder and editor-in-chief of Green Queen, Hong Kong’s premier green living platform. www.greenqueen. com.hk.

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Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

PALAK PANEER By chef Christian Rasmus, Grub & Co

This vegetarian Indian dish is packed with vitamins, iron and omega-3 thanks to the spinach base, while the paneer (cottage cheese) provides a protein hit.

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • • •

• • • • •

4 cups spinach 250 grams paneer, cut into ½ inch cubes 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 medium sized tomato, finely chopped 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped 1-2 green chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 4-5 cloves of garlic, crushed to a paste 1 tsp lemon juice Roughly ½ tsp each of cumin seeds, garam masala, red chili powder and turmeric powder, to taste 1 tsp dry fenugreek leaves 1 small to medium Indian bay leaf ½ cup water (or add as required) 1-2 tbsp cream (low fat if you prefer) 2 tbsp oil, ghee or unsalted butter

METHOD:

1. Boil the spinach for 2-3 minutes with a pinch of salt. Strain and blend along with the chopped ginger, garlic and green chilies to make a smooth puree. Set aside.

2. Heat oil, ghee or butter in a pan, add the cumin and let it sputter.

3. Add the Indian bay leaf and chopped onions, Sauté until golden brown.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes. Stir and sauté until soft.

Then add the turmeric powder and red chili powder.

Cook for 1 minute.

5. Add the spinach puree and stir well. Add half a cup of water and simmer for 7-8 minutes.

6. Season with salt and garam masala.

7. Add the paneer to the curry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until tender.

8. Lastly, add cream and turn off flame. Garnish with ginger juliennes, lemon juice and coriander leaves. Serve with roti, naan or lemon rice.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: MEDIUM

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES

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Pamper

SPA REVIEWS

ORGANIC MANI-PEDI AT

SPARADISE THE BUZZ: From its popular oasis in the MidLevels, organic spa Sparadise has moved down to bustling Central. Its vegan nail lacquers are free of nasty chemicals including DBP, toulene, camphor, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin, making them a great choice for health conscious types who don’t want to skimp on style.

THE PROCEDURE: The Sparitual Gold pedicure is a perfect final farewell to open-toed shoes as summer draws to a close. The usual pedi process is rounded off with a decadent foot massage that uses a heated balm from an organic soy candle. The simultaneous manicure and hand massage eased hands that were tight and tired from too many hours on the iPhone.

BEST BIT: The massage was simply divine and the colours were awesome - matt navy anyone? It’s fast-drying too, and in less than ten minutes we were out back on the street. A detailed look the next day showed no

smudging. Last but not least, the candle balm was divine, rather than the cheap, smelly foot creams you get in so many salons around town.

WORST BIT: The varnish on our hands chipped rather quickly, although we didn’t pay attention to the manicurist’s advice to avoid hand cream.

Our feet on the other hand are holding up really well and look great days later.

WOULD YOU GO BACK? Sure. It is also great for kids’ spa parties. The funky colours will make any girl happy, and mums will be pleased with the safe, nasties-free polish.

THE COST: $330 for the pedi and $220 for the mani. Add $50 for the hand and foot massage.

Location: 4/F, 60 Wellington St., Central, 2997-2208, www.sparadise.com.hk.

R E A D E R’S D E A L !

Sparadise is offering 30 percent off all treatments for readers who are first-time visitors to the spa. Plus, you’ll also get a treat-sized Sparitual hand salve or hand serum to take home. Just make your booking before November 30, and don’t forget to mention Liv Magazine.

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CAN’T BEAT A RETREAT If you’re thinking of checking out of town for a while between Christmas and New Year, why not heal your body and mind with a retreat? From luxe detoxes to badass boot camps, there’s a wellness retreat for every type of traveller. By Kate Springer

THE ORIGINAL DETOX

Looking for a full-on health getaway? Pop over to Thailand with the “Art of Detox” program at Chiva-Som in Hua Hin. Available from Flight Centre, this five-day program is all about holistic wellbeing so you can expect plenty of attention paid to your mind, body and spirit. Speaking of spirits, don’t expect to indulge in anything but healthy foods and blissful massages. The package is pretty comprehensive, and some of the highlights include a complimentary physical analysis and skin consultation, daily fitness activities, a cleansing diet, a stress test, and a slew of massage therapies.

