Strenua's World» Diet

Win a Box of 9Bar Energy Bars

Strenua — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:14:14 +0000

Today check out our review of the new 9Bar energy bars and find out how you can win your own box of bars.

9Bar is a deliciously nutritious seed bar designed to get the maximum nutritional goodness from seeds in a convenient and tasty way.

To find out more visit 9Bar and read our review.

We’ve teamed up with 9Bar to offer Strenua’s World’s readers the opportunity to get their hands on a box from 9Bar each containing 16 nutritious bars of either pumpkin or original flavoured 9bars.

HOW TO ENTER

EMAIL

To win one of the boxes email 9BarComp@StrenuasWorld.com with the answer to this question:

How many different varieties of 9bars are there? (for a clue click here)

A. 3

B. 4

C. 5

Make sure you include which flavour box (original or pumpkin) you would like to win in the subject line.

TWITTER

To gain an extra entry follow Strenua’s World on Twitter and tweet:

‘To win a box of 9bar energy bars follow @Strenuasworld and visit http://strenuasworld.com/9BarComp UK Only‘

Also include either #9barOriginal or #9barPumpkin with your tweet to indicate which flavour box you want to win.

FACEBOOK

Or join Strenua’s World’s Facebook page and comment under the competition details which flavour box you want to win either original or pumpkin.

Terms and Conditions.

Competition open to UK entrants only.
You may enter by email, Twitter AND Facebook, but must only enter by each method once (i.e. three entries in total).
Tweets not including the tags #9barOriginal or#9barPumpkin indicating which box they wish to win will not be considered for either prize. Entrants must still be following @StrenuasWorld on the closing date.
Email entries not including ‘Pumpkin’ or ‘Original’ in the subject line indicating which box they wish to win will not be considered for either prize.
Facebook entrants must still ‘Like’ Strenua’s World’s Facebook page on the closing date. Entrants must comment under the competition post indicating which box they wish to win or they will not be considered for either prize.
Closing date for entries is 11:59pm 18th August 2010 and late entries will not be considered.
Prizes are to be donated by 9Bar and 2 winners will each win one box of either 16 bars of pumpkin or original 9bars
Prize winners will be chosen at random and notified by method of entry (i.e. email, Twitter, Facebook). If after 7 days the entrant has not responded with their contact details the prize will be redrawn.
Strenua’s World reserves the right to cancel or amend the Competition or these Rules at any time without prior notice.

GOOD LUCK

Review: 9Bar Energy Bars

Strenua — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:07:04 +0000

Hemp must be the new in vogue ingredient as after our recent review of organic hemp protein, this week I have been sampling the 9bar range, a new nutritious energy bar. Made from a mixture seeds the 9bar’s star ingredient is hemp as it contains all 20 amino acids including the 9 essentials our bodies cannot produce itself.

9bar is described as having been designed to get the maximum nutritional goodness from seeds in a convenient and delicious way’.

The bars are great for active people as the unique mix of seeds and other natural ingredients provide a valuable source of nutritionally dense energy for both physical endurance and immediate impact. The company has many endorsements from a variety of competitive sports people who claim that it is easily digestible and that they have no problem eating them during an event or training such as ultra running and triathlons.

As a sports person looking to refuel without empty calories a 9bar is great. Each 50g bar is free from egg, dairy, gluten, lactose, wheat, yeast, preservatives and artificial colours. It is also approved by the vegetarian society.

9bars come in five different varieties: pumpkin, organic, nutty, flax and original. As an example of the nutritional content here is the nutritional information for the flax bar:

262 calories,
8.7g protein,
16.75g carbohydrate
17.75g fat of which
- 5g saturated
- 4.8 mono unsaturated
- 7g polyunsaturated
- <0.1g trans fatty acids
- 0.6g omega 3 fatty acids
- 6.5g omega 6 fatty acids
- > 3g fibre
- <0.1g sodium.

With an average egg or 150g pot of low fat yoghurt each containing only 6g of protein a 9bar is a good hit of natural people protein to help rebuild muscle after competitive exercise or training.

The Taste Test

I have to admit that looking at the packaging it doesn’t look that appetising. I know this as before being asked to review them I received a bar in a post race goody bag and I chose to give it away. The description of a nutritious carob topped mixed seed bar with flax and hemp combined with the images or piles of dried seeds conjured up thoughts of seed bars we leave out for birds and did not seem appealing after a race compared with the post race food I had bought with me.

