Green Smoothies & Healthy Chocolate Truffles

The World Health Store’s monthly raw foods class is such an addictive experience.

You not only get to try some delicious raw food recipes, you also get to learn how to make simple recipes that actually taste so good and best of all, they can easily be reproduced in the comfort of your own home!

In previous classes, Raw Food Chef Jennifer McClelland has made summer bisque, cherry tomato and basil pizza, and a chocolate mousse made out of avocados and raw cacao. This last Saturday, Jennifer treated us to Green Smoothies and Chocolate Truffles in the Raw.

A twist on the standard fruit smoothie, Jennifer introduces fresh organic leafy greens to widen your range of nutrients. The smoothie we tasted in class was a combination of bananas, mango, lemon, kale with a combination of both Chlorella and Spirulina powder.

Green snoothies will give you a cleaner intestinal tract, more mental clarity, increased energy, healthier hair, suppler skin and stronger nails!”

-Jennifer McClelland on Green Smoothies

Before & After Shot (A Whole Lot of Goodness Packed into One Bowl)

See the Master Herself at Work:

Jennifer’s Secret to Healthy Chocolate Truffles –

Raw Cacao Powder, Walnuts, Cashews, Raisins, Coconut Oil & a Blender

Note: Next Raw Food Cooking Class is Saturday, October 23: Learn to make Raw Vegan Sushi Rolls & Orange Chocolate Macaroons

To Sign Up:

• Contact: 5900-2209, www.worldhealthstore.com.cn

LumDimSum Discovery: Make a Splash in Chaoyang Park

As awesome as the Tuanjiehu Pool is with its fake beach and giant wave machine, it really does not offer me much other than visual amusement and a very mesmerizing picture of local Chinese culture (a very, very different scene than I would see at an outdoor pool party filled with Westerners ie the Riviera Pool Party).

In seeking out a nice outdoor pool, I much prefer to avoid the crowds and proper lanes so that I can actually swim laps. As you can see from the photo attached, Chaoyang Park now offers multiple pools including a massive Olympic sized pool with swimming lanes!

Although the open space pool is pretty packed in with people flapping around, the Olympic sized pool just behind was surprisingly relatively empty. Even more surprising, not only were the swimmers in this pool relatively serious, the poolside tanners were hardcore about their sun exposure. Men in tiny speedos were spread out like I’ve never seen.

Only RMB 18 to enter with lounge chairs available to rent (an additional RMB 15), the pools at Chaoyang Park gives Beijingers a much needed, easily accessible outdoor pool for some fun in the sun.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Chaoyang Park’s Pools:

Note: Most of these photos were taken at sunset (close to closing time), hence the lack of flappers in the water.

Slow Food Saturday @ The Schoolhouse

With an organic bread station, homemade cheese station, homemade ice cream and sorghum dumpling stations, Slow Food Saturday will be showcasing culinary traditions and delicious foods while having fun in the countryside with family and friends.

Hosted by 组织者 The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu & Slow Food Beijing, visitors can take this opportunity to get outside of Beijing and enjoy walking, biking and hiking around the Schoolhouse’s four villages – Mutianyu, Beigou, Xinying and Tianxianyu. It’s also a great chance to check out local restaurants’ special dishes, local villagers’ locally grown foods, along with culinary demonstrations.

For more information, please visit: http://www.slowfoodsaturday.org

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 4
• Time: 10:30am-onwards
• Location: Mutianyu, Beigou, Xinying and Tianxianyu Villages
• Transport: We encourage guests to come up by bus. Our leaving point will be the Trek Store just south of Chaoyang Park. Buses will be leaving at 09:00 sharp! Click here for map location and directions. Round-Trip bus tickets to and from Mutianyu cost RMB 80. To reserve your seat please email: bus@slowfoodsaturday.org When you reserve please leave your name, phone number and number of people.
• Contact Tel: 13810521254

*Thank you to Greening the Beige for sharing this event with LumDimSum.

Learn the Secret Behind Healthy Chocolate Truffles

For anyone with a serious sweet tooth with a chocolate addiction, Jennifer McClelland may be your savior.

A raw foods chef and expert, Jennifer will be sharing her secret to making Chocolate Truffles in the Raw – meaning they will be vegetarian friendly, lactose and gluten free.

The secret ingredient to healthy chocolate is to just consume it in its purest form: raw cacao aka raw chocolate. (available for purchase at the World Health Store)

Did you know raw cacao is one of the highest sources of Vitamin C (and antioxidants, iron and magnesium)?  But that the heating process destroys much of the nutrients and all of the Vitamin C and enzymes in chocolate?  This class we will learn how to have our cake and eat it too!