From $29,859 per person, including return flights, five nights’ accommodation, consultations and other services, www. flightcentre.com.hk. Chiva-Som, 73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, Thailand, www.chivasom.com.

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Travel

WORKOUT WEEK

An all-in-one fitness, nutrition and wellness getaway, Ninja Camp has various week-long retreats around the world, all year long. Every experience is allinclusive and includes a tailored fitness regime, so you don’t have to worry about planning out your meals or scheduling activities. Many retreats are held in Ninja Camp’s Bali HQ, but for the next installment, adventurous travelers will be whisked away in a helicopter from Guatemala City to the group’s remote lakeside property. The week will be full of gourmet farm-to-table meals every day plus massages, yoga and hiking - and even a volcano tour. The group’s a little bit exclusive though, as each potential participant is screened for personality and commitment level based on their application.

So be cool!

The next Guatemala trip will be held on Feb 6-12, 2016. From US$4,900 per person when booking as a couple. US$5,400 per individual. www.ninjacampbali.com.

Test your limits at Ninja Camp

BESPOKE ITINERARIES

The Cheval Blanc Randheli has a reputation as one of the best retreats in the business. Located on the Noonu Atoll, this Maldivian oasis has just launched several tailor-made wellness programs that focus on three main areas: relaxation, results and familyfocused retreats. If you’re looking to seriously de-stess, pick a three- to five-day programme that features a mix of daily spa treatments, lifestyle planning sessions, meditation, fitness regimes, tailor-

Retreat to your luxurious villa at Cheval Blanc Randheli

made menus and sunrise yoga overlooking the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, the results-driven programs can comprise HIIT training, intense beauty treatments, wakeboarding and low-GI meals. For families, you can choose your own adventure, with lively cooking classes, snorkelling and educational spa sessions.

From US$490-1,990 per person per night, includes accommodation and select activities. Noonu Atoll, Maldives, (+960) 656-1515, www.chevalblanc.com.

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DIY RETREAT

If you want to put together your own retreat with friends, students or fellow yogis, pull up a yoga mat at FC Residence Bali. The eight Balinese-style residences are set among lush gardens and rice paddies for a back-to-nature feel, while a free-form pool and dedicated yoga rooms will pad out your day with a little action. It also happens to be situated on a perfect plot of sand right outside of Canggu on Bali’s northwest coast.

As for food? There’s a tailor-made barbecue, private dinners and even some cooking classes should you wish to get a little more hands-on. There’s good news for healthy types who still appreciate a sundowner: there’s an all-day bar and grill serving up drinks all day.

Jl. Raya Pantaï Pererenan, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia, (+62) 821-44122023, www.fc-bali.com.

OLD SOAKS

If all you really need is a little relaxation, settle into the slower pace at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Malaysia, which lies about two hours from Kuala Lumpur.

Every trip to Banjaran is a bespoke experience, where you can create a customized wellness programme that includes meals, exercise and treatments. They run anywhere from two to 21 days, and can include access to all of the resort’s best features - think rustic chic villas, 16 acres of jungle, limestone hills, waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, thermal steam caves, ice baths and even a Garra Rufa fish pool, where little fish can help nibble off your dead skin to reveal a brand new you. A three-day, two-night spa retreat that includes a three-hour spa ritual, a one-hour facial, meals, smoothies, mediation and access to all the hot spring facilities comes in at MYR 6,845, around HK$12,700.

1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, Malaysia, (+60) 5-210 7777, www.thebanjaran.com.

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Absolute Sanctuary Signature Detox

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INCLUDES Return flights to Koh Samui, 4 nights’ accommodation, airport transfers, detox consultations, detox massage, colon hydrotherapy, detox drinks and meals, grouppilates classes and fitness classes and access to resort facilities. | Package from $10,999* CX

Fusion Maia Spa Package

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Located on the pristine sands of My Khe Beach, boutique resort Fusion Maia takes pampering to new levels – not only do all their luxurious villa residences boast their own private pools, but this is Asia’s only resort to offer unlimited spa services for your entire stay, with at least two treatments guaranteed per day.