Fortunately for the benefit of our readers I agreed to give them a taste test and I am glad I did. Firstly 80% of the time cereal bars are hard, crunchy and dry which always puts me off or hurts my teeth. These 9bars are soft and chewy.

The second important discovery was carob. I had never eaten carob before and didn’t realise that it tasted like chocolate. In fact even when I was really concentrating on trying to describe the taste it could only come up with chocolate. As such a healthy alternative to chocolate I’m surprised that there aren’t more products using it.

Most cereal bars are made up of rolled oats and bran. But the mixed seeds in this 9bar comprised of sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, poppy, flax and hemp making a tasty combination. I was unable to distinguish great differences between the various flavours when I ate a different bar every day. Pumpkin may have been slightly sweeter although it did not have the carob topping and the Nutty may be slightly nuttier but fortunately the texture and chew-ability remains the same.

After this taste testing I certainly won’t be complaining if I receive any flavour 9bar in my next post race goody bag.

Overall

For active people who are looking for nutritious energy source 9bars are a great source of calories and protein, before or after exercise. They are easily digestible making them ideal for taking on long walks, cycles, runs, or paddles.

For those dieting I feel that a whole bar is quite high in calories, although half may be suitable when you are craving something sweet, without stocking up on empty calories and the fibre will help fill you up.

9bars are widely available across the UK and are stocked by health food stores, Holland and Barrett and all major supermarkets.

For more information you can visit www.9-bar.co.uk or find out how you can win your own box of pumpkin or original 9bars in our competition here.

Win Higher Nature’s Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein

Strenua — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:45:45 +0000

Today check out our review of the new Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein from Higher Nature and find out how you can win your own pot.

Organic Milled Hemp Protein is a new alternative product to animal, whey or soya protein. Just one 30g scoop contains 15g protein – more than 2 boiled eggs! This protein powder is not only powerful enough for athletes and body builders but is perfect for the whole family: from children to seniors. It is an excellent protein source for vegans, vegetarians and dieters.

To find out more visit Higher Nature and read our review.

We’ve teamed up with Higher Nature to offer Strenua’s World’s readers the opportunity to get their hands on one of 5 pots of Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein worth £10.90. All entrants will also be offered a 5% discount on their first order, or half-price Membership for the Higher Nature Club (£3.99, normally £9.00).

UPDATE 17.07.10 The competition has now closed.

Congratulations to the winners of our Hemp Protein Competition:

Mohammed S from Oldbury
Meg C from Coventry
Rai T from Maidstone
Emma C from Coventry
Mary S from Nottingham

Terms and Conditions.

Competition open to UK entrants only.
You may enter by email, Twitter AND Facebook, but must only enter by each method once (i.e. three entries in total).
Closing date for entries is 11:59pm 16th July 2010 and late entries will not be considered.
Prizes are to be donated by Higher Nature and 5 winners will each win one pot of Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein.
Prize winners will be chosen at random and notified by method of entry (i.e. email, Twitter, Facebook). If after 7 days the entrant has not responded with their contact details the prize will be redrawn.
All entrants’ details will be forwarded to Higher Nature to be offered a 5% discount on their first order, or
half-price Membership for the Higher Nature Club.
Strenua’s World reserves the right to cancel or amend the Competition or these Rules at any time without prior notice.

GOOD LUCK

Review: Higher Nature’s Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein

Strenua — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:40:10 +0000

As a non-egg eating vegetarian with a nut allergy, I find it difficult to find healthy sources of protein. It’s not only body builders that need to consume large quantities of protein athletes also need protein for muscle growth and repair. Current daily recommendations are around 45g protein for women and 56g for a man or about 0.75g-0.8g protein per kg body weight. Certainly it is suggested that athletes and more active people may need up to 1.2-1.4g per kg body weight. For a woman on a 2,000 calorie diet, this equates to 50-175g of protein daily and for a man on a 2,500 calorie diet, a day this equates to 62-220g.

Following a marathon or even just a hard training session I try to increase my protein intake but I find it difficult to consume enough. Whilst 1 chicken breast contains 39g, my vegetarian option is a high fat option of Cheddar cheese (10g protein in a 40g chunk) or a 150g pot of low fat yoghurt (6g), with sports protein bars really hard going to eat.

