FITNESS
NUTRITION
WELLBEING
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LIV MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2016 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . c o m
Take the Cake
Healthy mooncakes for mid-autumn
Common Cents Save your pennies with these greatvalue groceries
Healthy Restaurant Redux
Fresh dining options right here
Pick Up Yo’ Trash
HK Cleanup kicks off
Bug Out
Insect flour protein bars? Yes please!
Live the Sweat Life How three Hongkongers left the rat race and found a new career in fitness
PLUS spa parties, veggie boxes and more all up for grabs on page 16!
Healthy Cantonese-style fast food now open on Wellington Street
Want to eat better, but tired of salad? KASA is a new, vegetableforward Chinese takeout concept that reinvents Cantonese staples using fresh, healthy, local ingredients.
61 Wellington Street, Central, 2868-6864, w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / k a s a h o n g ko n g .
SEPTEMBER 04 Editor’s Letter
LIV | NEWS 06 It’s a Date
Events for your diary
8
Hot Right Now
New happenings on the wellness scene
10 Fresh Cuts
Dining news that’s good for you
14 Cheat Day
Because #YOLO
17 Reviews
We test-drive the Dyson Supersonic, and try an aerial arts class at Flex
LIV | STORIES 18 Getting into the Fitness Business
Want to ditch the rat race and work in wellness? Read this first
LIV | MORE 28 Lunar Delish
Health-conscious mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival
30 Recipe
Mediterranean Brussels sprouts from The Fresh Supply Company
32 Pamper
Elemental Herbology’s Five Elements Facial
33
34 Travel
Adventuring in Niseko, no matter the season
40 Family
Meet the healthy mamas who are giving us serious #mumspiration
44 Q&A
HK Cleanup’s Lisa Christensen and Nissa Marion 8
50 How I Liv
Charlz Ng of IRIS, Hong Kong’s biggest wellness festival
24 Live Well For Less
Make your dollars work harder at these healthy bargain spots 34
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EDITOR’S LETTER
CAREER CHOICES Can seem awfully narrow in Hong Kong, where it sometimes feels like everyone you meet is a banker, an accountant or works in marketing. But if you’ve always yearned to turn your hobby into a career, fitness is for many of us the easiest path to convert your passion into an income - well, more so than basket-weaving at least. In this month’s issue, we’ve met with three inspirational Hongkongers who have done just that: they’ve ditched the corporate job for a career that helps others feel fit and well. Read all about them on p.18. We want to help our lovely readers live well too - but sometimes that can get pricy, you know? That’s why our writer Hannah has put together a comprehensive list of places where you can pick up everything from coconut treats to grassfed meat, all at a far lower rate than what you find in the supermarket. This is one you’ll want to cut out and keep - find it on p.24. Moon festival is just around the corner, and while the lanterns and moon-gazing are all fine and well, the city is groaning under the strain of millions of unwanted mooncakes that oftentimes just go straight in the trash. This year, gift your friends a mooncake that’s actually good for them with our roundup of raw, vegan, low-sugar and otherwise health conscious treats. We’ve also listed places where you can donate your leftover cakes to the less fortunate; find it on p.28.
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS
For this month’s cover story, Kate Springer meets three inspirational Hongkongers who swapped the stresses of their day jobs for a career in wellness.
Niseko expert Tim King shares his tips for an unforgettable trip to Japan’s skiing hotspot no matter which season you visit in.
Looking for some inspiration? Kate Farr meets three fierce mums who are passionate about fitness and family.
Sarah
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Looking to save a bit of money but still live well? Hannah Hodson rounds up the best places to score groceries on the cheap.
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Liv Media Limited Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG SALES MANAGER AILEEN CHAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS KATE FARR, KATE SPRINGER, HANNAH HODSON, TIM KING SPECIAL THANKS ZACH HINES, BLACKIE HUI, EDMUND IP, TOM HILDITCH PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING, FLAT A, 15/F, SING TECK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 44 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD , ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2016 Liv Media Limited. The content provided here is the property of Liv Media Limited and may not be reproduced in any part without the written permission of the Publisher. The information provided by Liv Media Limited’s contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the company. The information provided by Liv Media Limited, or its staff, advertisers and contributors is given in good faith; readers should gather more information before making the decision to purchase any goods or services highlighted here. Liv Media Limited will not be held responsible for any action, omission or error resulting from actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. Please seek the approval of a doctor before following any health advice.
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Calendar
IT’S A DATE
NOVEMBER 10
SQUARE OFF
SEPTEMBER 6
HEALTHPRENEURS, ASSEMBLE!
This month is General Assembly’s Made in HK Week, a series of events celebrating local startups. On September 6, it is hosting a panel discussion on The Business of Health, asking key questions about the health industry, and the opportunities and unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs in this space. On the panel is Sonalie Figueiras from Green Queen, Alex De Fina from Bikini Fit and Pherform, Karen Holt from The Health Seed, and Steven Wu from Locofama. Moderating the panel will be Liv Magazine’s very own Sarah Fung, so definitely be sure to check it out! Free. September 6, 7-9pm, Eaton House, 5/F, Champion Tower, Central. Find more at tiny.cc/businessofhealth-hk. 6
Calling all corporate types: The Bloomberg Square Mile returns to Hong Kong! Held in seven cities around the world (and counting) the event raises money for worthy causes - in Hong Kong the race raises money for the Unleash Foundation and the Agency Volunteer Service. The city will see up to 1,200 runners from corporate teams compete to run circuits along a square, mile-long relay route around Central for the chance to donate $80,000 to a charity of their choice. Signup is $15,000 per team, with 10 runners required in each group. Price of entry includes corporate hospitality and entertainment. www.squaremilerelay.com/hong-kong.
Calendar
SEPTEMBER 25
FAIR ENOUGH
Get your wallets ready: the 360 Wellness Carnival is taking place on the driveway of Lee Gardens One at the end of the month. The biggest wellness fair organised by Wellness 360 so far, this event will see tons of healthconscious vendors, offering food, drinks, product showcases and live demonstrations. Noon-7pm, Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay. wellness360hk.com.
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER
TIME TO CLEAN UP THIS TOWN
With this year’s atrocious amounts of trash washing up on our shores, HK Cleanup needs your support more than ever. On weekends all across Hong Kong, you’ll see corporate teams, schools and groups of friends pulling on their gloves, shaking out their trash bags, and cleaning up Hong Kong’s coastline, hiking trails and urban areas. Want to get involved? There’s still time to sign up. hkcleanup.org.
THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER
REDRESS THE BALANCE Hong Kong-based NGO Redressed has worked tirelessly over the past few years to address waste produced by the fashion industry by encouraging more sustainable practices and consumer habits. Throughout the month of September it’s running a series of campaigns and events, from used clothing drives and pre-loved fashion pop-ups to panel discussions and documentary screenings. It will also be fundraising in partnership with Pacific Coffee all month long. Find a full program rundown at redress.com.hk.
BOOK NOW
OCTOBER 3-19
URBAN OASIS
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is bringing naam yoga instructor Anastasia Williams to Hong Kong for group classes, individual treatments and two urban retreats taking place on October 7-9 and 14-16. The first retreat is focused on "Vitality & Vibrancy in the Modern World" while the second is about "Courage, Confidence & Self Love." Spaces are limited so book now. Prices start at $7,895 for a non-residential retreat, $15,800 including two nights' accomodation for one guest, or $22,800 for two nights' accomodation for two. Learn more at mandarinoriental.com. 7
Cool Stuff
HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene
Graze Anatomy
Our new fav breakfast treat is Amazin’ Graze, a Malaysian health food brand that’s new to town. Offering granola, nut butters, flavoured nuts and seeds, and dehydrated fruit snacks, Amazin’ Graze offers some seriously unique (and delicious!) flavours, from hazelnut black forest granola with dried cherries, buckwheat, cashew and cacao powder; to the paleo-friendly granola made with nuts, seeds and dried fruit. For nuts, think Thai tom yum kaffir lime mixed nuts, rosemary garlic pepitas (pumpkin seeds), or five-spice tamari for that umami hit. Nuts are $50 per bag of 100-120 grams, while the granola (which is gluten-free, btw) comes in at around $75 per 250-gram bag. Nut butters are $50 per jar. Buy online at amazingraze.com.
