Monday, February 22, 2016
Marijuana for Your Migraine
Friday, February 19, 2016
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Watch Two Skiers Literally Fly Through Valleys, a Terrain Park, and a Ski Village
Goodness Gracious, Great Energy Balls of Fire!
How To
No matter how nutritious your breakfasts, lunches and dinners are, your diet could easily be undercut if you spend the time in between pigging out on crisps and chocolate. Yet to suggest that man can dine at mealtimes alone is ridiculous, and something has to plug the gap.
RECOMMENDED: Low-Calorie Snacks
So come the energy bite revolution! These tightly packed balls full of ingredients are designed to replace breakfast or provide a protein hit after a workout. Are they largely the same as energy bars? Yes, but in ball form, making them much more enjoyable (right?!). Whip up a batch of these beauties at home and you've got snacking sorted for days on end.
Coach's Energy Balls Recipe
After taking a look at the long and largely incomprehensible lists of ingredients involved in many energy bite recipes, Coach created a simple recipe from stuff that can be found in the back of your cupboard or at least a regular supermarket.
- 1 cup (170g) raisins
- 1 heaped tbsp (40g) peanut butter
- 1 tbsp (15g) honey
- 1 cup (120g) oats
- 1 heaped tbsp (60g) almonds
Whack the raisins in a blender until chopped, then add in everything else and whir until the mixture is smooth. You might need to add a bit of water.
Shape into golf-size balls, adding a few oats if you need to dry them out. Put them in the fridge for 15 minutes to set, then toast and grind a few almonds to coat.
Nutritional information
| Per 100g | Per ball (38g) | |
| Calories | 316kcal | 120kcal |
| Fats | 12.9g | 4.9g |
| Protein | 8g | 3g |
| Carbs | 44.8g | 17.g |
| Sugars | 26.6g | 10.1g |
| Fibre | 4.7g | 1.8g |
Energy Bites
If you're ready for the next step on your energy bites journey and already know what things like maca powder are, then with the recipes in the Energy Bites cookbook you're on your way to having a ball for every occasion. Buy on Amazon
Bounce Energy Balls
If even Coach's stripped-down recipe is too much work for you, try these from Bounce. There are eight flavours, from Cashew & Pecan through to Spirulina & Ginseng. ?1.50, available in supermarkets, uk.bouncefoods.com
RECOMMENDED: Healthy Crisps
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Did Victory Brewing Just Sell Out?
How to Stop Loving Fries (and Reboot Your Relationship with Food)
Advice
Anyone who can write a book about the global history of the humble but noble sandwich is alright by us. Now, food writer Bee Wilson has turned into a food psychologist of sorts. Her latest book, First Bite: How We Learn to Eat, argues that we're not predisposed to certain foods and humans are perfectly capable of changing their eating patterns. Here's how:
Most of our problems with eating are in the brain. We won't fix them by going on yet another fad diet. "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants," is food writer Michael Pollan's advice.
Wise words. But to do it, we need to learn to enjoy eating real food more than junk, to stop eating when we are full, and to appreciate a wide range of vegetables. These are skills that many of us have not yet mastered.
The good news is it's possible to get better at them and successfully reboot your relationship with food. Instead of trying to make yourself eat what you don't like, the real secret is to adjust your preferences. We have to find a way to want to eat what's good for us (give or take the odd pizza). Here's what you need to know.
Focus less on the food and more on your own responses to it
We waste so much time and energy looking for the perfect food. Is the magic bullet fat or protein? Goji berries or chia seeds? Should we try Paleo or vegan? But nutrients only count when you pick up food and eat it. The real superfood would be one that you enjoy that also happens to be healthy: crisp, sweet apples, say, or a hearty bowl of sweet potato curry or chicken stew.
It is possible to change your likes and dislikes
We label ourselves - "I'm a real carnivore" or "I've got a sweet tooth". Our tastes become such a strong part of our identity that they feel innate. But given that we are omnivores, human food habits are deeply malleable. We learn how to eat from childhood onwards and can therefore relearn it. The fact that you feel you need a flapjack and a caramel latte every time you do a workout is probably less to do with your own tastebuds than with the way your parents rewarded you with sweets as a child. It isn't easy to reprogram these habits of reward, but it can be done.
Stop being so all-or-nothing about health
When we attach moral labels to food (protein: good, carbs: bad), we end up eating in a less balanced way. Take protein. A bit of protein is a good thing, aiding recovery and helping muscle maintenance after exercise. But some men are now gulping protein shakes like water, in the hope of getting an instant six-pack. If your training regime doesn't match up to your protein intake, you're risking dehydration, body fat gain and stress on your kidneys.