Now there is a new alternative product to animal, whey or soya protein from Higher Nature – Organic Milled Hemp Protein. Just one 30g scoop contains 15g protein – more than 2 boiled eggs! This protein powder is not only powerful enough for athletes and bodybuilders but is perfect for the whole family: from children to seniors. It is an excellent protein source for vegans, vegetarians, dieters and for travelling.

Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein Nutritional Information Per 100g:

Energy: 440kcal
Protein: 50g
Carbohydrates: 19.24g
Total fat: 12g of which Saturates1.2g and Polyunsaturates 9g

Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein is also:

High in omega 3 (2.4g/100g) and omega 6 (6.6g/100g) essential fatty acids (EFAs). These EFA’s cannot be produced by the body and are important for supporting numerous body processes, including brain health, cardiovascular function and immune health.
Cholesterol-free.
Easy to digest.
High in fibre, (15.54g/100g) which can help balance blood glucose levels, reduce fat absorption and manage appetite making hemp protein a popular choice with dieters too.
Cold milled ensuring that valuable enzymes are not destroyed and vitamins, minerals and nutrients remain intact.

The Taste Test

Higher Nature did send me some recipes to use with the hemp powder although most included coconut which I’m not a fan off so I decided to try it in some of my own meals. The label says you can ‘blend it into drinks, smoothies and yoghurt, or sprinkle over cereal and fruit.’ I am admitting I am a very fussy eater and don’t believe that vegetables belong in a dessert such as in carrot cake, nor will you see me choosing to drink wheatgrass juice. So maybe it was unsurprising that I didn’t enjoy my first attempt of mixing 15g of hemp protein to my bowl of strawberry, banana and cold custard. It did have a nutty taste but the combination on my taste buds reminded me of eating un-ripened strawberries or tasting like I had accidentally left the stalks or leaves on. It wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t finish the bowl, although the green colour of my food didn’t add to the appeal.

I decided then that I would try it on savoury food. The label also recommends ‘you add to salad dressings, sauces, soups and cooked dishes. But is not suitable for cooking or baking’. I like to cook my pasta, cover in tomato sauce straight from the jar then sprinkle with grated cheese before grilling to toast the cheese and heat the sauce. I decided to sprinkle about 10g of the hemp protein on top of the sauce before hiding the greenness with cheese. I found that the taste of the hemp protein actually complimented the tomato and I enjoyed the nutty flavor. I even tried it on pizza sprinkling it over like parmesan cheese and again I found it added something to the taste of the food.

Overall

Whether you’re looking to maximise energy levels, tone your body and build muscle or shed a few extra pounds Organic Hemp Protein is a great alternative product to animal, whey or soya protein.

As a source of supplementary protein to a savoury meal I found it was a tasty addition. The nutty flavour of 30g of hemp powder in one smoothie drink may be a little too much every day, but on occasions when I need a high intake of protein I would probably choose it over a sports protein bar.

Organic Protein is available from Higher Nature Current Price £9.20 for 250g (RRP £10.90)

Making Every Step Count with Fitbug

Strenua — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:01:20 +0000

It’s been 10 days since I started my Fitbug challenge. I have religiously worn my bug all day everyday and I can see how it can be motivational as you become addicted to clocking up the steps. Through also wearing my GPS sports watch I soon discovered that around 2,200 of my steps are equal to about a mile. A mile that is of walking.

I normally walk 3.2miles to work which was clocking around 7,000 steps but one day I was late so had to jog the last mile. As I looked at my bug I was distraught to see I had only added 6,000 steps. I know that the bug only counts steps and as I was jogging my steps would have been longer and fewer, but I was disappointed that putting in more effort meant that I had less recorded steps.

Over the lovely sunny weekend I wore dresses where I couldn’t attach my bug to my waist band so I carried the bug in my shoulder bag but then forgot to put it on my clothes when I got to work. I was annoyed with myself when I realised I missed recording another 2,000 steps, but when I got home found I had the expected number of steps as if I had worn the bug all day. Obviously letting the bug bounce around in my bag wasn’t as accurate as wearing it on my waist so I will have to be careful about accepting the counts if it’s in my bag all day.