In Bloom
We’ve been tooling around on Bloom Me, Hong Kong’s spa booking app, for a few weeks now and we’re definitely hooked! For the uninitiated, Bloom Me connects spa junkies with pampering outlets across the city, allowing you to make bookings at the touch of a button. Sure, booking through an app may be marginally easier than making a phone call to your regular nail salon, but where the app really impresses is the regular flash sales and discounts, which can be up to 30 percent across all categories - from massages to facials, haircuts and mani-pedis. The app plans to launch a last-minute booking service in the coming months, which will allow you to snatch up last-gasp unsold timeslots at an even better rate. Learn more at bloomme.com.hk. 8
Cool Stuff
Grassed Up
Box Fresh
Fed up of the fusty old fruits and veggies from Hong Kong’s big chain supermarkets? New produce supplier The Fresh Supply Company hand-selects only the best quality food direct from the wholesalers and delivers to your door, ensuring fresher food while cutting out sky-high retail space rentals from their final price. The result is that a box of veggies, enough to feed four people for a week, costs just $500, and you know that the food inside is going to be in season and up to standard. Want to order a la carte? You can also pick and choose fruit, western or Chinese vegetables, deli items such as yogurts and cheese, as well as healthy packaged snacks from local food startups. Each item is marked by provenance, and if it’s organic or permaculture grown, that’s noted too.
Love the health benefits of wheatgrass but too lazy to grow your own? New to Hong Kong, Dr. Wheatgrass offers several wheatgrass products, including Supershot ($190), a shelf-stable wheatgrass juice that provides an entire month’s supply in one 150ml bottle. They’ve managed to retain the plant’s goodness while removing its iffy flavour by adding citrus essential oil, making it much easier on the palate. For the skin, it also has a wheatgrass spray ($230) or cream ($220), which soothes skin irritations, insect bites and pimples, as well as a balm ($280) to ease sore and stiff muscles. Order online at www.drwheatgrass.hk.
thefreshsupplycompany.com.
HERE’S WHAT WE DID LAST MONTH...
Sweat Sesh at the Landmark Mandarin
On August 10, six lucky Liv Magazine readers won a social media contest to take part in a challenging but exhilarating circuit training session at the Oriental Spa. After being put through their paces by the gym’s resident PT, they got to unwind by the poolside with a selection of fruit, nuts, coconut water and healthy snacks prepared by chef Richard Ekkebus of Amber. Afterwards, our readers got to chill in the relaxation lounge and use the spa facilities before going home with a goodie bag from Aromatherapy Associates and a pool pass for their next visit to the spa. See you at our next event!
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Dining
FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you
NO JUNK IN THIS TRUNK Warrior Muay Thai has just opened up a new training gym in Kennedy Town. Come for the kickboxing, but stay for a bite to eat at The Elephas, its adjoining cafe. It serves up Thai-inspired healthy dishes that are macrobalanced but tasty and free from refined sugars: think a spicy chicken satay salad with crispy tofu skin and root vegetables; or Pad Thai with cod, green papaya and a tofu and tamarind dressing. For drinks, there’s artisanal coffee, or choose from its smoothie menu: the Chunky Monkey ($65) is a meal in itself, with banana, cacao nibs, spirulina, peanut butter, peppermint oil and a shot of espresso; or else try the Coco Cabana ($75), with young coconut water and coconut meat, pineapple, baby spinach and vanilla extract. For a treat, it also offers paleo-friendly pastries. Shop 118, 1/F, Hong Kong Plaza, 188 Connaught Road West, Kennedy Town, 2838-3979, www.theelephas.com.
HEARING CRICKETS Have you considered getting more of your protein from insects? We’re not kidding - the UN has said that if we want to live sustainably, eating bugs is the way forward. Take crickets: at 65 percent protein, they contain all the essential amino acids required in a healthy diet. What’s more, they require far less water and feed than other livestock and produce 100 times less greenhouse gases compared to cows. But if you can’t quite stomach it, American brand Exo does packaged protein bars made from milled cricket flour in pleasing flavours such as banana bread, blueberry vanilla and cocoa. Want to give it a go, bars are $35 each, with a 10 percent discount if you buy 10 or more. Order from Gr8 Choice HK via Whatsapp: 9541-5287 or Instagram: www.instagram.com/gr8choice.hk. 10
Dining
WHAT DO HEALTHY PEOPLE EAT?
Charlotte Tsuei, owner of Caelum Greene Sum up your food philosophy in a sentence. My ethos is everything in moderation. What three items do you always have in your fridge? I can’t ever be without fresh berries, spinach and almond milk. What do you usually have for breakfast? Organic oatmeal topped with fruit and a tablespoon of coconut oil.
URBAL ESSENCES Chinese medicine has had a facelift with the launch of Urbal, a new hangover prevention capsule that uses Chinese herbal extracts to defend the body against the ravages of a big night out. Its key ingredient is Moyeam tea extract - it contains dihydromricetin, a compound that improves the body’s ability to process acetaldyhyde, the alcoholic byproduct that causes your hangover. It also contains milk thistle, which enhances liver function and improves your body’s antioxidant processes. $320 for 10 sachets. Buy online at urbal.co.
What are your favourite restaurants when eating out? I enjoy going to any of the Black Sheep restaurants, and when I’m in the mood for a splurge, I like to go to China Club, Caprice and Otto e Mezzo. What do you eat on cheat day? I don’t believe in cheat days. I allow myself to eat (in moderation) whatever it is my body feels like. Where do you go for a healthy lunch? During the week I regularly visit Grassroots Pantry, Mana, Fresca or Nood. I try to cook at home on weekends.
What do you eat before and after exercising? I’ll usually have some fruit for a quick energy hit right before a workout, and some coconut water or a smoothie after. Have you ever done a cleanse? Never. I love to eat, and know I would find it quite difficult.
When were you at your least healthy? I was probably at my least healthy when I was in my teens. I took my metabolism for granted and didn’t pay too much attention to what I was eating or how my diet was affecting my body. What do you snack on when you’re on the move with no time to prepare anything? Some form of energy bar with dried fruits and nuts.
When was the last time you ate McDonalds? I am not a fan of McDonalds, but I believe it was after a fun night out in Macau with a group of friends almost four years ago. Last meal on earth: what would it be? A dish from any cuisine consisting of prawns, vegetables and brown rice - and it must end with dessert! caelumgreene.com.
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Dining
MI KASA SU KASA Wellington Street is becoming something of a healthy eating Mecca, with innovative Cantonese restaurant Kasa’s new outlet setting up shop to sell a heavily vegetarian-focused menu catering to Central’s health-conscious lunch crowd. For just $68, diners can choose up to three items: think homemade beetroot noodles with sour and spicy sauce and homemade sesame oil; cold tofu with celery chilli sauce; or sweet potato noodles with sauteed shiitake mushrooms. For omnivores, there are also options featuring lean meat, such as quinoa with minced chicken, dried cranberries and anchovy puree; or crabmeat with egg white, cucumber and red vinegar reduction. Kasa works with local suppliers to ensure that its produce is fresh, sustainably grown and has as low a carbon footprint as possible. We love it! 61 Wellington St., Central, 2868-6864, www.facebook.com/kasahongkong.
Wheatgrass balms, spray and shots for optimum health and wellbeing
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Promotes good health
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Dining
SHELLFISH DESIRES Hong Kong’s love affair with shellfish seemingly knows no bounds, but if you’ve been on the recieving end of a gritty oyster one too many times, pay a visit to the newly relaunched Table, which has recently installed a depuration tank - the first in Hong Kong - that will allow its shellfish to naturally filter out any impurities to ensure a cleaner, fresher flavour. The bivalves are kept in the saltwater tanks for a minimum of
72 hours and are then served to diners straight away. Table is doing 50 percent off oysters every Thursday, which will give you an even better incentive to go try for yourself. And if you need more of a nudge? They’re protein powerhouses and are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including zinc, selenium and iron. 8/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2815-2367, www.tableseafood.com.
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Dining
CHEAT DAY
Because life’s too short to always order the salad
SEE THESE ICE CREAMS From its tiny first outlet on Gough Street, Elephant Grounds has grown from a coffee shop to a full-blown cafe concept with one of the tastiest ice cream bars in town. Its innovative flavours include earl grey cookie, japanese taro, and Hokkaido milk with honeycomb and salted caramel. Hong Kong has also swooned over its indulgent ice cream sandwiches, the flavours of which rotate on a weekly basis alongside a signature creation that stays the same. Right now that flavour is “Movie Night” ($68), a salted caramel ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate cookies and lined with caramel popcorn. Say it with us: OMG. 8 Wing Fung St., Wan Chai, 2778-2700, www.elephantgrounds.com.
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WIN: A mani-pedi sparty for you and three friends at Massada Spa Hailing from Spain, Massada offers treatments using certified organic products that produce effective results. To celebrate the launch of its spa in Causeway Bay, we’re giving away a mani-pedi pamper party for four guests, with a lucky draw allowing one partygoer to win a facial treatment, all valued at $3,600. Please note that the party must be redeemed in October.