INCLUDES Return flights to Danang, 4 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast, transfers to Hoi An, and minimum 2 spa * treatments per person per day. | Package from $8,159 KA

Mesa-Stila Fitness and Weight Management Retreat MesaStila’s holistic therapy programme is based on the traditional teachings of Jamu, which uses an array of natural teas and tonics to enhance your wellbeing; the resort also boasts the only hammam steam bath in Indonesia to further aid the detox process.

INCLUDES Return flights to Semaran, 3 nights’ accommodation with daily meals, wellness appraisal and retreat plan, massages, private fitness training, daily hammam steam bath and access to fitness activities. | Package from $9,299* GA

Mesa-Stila Fitness and Weight Management Retreat

For any more informations, call + 852 2830 2864 | email retreats@flightcentre.com.hk | visit flightcentre.com.hk t 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

Travel

TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer

WORLD WONDERS

Wonderfruit is back again this December, bringing its creative and eco-friendly ethos to the Pattaya countryside. The feel-good festival is all about living a sustainable life, and enjoying yourself while you’re at it.

The outdoor event will feature work from local artists, live music, talks and workshops, as well as an artisan market, massages and a full-on farm-to-table dining experience that will include gorgeous creations from award-winning restaurant Gaggan. Want to drop the tots while you balance your chakras? Ask about the nanny service, children’s yoga or the cool kids’ corner.

December 17-20, 2015. The Fields at Siam Country, 50 Moo 9, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, Thailand. Tickets from BHT3,500 ($763) from wonderfruitfestival.com.

Bag a run in Bagan

TEMPLE RUN

If you’ve already done the big city marathons and are looking to go off the beaten track, then check out the Bagan Temple Marathon in Burma. This picturesque race takes runners around the landscape’s more than 2,000 temples and winds around dirt roads, sacred pagodas, rice paddies, peanut fields and ancient villages. Coming up on November 28, the race includes several different options: run the whole thing or take on the 10k race or half-marathon instead.

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Pair your race with one of the six- or sevenday packages to see more of the country after the finish line.

November 28, 2015. Six-day packages from EU998 ($8,785) at bagan-templemarathon.com.

DIVE IN

If you’ve been to Bali already, then you’ve probably already sprawled out on the beach, shopped in Seminyak and toured Ubud’s ancient temples. But if you’re after an even deeper experience, then the “Harmony Dive” package at the Alila Manggis should do the trick. Tucked away on the peninsula’s beautiful eastern coast, this beautiful resort is all about relaxing experiences. The four-day dive package has travelers complete their pre-dive prep, learn breathing techniques and prepare mentally before that first open-water dive. Don’t worry, it’s not all hard work: the package also includes meditation, yoga, massages and more.

From $2,330 per night until March 31, 2016.

Jl. Raya Buitan, Bali, Indonesia, (+62) 36-341-011, www.alilahotels.com.

Kate Springer is an Asia travel expert based in Hong Kong. Tag along on her adventures at Wish You Were Here (wywhere.com), or find her on Instagram and Twitter @KateSpringer.

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Family

It’s the eternal question: when it comes to health emergencies, should you go to a public or private hospital? Kate Farr weighs up the pros and cons.

F

ew of us make it to adulthood without picking up some interesting scars along the way, and as any parent knows, if you have kids then sooner or later you’re going to be spending some quality time with your doctor. And while it’s tough to keep a cool head in a crisis, it’s important to know what to do when the worst happens. Here’s what you need to know about Hong Kong’s public and private healthcare options, for routine care and emergencies alike.

THE BASICS Private medical care is big business here in Hong Kong, and as such, costs can vary dramatically. What you’ll get for your money depends on the individual practitioner, however it’s generally accepted than private doctors equal a shorter wait for an appointment, more patient choice when it comes to your treatment options, and more focus on overall patient comfort.

That said, Hong Kong’s public healthcare system is one of the world’s best, providing accessible healthcare and preventative health education to the city’s population at an affordable cost.

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While bedside manner can sometimes be lacking, Hong Kong’s public doctors are subject to the same rigorous training as their counterparts in the private sector.