Although there are community challenges on the website to record the highest number of step count, ultimately the bug is there as motivation to keep me active and tone up so there is no point in trying to trick the bug as I would only be cheating myself. I will have to experiment this week though to see if jogging with the bug in my bag equals each other out and I end up with the same number of steps if I walked wearing it.

As this was my first week I didn’t have any goals I just had to eat as normal and record everything on the website. Unfortunately I got tonsillitis and for two and a half days I couldn’t swallow or eat or drink anything so I had nothing to update my profile with. Then on Sunday I get a text message saying ‘Don’t be a slug…Update your bug!’. Looking back it was nice to get the reminder text and know that Fitbug was still supporting and motivating me, although at the time I did want to text back ‘Leave me alone I’M ILL.’

In spite of my incomplete first week profile, Fitbug was able to make some recommendations of:

Step Target 19,500
Aerobic Step Target 6,600
Calories consumed 2,000

I’ll let you know if I manage to reach the targets next week. If you have already a Fitbug member then don’t forget I have set up a league for Strenua’s World and I hope readers will join the league for some friendly rivalry and motivation.

If you wish to join me Fitbug.com are offering a 25% Discount to all new customers, simply enter this promotional code ‘SPRING10’ in the appropriate section which is valid until 30th June 2010.

Will catching the Fitbug keep me motivated?

Strenua — Sun, 16 May 2010 14:06:13 +0000

Whilst it is easy to decide to start being more active it is hard to keep motivated after the initial enthusiasm has worn off. Fitbug is a web based service which aims to keep you motivated to keep moving. Described as ‘a personal health and well-being coach’, Fitbug is a unique system that’s been designed to help individuals to achieve their weight, fitness and health goals within their everyday routine.

This week I received my Fitbug ‘bug’ which I am going to trial for the next 3 months. Fitbug.com is a place where you can record your nutritional intake, connect with the fitbug community through its forum and take part in activity challenges. You also have a ‘bug’, a more sophisticated type of pedometer which then talks to fitbug.com to update how active you have been.

Day one was just the ‘getting to know you’ phase. For the first week the program likes to get to know your normal activity level, what you normally eat and what your goals are. I had to complete the online questionnaire, admitting to my poor diet and as my goal is to tone up I had to record my hips, thighs, waist, chest and arm measurements.

I also have to record what I eat for at least 3 days in the nutritional area. This is an area that took quick a while to complete, although that I imagine it will get quicker as you develop your favourite food tab. The nutritional information for nearly 18,000 food products are already listed to select: 6,000 from Tesco, 3,000 from Somerfield and 4,600 from ASDA with 1,400 non branded food such as fruit and vegetables. However, I had to personally fill in the nutritional information from my Sainsbury’s Pizza and my Mars Bar (I admit my diet is bad) had more calories than were written on the packet. I presume this is down to brands shrinking the size of their products rather than the fitbug data being entered incorrectly so I will have to check the calories are correct when I add new foods to my nutritional diary.

The interesting part of the fitbug program is the ‘bug’. I’ve called it a pedometer but it is more sophisticated than just a step counter. It records what time you achieved the steps as well as if they were aerobic steps such as going for a brisk walk, or if they were just walking around the house. After 24 hours I had accumulated 23,000 steps with 16,000 being aerobic steps. This was achieved by my 3.2mile walk to work that took around 7,200 steps each way and 3 hours of teaching swimming that involved 5,000 steps. It does however highlight when you have been lazy or sitting down as I was on Saturday watching the F1 qualifying and then the FA cup final on TV. It clearly shows I didn’t do much between 1-5pm. But luckily I don’t have to feel too guilty this week as the program just likes to record a baseline of your average daily activity, although all the steps do count towards the community challenges. These include the Mount Everest Challenge and the Fantasy Footfall where your total monthly steps can pit you against other people from your country or county. You can also set up a mini league for your friends or Family so I have set up a league for Stenua’s World and I hope readers will join the league for some friendly rivalry and motivation.

I’m planning on reporting back on how I get on with the Fitbug program over the next few months and will let you know how I have got on after my first assessment week. If you wish to join me Fitbug.com are offering a 25% discount to all new customers, simply enter this promotional code ‘SPRING10’ in the appropriate section which is valid until 30th June 2010.