WIN: A set of Flashpoints hair extensions from Advanced Hair
www.massadahk.com.
Deadline: September 28
Make your hair fuller in just one day with a head of Flashpoints hair extensions from Advanced Hair. Using no glues, waxes or weaving, these top-quality extensions are made with finest quality human hair, are kind to your scalp, incredibly natural-looking, and can be washed, cut and styled as normal. We’ve got one full set, worth $8,000, to give away to one lucky reader, and with 23 shades available, you’re bound to find a perfect match. www.advancedhair.hk.
Deadline: September 28
GIVEAWAYS visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!
WIN: A seven-piece skincare hamper from Elemental Herbology British skincare brand Elemental Herbology combines natural extracts with serious science to deliver beauty products that are all-natural but totally effective. Courtesy of theThe Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, We’ve got a luxurious Elemental Herbology hamper featuring seven of their hero body and face products to give away, including their award-winning Vital Glow resurfacing cream and the Hyaluronic Booster Plus+ serum (pictured). the entire set is worth $4,050! Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Rd., Central.
Deadline: September 28
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WIN: A box of veggies from The Fresh Supply Company Fresh quality produce doesn’t have to drain your wallet. The Fresh Supply Company cuts out the middleman and goes straight to the supplier for fruits and veggies that are delicious but still reasonably priced - and delivered right to your door! We’ve got three vegetable boxes to give away, each worth $500. thefreshsupplycompany.com.
Deadline: September 28
Reviews
TEST-DRIVE
Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends
The Dyson Supersonic
GADGET
The Buzz: A $3,380 hairdryer!? It sounds mad, but the Dyson Supersonic is winning hearts and minds for its high-tech hair-drying capabilities and sleek design.
WORKOUT
Aerial Arts Class at Flex Studio The Buzz: Aerial arts - acrobatic exercises performed using the support of silk hammocks - have exploded onto the mainstream in the past few years. Flex has offered aerial classes for kids and teens for a while, but recently launched classes on Monday evenings for adults too. The Class: No one in our class was a seasoned aerialist, but by the end of the session we had learned how to perform a backflip off the silk, and then back into it again. Not only that, we were able to hang upside-down and experience the benefits of an inversion on our spines, but without the strain on our arms and shoulders and the feeling that we might lose our balance. The Verdict: One thing you don’t always get in workouts is a sense of fun, but with aerial arts, we were giggling throughout the class. Being able to perform tricks right from our first lesson was a hugely liberating lesson in our own physical and mental abilities, and we were gutted when the lesson was over. Was it Hard? Nah. The moves look impressive but they’re actually very easy. You’ll definitely need some core strength for more advanced moves.
The Product: Dyson has put its technology from its bladeless fans into this device, spending US$71 million to develop a product that is far quieter than a traditional salon device, can dry hair in roughly half the time and can maintain a consistent heat that won’t damage your locks. Plus, the motor is in the handle, meaning that your hair won’t get scorched and tangled mid-styling session. The Results: We’ve got no complaints at all about this high-performing, beautifully designed feat of engineering. It’s well balanced, so no arm-ache, it dries hair thoroughly and left us looking salonstyled every time we used it. It also has a much shorter nozzle, so it saves space too. Sure, the price tag is high, but Dyson products never seem to lack for happy customers. The Verdict: We’ve only got the Supersonic on a test-drive, and are fantasising about faking our own death so we don’t have to return it. If your hair is really thick or difficult to manage you’ll find it a lifesaver, but at this price point, the rest of us may have to watch enviously from the sidelines. $3,380 from Facesss, OT 202, 2/F, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2118-5622. More info at www.dyson.hk.
Cost: $255 for an individual class, with packages available. Shops 308-310, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, www.flexhk.com. 17
Cover Story
A
Better Fit Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many a corporate cogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream to ditch the nine-to-five and pursue a career where their passions lie - but it takes guts to make that jump! Kate Springer talks with three former suits about how they turned their backs on corporate life to work in wellness.
Teaching is one of the most common - and fulfilling - ways to move into the wellness world. Formerly a corporate lawyer, fitness trainer Elle Kealy has also run her own dance studio, and now offers consulting to wellpreneurs as well as running her online health and nutrition program, Lean and Lithe.
E L L E K E A LY
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Cover Story
S
he began teaching dance in 1999 and opened her own studio in 2003 while living in London. A few years later, Kealy moved to Hong Kong and opened Central Dance Studios, which she operated until her son was born in 2012. Her next idea came after starting a family. “I wanted some help getting back into shape after having kids, but a lot of trainers didn’t understand the physical strains and emotional stresses that many women face after their twenties,” Kealy explains. “I put a little post on Hong Kong Moms and found there were many women who felt like I did, so I stepped into that space.” Kealy launched Lean and Lithe, a comprehensive nutrition and fitness program aimed at women over 30. Since debuting the eight-week program in 2013, Kealy’s hyperefficient online training program has seen interest from women all over the world. This success inspired Kealy to support other passionate people who are interested in launching a wellness businesses in Hong Kong but lack certain skills. Kealy set up a consulting service, where she works with aspiring wellness entrepreneurs on business plans, legal structures, rent negotiations, renovations, operations, and sales and marketing. “People often think of this as a ‘hobby’ job. But that’s simply not true,” she says. “If you apply the same business skills that you would apply to any other business, the potential to have a very good lifestyle and impact people in a positive way is there - you just have to uncover it.”
POINTERS FROM THE PROS
Kealy offers up a few tricks of the trade for those thinking about a career change. Test the waters before jumping in: If you’re thinking about teaching, try working a couple classes a week to ensure this is the right fit for you. Business first: While you still have a salary, start planning your business and conducting market research so when you are ready to make the shift, you can make the most of your time. Set healthy boundaries: When starting a business, it’s easy to become all-consumed. Set boundaries to ensure that you’re carving out enough time for yourself and your family. Partner up: If you don’t have the financial capacity to go it alone, look for industry professionals with complementary skills and experience to bring your business to life. Rent check: One of the primary areas for concern is rent. Once you start looking for a physical space, you’ll have to be ready to pull the trigger quickly. So be sure your business plan and personal life are ready to go. Get online: Don’t want to worry about rent and upkeep? Don’t underestimate the power of the internet. Hobby hack: Your business is not “just a hobby.” Treat it like a lucrative business and unlock the potential to grow the services, upgrade facilities, take on new clients, and better serve your existing customers all at the same time.
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Cover Story
Banking On It
Over the past few years, Hong Kong has seen a wellspring of organic and veggie-friendly foods pop up in restaurants and health food stores. And leading the charge is Steven Wu, co-founder of Locofama Group, which operates several concepts, including Locofama, Sohofama, Supafood and Famas Kitchen.
B
efore launching Locofama three years ago, Wu had worked in the financial industry in Toronto and New York City for about a decade. “For the most part, working on the trade floor was like a dream come true. It was out of a movie at times,” he recalls. “The kicking, the screaming, the adrenaline rush, the competition - as a young man at that time it was everything I had hoped for.” But the rush faded over time. And after a decade on the intense trading floor, Wu was ready to make a 180-degree change. While visiting family in Hong Kong in 2013, Wu met now-business partner Larry Tang. “Locofama was about to kick-start and I jumped on the opportunity,” says Wu.
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“I flew back home under the radar to uproot my life, sold what I could and invested into the new business. I literally disappeared one day with a one-way ticket, put on a new restaurateur hat, and never looked back.” Although passionate about healthy eating habits, Wu never expected to work in the restaurant industry. It’s one of the most challenging professions in Hong Kong, and Wu admits that running a restaurant group is far from stress-free. “As an entrepreneur, life can become quite chaotic, but the fulfillment offsets the stress,” he says. “If you dig deep down and really feel that it is your passion and purpose, then make the jump.”
Cover Story
YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE!
Courses and resources for budding healthpreneurs
Kitchen Sync Got an awesome recipe for raw bliss balls, but lack the counter space to make more than a dozen? Kitchen Sync is Hong Kong’s foodie incubator, with a fully equipped and licensed commercial kitchen space that you can hire by the day to get your business off the ground. kitchensyncltd.com.
Bite Unite So you’ve got your food ready to go but don’t know how to get it to your customers? Bite Unite is a new website that connects food startups directly to consumers. Its roster of chefs and their dishes are showcased on the centralised site, allowing customers to browse handmade artisanal dishes from local small businesses. Bite Unite takes care of payment processing, logistics and marketing; all you need to do is cook. biteunite.com.