DOCTORS So that cough that’s been keeping everyone up all night for the past week has finally worn you down. Looks like you need to see a doctor. But which one?

If you’re going private then your first port of call should be your insurance company, which can advise you on the process and coverage limits specific to your policy. Assuming you’re fully covered, your insurer will either give you the OK to find your own medic, or provide you with a pre-approved panel of doctors from which to choose. Many insurers require a referral from a general practitioner in order to see a specialist, so check whether this is the case before booking your appointment or face a nasty bill.

If you’re using the public system, the Department of Health has a handy online Primary Care Directory (www. pcdirectory.gov.hk) that lists registered doctors, dentists and Chinese medicine

Family

practitioners by gender, specialism, location and opening hours. There are even Android and iOS app versions for the ultimate “oh-god-my-baby-just-threw-upon-the-bus” convenience. Fees are low and can even be paid by Octopus card.

EMERGENCY Regardless of your insurance status, in the event of a life-threatening accident or emergency you’ll most likely end up in a public hospital. Public hospitals tend to be larger than private, and are most likely to have the clinical expertise and equipment on hand to help in an emergency.

Registration is quick and eligible persons - i.e. those with a Hong Kong ID card - pay just $100 per day for their treatment (you may be required to present proof of residency, although this can be done at a later date, meaning no delay in your treatment).

WHAT ABOUT NON LIFETHREATENING EMERGENCIES? Mum-of-three Victoria Trebell has had her fair share of first-hand experience when it comes to Hong Kong’s hospitals.

When daughter Georgie took a tumble at the Hong Kong Football Club, resulting in a bleeding head injury, Victoria had to make a snap decision about how best to proceed. She explains, “Frankly, I panicked and ran around with both of us covered in blood for a while! The club’s staff called an ambulance to take us to Ruttonjee, the nearest public hospital, but as the traffic was bad, it didn’t come”.

Victoria and Georgie ended up in a cab to Ruttonjee instead, and while the care was good, the overall experience was less than ideal, “She received excellent treatment there, but the wait was long and the system confusing for panicked parents; being taken in to see one

doctor, waiting in one place, waiting in another, waiting for an x-ray, waiting for treatment…”

When asked what she would have done differently, Victoria is clear. “I would have taken her straight to [private hospital] the Adventist. The care in the public system for her minor injury was good, but, given that we had the insurance, it would have been smarter and less stressful to go to a hospital with a shorter wait time”.

Unfortunately, she was able to put this to the test sooner than she would have liked when husband John dislocated his hip while playing rugby just a few months later. “John was taken by ambulance from the rugby pitch to the nearest public hospital, where they took x-rays and tried, unsuccessfully, to treat him, before transferring him to Pamela Youde Eastern Hospital. They did an excellent job in putting the joint back in under anaesthetic, but it wasn’t until much later that someone thought to tell us that the joint was also fractured. Treatment from then on would have been highly complex and problematic in the public system… and they didn’t offer keyhole surgery for this operation, so it would have been very serious indeed”.

So, while public hospitals are well equipped for serious emergencies, you may prefer to manage on-going inpatient care privately, subject to your insurance company’s conditions. Here, Victoria cautions, “It is worth knowing that a private hospital will need a substantial deposit before they let you check in as an inpatient. You’ll either need to pay this yourself and get a refund from your insurance, or be on the phone to your insurance company before you even check in so they can send a guarantee of payment to the hospital.”

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Family

FIT FAM

with Kate Farr

With autumn now in full swing, it’s hard not to reach for the biscuit tin and a DVD box set as the cooler evenings draw in. So here are three healthy new classes designed to keep those yoga pants for workouts rather than pig-outs and steer the whole family away from temptation.

MIND OUT

If your kid has more energy to burn than your apartment has space, a class at Mindful Wing Chun will help them focus, saving your sanity in the process. This newly opened studio in the heart of Central brings Hong Kong’s home-grown martial art - as taught by Ip Man to his student Bruce Lee - to kids from three to twelve years. Focusing on

Learn to make purees with love at IPC Foodlab

posture, balance and every parent’s favourite – discipline, Wing Chun is a fun way to keep them fit while honing their concentration skills.