You were not born loving fries
It's possible to learn new food habits (though it takes a bit longer than a January diet). Try to avoid the mindset of deprivation and focus on small changes that you can stick to. Gradually add new vegetables to your repertoire. Don't beat yourself up because you ate a sticky toffee pudding. Cut down on sugar in increments and your palate will slowly change. You find yourself - honestly! - eating broccoli not because you think you should but because you crave it (especially sauteed with chilli and garlic). Win-win.
First Bite: How We Learn to Eat (Fourth Estate) is out now. Buy it on Amazon.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
The Mantra That Keeps Mountaineer Kenton Cool Going
Do Something
Who inspired you to get into mountaineering?
I've always been influenced by people who strive to do great things, so when I was growing up I was really inspired by Olympians, then as I got older and got into climbing it was people like Chris Bonington. I was mesmerised by the photographs of his climbs. Then when I got a little bit more into it I read up on people like Alex MacIntyre, who did really amazing things in the Himalayas. He was a huge inspiration.
What did he do?
He took an Alpine-style approach to climbing. He was one of the first to do this - tackling mountains in the Himalayas, but with everything he needed just on his back. Incredible.
What attributes would you need to be able to do that?
You need to be very adept, a huge amount of confidence and bravado, and big cojones. Unfortunately lots of the pioneers are dead now. When you're doing what these guys were doing - and they really were at the cutting edge of what is humanly possible in the mountains - there are hazards that come with that.
What qualities do you have that helped you make it as a climber?
I'm very belligerent, I don't like to give in and I never have. It's all too easy to give up and go home, but I've always been dead against that - partly because I don't like to fail in the eyes of my peers, partly because I don't like to fail in front of myself.
You must form strong ties with fellow climbers.
You do, the bonds that you form in the mountains are second to none. You're staring death in the face half the time - you're scared, you're frightened, you're totally open to the elements and you're sharing really basic human traits that you don't see that often in everyday life. Once you've seen someone in a life-or-death situation, you have a much deeper understanding of them and you naturally form these unbreakable relationships.
Has anyone ever left you speechless with their generosity in the mountains?
On my first ever Himalayan expedition we had come off the mountain on the wrong side, and we had a three-day trek back around to base camp so we were exhausted. We had no food, and there was this shepherd boy who came out, and he invited us into his little ramshackle yurt and he shared what little he had with us, which wasn't much. He let us spend the night there, and he showed us such kindness. We are so lucky, we don't know poverty like they do there, and here was a boy who was willing to share everything he had with three strangers - that's why I keep going back to the Himalayas. The mountains are amazing, but the people are unique too. They have such big hearts.
What have you learned about yourself from climbing?
One of the big things is humility. it doesn't matter how amazing we think we are, there is always someone better than us, someone faster than us. On Everest it's the Sherpas - they're stronger than I am, faster than I am. And the mountain is much bigger than I'll ever be. We can't tame Mount Everest... no matter how big we are as a race, we will never tame nature. You are humbled by the mountains.
What does it feel like at the top of Everest?
It's the most euphoric feeling you have ever encountered, but it's tinged with sadness, fear and a feeling of utter insignificance. You realise that our time on this planet is so fleeting, and the sadness comes because you know it's the end of the journey. You've still got to get down, and the fear is there because once you've achieved your goal, it's natural to physically and mentally relax and that's when accidents happen. Coming down can be way more dangerous.
Do you have a mantra that keeps you going?
"It will always end." It doesn't matter what you're doing or where you are. You can be freezing your arse off in a bivouac but the sun will come up the next morning. There is always a finite end to physical and mental hardship. I live my life by that.
RECOMMENDED: 21 Pieces of Life Advice
One Man's Everest by Kenton Cool is published in hardback by Preface, ?20, and in paperback by Arrow in April. Buy on Amazon
Monday, February 15, 2016
Douglas Booth: "Holding up Your Shirt to Snap Your Abs in the Mirror Makes My Skin Crawl"
News
Did you have to get in shape for your role in Pride And Prejudice And Zombies?
The girls did a lot more than me. That's what's so cool in this film; it's flipped on its head, and it's the girls that are the heroes and the guys that are being rescued. So I didn't do too much. I did some riding though, and got used to my horse, but I've ridden since I was a kid and I love to ride.
Will you be giving Bruce Lee a run for his money?
I haven't done any proper martial arts training, but I'd love to, because it's important for my job. I've had to learn some sword stuff in the past, but no martial arts. Although I used to do judo and karate as a kid, when I was really young. I remember going to karate, then coming back and watching EastEnders and Gladiators.