Gecko Yoga
STEVEN WU
Yoga Instructor Jenny Smith has carved out a niche as the premier children’s yoga instructor in Hong Kong. She also offers teacher training for children’s yoga, with 95-hour fully accredited courses taking place throughout the year. From October to December Gecko Yoga is running twoday modules for infants, small children and teens that are open to all interested yogis, regardless of whether they are instructors. www.geckoyoga.com.
Pure Yoga Want to get that yoga teacher qualification? Pure Yoga offers fully accredited courses throughout the year. If you are already qualified but are
seeking additional credits, it also runs course on hot and pre- and post-natal yoga, to name a few. Coming up next month is a two-part, 200-hour Yoga Alliance course taught at Pure’s studio at the Centrium. The course takes place October 13-23, and December 8-18. pure-yoga.com.
The Asian Academy for Sport & Fitness Professionals Hong Kong’s main fitness professional certification body offers foundation and advanced courses for all kinds of fitness professionals, from swimming and muay Thai coaches to trainers specialising in elderly fitness. Courses are comprehensive, fairly tough and require you to sit an exam. For already qualified professionals, it hosts regular continuing education programs overseas in locations such as Bali. Courses are mostly in Chinese but there are bilingual and English courses too. Room 1603, 16/F, Eastern Centre, 1,065 King's Rd., Quarry Bay, 2578-9877, www.aasfp.com.
Optimum Performance Studio OPS is well known as the go-to place for budding PTs to get their NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certification. If you want to stand out from the crowd, it also offers instructor certifications in TRX and VIPR, as well as regular trigger point workshops to teach you how to release tension post-workout. Classes available in both Cantonese and English. 2/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley St., Central, 2868-5170, www.opstudiohk.com.
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Cover Story
If you were looking for Tryphena Chia at 2am on a Friday night in 2006, you wouldn’t find her at a bar with friends or asleep at home. Most likely, she’d still be at work, overseeing housekeeping and conferences at the RitzCarlton Hotel Company in New York City.
TRYPHENA CHIA
“L
ife as a hotelier was very unpredictable,” recalls Chia. “There was never a set schedule. I worked all through the holidays to help others create memories. It got pretty depressing after a while.” With the stress came anxiety attacks, insomnia and digestive issues. Eventually, Chia left the Ritz-Carlton to work in another demanding
22
office, as an executive assistant to a CFO. That’s when she tried yoga for the first time. “I realized after a while that yoga helped with my stress and health issues,” she says. “It happened really slowly. Yoga just crept into my life and did an overhaul of my entire being without me even realizing it.”
Encouraged by her boyfriend, Chia quit her corporate job in 2008 to travel the world and pursue a yoga training certification. Fast forward a few years later and Chia is now a senior yoga instructor at Pure Yoga. “I love being a yoga teacher,” she says. “I am happier, and being active and being healthy is not a chore but my way of life.”
Eat Healthy on a Budget In a place like Hong Kong, living well isn’t always easy on the wallet. Hannah Hodson rounds up some healthy spots that offer great bargains without skimping on quality.
For Rude Health Products...
The exclusive distributor of popular UK organic health food brand Rude Health, Green Castle offers a great rate if you buy from them directly. For instance, their almond milk is $40 per litre, Oaty Biscuits are $30 for 200 grams and their snack bars are $16 each. The granola is $70 for a 500-gram box, which is significnatly cheaper than in the supermarkets, where it often creeps into the $100 range. greencastle.com.hk.
For Everything Coconut...
The craze for coconut isn’t going away any time soon. For raw coconut materials, check out Shing Fat Coconut and Spices, which offers fresh coconut meat and coconut milk - perfect for cooking. Its coconut water is just $6. If you’re a spice fiend, you can also pick up some Western-style spices such as sage and tarragon at a mere $20 a pop. 18 Spring Garden Lane, Wan Chai, 2572-7725. A-Star Coconut knows its niche. It stocks a mindboggling selection pre-packaged coconut products, from coconut water to coconut oil, flour and sugar perfect for stocking up your pantry if you love to bake healthy. Also on offer are coconut snacks and skincare products, all for far less than in the swanky shops. Well worth a visit. 177 Hennessey Rd., Wan Chai, 24748885, www.acaphk.com.
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Cheap Eats
For Black Bean Pasta...
Sure, a big bowl of creamy pasta is a pretty tasty cheat meal, but whether you’re forgoing gluten or just don’t want all those carbs sitting in your stomach like a stone, it’s good to have options. Enter Gafell: it offers two types of pasta: spaghetti made out of black beans, or fettuccini made our of soybeans. Both pastas are high in protein, low in carbs, vegan and organic. What’s more, it’s just $39 per 200-gram box. gafell.com.
For Organic Shampoo...
Looking for organic personal care products? Kinoa stocks French organic brand Douce Nature, which it sells for just $149-$156 per litre. Its “clearance” section is a good place to snap up some steals as well. kinoa-shop.com
For Big Bags of Biltong…
High in protein and low in fat, this South African dried beef treat is an awesome post-gym snack. If you purchase direct from Biltong Chief, the cured meat comes in 500-gram bags for just $160, for 1-kilo bags for $350. You can freeze it, or share with mates post-gym or hike. Also available is dried kudu (antelope), with chilled grassfed beef and lamb coming soon. biltongchief.com.
For Organic Veggies...
On the hunt for organic veggies that don’t cost the earth? A Tao’s Vegetables has a vast range of locally farmed and imported fruit and veggies. You’ll find all of your basics, such as apples, lettuce and cucumber, as well as more unusual produce such as green tomatillos and broccolini. Prices vary depending the season but a recent order form includes organic Australian carrots for $12 per catty, organic Dutch tomatoes at $20 per catty, and organic local-grown button mushrooms at $25 per pack. Sign up to their mailing list to get an order sheet each month, or head to one of their three shops in Sai Ying Pun, Aberdeen or Kowloon. Shop S17-S19, G/F, Sai Ying Pun Market, 45 Centre St., Sai Ying Pun, facebook.com/ataosvegetables.
25
Cheap Eats
For Grassfed Beef...
If you don’t mind buying in bulk, El Toro is a great resource for grassfeed beef from Argentina. The family selection box offers a sample of four ribeyes, eight striploins, two packs of mince and a pack of beef strips. It’s 3.5 kilos of beef ringing in at $1,200. eltoro.hk.
For Market Fresh Meat and Veg...
For Organic Spreads...
Belgian import Le Pain Quotidien sells delicious organic spreads at just $58 per 400-gram jar. Try the dark chocolate Noir for a rich cocoa taste, or the organic hazelnut or praline spread for a nutty hit. Also sells organic jams for $48 and a selection of organic chocolate bars from just $15. Shop G41, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai, 2520-1801, www.lepainquotidien.com.hk.
The Graham Street Market has tons of stalls offering fresh greens at a great price. But if you’re looking to round out your wet market shop with a few gourmet items, check out Feather & Bone, a fantastic delicatessen offering top-of-the-range organic treats, many of which are priced very fairly. A whole freerange chicken is $150, and their organic curly kale is $58 per 500 grams. Be sure to take a look at their secondary cuts of Australian grassfed beef; you can pick up a brisket or beef blade at $89 per 500 grams. G/F, 18 Gage St, Central, featherandbone.com.hk.
For Kale and Zoodles...
Good old Marks & Spencer has been really upping its food game this year. Pop along to your nearest food hall to find washed and bagged baby spinach and curly kale at just $26 per 240-gram bag. It also offers fresh “pasta” made from ribbons of courgette, sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Their yoghurts and free-from ranges also offer excellent value. Outlets citywide, including 1/F, Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2921-8552.
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Food
Just Dough it Set up by local health blogger Vangietarian, vegan bakery Sourdough Diary is offering a box of four healthy mooncakes this year: two matcha and two raw cacao. The mooncakes are made from scratch with healthy ingredients such as almond, maple syrup, longan, dried fig, walnut, hazelnut, dates, sesame, matcha and cacao powder. Each box of four costs $208; order via sourdoughdiary@gmail.com or facebook.com/sourdoughdiary.
