It’s World Mental Health Day!

20191010_084154

It is Breast Cancer and Lupus Awareness Month, but Mental Health Awareness Month too. World Mental Health Day is observed across the world today. The day aims to raise awareness regarding Mental Health issues and to mobilise efforts to support Mental Health.

The theme this year is Suicide Prevention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost every 40 seconds, someone takes their own life. So WHO has launched an awareness campaign, “40 seconds of action”. There is a large scale of suicide around the world and we can each play a role to help prevent it.

20191010_084500.png

Mental Illness is presented in many different ways and an individual can suffer from 2 or more types as one disorder can lead to another. For instance, Substance Abuse Disorder can often coexist with Bipolar Disorder.

Look for the Signs! Seek help!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

FREE Medicals at Jack’s Hill Community Centre this Sauday!

IMG-20190823-WA0012.jpg

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church and the Lion’s Club of Mona are hosting a Health Fair!

This Saturday, from 9am – 2pm, come on out to Jack’s Hill Community Centre with the family and kids before they go back to school and get FREE Medical Screenings. Be up to date with your Health and Fitness!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Healthy Chia Seed Jams, Nuts and other Snacks from Ara Foods Jamaica!

20190822_050044

From making jams at home for fun, then encouraged by her husband and friends to start packaging what they enjoyed, Ayesha Allen started selling her Chia Seed Jams in 2016. Ayesha and husband, Ramaar took a leap of faith and just 2 months later they were nominated for Best Product for the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards in 2017!

Their Chia Seed Jams are Gluten free, Vegan friendly and come in a variety of flavours such as Strawberry, Blueberry and Pineapple. The Pineapple and Strawberry are favourites and I can see why. The flavours are stronger than the Blueberry. Even though you can order your Jams non-sweetened, I found there is no need, because the original isn’t even that sweet but still has the right balance of flavour. I tried them both. So you can enjoy these Jams with pretty much anything.

The business has expanded to offer healthy snacks too or what some persons like myself use as part of a Shake, such as Peanuts, Walnuts, Almonds, Pistachios, Chia seeds, Raisins and Cranberries, all at affordable prices.

Here are great ways to enjoy your Ara Foods Flavoured Chia Seed Jams!

● With your Yogurt

Suga’s favourite so far is the Strawberry Chia Seed Jam. I made my own Yogurt Parfait and it was divine! Enjoy food the in a healthy way!

20190822_045732
Suga’s Yogurt Parfait made with Ara Foods Strawberry and Blueberry Chia Seed Jams, Oats and Fat Free Greek Yogurt.

● With your Porridge

20190822_053458.png

● As a Dip

20190822_053442.png

● As a spread

Your Ara Food Jams would complement a Peanut Butter spread on bread or crackers so well!

20190822_054543.png

● With your Pancakes

Last weekend I had the Blueberry Chia Seed Jam with my Pancakes and a touch of low fat butter. It hit the spot!

● As a Pastry Filling

20190822_054559.png

● As a topping to your Cheesecake or Pie

Such a guilty pleasure!

20190822_052033
A salivating Cheesecake from @temperaturebynina using Ara Foods Blueberry Chia Seed Jam

A range of options for reasonable prices! 

20190822_052131.png

20190822_053702

Order your Healthy Snacks and your Chia Seed Jams from Ara Foods Jamaica today and have fun being creative in the kitchen. Their flavoured Chia Seed Jams are versatile and #SugaEndorsed!

PhotoGrid_1566469871826.jpg

***They are mobile and take Cards***

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

The Lions Club of Mona Improves the Health and Environment of the Mona Commons Community

20190820_043055

There was an annual Back to School Treat and Health Fair in the Mona Commons Community courtesy of The Lions Club of Mona and Mona Social Services last Saturday, August 17, 2019.

20190820_042643

Eye Testing, Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Tests were conducted.

20190820_042524
Members of the Lions Club of Mona with their collected recyclable plastics.

The Lions Club of Mona continued to keep busy in their community last weekend with their Bottle Collection and Recycling Project, a partnership with the Church of Ascension.

Plastics contribute to a large amount of solid waste and take many years to break down in landfills or the ocean. So recycle and help to reduce landfall, conserve energy and conserve the environment.

Kudos to the Lions Club of Mona, Mona Social Services and Church of Ascension, as they continue to build a better community.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Healthy Chia Seed Jams, Nuts and other Snacks from Ara Foods Jamaica!

20190822_050044

From making jams at home for fun, then encouraged by her husband and friends to start packaging what they enjoyed, Ayesha Allen started selling her Chia Seed Jams in 2016. Ayesha and husband, Ramaar took a leap of faith and just 2 months later they were nominated for Best Product for the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards in 2017!

Their Chia Seed Jams are Gluten free, Vegan friendly and come in a variety of flavours such as Strawberry, Blueberry and Pineapple. The Pineapple and Strawberry are favourites and I can see why. The flavours are stronger than the Blueberry. Even though you can order your Jams non-sweetened, I found there is no need, because the original isn’t even that sweet but still has the right balance of flavour. I tried them both. So you can enjoy these Jams with pretty much anything.