Want to match them kick for kick? There’s also a full range of adult classes available.

Kids’ classes cost from $1,000 per month (for two classes per week). On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan St., Central, 66207050, www.mindfulwingchun.com.hk.

Work off that spare energy at Mindful Wing Chun

DO THE MUMBA

The brainchild of Jill Marshall, one of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed Pilates instructors, and longstanding local wellness advocate Ifat Hindes, Mumba brings baby-wearing into the fitness studio with a range of pre- and post-natal workouts that allow you to keep your bub right where you can see them (while sneakily putting them to work as a free weight). Adapting elements of Nia, Feldenkrais, Yoga and TRX training to enable a safe workout for pregnant and new mums, Mumba promises a great 42

workout combined with a valuable bonding experience for you and your baby (gym) bunny.

Mumba trial classes cost $200, with various packages available. For more information and schedule details see visit www.facebook.com/ mumbafitness.

Work out while baby-wearing with Mumba

Family

PUREE DEDICATION Bid bye-bye to beige mush! Farmto-table champions IPC Foodlab are helping to liven up weaning with an on-going programme of baby food-making classes held at their flagship Fanling restaurant.

Combining organic ingredients from local farms with fresher-than-fresh produce from their own rooftop garden, families learn how to ensure maximum nutritional value when preparing meals for their little ones.

IPC Foodlab baby food-making classes are free of charge and take place every Saturday between 10-11am. Numbers are limited to four families per class, so book your slot in advance by calling 2676-6900. www.ipcfoodlab.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

STRENGTH toSTRENGTH Thinking about building some muscle? Get inspired by local bikini fitness champion Adriana Gonzalez. A group instructor at Pure Fitness, Adriana has collected first place trophies at figure competitions throughout Asia. As she prepares to defend her crown at Mr. Olympia, the largest bodybuilding show ever held in Asia, she talks to us about why women need to get strong.

Why should women build muscle?

There really isn’t a reason NOT to. Most women concentrate on cardio, but all this does is burn some calories. Apart from the feel good factor, weight training improves fitness and body shape, burns more calories than cardio (both during and after!) and it’s great for bone and heart health as well.

Women sometimes express fear about looking too muscular if they start weight training. What would you say to them?

The biggest fallacy out there is that a lady who lifts weights will get big and bulky like a guy. Trust me, building real muscle is a slow process. Any women who appear really muscular are genetically inclined to that body shape, and are eating and training specifically to achieve it. The bottom line is that us ladies just don’t have the testosterone levels to build that much muscle.

Q Is there a minimum level of strength that you think all women should have? Say to be able to do a proper push-up?

A Really, every human should be able to do this!

As we all weigh different amounts and are shaped differently, it’s impossible to set one weight for everyone, but when you start training you find you get stronger quite quickly, and then it becomes harder as you hit a natural plateau. I’d rather say it’s better to be consistent and say train three times a week for a year and not miss a session, than worry about lifting “x” kilograms. Set yourself a goal, say of adding one kilo to your deadlift or squat every two weeks, and you will soon improve.

44

Q&A

We asked Adriana what she eats when preparing for a competition.

I tend to eat the same foods, which may be a surprise. The difference is that I have to slowly bring my weight down, so it’s a calorie reduction process, which I do carefully. The basics are lean proteins such as chicken, fish, eggs and beef, with a selection of vegetables and some good quality carbs such as sweet potato and quinoa. For the most part though my diet is just a smaller version of what I eat normally but things like cheese or nut butters are vastly reduced or even eliminated at a certain point.

ASPARAGUS

Useful before a contest as it’s a natural diuretic. It reduces bloating and increases muscle definition.

CELERY AND CUCUMBER

PROTEIN POWDER

For after workouts and as an emergency meal replacement.

RICE CAKES

It’s a fast carb so it’s only to be eaten after a workout if you’re in need of a quick insulin spike.

High-water, low-calorie foods bulk out meals when reducing calorie-dense choices

Q Do men ever feel intimidated by your muscles?

A Hm, maybe - but that’s just their insecurity if they do. But as I said before, the stereotype of women who lift is being broken every day. For the most part, guys are supportive in the gym, especially those who compete as they know the sacrifices involved.