We love Mid-Autumn Festival, but those traditional sugar-laden pastries can be a little heavy on the tummy. If you want to see out summer in a way that’s friendlier to your cholesterol levels, look no further than these health-conscious mooncakes. By Sarah Fung
Superfood Supernova As Hong Kong’s health-conscious bakery, The Cakery’s mooncakes are all free from gluten, dairy, egg and refined sugar, and they’re chock-full of superfoods, from seeds and berries to cacao nibs and ginger powder. There are four flavours available: sesame with pumpkin seeds, linseed and coconut oil; red date with almond flour, lotus seed, walnuts and apricots; goji berry and chocolate with hazelnut, chestnut, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar; and fig with almond flour, sesame seeds and Himalayan pink salt. It’s $238 per box of four, with discounts available for bulk orders. www.thecakeryhk.com (pop-up currently at Pacific Place). 28
Green Lantern Vegetarian superstore Green Common is releasing its own line of vegan mooncakes, made with blueberries and mixed nuts. They’re low in sugar and packed with good fats from almonds, sesame, peanuts and seeds. Green Common is also offering health-conscious hampers if you really want to go all out with a Mid-Autumn gift. $188 for four, or $258 for six pieces. Order online at www. greencommon.com and pick up either at their Wan Chai or Central store.
Food
Lunar Craft Following last year’s popular pastries, Foodcraft is offering its raw vegan mooncakes again this year, made with fresh fruit or cacao fillings. With a base of oat flour, dessicated coconut, coconut flower nectar and cashews, the box of four contains four flavours: raw cacao and mango, matcha strawberry, strawberry raw cacao and mango matcha. It’s $198 per box of four, but Liv readers can get 10 percent off all online orders placed by September 7; just type in “Liv.Mooncake” at checkout. Pick up at their Kennedy Town factory, or add delivery for $80 (free for orders of $600 or more). Flat A, 21/F, Yiuga Factory Building, 60 Victoria Rd., Kennedy Town, foodcraft.hk.
Coming Up Roses Michelin-starred Cuisine Cuisine has come up with a new mooncake flavour this year: mini rose puree egg custard with roselle. Roselle has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a health-giving herb that lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as boosting the immune system, to (maybe) offset the indulgences of the holiday. 3101-3107, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2393-3933, www.miradining.com.
Want Not? Waste Not! Got more mooncakes than you can shake a glow stick at? Donate your leftovers here:
Feeding Hong Kong Accepting mooncake donations until September 23. Drop off at their donation centre at Unit 715-717, Block A2, Yau Tong Industrial City, 17-25 Ko Fai Rd., Yau Tong. Ensure the packaging is intact and that they're within their expiry date. 2205-6568, feedinghk.org.
The Kee to Good Health Even the big players are getting in on the health trend: Kee Wah offers a healthier option for both its egg custard and lotus seed recipes. It has swapped sugar for maltilol, a sugar alcohol that has half the calories of regular sugar and is kind to your teeth. The mini egg custard mooncakes are 153 calories each, and contain 1.3 grams of sugar and 8.5 grams of fat; while the lotus seed mooncakes have 1.1 gram of sugar, 9 grams of fat and 175 calories per ¼ of a cake.
St. James’ Settlement Runs a food bank all year long, with locations citywide. Its headquarters are at Shop 1-3, G/F, Fortune Court, 10 Sai On Lane, Sai Ying Pun. 2975-8777, foodbank.sjs.org.hk. A full list of mooncake donation centres can be found on the government’s food waste website: www.foodwise.gov.hk.
Outlets citywide, including Shop 2, G/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2520-2029, www.keewah.com. 29
Food
HEALTHY RECIPE
MEDITERRANEAN BRUSSELS SPROUTS By Jonathan Kan, The Fresh Supply Company
(Serves two to three people as a side dish) Brussel sprouts are super low GI and are packed full of vitamins and minerals, and while they get a bad rap, the humble Brussels sprout is delicious when dressed up. This recipe takes inspiration from the bold flavors of the Mediterranean region, and combines it with the fresh, sweet taste of these crunchy mini brassica. Trust us - it’s delicious!
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
30
INGREDIENTS:
METHOD:
• 300g Brussels sprouts • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1. Blanch the Brussels sprouts in boiling water for around 3 minutes.
• 4-5 olive oil-canned anchovy fillets, roughly chopped
2. Place in a colander and rinse in cold water to stop them from overcooking. Set aside.
• 2 tbsps raisins • Five shelled walnuts, roughly chopped
3. Get started on your sauce. Add the olive oil to a pan on a medium-high heat. Fry the garlic and walnuts until golden-brown.
• 2 tbsps olive oil
4. Add the anchovies and mix for around 30 seconds.
• 1 small sprig fresh parsley, roughly chopped
5. Stir in the raisins and switch off the heat. 6. Add the cooked Brussel sprouts to the pan and mix well. 7. Pour the contents of the pan into a serving bowl and sprinkle parsley on top to finish. For a finishing touch, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top.
Over 270,000 citizens have removed more than 22 million pieces of trash from our beaches, country trails and urban areas, but much more needs to be done. Sign up a team for the 2016 Cleanup Challenge and make a difference through this fun, rewarding, and eye-opening experience. Together, we can clean up Hong Kong. 1/9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/12 www.HKcleanup.org
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REVIEW
Elemental Herbology Five Elements Facial at the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong THE BUZZ: With the full skincare range exclusively available in Hong Kong at the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Elemental Herbology treats your skincare concerns according to the five elements: wood, fire, water, metal and earth. Using theories of herbal medicine combined with science-based skincare, the Five Elements facial tailors its products and steps to suit all skin types. THE SPA: With its dark wood interior and subtle Asian flourishes, the Spa is widely considered one of the best in Hong Kong, and for good reason. Check in an hour before your treatment to take maximum advantage of the kniepp wading pool, steam room and showers, before retreating to a semi-private cabin in the waiting area for magazines, infused water, fresh fruit and cookies. THE PROCEDURE: First, we were given a lifestyle consultation that revealed our dominant element, as well as highlighting any imbalances that needed correcting. Our dominant element that day was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Earthâ&#x20AC;? and so we required a facial that would help 32
to brighten dull and tired-looking skin. The therapist used lymphatic massage techniques to combat puffiness, while the masks infused our skin with vitamins, bio-actives and essential fatty acids. The great thing about this facial is that on another day, the therapist might use an entirely different line of products to address different concerns. BEST BIT: The effects of the treatment lasted for days, with no unruly breakouts that often come postfacial. We felt as though we stepped out of the spa looking refreshed and well-rested, not a shiny mess. WHAT ELSE? Until the end of September, all visitors spending $1,500 or more at the spa will get a $200 gift voucher to spend on dinner for two either at Pierre or Cafe Causette. PRICE: 60-minutes: $1,400 (weekdays) or $1,500 (weekends) 90-minutes: $2,000 (weekdays) or $2,200 (weekends) 24/F, The Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd., Central, 2825-4888, www.mandarinoriental.com.
PROBIOTIC SKINCARE
TRIE D TEST AND ED
We all know that friendly bacteria is essential for a healthy gut, but now beauty brands are applying this knowledge to skincare to help calm reactive skin, banish acne and combat pollution-related stresses. They also have an impressive anti-aging effect.
ASK THE EXPERT Dr. Gerald Wong MBBS(UK) MRCP(UK) DRCOG(Eng) DipGerMedRCP(London) General Practitioner
Probiotic Serum+ by Esse This South African brand has conducted a lot of research into the skin’s microbiome, and has formulated a certified organic, all-natural skincare line that creates a friendly place for beneficial bacteria to flourish. Its star product, the Probiotic Serum+, contains 1 billion live probiotics per millilitre to keep the skin healthy and balanced. $1,100 from Sogo, B1/F, 555 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 3188-5241.
Miracle Cleanser, Aurelia Probiotic Skincare
This cult product has won international beauty awards and is a beauty editors’ fave. The all-natural, nasties-free cream formulation contains eucalytpus oil, chamomile, rosemary and bergamot to gently but thoroughly remove makeup and grime. The probiotics in the formula help to restore the skin’s natural balance of healthy bacteria, which in turn helps to safeguard against breakouts, eczema and skin irritations. $508 from net-a-porter. com/hk.
ADULT ACNE I'm in my 30s and I'm still getting breakouts on my T-zone and on my back. It gets much worse in hot weather. What can I do to improve the condition of my skin? Heat and humidity can exacerbate acne by increasing sweat and oil production; try to shower or wash your face to remove excess oil and dirt, and change out of sweaty clothes after exercise. I would also recommend taking a zinc supplement as it has anti-inflammatory properties and also vitamin D (it's best to test your level with a blood test to determine the appropriate dose) which is very good for clearing the skin. For more severe cases there are prescribed topical and oral medicines containing Retin A and antibiotics, which are effective at reducing the oiliness of the skin and eliminating bacteria.
