Natalie Black

It was here we stumbled across the loudest, fun-loving group of people obviously having a great Sunday Funday as well. I’m not completely sure how it happened, but before we knew it - we had literally been abducted and then appointed as ‘the new recruits’ for one of the local dragon boat racing teams… and…. then stumbled across some other great people that invited us to try out the Hash running group in Singapore. Two fantastic ’scores’ in my opinion - the best ways to exercise - with great people that mix fun, fitness and socializing all into the one activity!! So …. once the next two hectic weeks are over with work, i’ll try my hand at dragon boating and try to keep up with some of the local runners. I’m the biggest fan of group sports.

I think it’s great to commit to an activity where the group can motivate each other to stay active, but most importantly - have a great time doing it!

For 10 days starting next week, Xndo will have a cafe lounge at The Osim roadshow at Takashimaya to sample our food and drinks. I’m so excited (but super busy) and looking forward to this fantastic event.

However, first I’m off to Phuket this weekend to unwind, relax and recharge the batteries to get me through those 10 days. Somehow, in between all of that - I am anxiously awaiting the SAFRA run. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Keep you posted.

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Natalie Black

Do their knees, ankles & back hurt carrying that extra weight? But of course these are questions that I think about but will probably never ask for fear of upsetting someone. As I look around and see these people all I want to do is go up and introduce myself and see if I could help them in any way and of course tell them about Xndo. To let them know how important it is for normal bodily function to remain at a healthy weight for their lifetime. I want to just help and give advice. But then I ask myself - would they want to be helped?

Would they like to hear about having to change their diet, how to exercise correctly, why it’s important to reduce the amount of sugar and salt they consume, why having deep fried snacks are unhealthy for them?? And the answer I believe is correct is that people probably would like to hear it…. but think it’s all too hard to actually do.

Studies have shown that people don’t try to improve their health and change their lifestyles until after their first catastrophic health event. i.e. their first heart attack or stoke. But unfortunately by that stage it’s almost too late. How do I travel back through time to that same person and 20 years earlier intervene in their diet, exercise and lifestyle so they never have that heart attack or stroke. What are the words I can say to them to help them… to make them realise that it can happen to them? And for that….I still don’t have an answer.

For me personally, ‘that moment’ came for me at a young age. At 14 years old, visiting my grandfather in intensive care at a hospital after his surgery to have 7 bypasses in his heart. Seeing him so sick and in pain. And the doctor immediately ordered him to change his diet and of course implemented exercise into his life making him do a 1 hour walk every day. From that moment on, I knew with no uncertain fact, that I was never going to let the same thing happen to me. Not only that, I was going to form a career in the health industry. Still to this day, more than 15 years later - that vision of my grandfather in hospital is my main motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle and promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle to anyone that will listen. But I’m one of the lucky ones, I’ve started young.

In the meantime, I’ll keep promoting loud and clear that weight is a matter of health, not just a matter of vanity. It’s important to look good & feel great on the outside- but more importantly ensure that your body function is normal on the inside too. And if anyone has any tips on how to create ‘that moment’ for people please let me know.

Natalie Black

Xndo Product Awareness: Mango Snackwater ….. Satisfy sweet cravings with this healthy, delicious drink. Contains less than 1 calorie per serve and is packed full of antioxidants, natural colours, flavours and fibre. Add the sachet to water and enjoy throughout the day.  I suggest when you feel like having something sweet, mix up a sachet and enjoy.  These can also be frozen into ice-blocks or simply add agar-agar to make a low calorie, healthy jelly for dessert.

Natalie Black

Well I had my first experience of ‘the killer buffet’ on the weekend… wow…. don’t those things promote gluttony. Thank goodness that doesn’t happen for me every weekend (and I forgot to take my blockers to add to the pain)  I wonder why you can eat so much at buffets?  Considering that when you go to a restaurant an average priced a-la-carte meal would be between $30-40 (the same price as a buffet) and you only get served one plate full of food (which fills you up) ……. But put the same person eating that plate of food at a buffet, and suddenly they can easily eat 4 plates piled high with food.  Therefore at buffets, my theory is over-consuming such large amounts of food (hyperphagia) is not to satisfy hunger or justify the amount of money spent - I believe it’s completely psychological to satisfy your eyes seeing all that food!  That reminds me of the saying:  Your eyes are too big for you belly.  Of course this theory is completely not scientifically proven or anything to do with Xndo…  but it does make you think about the psychology behind self managing portion sizes.

Had a great training weekend… lots of running in the gym. Comfortably making 10kms now (just have to manage it in the heat aarrrgghhh)

P.S.  Come on down to the Xndo Health Talk this Saturday (25th July) to hear and see everyone from Xndo: URA Centre, 5th level. 45 Maxwell Road (opposite maxwell markets)  See you there.

Christina

Another chain of ice cream parlor has set foot in Bukit Timah! For what seems to be the nemesis to people who are trying to lose weight, this is no exception! Haha. Nah, I’m not trying to discourage you from eating what you enjoy.. cos’ I LOVE ICE CREAM too!  But I know that I won’t be able to enjoy the ice cream as much as I’m able to if not for the blockers. I would be worrying about how much calories I’m loading on with every spoonful of rum and raisin ice cream and screaming after knowing how much weight I’ve put on. Now, all I have to do is pop the blockers and walk right after! Woo, that rhymed. New tagline of the day! ”Pop the blockers and walk right after!” Haha. So no worries, go ahead and enjoy your ice cream.. like I do!