Adriana winning first place at the HKFBF 2015 National Bikini Fitness competition earlier this year

Q Any tips for women looking to start building some muscle?

A The first one is get involved now - don’t wait! Don’t be intimidated; over the past few years the number of women lifting has increased. There are many classes and types of sports that have encouraged this and the preconception that women shouldn’t lift is falling away. From my own observations as an instructor, classes like BodyPump [an intense session using weights in a class format] are usually 90 percent ladies and that’s a great starting place. Drop any negative ideas that “weights make me huge” - it’s nonsense - and get to the gym and get some instruction on how to lift correctly and safely.

Q Any competitions in the pipeline?

A Right now I am a few weeks away from the largest bodybuilding and fitness show ever to be held in Asia: Mr. Olympia Amateur. This is a massive show [part of the IFBB, the leading federation for Bodybuilding] and I am super excited about being able to represent Hong Kong in this contest. The winners of this show get their “pro card” which enables you to then compete on the elite level globally – something I would love to do. I would also like to encourage more ladies to compete – it’s a fantastic sense of achievement and it gives you a goal – we are also fortunate here to have great support from the local association (the HKFBF) which has enabled me to compete in some of the big international events, such as the Asian Championships in Japan earlier in the year, and every show the competitor list gets bigger and bigger.

Cheer Adriana on at Mr. Olympia on November 24-25, at 3/F, Star Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. Tickets via www.hkticketing.com. Learn more at www.hkfbf.com.

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The Guide HEALTHY LUNCHES

NUR

Surprisingly healthy Mexican wraps and salads made with quality proteins and fresh guacamole.

Short for “nourishing gastronomy,” think seasonal produce, packed with goodness but beautifully plated for occasion dining. Hong Kong’s answer to Noma. 3/F, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace,

Outlets citywide, including 7 Lan Kwai

Central, 2871-9993, www.nur.hk.

Cali-Mex

Fong, Central, 2904-7855, cali-mex.com.

Posto Pubblico

Delivery.com

An online food and shopping delivery platform with its own “healthy” channel that allows you to pick from good-for-you dining venues all over Hong Kong. hk.delivery.com.

Mano Cafe

Has a salad bar with plenty of high protein options and delicious Asian salad dressings. G/F, L. Place, 139

7160, www.postopubblico.com.

Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan,

Healthy Chicken

2362-6997, www.cornerkitchencafe.

0100, www.healthychicken.com.

Salad bar to go, plus post-workout protein shakes and superfood snacks. Outlets citywide, including

Serves consciously sourced produce and nutritionally balanced meals to go. 83 Wellington St., Central, 2489

A hugely popular Italian-Americanstyle bar/restaurant in SoHo that prides itself on sourcing locally and responsibly. 28 Elgin St., Central, 2577-

com/mano-cafe.

Nood Food

2/F, Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Rd., Central, 8199-8189, www.allnood.com.

HEALTHY FINE DINING Grassroots Pantry

Mana!

Fast Slow Food Vegetarian cafe in Wellington Street known for its healthy flats and salad bar. Sister restaurant Mana! Raw is right across the street. 92 Wellington St., Central, 2851-1611, mana.hk.

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One of Hong Kong’s original vegetarian, sustainable restaurants, recently relocated to a prime location on Hollywood Road. 108 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, grassrootspantry.com.

Sohofama

A locavore Chinese restaurant in PMQ. Sources sustainable produce with as low a carbon footprint as possible. SG12-SG14, G/F, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central, 2858-8238, sohofama.com.

Wild Thyme

Sustainable seafood in a lush Southside setting. Shop 303-304, 3/F,

Middle-eastern vegetarian. Think sharing plates of mezze, flatbreads and richly flavourful mains. Also does private events. 4/F, Lee Wai Commercial

The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay,

Building, 1-3 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui,

2889-5939, www.theocean.hk.

2577-3662, wildthyme.hk.

The Ocean

HEALTH FOOD STORES

Magic Season Organics

Has a certified organic farm in Qingyuan, China. Subscription boxes are very competitive. 6683-9119, www.

Berrytime

magicseasonorganics.com.