FLIGHT OR FIGHT Every time I get off an aeroplane I catch a cold. It's really frustrating and as a frequent traveler I feel like I'm sniffling and sneezing every other month. What steps can I take to boost my immunity, or at least dodge the germs? You are at greatest risk from people sitting in your row and the row in front and behind you, though viruses that cause cold and flu symptoms are airborne so can travel far very quickly. Wear a mask if there is someone who is clearly coughing or unwell in your vicinity. Remember to drink lots of water during the flight. You can also take vitamin C, zinc and Echinacea. Although there is no strong evidence for them, these supplements are safe and may be effective. Information presented by Dr. Lauren Bramley & Partners
Travel
Though better known as a ski destination, Niseko has plenty to offer adventurous travellers to Japan all year round. By Tim King ith its incredible snow, amazing food and stunning natural beauty, Niseko has quickly made a name for itself on the international snow sports scene. Sure, there are some great reasons to flock there during the winter months, but it’s a fantastic destination all year round. Thinking of heading there? Here are seven places you need to check out, no matter the season.
W
SCALE MINI MOUNT FUJI
Hiking a dormant volcano is not something you get to do very often, but for active travelers, hiking Mount Yotei, aka Ezo Fuji, or “Mini Mount Fuji” is a feat that can be accomplished in a day. During the winter a guide is a must, but in the summer months a water bottle and some determination will get you to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views stretching all the way to the coast.
34
Travel
PAY A VISIT TO LAKE TOYA Lake Toya lies about 45 minutes away from Niseko but is well and truly worth the effort for its spectacular scenery. Take a day trip during the winter for some snowshoeing, or go camping during the summer months.
Lake Toya
EdVenture Niseko
View from the summit of Mount Yotei
No caves like snow caves
HAVE AN EDVENTURE
Sun or snow, Niseko offers a huge range of outdoor activities to keep you occupied. The team at EdVenture Niseko, which runs day camp programs all year round, keeps kids and families alike occupied throughout the year. Winter camps for kids include toboggan building, ski and snowboard lessons and snow cave battles, making for an unbeatable outdoor experience both on and off the slopes. The best part? Parents are free for a full day of skiing. In the summer months, EdVenture Niseko will take care of the whole family, with camping trips, Amazing Race-style adventures and golf excursions. www.edventureniseko.com.
HOP INTO AN ONSEN
After a long day of skiing or trekking, the onsens (hot springs) in and around Niseko provide the perfect revitalising solution to your aching legs. The temperature and mineral content of the onsen water helps with circulation and aids in recovery, and once you feel the effects it will become part of your winter routine. The Yugokorotei onsen lies about 20 mins outside of Hirafu village and is a beautiful, quiet, outdoor spot for some hot tub contemplation. 35
Travel
EAT LOCAL
The incredibly fertile soils in and around Niseko produce some of the best fruit and vegetables in the word. During the winter months you have to check out the Green Farm Café; its organic produce is sourced locally from its own farm, which lies at the foot of Mount Yotei. During the summer, skip the restaurant altogether and go straight to the source with a visit to a cherry or strawberry orchard in Niki town, followed by a trip to Kashima’s dairy farm. Craving fresh sushi? Head to the fish market in nearby Iwani for seafood to rival Tsukiji.
SPRING AWAKENING
There are very few places in the world where you can top up your water bottle with water coming straight from the ground. Niseko is surrounded by natural springs that produce some of the cleanest water on the planet. Fukidashi Park is located 20 minutes out of Niseko and is one of the best and most beautiful natural springs in the area.
Fukudashi Park
Tim King is the director for EdVenture Niseko, a company offering year-round adventure camps for kids, families and corporates in Niseko.
MnK NIsekoProperties
STAY IN A CHALET
Want to get away from the craziness of Niseko Village? Book a house set in beautiful natural surroundings with MnK Niseko Properties. Its chalet communities range in size from two to six bedrooms - perfect for parties of all sizes. The folks behind MnK are a friendly bunch who will be able to offer visitors some tried-and-true local tips and advice on what to do in the area. www.mnkniseko.com. 36
GETTING TO NISEKO
Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines both fly direct to Sapporo’s New Chitose airport; the flight takes around five hours. From the airport, there are plenty of options to get to Niseko, but the train from the airport to Niseko is a great option. It runs along the coast to Otaru before heading up through the hills and mountains toward Niseko. There is something really special about watching a snowy coastline disappear into the ocean, and meandering through the green forest on a train.
Fly to Australia SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | BRISBANE Economy return
$
from
4,383 SQ +
+ Price includes taxes.
YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY DESTINATION Economy return from
Auckland
$
Bali
$
Danang
$
Fiji
$
STAY &
Flights + 5 nights
from
Kota Kinabalu
$
2,320*
KA
London
$
1,540*
KA
Los Angeles
$
4,680*
FJ
Maldives
$
1,460*
KA
3,940* QR 3,250* AA
3,450*
UL
Ski
Pyeongchang, Korea $
Economy return from
4,500* HX
8,009
*
OZ
Whistler, Canada
Niseko, Japan
Flights + 7 nights
Flights + 5 nights
17,759
$
from
*
CX
11,599
$
from
*
HX
INCLUDES Accommodation at Yong Pyong Resort with daily breakfast, return airport transfers, and a 4-day ski pass.
INCLUDES Accommodation at The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler, return airport transfers, and a 4-day lift pass.
INCLUDES Accommodation at J-Sekka,
2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games venue. An annual snowfall average of 250cm allows enjoyment of a range of winter sports.
Well-known for its powdery snow-covered slopes, Whistler is constantly voted as one of the best skiing destinations in the world.
Famous for its deep and fluffy powder snow, Niseko has gained an international reputation for top level skiing.
return airport transfers and a 4-day all mountain lift pass.
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
flightcentre.com.hk
2830 2818
Travel
TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer
OH HAI, HAWAII If the only “Hawaii” you’ve been to is Sanya, you have to check out the real deal. The American archipelago is home to some of the most pristine scenery in the world, from active volcanoes to dramatic cliffs, hiking trails and black sand beaches. It’s always a good time to go to Hawaii, but just in case you need a few extra incentives, this fall is chock-full of events for adrenaline junkies. First up is the Ragnar Overnight Relay Race (October 14-15, 2016), a 200-mile relay that winds through rainforests and lava fields over the course of two days. And then there’s the 42nd Honolulu Marathon (December 11, 2016), which draws more than 30,000 participants every year. There’s no cut off time and no entrant limit, so there’s still time to snag a bib. Rather just hit the beach? Relax in style at one of the newly opened addresses across the archipelago: Four Seasons Resort Oahu and Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki both opened in June 2016. Need help planning your trip? Visit www.gohawaii.com for inspiration.
HOP TO IT Some people shop compulsively for shoes and clothes - I shop for flights. A couple of months ago, I came upon an app that, for better or worse, enables my addiction. It’s called Hopper - an airfare prediction app that essentially tracks your wish list of flights to let you know whether you’re getting an awesome deal, a normal rate or a total rip off. The app also recommends how to adjust the 38
trip in order to save money, maybe leaving one day earlier or flying into a nearby airport. One of my favorite features is the watch list, where you plug in your go-to destinations and Hopper tracks the prices and alerts you when it’s a good time to pull the trigger. So while I still buy flights compulsively, at least with this app, I am more likely to snag a good deal. www.hopper.com.
Travel
LONDON CALLING What? Yet another amazing restaurant in London? Yeah, okay, this is not news... but Rubedo is worth a special trip. On a recent trip to visit friends, I stumbled upon Rubedo, a tiny gem in the charming North London village of Stoke Newington. It’s owned by two Italians and co-founder Federico Carafoli has a PhD in molecular biology - but don’t worry, there’s nothing pretentious about this quaint bistro. The food is fresh and homey, with a short list of daily dishes that rotates depending on what the farmers’ market has that morning. One of the highlights is the natural wine selection, which is nothing new to Europeans, but is all the rage in London at the moment. No joke, Carafoli’s chemistry thesis was on the antioxidant properties of the polyphenols present in wine - you can bet that these guys are serious. Even with an encyclopedic oenophile at the helm, the prices are reasonable and the service as friendly as they come. 35 Church St., Stoke Newington, N16 0NX, www.rubedolondon.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
Tough Mothers Aside from the more obvious advantages of becoming a parent, motherhood often bestows unexpected gifts: increased mental resilience and physical endurance are the name of the game when you’re wrangling small people. We sit down for a chat with three inspiring mothers who have taken those strengths and are running, flexing and lifting with them. By Kate Farr.