Does riding a horse count as exercise?
One hundred per cent. The next day your core is really sore - if you haven't done it for a while, it feels like you've done a big leg and core workout. I'm not a technically perfect rider but I started when I was young in London, and they taught me the Western style, which is very relaxed. Then my parents moved away when I was about ten, and I remember going riding and jumping off the horse and clicking my heels behind me like some sort of young cowboy. The owner almost dropped down dead, she was like, "What are you doing?"
What's your most impressive personal best?
I love to mountain bike and I used to do it a lot, but I had quite a bad accident so I haven't done it much since. We used to go to Morzine in the Alps. We'd get a lift up and then do a lot of downhill - you cover about 70/80km a day. The toughest was the Sierra Nevada in Spain though - I went and it was so hot, like 40?C, and we started the day with a 27km climb. We had CamelBaks that we'd stop and fill but you'd literally be sweating it out as you were drinking. We dropped down to the town to have lunch but I couldn't get out again - the guide had to put a bungee rope around me to help me back up the hill...
Have you ever pulled a muscle in less-than-heroic circumstances?
Yeah, probably on the dancefloor in the midst of some terrible moves. You know, like trying to do a slutdrop or something stupid. One of those ones where you wake up and cringe as soon as you open your eyes: "Did I actually do that?"
Which excuse for avoiding the gym are you most ashamed of?
I'm most ashamed of the fact that I have no excuse. I have a bit of tendinitis at the moment, which makes it tough to train. I want my body to keep up with my will - I want to do it, but my body can't necessarily take it.
Which health product would you rescue from a burning building?
Water is pretty healthy - I'd take some and cover myself in it to stop burning to death. Honestly, if my house was burning, a protein powder would not be first on my list...
Would you ever get Arnie-massive for a role?
Of course - I think through my 20s [he's 23] I'd like to build my body up to a place of strength, but I'll work towards anything for a part. I've lost weight for a role but I haven't put it on yet. I'd definitely be willing to give it a go, although I think it's unhealthy to do it to the Christian Bale extent - it must put your body through a lot of stress and can't be good for your organs. Apparently it's not as fun as you'd think - OK, you eat whatever you want, but the quickest way to do it is to just drink ice cream. The calories go straight on, but it makes your body feel gross and gassy. And the hardest thing would be the amount of work you'd have to put in to get it off again.
What's the worst type of gym behaviour?
We all look in the mirror, but it's the real exhibitionism that I just can't understand. I don't mind someone grunting or screaming, because that means they're putting in effort and pushing themselves, and there's no problem with that - I've definitely screamed at the gym. It's the exhibitionists, you know? That's their life, that's what they do, but it doesn't make them interesting. I'm not into gym selfies either - holding up your shirt to snap your abs in the mirror makes my skin crawl.
What do you think of leg day?
Absolute hell. It's got to be done, though. The trouble is it's like going to work out your arms then having to walk out of the gym doing a handstand. You've got to use them for the rest of the day, that's the bastard thing about it.
Do you ever lose control, calorie-wise, after a gym session?
When I'm going regularly I eat pretty well - there's no point putting all that work in if you're going to ruin it afterwards. But when you don't go, you're like, well, it makes no difference.
Have you ever vaped?
No. I don't smoke at all, but I suppose vaping is better than smoking. Leo [DiCaprio] does it and it looks cool, so...
Pride And Prejudice And Zombies is in cinemas on 11th February.
How to Get Unlimited Flights for a Month
Bartender's Companion: 9 Apps to Help You Order Your Next Drink
Love (Huh), What is it Good For?
Advice
Stop moaning about Valentine's Day. So what if a greetings card company invented it? Love should be celebrated - especially as it's genuinely beneficial to our hearts, minds and even wallets.
The not-so-sexily named National Longitudinal Mortality Study has kept tabs on more than a million people since 1979, and in that time it's observed that couples live longer on average. They have fewer heart attacks, lower cancer rates and even get pneumonia less frequently than singles. What's causing this increased longevity? Coach grabs its Cupid bow and investigates.
Love is Good for... Stress
Embracing your special someone isn't just good for a cheeky bum grab. Research published in the Journal Of Behavioural Medicine found holding hands for ten minutes followed by a 20-second cuddle has a positive effect on how people react to stressful events. The couples in the test did some public speaking immediately after hugging it out, and they had lower heart rates, blood pressure and smaller pulse increases compared to couples that just rested quietly without touching beforehand. Suddenly those people with Free Hugs T-shirts at festivals seem like slightly less awful human beings.