The business has expanded to offer healthy snacks too or what some persons like myself use as part of a Shake, such as Peanuts, Walnuts, Almonds, Pistachios, Chia seeds, Raisins and Cranberries, all at affordable prices.

Here are great ways to enjoy your Ara Foods Flavoured Chia Seed Jams!

● With your Yogurt

Suga’s favourite so far is the Strawberry Chia Seed Jam. I made my own Yogurt Parfait and it was divine! Enjoy food the in a healthy way!

20190822_045732
Suga’s Yogurt Parfait made with Ara Foods Strawberry and Blueberry Chia Seed Jams, Oats and Fat Free Greek Yogurt.

● With your Porridge

20190822_053458.png

● As a Dip

20190822_053442.png

● As a spread

Your Ara Food Jams would complement a Peanut Butter spread on bread or crackers so well!

20190822_054543.png

● With your Pancakes

Last weekend I had the Blueberry Chia Seed Jam with my Pancakes and a touch of low fat butter. It hit the spot!

● As a Pastry Filling

20190822_054559.png

● As a topping to your Cheesecake or Pie

Such a guilty pleasure!

20190822_052033
A salivating Cheesecake from @temperaturebynina using Ara Foods Blueberry Chia Seed Jam

A range of options for reasonable prices! 

20190822_052131.png

20190822_053702

Order your Healthy Snacks and your Chia Seed Jams from Ara Foods Jamaica today and have fun being creative in the kitchen. Their flavoured Chia Seed Jams are versatile and #SugaEndorsed!

PhotoGrid_1566469871826.jpg

***They are mobile and take Cards***

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Get a Water Workout this Sunday while you Help our Goodwill Games Team!

Please come out and support The Tornadoes Swim Club’s Goodwill Games Swim Team this Sunday, July 28th at 4pm at the National Aquatics Centre, Stadium Pool.

$1000JMD + $200 (Entry) gets you a Water Workout with certified instructor, Kim to great music by DJ Wattie!

***Follow @poolaerobics on Instagram***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Get Your Daily Dose of Fruit in 1 Bowl with Dream Bowls Ja!

20190703_081422
My Acai & Lychee Dream Bowl ($1200JMD) from Dream Bowls Ja at Kingston Night Market on Tuesday, July 2, 2019.

You can get your daily source of fruits in 1 bowl, your very own Dream bowl! Dream bowls are not only tasty, but healthy. Although you have to be aware of the toppings you choose.

Dream Bowls consist of a frozen base filled with the Acai (a-sigh-ee) berry. Although not sourced locally, they are good for just about everything in terms of its heath properties. Check it out here:

20190716_050705.png

You then have the option to choose 5 toppings that they will layer the base with, resulting in quite an attractive, yet tasty and fulfilling Dream Bowl.

Visit Kingston Night Market today from 6 to 11pm at 8 Hillcrest Avenue to get your Dream Bowl!

ADMISSION: FREE

***I advise you go early though, the Dream bowls are a hit.***

If not, Deliveries in Kingston are available too!

Kingston Night Market is an event where small businesses showcase their authentic Jamaican products. It is quite fit for a family outing during the week, this and every Tuesday. Check it out!

Keep up with Dream Bowls Ja on Instagram @dreambowlsja

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

 

Sip and Stretch for a Good Cause on July 16th!

IMG-20190701-WA0003.jpg

Happy Monday! SAVE THE DATE!

Stretch the muscles, feel relaxed afterwards and be happy you got to give your body a healthy treat at a reduced cost, while contributing to the Education of our Children.

Our Children are Our Future

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Check out this Triathlon, give it a Tri!

IMG-20190627-WA0000

Cool the body down with a Swim before you Bike and Run with this Triathlon at Immaculate Conception High School! Give it a Tri and get your Summer Body on!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Did You Know Spirulina has Dangerous Side Effects?

20190619_060135
Photo: Vital Proteins

Spirulina is a blue-green algae known to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. Lately, it has been popularly used as a dietary supplement.

Spirulina has generally been considered to be safe, however, according to healthline.com, it may have various dangerous side effects as a result of contamination of harmful compounds that can worsen certain health conditions. For instance, if harvested from water polluted by toxins, Spirulina can thin your blood and increase the length of time it takes for blood to clot. Spirulina can also worsen autoimmune conditions such as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Some persons may be allergic, and those with Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited condition, should avoid it.

Minor side effects of Spirulina may include nausea, insomnia, and headaches.

Should you stop using Spirulina?

According to healthline.com, if you purchase Spirulina from trusted brands, risk of contamination can be reduced  However, there is no guarantee that Spirulina products are 100% contaminant-free.

It is advised to avoid Spirulina if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners. While some studies suggest that Spirulina does not affect blood clotting time, there is still not enough evidence of its effects on persons who are already taking blood thinners.

It is advised to avoid Spirulina if you have an autoimmune condition, allergies or PKU as well.

***Suga thinks the best precaution is to consult your Doctor if you are unsure whether this supplement is right for you.***

[Source (Evidence based): www.healthline.com: What Are the Side Effects and Dangers of Spirulina? – By SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD on June 14, 2019]

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.