Online shopping platform with a huge selection of curated healthy foods, pre-packaged snacks and essentials. Also has beauty products.

Free shipping throughout Hong Kong. berrytime.com.

HEALTH RESOURCES AIDS Concern

Free anonymous HIV testing service.

Flat B, 3/F, Fu Lee Commercial Building, 14-20 Pilkem St., Jordan, 2394-6677,

I-Detox

One of Hong Kong’s first superfood stores. Find a huge selection of health foods, plus juicers, food dehydrators and other appliances for home use. Regularly holds workshops. 1F, V-Plus (Building), 68 -

aidsconcern.org.hk.

Spicebox Organics

70 Wellington St., Central, 3904-1072,

Hong Kong’s USDA-certified health food store, offering pantry essentials for the organic chef, among other healthy treats. Outlets on Caine Road and Sai Ying Pun. Shop 1, Golden Valley

www.i-detox.com.

Mansion, 137 Caine Rd., Mid-Levels, 2559-9887, spiceboxorganics.com.

VEGGIE DELIVERY Ecofarm

Certified organic vegetables from Jiangxi province at a fantastic price.

5509-9869, www.ecofarm.com.hk.

Evergreens Republic Green Vitamin

Wheatgrass specialist that sells vegetables and appliances, as well as its own line of healthy snacks, including kale chips, kefir, coconut yogurt, flax crackers and cocoroons.

Shop for snacks at health food stores citywide; online shopping also available. greenvitamin.hk.

Aquaponic greenhouse in Lau Fau Shan offering a huge range of produce. 2472-0038, www.evergreensrepublic.com.

Fresh Grower

Fresh veggies grown from volcanic soil in New Zealand. G/F, 223 Queen’s

Road East, Wan Chai, 2185-7825, www. freshgrower.com.hk.

Annerley

Midwife clinic in Hong Kong offering support for expectant mothers.

Regular free talks and walk-in well baby clinics. 17/F Tak Woo House, Wo On Lane, 17-19 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2983 1558, www.annerley.com.hk.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Meetings and support for anyone suffering addiction issues. aa-hk.org.

Hong Kong Eating Disorders Association

Provides a hotline and in-person support to people suffering from eating disorders. Also has advice for parents and caregivers. www.heda-hk.org.

Hong Kong Government Family Health Services

Free antenatal and postnatal checkups, infant health checks and vaccinations for HKID card holders.

Cervical screenings $100. Find a centre near you at www.fhs.gov.hk.

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MARKETPLACE MANAGE YOUR THOUGHTS; CHANGE YOUR REACTIONS Mindfulness training in Central for more awareness, composure and calm.

Teacher: Stuart Lennon has completed a yearlong teacher training qualification with the Mindfulness Training Institute For more information visit http://mindfulnesscentral.com.hk

PLANNING YOUR PARTY JUST GOT EASIER

Everything you need for the perfect party is at : Addresses: Landmark Prince's - Shop 225-226, 2/F, Prince's Building, Central Tel: 2190 4032 Causeway Bay - Suite 1301A, 13/F, Tower One, Times Square Tel: 2521 1649 (Opening soon)

SAVE HK$100 WHEN YOU SPEND HK$500 ON YOUR NEXT PARTY ONLY AT TIMES SQUARE WHEN YOU BRING THIS COUPON Partytime, Shop 225-226, 2/F, Prince's Building, Central Tel: 2190 4032

Terms and conditions:

1. The offer is only valid till 30th November 2015. | 2.This offer is only valid at Partytime Suite 1301A, 13/F, Tower One, Times Square. | 3. The offer does not apply on helium, confectionary items and delivery charges. | 4. Photocopies of this coupon will not be accepted. | 5. In case of any disputes, the decision of Partytime shall be final.

LIV IS HIRING! Want to to work with a fun, flexible team? We have openings for the current postions Staff Writer: fresh graduates considered.

Assistant Editor: the ideal candidate will have two years’ experience.

Sales Executive: base + commission. Flexible hours. ​ lease send CV, writing samples (if applicable) and salary expectations to sarah@liv-magazine.com .

P Applicants must have the right to work in Hong Kong. ​

48

Distribution List

WA NN A L IV ?