It's near-impossible to feel anything but bliss right after sex and studies show that that afterglow rubs off on day-to-day activities too. When a research group was asked to keep a diary of sexual activity, those who got more action were also the most chilled. It didn't even have to be full sex - oral and even just a bit of good old-fashioned fondling had the same effect. Hardcore day at the office? Follow it up with an even more hardcore night in the bedroom. That prick Terry, with his stupid tea demands, will be forgotten in minutes.
Love is Good for... Your Immune System
There's also a link between how often you get lucky and how strong your immune system is. A University of Pennsylvania study found students who had sex once or twice a week had 30% more immunoglobulin A (IgA) - a key component in our bodies' defences - than those not getting any. Don't have a partner or friend-with-benefits right now? Stroking a dog has a similar effect. Make of that what you will.
Love is Good for... Your Heart
One study of 10,000 men found that guys who feel "loved and supported" by their partner have a reduced risk of developing the circulatory condition typically associated with severe chest pain. This was the case even if they had other risk factors, such as being older or having raised blood pressure. Could this mean that angina is actually the medical term for a broken heart? No, definitely not, but an interesting coincidence all the same - one that was seemingly lost on the American Journal Of Medicine's dry report on the findings.
Love is Good for... Your Wallet
Your bank account will take a hit at first. Even if you've found someone who insists on halving the bill, all those restaurant trips, taxis, shows and the general expense of just leaving your house soon adds up. See it as an investment, though - married people accumulate more wealth over time than single or divorced people. Having two incomes also allows for some flexibility if you want to split time between the office and caring for kids, or finally following your dream of being a professional gamer, rock musician or dancer. What, just us?
Love is Good for... Happiness
Contrary to the popular belief of '70s comedians and modern morons, the person you choose to spend the rest of your life with isn't an albatross around your neck (or "ball and chain" in idiot parlance). Evidence from the National Longitudinal Mortality Study shows that people in long-term marriages actually get happier over time.
So, put the effort in this Valentine's Day - you might not think flowers, cards or chocolates matter, but there's a good chance your better half does. Considering they could be responsible for having a longer, happier life, it could be the best few quid you ever spend.
Depressed? Antidepressants Might Not Be Your Best Option
Masturbation: You're Doing It Wrong
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
How Kiteboarding Became the New Golf
How to Cook Healthy Chinese Food at Home
How To
When it comes to healthy eating, Chinese food gets a bit of a bad rap in the UK, undoubtedly down to our love of the oily sauces and luminous charms found in local takeaways. But many of the cooking techniques used at home are actually really healthy, says chef Jeremy Pang, founder of School of Wok and author of Chinese Unchopped.
"Takeaways and cheaper restaurants have usually been around for two or three generations and they've traditionally cut corners to save money," he says. "Deep-frying things in batter makes it much easier to mask what's underneath. All the batter and gloopy sauces mean people's perception of Chinese food in the UK is as comfort food and a bit of a treat, but home cooking is much different. The main techniques are stir-frying, steaming and braising, which are all really healthy." Here are Pang's healthy Chinese food tips.
Steam with a Wok
"Steaming keeps more nutrients in, you don't need cooking fat, you can cook anything - and it's a lot easier than people think. It's a great way to cook fish and seafood because you keep that natural texture and it's a gentle cooking process so it's not going to dry it out. At home my mum always cooks steamed chicken and mushroom with rice. Put one part water to rice and steam in the wok. Place marinated chicken and dried shiitake mushrooms on top for the last ten to 12 minutes of cooking and it'll be really succulent and cook down into the rice."
How to Braise
"Braising is used when you're cooking curries, stews and broths. You don't need much oil as the flavour is coming from cooking something over a long period of time. Take a clay pot, put a couple of teaspoons of oil at the bottom and add your base flavours like ginger and garlic. Add your main ingredient, such as marinated beef, sear it to keep the moisture inside and get the flavour caramelised from the bottom of the pan, then add water or stock. I like squid this way because it breaks down so it's softer and succulent, and you get all the flavours of the sauce and spices."
Stir-fry like a Pro
"Stir-frying shouldn't take any longer than five minutes. You're cooking things very quickly on a high heat so you're keeping all the nutrients in. Choose oil with a high smoking point such as rice bran oil or vegetable oil - you only need 1-2tsp. Sear everything really quickly. With veg you're just cooking out the raw flavour, you don't want to lose the crunch."
School of Wok runs Asian and Oriental cookery classes and courses in Covent Garden, WC2N. Buy Chinese Unchopped (Quadrille Publishing) on Amazon