hiah chat - Brian Breit

Bio of Brian Breit:
I am self employed. I am a runner (I run everyday), I swim, go to the gym. I guess you could say I am an endurance athlete. I was born and raised in Saskatoon. I don't know if you want to call it a hobby, but I like to learn as much about the sports that I do and how to live healthy, so I am always reading about them. 

Facebook: Brian Breit
Twitter: @run_brian
Instagram: brun5150


 




Questions:
1.    What does being healthy mean to you? 
Healthy to me means feeling good about myself, having energy to tackle the day ahead and/or a workout.
 
2.    Do you feel that you lead a healthy life? How? (or what would you change?) Yes, now I do. I eat clean and healthy meals, no junk food. I start my day with a little workout, plus I run everyday and most days I either go swimming or to the gym, throw in the odd yoga class. I also don't drink.

3.    What is a healthy meal that you often eat? 
Make up something with egg whites, porridge with yogurt.
 
4.    How do you stay healthy when life gets hectic? I always have apples and bananas handy and usually a granola type bar.
 
5.    What is one of your challenges or struggles when it comes to leading a healthy life? 
Probably getting enough rest time and sleep.
 
6.    Are you currently working towards a goal or starting/stopping a habit? What? 
I just want to keep getting better at what I am doing and staying positive.
 
7.    What motivates you to be healthy? 
Feeling good. Being able to reach various goals and succeeding at them
 
8.    What is a treat or indulgence that you enjoy? 
Black Bean Brownie
 
9.    Any inspiring words or comments that you’d like to share with our readers? Always do your best and never give up.

Thanks Brian, we look forward to seeing you on the trails!

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hiah chat - Karlie Jackson

Karlie Jackson was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with her mom (Bev), dad (Richard) and sister (Kayla). Growing up, it wasn't uncommon for Karlie to be participating in a variety of sports; everything from ball to soccer, swimming to basketball and many others. Now, Karlie is not only a player on the Saskatoon Valkyries Women's tackle football team, she also sits on the board of executives as the VP of marketing and promotions. Karlie had the opportunity to be a part of the first ever Team Saskatchewan women’s football team, and went to Montreal in 2012 to participate in a Team Canada National Women's football ID camp and tournament.

Last spring Karlie convocated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BSc in Kinesiology and she hopes to be accepted into the college of nursing for the fall of 2014. Karlie has been a CSEP-Certified Personal Trainer for the last 2.5 years. She trains through the Human Performance Centre out of the University of Saskatchewan. On top of that she also works for the City of Saskatoon as a Recreation Technician at the Leisure facilities. During her free time Karlie enjoys playing many different recreational sports, relaxing and catching up with friends.

Instragram: karjack13
Twitter: @13karjack

Pinterest: 13karjack

1.    What does being healthy mean to you?

Being healthy is more than just an image. It's a lifestyle that incorporates ones' mind, body and soul. It is all about doing things that you enjoy and will prolong your life. Living healthy is a combination of moderation and balance.

2.    Do you feel that you lead a healthy life? How? (or what would you change?)
I do feel like I live a fairly healthy lifestyle. I workout regularly, I eat a healthy and balanced diet. I try to take "me" time as much as I can. I educate myself on ways to continually improve myself. I also allow myself to indulge in life's little pleasures once and a while. I am however human, and can always work on something and for me that would be sleeping more and allowing more time for myself.

3.    What is a healthy meal that you often eat?

A healthy meal that I eat quite often is salmon/chicken breast with a steamed or raw vegetable and rice or sweet potatoes.

4.    How do you stay healthy when life gets hectic?
Between work, school and activities, my life does get pretty hectic. I always try and prepare most of my meals on the weekend for the upcoming week. That allows me to continually eat healthy. I ensure that I make time to exercise regularly, which doesn't just help me look and feel good, it helps me to relieve stress and work through every day problems that I may encounter.

5.    What is one of your challenges or struggles when it comes to leading a healthy life?

My biggest struggle is remembering to put myself first. I love personal training and participating in a variety of sports; sometimes I tend to spread myself a little too thin. My continuous struggle and challenge is to ensure that I maintain a regular sleeping schedule where I reach as close to 8 hours as possible and to allow for "me" time.

6.    Are you currently working towards a goal or starting/stopping a habit? What?

One of my current health challenges is to stretch after every workout and try to practice yoga once a week. I am also trying to try a new recipe at least once a month.

7.    What motivates you to be healthy?

My clients, friends and family motivate me. Many of the people whom I interact with on a daily basis view me as a role model and to me it is important that I lead by example. It is pretty hard to take fitness and health advice from and individual who does not practice what they preach. I am also motivated by my very long bucket list. I have a lot of goals that I would like to accomplish and experience and I don't want failing health to be the thing that stops me.

8.    What is a treat or indulgence that you enjoy?

I love chocolate, baked goods and a good burger, but of course all in moderation.

