Community News
Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

• 1-1/2 cups black beans (drained and rinsed well) • 2 tbsp. cocoa powder • 1/2 cup oats • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey • pinch stevia or sweetener • 1/4 cup coconut oil • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp. baking powder • 2/3 cup chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips, and then pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Cook 15-18 minutes, and then let cool at least 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Community Event

Beginning April 5. 12:00 pm Join us for Pilates classes every Thursday! All skill levels welcome. Physio 4 U, 459 23rd Street, Brandon, 204-725-4066, www.physio4u.net

Pilates—How it Works

These exercises are usually done in a specific order at various levels of difficulty. The moves may look simple, but take a lot of precision and control. You can do Pilates on a mat in class, at home, or individually with an instructor. Pilates targets core areas and legs, with a focus on stabilizing and strengthening your abdominals and back. It generates flexibility and strength using your own body weight, but it is not a cardio workout.

Gluteus Maximus

The gluteus maximus muscle is located in the buttocks and is regarded as one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It is an important muscle because it is a prime mover of the leg bone into extension (moving the leg backwards) or propelling the body forward as when walking and running. By strengthening your gluteus muscles, your spine will have more support and your pelvis will automatically begin to stabilize. Both of which are essential to improved posture. Having strong gluteus muscles can prevent injuries to your knees, lower back and hamstrings, all of which are essential to simple daily activities. Strengthening your gluteus muscles can help improve low back pain, as well as make sitting down, standing, picking up heavy objects and climbing stairs easier. The gluteus maximus is one of the primary muscle groups that help us rise from a chair. See your physiotherapist for a specific gluteus strengthening program.

Community Event

March 16-18; Mar 23-25; Apr 13-15 Navina® Principal Certification Thai Massage Training. Classes run Friday – Sunday, over three weekends. (204) 729-8596. Robinchant.com

Book Club: The Natural Makeover Diet

We all want to look our best, feel attractive and be healthy. Energy and appearance are important at any age. And now achieving these results is possible without unsafe quick-fix diets, risky surgical procedures or other invasive measures. Whether you want to increase your energy levels; improve your skin, hair or nails; or lose weight, your true beauty will shine through when you achieve optimal wellness from the inside out. By following Dr. Joey’s four steps to inner health and outer beauty, you will quickly see and feel long-lasting results.

Product Review: Avena Original’s E-Fusion

This powerful Vitamin E and amino acid complex is formulated to promote energy, health, healing and longevity complete with perfectly-balanced ratios of protein, carbohydrates and fat. This great-tasting, plant-based, 100% RAW whole food provides a variety of naturally-occurring essential nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins, pro-oxidant nutrients, phytonutrients, and tocotrienols. E-Fusion helps your body heal muscles after intense workouts, injury, trauma, and boosts the vitality of your internal organs.
Avena Originals, AvenaOriginals.com

Fitness and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in Canada and includes conditions such as angina, heart attack, and stroke. Specific cardiac rehabilitation programs prescribed by a physiotherapist can improve overall cardiac health, thus reducing the risk of subsequent heart attacks or strokes. It is critical to monitor your blood pressure and have your cholesterol routinely checked. Maintain an appropriate weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise, as extra weight places strain on the heart. If you start a fitness program, seek the advice of a professional (physician or physiotherapist). Begin all exercise programs at low intensity and gradually progress as your cardiac fitness improves.

Clean Eating Recipe: Hot Chocolate

Store bought hot chocolate “packets” contain massive amounts of sugar and even hydrogenated oils (an unexpected, undesirable ingredient). You can serve this with whipped cream made of organic heavy cream with a little bit of stevia.
1/3 c full fat coconut milk (unsweetened)
2/3 c boiling water
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
15 drops liquid stevia
(optional) 1-2 drops peppermint oil, whipped cream, or cocoa nibs
Boil water on the stove. Add in all remaining ingredients. Stir well. Let cool a little bit, serve and enjoy!

Magnesium (Part 2)

Magnesium absorption, as well as magnesium deficiency in our diets, is problematic. The soil in most countries has been farmed to a point of magnesium depletion. Furthermore, magnesium salts are laxatives, so they can lead to a more rapid gut transit time, not allowing gut absorption.
When taken orally, magnesium may be absorbed inefficiently due to the a) laxative effect of oral doses; b) effect of other foods, vitamins, or minerals in the gut that lessen absorption; and c) individual differences.
Transdermal therapy, via footbaths or spray, creates “tissue saturation”, which allows magnesium to travel to the body’s tissues and cells at a high dose without losses through the gastrointestinal tract.

Product Review: Venus Freeze

Are you tired of sagging skin, excess fat, and cellulite that won’t seem to fade with even the most expensive creams? Venus Freeze is exclusive to Rejuvenate Zone and is revolutionary in the beauty industry. Venus Freeze is a non-surgical and non-invasive body contouring and skin tightening treatment for the face, neck and body. The blood flow in the treated area is improved, enhancing texture and skin tone. Get rid of fat and cellulite, lose inches, and tone your WHOLE face & body. Venus Freeze is supported by plastic surgeons across the world as a safe, pain-free alternative to liposuction.