Pick up a copy of Hong Kong’s wellness magazines at 100+ locations citywide

FOOD AND GROCERIES

HEALTH CLINICS

The Herbivores

Flawless

TREE Cafe

Four Seasons Spa

Anything But Salads

Alive Wellness

Wild Grass

Iyara Spas

Cabinet Organic

Annerley

Zumufi

Sense of Touch Spas

Food for Life

Balance Health

Foodcraft

Byrne Hickman Physiotherapists

RETAIL

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RC Outfitters

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Thann

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United Services Recreation Club

10/10 Space

Green Common Hey Home Food I-Detox Maya Cafe Takeaway Spicebox Organics

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Strip

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RESTAURANTS

Epic

Cafe O

Emmanuel F

Fight Station

Corner Kitchen Cafe

Fast Beauty

H-Kore

Crafty Cow

International Fitness Studio

Fish & Meat

Feel Good Factor

Optimum Performance Studio

Kale

Power Station Ryze Studio Fitness Torq Ultimate Performance Utime Versus Performance Yoga Bam Bam Yoga Room

The Nail Library

Browhaus

Cityfit

Options Studio Pilates

Thann Spa

Chuan Spa

Kinnet Cafe Life Cafe Life Cafe Deli Limewood Linguini Fini Locofama Mana Cafe

NEWLY ADDED THIS MONTH!

Mano Cafe

• A Day with Fe

• The Mandarin Oriental

Opendoor Cafe

• Bodywize

OVO Cafe

• Dr. Lauren Bramley

• Mr. Green Juice Deliveries

• Grassroots Pantry

• Mum Veggie + Coffee

• Fresca

• O ​ vo Cafe X Green Common

Posto Pubblico Sohofama Stone Nullah Tavern

49

Back Page

Green Monday is an entry point for anyone looking to establish a green lifestyle.

Everyone should try being a vegetarian at least one day a week.

We chose Monday because it’s the start of the week, a perfect time to begin a new resolution.

Many people’s awareness of green issues is still stuck in the 1990s, when it was just about saving paper, wasting less water and using less electricity.

I have been a vegetarian for 15 years, and it is all because of my love and compassion for animals.

My father actually became a vegetarian before I did, so the whole family was very supportive.

In Hong Kong, people are discouraged from a plant-based lifestyle because of a lack of choice, convenience and taste.

There’s a misconception that plant-based means inferior nutrition. They often have no idea about how to cook vegetarian meals at home. They think vegetarian meals mean only vegetables and salads.

In three-and-a-half years, Green Monday has considerably boosted interest in vegetarianism in the city. More than 1,000 restaurants now offer vegetarian options on Mondays. The scheme has also been well

received by schools, covering 800 schools and reaching 600,000 students.

My proudest moment is seeing people’s behaviour change as a result of Green Monday. After our efforts, 23 percent of Hongkongers and more than 40 percent of school kids go for a green diet at least one day a week. It makes me so happy when my friends come to me and say they are practicing Green Monday.

As an international commercial city, I hope that corporations in Hong Kong can take on more social responsibilities, and that consumers can act and live more consciously. I also want Hong Kong to be more bike-friendly.

On a typical weekend, apart from writing, I save the rest of the time for my family. I take my daughters to the park, meet friends and relatives, and just enjoy family time. I also save a little bit of time for exercise, especially now that autumn is here. Hiking is always a favourite activity.

Grassroots Pantry is my favourite vegetarian restaurant in Hong Kong. I always love their fresh and innovative dishes, and my favourite dish is the signature mixed mushroom linguine.

But sometimes I still have cravings for instant noodles. It’s clearly not healthy but I just can’t resist for some reason!

HOW I LIV

DAVID YEUNG David Yeung is the founder of “Green Monday”, the Hong Kong-wide campaign that has worked tirelessly to promote vegetarian options in more than 1,000 restaurants all over the city. He’s also the founder of Green Common, the health food store that just launched a massive outlet in Central in collaboration with Ovo Cafe. He talks to Liv Magazine about why we need to believe in the power of plants.

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Green Common X Ovo Cafe, Shop 1, L/1, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, 2263-3153, greencommon. com.

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