- Jennifer McClelland on raw cacao.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 4
• Time: 2:00PM-3:30PM
• Location: World Health Store in CBD (Shangdu Soho)
• Price: Regular RMB 150; Walk-in RMB 180
• Contact: 5900-2209, www.worldhealthstore.com.cn

Beijing Flag Football League Launch Party

Beijing Flag Football League’s season begins Saturday, August 14.

What better way to commence the start of a great season than with a proper launch party!

Hosted at All-Star Sports Bar & Grill on Friday, August 13, we welcome the Beijing Flag Football League (BFFL) and all of their friends, fans, and cheerleaders!

Come any time after 8PM and enjoy 2-for-1 drink specials and a KILLER Meal Deal – All-Star Burger + Draft Beer = RMB 50!

A Beer Pong Tournament will also be taking place with pitchers of beer for only RMB 50 (good for one game of beer pong).

Whether you’re participating in this year’s Beijing Flag Football League, coming to show support or you just want a great burger, come out to All-Star and join the fun!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, August 13
• Time: 8PM-Midnight
• Location: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill
• Address: Bldg. 5-1, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Park Rd., 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号Solana蓝色港湾国际商区 5-1

Meet the Official All-Star Beach Volleyball Team

The first official league for beach volleyball to be established in Beijing, The All-Star Sports Bar & Grill Beach Volleyball Team has rounded up around 15 solid, committed players who come out to Chaoyang Park every Saturday afternoon.

If you are interested in participating or more information, please contact Kristine Eng directly: kristine.eng@gmail.com

Raw Goodness: Round 2

After my first raw foods class at the World Health Store with Raw Food Chef Jennifer McClelland, I was hooked.

I never knew eating healthy could be so simple and more importantly, taste so good.

With Jennifer’s raw food cooking classes, you’re guaranteed to learn some easy-to-make recipes that are so tasty and so healthy, you’ll want to immediately start incorporating raw foods into your daily diet and hopefully begin your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

This past Saturday, Jennifer hosted her Great Raw of China Cooking Class spotlighting refreshing summer treats – a Yellow Bell Pepper Bisque with Basil and a Berry & Cream Tart with Bitter Sweet Dark Cacao in a Walnut Crust.

A combination of blended tomatoes, bell peppers, cashews, olive oil and basil, the bisque was both satisfying and refreshing – a great summer alternative to soup and the berry tart was seriously too mouth-watering delicious to be healthy, but it absolutely is.  The crust is made from walnuts, coconut flakes and raisins, the cream was made from cashew nuts, vanilla and pure maple syrup and the chocolate sauce made from coconut oil, raw cacao powder and cinnamon.

If you’re wondering how complicated it must be to make a summer bisque and a berry tart out of raw food, it’s really quite simple as everything was made using just a blender! And an extra bonus – recipes are vegetarian-friendly, plus dairy and gluten free!

The highlight was the chocolate sauce which reminded me of the amazing chocolate mousse Jennifer made in her previous raw foods class.

Did you know that raw cacao (chocolate) is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C?  But all heat processed chocolate loses vitamin C and other nutrients the body needs to stay in prime health.

- Jennifer McClelland on Raw Cacao

Watch the Master at Work:

Finished Products:

Jennifer regularly hosts raw food cuisine courses at the World Health Store in SOHO Shangdu where she educates her classes on the health benefits of incorporating more raw foods into their daily diet and providing mouth-watering recipes to prove to you just how good “healthy” meals can be.

Next raw food class on Saturday, August 14, “Make Raw Not War” will feature Raw Vegan Burgers and Dairy-Free Chocolate Milkshakes!

• Date: Saturday, August 14
• Time: 2:00PM-4:00PM
• Location:  World Health Store in CBD
• Price: RMB 150 per person
• Contact:  5900-2209, www.worldhealthstore.com.cn

If you are interested in learning more, I recommend the “Raw for Life” viewing at Kocoon Spa and a Green Smoothie Demo! Hosted at Kocoon Spa, Jennifer will be giving an introduction to the health benefits of a raw food lifestyle along with a free green smoothie demo!

For more information about raw foods & the health benefits of eating “living” foods, visit Jennifer McClelland’s website and the World Health Store Blog.

Kocoon Goes Raw

LumDimSum is happy to bring two great forces together – Raw Food Chef, Jennifer McClelland & Spa Guru and Owner of Kocoon Spa, Maika Endo for this great event:

“Raw for Life” viewing at Kocoon Spa and a Green Smoothie Demo!

Hosted at Kocoon Spa, Jennifer will be giving an introduction to the health benefits of a raw food lifestyle along with a free green smoothie demo!

They will also be showing the featured film “Raw for Life”, a motivational and educational movie (starring Morgan Spurlock from Super Size Me, Tony Robbins, David Wolfe, Woody Harrelson) on raw food, weight loss, detox, beauty and longevity.