And Jane has some practical suggestions for expectant mums wanting to continue their workouts in pregnancy, “I now wear two sports bras at a time! It’s not a sexy look, but I’d rather run than not. I’m very conscious of my body and don’t push it too hard. Oh, and I need to run near a toilet at all times, which is infuriating!” On the subject of post-natal body image, Jane has this to say, “I think being a mother has given me greater body confidence. Even at my fittest I’m no model, but I’m proud of what my body can achieve. Not only does it have the capacity to grow and nurture a baby, but with work and discipline, it can also be a runner’s body - healthy, fit and strong.”
The Mum On The Run
S
ingle mum to five-year-old Henry, and currently pregnant with her second child, PhD student Jane Richards isn’t one for taking things easy. An accomplished triathlete and multiple marathoner, Jane won the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Half Marathon in 2014, and has previously qualified for the worldrenowned Ironman World Championships. Her road to racing began early, but hasn’t always resulted in podium finishes, “I started running when I was 10. To be honest - and people never believe me when I say this - I was pretty rubbish at sport as a kid! However, I was persistent.” This persistence has served Jane well in her marathon running, “I was so happy when, ten years ago, I ran 4.09. My personal best is now 2.53, and I hope to break 2.50 in the not-too-distant future. I never would have believed that was possible.” She also believes that fitness can and should be a family affair, “I hope to show my children that fitness is just like brushing your teeth; you need to make time for it every day.” She continues, “Regardless of whether or not my kids become runners, I’d like fitness to be a part of their lives.”
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The Fighting Fit Mama
P
rofessional Muay Thai fighter, personal trainer and CrossFit evangelist Joey-Lee Pieterse now heads up operations at Epic MMA and CrossFit 9 Dragons, but it was the experience of having her sons - five-year-old Tayden and four-year-old Maddyx - that set her on her current fitness path. She explains, “I had my boys 11 months apart to the day; it took a huge toll on my body. I thought I would always be fit but I gained almost 30 kilos during my back-to-back pregnancies and felt awful.” Having continued to train in Muay Thai during her first pregnancy, Joey sustained a
Family
The Piloxing Parent
C
onnie Colson moved to Hong Kong from Shanghai with husband Bruce, children Simone, Zach and Max, and a lifelong love of fitness. “I’ve been active since I was a teen - I was in the school track team for long distance running, played hockey and netball, and represented my city for karate-do.” Although she had always maintained an active lifestyle, after having children she began to notice creeping weight gain and lethargy. This spurred her on to qualify as a professional fitness trainer, coaching others in a variety of group exercise programmes. But it is in Piloxing that Connie now invests much of her focus. Alternating high-intensity boxing moves with low-impact Pilates, Piloxing improves cardiovascular health, and tones and lengthens muscles while strengthening the core. The classes are particularly suitable for mums looking to regain fitness, “it offers classes to suit your daily schedule,
back injury shortly after her eldest son was born, and found it much harder to maintain her fitness during her second pregnancy, “My back got worse and worse as I got bigger and I lost motivation. I hated the way I looked and the fact that I couldn’t even walk up a hill any more really made me question how I got there!” Husband Doug was supportive, “My hubby was amazing. He never pushed me, just encouraged me, and would try to plan joint gym sessions so he could support me through my hard times.” With his encouragement, Joey travelled to Phuket to reignite her passion for fitness, “I trained twice a day at Tiger Muay Thai where I saw they had a class called CrossFit. I booked a session and was hooked!” She continues, “I couldn’t stop talking about it to my hubby, and soon after we both flew to Singapore for our CrossFit trainer certification.” She believes that much of CrossFit’s success is down to the supportive environment, “You have a community to cheer you on. Everyone works at their own pace, helping you celebrate every small victory. The support and camaraderie helps you make
allowing mothers to focus on what is needed in the time that they have.” She adds, “Most mothers’ priority (after sleep!) is to lose the pregnancy weight.” Connie’s first-hand experience of returning to the gym post-pregnancy offers comfort to mums who may feel self-conscious about their bodies, “I love my body now! I love the stretch marks that are evidence of carrying my babies. Of course I loved my pre-pregnancy body, but that was more for vanity than comfort.”
Find out more about at piloxing.com
friends and feel like you can achieve anything!” Joey is keen to stress achievable targets for mothers returning to fitness post-pregnancy, “I would hate for anyone to think it’s easy to hit the gym and just undo nine months of pregnancy in a few short weeks. Each pregnancy has its own story, and getting back to the gym is something you have to be ready for. Knowing what you want to get out of it is really important in setting yourself realistic goals.” And these days, her own aims are just as realistic, “My goals have changed to align with where I want to eventually be as an athlete. I no longer just want to be skinny; I want to be able to lift heavy things and work out without feeling like I can’t do it. I want to inspire and motivate other people.”
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Family
FIT FAM with Kate Farr
Much like the experience of childbirth, six weeks of school holidays require a full year of recuperation in order to fully salvage your strength and prepare yourself to do it all over again. We’re celebrating back to school month with a few nifty new family essentials for September.
BUG BUSTER If your bub is a little grub, you probably have armloads of sanitisers, antibac gels and wipes in your home, handbag and pockets. The problem is that small hands usually go straight back in the mouth as soon as you’ve swabbed, meaning your kiddo ends up swallowing whatever you’ve just doused them in. Step forward Aquassimo. This clever disinfectant kills 99 percent of bacteria, but leaves behind nothing more sinister than water. It’s fragrance-free, contains no harmful chemicals or preservatives and can be used on everything from hands to highchairs, making it ideal for when you’re on the go. $58-$156. Buy online at baobae.com.
ALL GOOD IN THE HOOD Selling ethically-made-in-Hong-Hong tees in supersoft organic cotton, Good ‘Hoods let your kiddos declare their clan allegiance in the coolest way possible. Currently available for kids from three to 12 years, the bold location prints include K-Town, Southside, Sai Kung, Happy Valley, Mid-Levels and Pok Fu Lam, to name just a few. With more ‘hoods in the works (we’re rooting for Lantau) and adult tees and totes to follow, this brand is undoubtedly one to watch, but they’re not just a pretty face - any profits from the line are donated to Enrich, a local charity that schools migrant workers in financial literacy. Doing good in your ‘hood has never looked better. $180 each. Buy online at good-hoods.com. 42
Family
A FAMILY AFFAIR Launched earlier this year, Espada is a new multidisciplinary fitness studio in Sheung Wan. Embracing a fully family-friendly policy, the gym’s Parent n’ Tots classes aim to whip mums and dads into shape while enabling them to bring their kids - aged 15 months to three years - along for the ride. And we mean that quite literally; you’ll be joining your offspring in relays, playing tag and most fun of all, using them as a free weight. The take-home message? You’re never too young to earn your keep. $150 per class. 1 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 28851922, espada.hk.
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
Hong Kong
Osteopathic
Association
AS YOUR PREGNANCY PROGRESSES, THE EXTRA WEIGHT CREATES A SHIFT IN YOUR BODY'S CENTRE OF GRAVITY. Back pain, sciatica, insomnia and shortness of breath are not uncommon.
OSTEOPATHY. A safe and gentle approach to pregnancy care. You can find your local Osteopath on the directory of the association. www.osteopathy.org.hk
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Q&A
C l e a n U p Yo u r A c t HK Cleanup kicks of this month. From now until November, hundreds of groups from the local community will spend a day picking up litter from the city’s beaches, hiking trails and urban areas. The campaign’s founders, environmentalists Lisa Christensen (below right) and Nissa Marion (left), speak to Liv Magazine about Hong Kong’s need for better eco-awareness.
Have you always been environmentalists? LC: I’ve been a nature baby, and especially an ocean baby, from the day I was born. I love being outdoors, and swimming in the sea. As for being an environmentalist, I grew up in a place where recycling was just the norm, so it was hard for me to comprehend when I came to Hong Kong and saw how much stuff just goes into the trash here. NM: Camping and communing with nature made me happy as a kid, and I went to a progressive high school where, as a core member of the environment club, I got to work on things like tree plantings, vegetarian lunches, cafeteria composting, eco art exhibits… it’s no mistake that I’ve ended up where I am. Do you think Hong Kong’s attitude towards trash and waste has changed since you started HK Cleanup? LC: Yes - we do see progress in mindsets and awareness, but there’s still so far to go.