9.    Any inspiring words or comments that you’d like to share with our readers?

Everyone's vision and image of healthy is going to be different. It is important to find the things that work for you and your lifestyle; it also has to be things that you enjoy. Being healthy doesn't happen overnight, it is a lifestyle, and it is something you work at every single day.

"Success is the small sum of efforts, repeated day in and day out" - Robert Collier

Thanks Karlie!

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Acquired Tastes

With Hallowe'en and some recent work with young athletes, I started thinking about foods from my childhood.  I didn't know then what I know now about nutrition and health, but our lives were also different (and it wasn't that long ago!).  Here are a few things I reflected on:

• Eating out was a special (and rare) occasion, not a weekly or daily event
• Pop/soda might have been around for holidays and camping trips (again, not a daily or weekly item; not something constantly on the grocery list)
• Sweet cereal was only purchased when we had cousins coming to stay with us (not a daily or weekly item)
• We did have Campbell's soup on chicken and pork chops; but boneless, skinless chicken wasn't the 'norm'
• I had never heard of (or eaten) an avocado, sushi, or various other ethnic cuisines
• We sometimes had pancakes for supper (I do love breakfast foods)
• We typically had apples, orange, and bananas available; grapes on occasion
• You couldn't get as much fresh produce variety during the winter as you can get now
• I remember stating my favourite food was hamburger helper in grade 3
• We were sometimes treated to slurpees after a softball tournament or game
• I loved water and not so much milk (which is still true for me)
• I loved helping unpack the groceries (I could now spend a day in the grocery store no problem)
• There weren't Tim Horton's locations on every corner, or restaurants in every neighbourhood
• People used cookbooks and recipe cards rather than Pinterest to plan their meals
• etc.

Some things are still the same and some things change (for me and society).  Children (and adults) can be picky and new flavours can be scary, but now I love to experiment in the kitchen.  Convenience food doesn't really happen in my household and vegetables/fruit are always on my mind when I'm planning a meal.  A common theme, from above, was the frequency of these so called 'treats' - items that have become staples in some routines.  For many people, childhood foods include sidekicks, ramen noodles, and kd - and if you haven't heard already, kraft dinner is removing artificial dyes from 3 of their kid-friendly varieties (fun shapes).

I talk with young athletes about developing healthy habits now and early on, so that it's one less thing to think about when they make the playoffs or have a big game - it just becomes part of the routine.  I think it's so important to start early and I am very passionate about preventative health, especially because I know and see how hard it is for adults to change their habits.  I also talk with parents about the foods they purchase or have stocked for their hungry youngsters and teenagers.

Food and memories are closely connected, what do you think of when you reflect back on the foods of your past?

Here's to a healthy future,
Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

hiah chat - Leland Guillemin

Leland Guillemin is an IT Analyst at the Saskatoon Health Region and competes in the Epee weapon in the sport of fencing. He is currently ranked 5th in Canada and has aspirations of attending the 2016 Olympic Games.  Leland began fencing in 2004 when a hockey injury forced him to change his path. His fencing career began in the city of Regina where Leland fenced for two years. Leland quickly fell in love with the sport and realized that he had a talent in fencing that he wanted to pursue. In 2006 he moved to Saskatoon in order to fence and train at the Provincial Training Centre, the Salle Seguin and began working toward his goal of someday reaching the Olympic Games.

The 2012-2013 season was Leland's best season to date. He medalled both provincially and nationally and was the only Canadian epeeist to reach the quarterfinals at all three of the Canadian Cups. Leland finished the season ranked 1st in Saskatchewan and 5th in Canada. Leland is a member of the Canadian High Performance Program and has been a member of Team Saskatchewan since 2007.

Leland currently trains 6 days a week, often twice a day. He follows regimented fitness and meal plans as laid out by his trainer Andrew Leslie at Craven Sports and nutritionist Stephanie Langdon at Something Nutrishus. When he’s not carefully counting out how many almonds he’s allowed for snack, or hitting the gym, he enjoys spending time with his fiancé and his cat Tuna.

Twitter @lelandguillemin
Blog  lelandguillemin.wordpress.com

1.    What does being healthy mean to you?
To me, being healthy means being active and treating your body with respect by means of proper nutrition and exercise!

2.    Do you feel that you lead a healthy life? How? (or what would you change?)

I believe I do lead a healthy life! I've come a long way from when I was younger, but if it wasn't for sport I wouldn't have taken the proper steps to become educated and to seek a nutrionist!

3.    What is a healthy meal that you often eat?

My favourite meal that I eat now is overnight chia breakfast with coconut milk! I also really enjoy chicken chili.

4.    How do you stay healthy when life gets hectic?

I just stick to my habits. I follow the meal plan that has been laid out and I make sure my body gets what it needs to deal through the hectic times.