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The government does a pretty good job of removing and cleaning up the garbage in places we can see. Unfortunately this means a lot of people still perceive our city, beaches and sea as “clean.” One of the main reasons we conduct beach cleanups is to allow people to see and understand the issue with their own eyes! NM: Awareness is growing, and a general desire to see change happen, but we’re now at a point where action needs to follow - and awareness doesn’t always automatically turn into action. Humans have a tendency to wait for someone else to take a lead. What do you think the government should do to minimise waste and water pollution? LC: Many cities are passing bans and fines on disposable products like plastic bags, plastic bottles, polystyrene and microbeads. It would be amazing to see the government make bolder moves in these areas. Just look at the ban on fishing trawlers that was passed in 2012; it was a
Q&A
bold and necessary move, and its positive effects are already being seen. Why can’t we take charge on the waste issue in the same way? NM: We’ve already missed our chance to take the lead globally or even regionally, but we really can’t be the last ones to arrive at the dance. Things like bottle deposits have been repeatedly proven effective, and could be implemented here. But companies aren’t going to introduce them voluntarily. Stronger legislation would level the playing field and accelerate things in the right direction. Does it ever become disheartening when after the efforts of so many volunteers, trash continues to arrive? LC: We pretty much decided long ago that getting disheartened wasn’t going to do anyone any good, and the only way forward is to approach every day with optimism. Sometimes that can be hard, but there are lots of moments that make it worthwhile. What can you tell us about this tidal wave of trash that has been turning up in Hong Kong? Is it really from the mainland or is it a homegrown problem? LC: While there was a large volume of mainland trash that washed up over the summer due to the heavy rain, there also was - and ALWAYS is an enormous amount of local trash too. It’s great that recent media has drawn attention to the waste problem on our shores, but it’s incredibly important that we don’t get caught up in the finger-pointing game and release ourselves from responsibility. We need to clean up our own mess first and foremost. NM: We are 7 million people living on top of one another in a small territory, and we’re producing more trash per capita than any other major city in Asia. There is so much garbage entering our waste system every single day, of course it’s going to burst at the seams now and then. What is the weirdest item you’ve ever found during a cleanup? LC: A vast array of undergarments in all shapes, colours and sizes... NM: A prosthetic leg. Who loses a leg?
HK Cleanup in Numbers • Last year, 75,623 citizens collected over 5.5 million pieces of trash during the Challenge period. • Since HK Cleanup began, more than 270,000 participants have collected almost 23 million pieces of trash. • We estimate that Hongkongers throw away an average of 1,368,000 plastic bottles every single day. • Over 1,000 tonnes of plastic bags and more than 3,200 tonnes of food waste go to landfill every day in Hong Kong. • The three forms of litter most commonly found along Hong Kong’s coasts are plastic bags, plastic bottles, and food containers. These types of trash make up 42 percent of all the debris on our coastlines. • 83 percent of all the trash comes from land-based sources. And the debris found on the shores and at the surface represents only a fraction of the problem: a study reports that 70 percent of marine debris sinks to the sea floor, where it can last for hundreds of years, suffocating ecosystems, damaging coral reefs and harming wildlife. • Last year, HK Cleanup volunteers picked up 49,331 plastic straws and caps. If laid end to end, they would span over twenty kilometres. hkcleanup.org.
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The Guide RAW RESOURCES
Foodcraft
Allergy-friendly packaged foods, including raw coconut yogurt and parfaits, stoneground nut butters, dehydrated nori snacks, flax crackers and cocoroons. Available online or in health food stores citywide. Kitchen: Flat A, 21/F, Yiuga Factory Building, 62 Victoria Rd., Kennedy Town, www.foodcraft.hk.
Greenwoods Raw Cafe
Raw food, Asian-style. Greenwoods has raw vegan soup noodles, sushi rolls, raw tofu cheesecakes and other sweet treats. Fruit “pizzas”, wraps and Western-style raw dishes also available. 13/F, 2 Carnarvon Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3428-2416, www. facebook.com/GreenwoodsRawCafe.
Maya Cafe
Mediterranean raw takeout spot, with a few seats available for dine-in. Offers raw dips, zoodles, plenty of raw desserts and juices, as well as non-raw vegan mains. G/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des
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Peace of Green Rawsome Kitchen Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan,
barbecue grills.
2111-4553, www.facebook.com/
www.farmerskitchen.com.hk.
MayaCafeMediterraneanLifestyle.
Peace of Green Rawsome Kitchen
POG holds regular raw cooking workshops, where you can learn how to prep raw food - from tree nut cheese to bliss balls - at home. Also does regular pop-up brunches, catering and private meals.
Gonzalo Kosher Meat
Specialises in grass-fed beef from Uruguay, which is certified antibioticand hormone-free. Also happens to be Glatt Kosher. Also on offer are lamb, turkey, chicken, veal, sausages and cold cuts. www.gonzalo.hk.
www.facebook.com/pogkitchen.
GRASS-FED MEAT Farmer’s Kitchen
Grass-fed australian beef and lamb, with plenty of large cuts at a good price for carnivores on a budget. Also available are barbecue packs, salts and sauces, and even Australian
Farmer’s Kitchen
Meat Market
Predominantly sells grass-fed bonein cuts, roasting joints, secondary cuts, steak packs - and that’s just the beef section. There’s a handy key on every product, telling you everything you need to know: the country of origin, whether it’s chilled or frozen, how the cattle is fed, and more. Also has a great selection of organic and hormone-free pork and chicken. www.meatmarket.com.hk.
Mm Fresh Food
Grass-fed, wet-aged beef and lamb from New Zealand that’s free-range, hormone-free and fully traceable. Also offers sustainably-caught seafood from the waters off New Zealand and Australia. Deliveries are made on Fridays to Hong Kong Island, and Saturdays to the rest of Hong Kong. www.mmfreshfood.com.
Pacific Gourmet
Has plenty of choice when it comes to beef. Each product is marked as grain- or grass-fed on the website. Prices start at $282 per kilo for grassfed striploin. Organic, hormonefree poultry, Australian pork and deli meats also on offer. Delivery available six days a week. www.pacificgourmet.com.hk.
Tenderloin Fine Foods
Offers grass-fed beef from New Zealand and Argentina, both of which offer free-range, lean and 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
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. Bikini Fit
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ReSource The Counselling Centre
EMPO WE R YOU RS EL F SEE K CO UNS EL L IN G
We offer Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents A sliding fee scale is in place to provide an affordable option for all clients. ReSource is a Multicultural organization that provides counselling in English, Cantonese, Putonghua, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi. Day time/Evening Appointments Call us 2523 8979 http://www.resourcecounselling.org 23/F, Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen Street East, Central, Hong Kong Serving the Community for 40 years A Member Agency of The Community Chest
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#JUSTSHOWUPHK
Free outdoor fitness classes Wednesday mornings @ sun yat-sen park, 7am sharp Find us on facebook “justshowuphk”
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Back Page
We were in the entertainment sector to begin with, but after working on a few projects, we saw an increasing demand for health and wellness. For many people, joining a gym or buying healthy products is very expensive. We felt that being healthy should be an accessible privilege for everyone, and so we created IRIS to connect businesses and consumers at an affordable price, with free classes for the community all day long. We started small with a beach event. We had 80 people show up, which was more than we expected. Then we pulled in favours from people we know in order to test the concept with the wider public. We were overwhelmed by the support we received, to say the least - We had more than 1,800 attendees at our first event. With business happening literally 24-6-365 in Hong Kong, a lot of people find it difficult to keep up with the pace, let alone find time to be healthy. I know a lot of people who are trying to go to the gym or a yoga class all the time, but are always getting caught up in calls or meetings. I am one of them. On the weekends I love to get a crew together to hike. Hong Kong has so many spectacular spots to be discovered. If possible, I leave my phone in my
bag too! Hongkongers are so attached to their phones, and to me, wellness doesn’t just mean being healthy but also staying truly connected with yourself and others. We are more connected than ever, but for some people they have never felt more alone. Our relationship with people we care about has reduced to a text message on their birthday, a whatsapp on their new jobs, or a Facebook like on their marriage. Some can only pretend they care. The one thing that I hope to do is to bring back OffGrid, a 24-hour digital detox experience where we ban all digital gadgets, and encourage people to unwire, unplug and unleash. If there is one thing you can do to make you feel happier, I’d try and stay offline whenever you can, follow your heart and instinct, and trust yourself. Nothing will bring more happiness than doing things you enjoy doing the most. Organising IRIS has lured me into doing more meditation and grounding exercises. Running a business requires you to stay laser focused at all times, and sometimes it can get extremely stressful and tiring. I’m lucky to have a great team. My partners Gary and Gianni are key in making IRIS happen, as are the team at Hybrid and everyone that has helped at different stages along this journey.
HOW I LIV
CHARLZ NG
The CEO of Hybrid Group, the events company that organizes Spartan Race and IRIS, Hong Kong’s biggest health and wellness festival, Charlz Ng went from organizing music events to bringing together thousands of yogis to celebrate all things wellness. He tells Liv Magazine about his journey from DJs to drishtis, and his love of unplugging from tech.
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