5.    What is one of your challenges or struggles when it comes to leading a healthy life?

The biggest challenge I have is dealing with all the dishes and mess on a daily basis. I'm not a very clean cook. Staying on top of the dishes is hard, but necessary.

6.    Are you currently working towards a goal or starting/stopping a habit? What?

I am currently working towards qualifying for the 2016 Olympic games in Rio. I believe it is very important to fuel my body properly so that I can have an advantage over my competitors and be in perfect shape on game day.

7.    What motivates you to be healthy?

I am mostly motivated by my athletic goals, but I am motivated to stay healthy for the rest of my life. This is the only body I get and I'm going to respect it and honour what it can do for me!

8.    What is a treat or indulgence that you enjoy?

Cookies. All kinds. My craving used to be Salt and Vinegar chips, but it has since shifted to cookies. If I could, I would eat cookies all day for every meal.

9.    Any inspiring words or comments that you’d like to share with our readers?

Anything is possible if you put your heart and soul into it. We can accomplish incredible feats by pushing ourselves and staying true to who we are!


Thanks Leland!

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hiah chat - Erica Gavel

Name: Erica Gavel
Occupation: Team Canada Wheelchair Basketball Player/ University Student
Sport: Cycling and Wheelchair Basketball
Family: My strong support system in both Saskatoon and Prince Albert
Hobbies: Listening to music, cycling, cooking, and anything fun and active
Twitter: @EricaGavel

1.    What does being healthy mean to you?

Approaching life from a holistic approach. When I take control of my nutrition, physical training, rest, and mental well-being, I have the most energy and feel the happiest.

2.    Do you feel that you lead a healthy life? How? (or what would you change?)

Currently, yes. A few months ago, I picked up and moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to train. I was/still am very attached to Saskatoon, therefore, coming here, I needed to have goals to prevent depression as well as get the most out of the time I'm going to be here. I attacked the situation from 5 different perspectives and have never got better results or been any happier. The 5 different perspectives include nutrition, rest, mental well-being, strength, and skills.

3.    What is a healthy meal that you often eat?

Chicken breast with steamed broccoli and wild rice

4.    How do you stay healthy when life gets hectic?

When I anticipate I am going to be having a hectic week, I try my best to be extremely organized. A lot of it has to do with pre-planning healthy meals, figuring out meals that are quick, easy, as well as nutritious.

5.    What is one of your challenges or struggles when it comes to leading a healthy life?

Time and rest. Being a student athlete, sleep is very important with all the training and classes, if you don't sleep enough, you're hindering your body of reaching it's full potential.

6.    Are you currently working towards a goal or starting/stopping a habit? What?

Yes. Currently I am training for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio Janeiro. I am trying to cut back on simple sugars and eat complex CHO's [carbohydrates] as much as possible.

7.    What motivates you to be healthy?

I enjoy being successful, reaching goals, and doing everything I can to be the best I can be.

8.    What is a treat or indulgence that you enjoy?

Frozen vanilla yogurt with a little bit of chocolate sauce, nuts, and a banana

9.    Any inspiring words or comments that you’d like to share with our readers?

"Success is knowing you did your best, to become the best, you were capable of becoming." - Wooden
"Get inspired, be inspiring." -Unknown

Thanks Erica!

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Snacking

I did my first solo presentation as a Dietetic Intern yesterday. My advisor is half way around the world, so it was just me and my small audience. I've been working with a university volleyball team which is a personal interest of mine (having played volleyball for 15 years of my life). The presentation covered a few different topics, one being snacking. Especially for athletes snacking can be an important part of a healthy eating plan. We can think of our bodies like vehicles and so we need to keep the tank full in order to have energy. I will sometimes snack mid-morning and/or mid-afternoon. I try to go on my hunger cues.

Some points I used can be summarized by focusing on the letters W, P, and R:

W: Think about your eating behaviours. Where are you eating, when are you eating, what are you eating (and what are you doing), why are you eating, and how are you feeling?
These things are important to consider because we eat for many different reasons; having distractions can lead to overeating. Challenge yourself to only eat in one place, like the kitchen!

P: Get organized for healthy snacking. Plan by writing a grocery list to help guide you and keep healthy options stocked in your house. Prepare by getting things ready for the week (such as cutting up some vegetables Sunday night), because if they are available and ready to eat, you will be more willing to choose healthy snacks. Portion out your snacks; with meals we typically put a certain amount on a plate, but with snacks we often eat out of a box, bag, etc. Pack something in your bag, purse, car, etc so that if you do feel hungry it is available and you won't reach for a vending machine chocolate bar.

R: This is more for athletes and post-workout because it pertains to recovery. You need to refuel your body with carbohydrates and protein to replace the energy you used (muscle glycogen) and the muscles you used. Recovery also includes rehydrating your body because of your sweat losses and because water is important in many different body systems. Lastly, take time to rest so you are ready for the next practice, game, workout...

Steph Wheler
www.nutrishus.com