Event Details:

• Venue: Kocoon spa lounge & elixirs. Click here for location.
• Website: http://www.kocoonspalounge.com/?p=2479
• Cover: FREE if RSVP before July 15. After July 15, the participation fee will be 50rmb/ person.
• RSVP: kocooninfo@kocoonspalounge.com or by calling 010-5208 6068.

Background:

The raw food movement has been gaining popularity all over the world and is now on the Mainland China radar.  Today, Jennifer offers raw food classes at the World Health Store in Beijing as well as private and corporate training throughout Mainland China and Asia.  She brings her knowledge of sustainable agriculture, culinary arts and the raw lifestyle straight to your kitchen!  Next Raw Foods Cooking Class: Great Raw of China on Saturday, July 17 from 2-4PM (event details here).

For more information about raw foods & the health benefits of eating “living” foods, visit Jennifer McClelland’s website and the World Health Store Blog.

Great Raw of China by Jennifer McClelland

After my first raw foods class by Jennifer McClelland (see previous article here), I am now a believer in the health benefits of raw foods.

Not only is it a very healthy diet alternative, it’s also easy, effective and extremely educational.

In only a few weeks, Jennifer will be hosting her next Raw Foods Class at World Health Store in SOHO Shangdu on July 17 from 2-4PM.

This season, Jennifer will be teaching a summer series of cool desserts, blended beverages, mouth-watering soups, appetizers and entrees.  Did you know that raw cacao (chocolate) is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C?  But all heat processed chocolate loses vitamin C and other nutrients the body needs to stay in prime health.  This class have your cake and eat it too!  This upcoming class menu will feature a Yellow Pepper Basil Bisque and a Dark Cacao Layered Fresh Berry Tart in a Walnut Crust.

Event Details:

These recipes are vegetarian-friendly, plus dairy and gluten free!  Students will watch recipe demos, receive recipe handouts, sample the finished dishes, and learn the health benefits of eating natural, unprocessed and unrefined foods.  The class is in Shangdu Soho, but you can register at the World Health Store near you.

• Early Bird Registration: 120 rmb (paid in full on or before July 10^th)
• Regular Price: 150 rmb
• Walk-in Price:  180 rmb
• Location:  World Health Store in CBD
• Time:  2:00 to 3:30pm
• Contact:  5900-2209, www.worldhealthstore.com.cn

For more information about raw foods & the health benefits of eating “living” foods, visit Jennifer McClelland’s website and the World Health Store Blog.

Summer Shape Up: 12-Week Body Challenge

A haven for health fanatics, the World Health Store is equipped to provide you with health living solutions with over 50 years of experience in health & wellness, fitness and natural home living.

They host regular cooking classes including Jennifer McClelland’s Raw Foods Classes (offered once a month) and their stores sell everything from vitamins & minerals, organic & natural packaged foods, sports supplements & proteins, natural beauty & body care and eco-friendly household goods.

This summer, the World Health Store and Zeta Bar Hilton Beijing are co-organizing a 12-weeks body transformation challenge to motivate Beijingers to transform their bodies in 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks, there will be a final party at Zeta bar with a panel of judges to decide the winners and contestants enter various competitions on the night with generous prizes to be won.

Challenge Details:

Transform Your Body & Life!

WIN Up To RMB100,000 In Cash & Prizes

A – The Best Male “Before” and “After” Transformation
B – The Best Female “Before” and “After” Transformation
C – The Best Overall ( Male vs. Female)

Step 1. Take a “Before” picture. This must be done between July 1, 2010 –July 14, 2010. In the photo, you must hold a recent magazine front cover of Time Out, The Beijinger or Agenda as proof of date. You can download a contestant form and find more information at: www.whs-12weekchallenge.com. Or visit one of the World Health Store locations to pick-up a hard copy. Please send all applications with photos to competitor@whs-12weekchallange.com or drop hard copies off at one of the stores. The deadline date is July 15, 2010 for all submissions. No applications and photos are accepted after this date.

Step 2. Eat Healthy & Exercise for 12-weeks. Take the best “After” picture after completing the 12-week program. You will also be required to take photos every two weeks during the challenge for progress proof. Finalists will also be judged by their inspirational stories – not just photos. Only fair play and natural results will be accepted. Cheaters are disqualified.

Step 3. All competitors must have their final photos submitted before September 10th. In the photo, you must hold a recent magazine front cover of Time Out, The Beijinger or Agenda as proof of date. In addition to the photo, please write a 500-word essay sharing how the past 12 weeks changed a/ your appearance b/ your life attitude.

Step 4. Finalist and winners will be presented with grand prizes on Thursday October 14th 2010 at the Hilton Beijing at “The World Health Store Fitness Expo Night.” At the Fitness Expo – there will be a men’s bodybuilding, men’s fitness, women’s bikini/fitness competition along with further cash and prizes. There will be many door prizes, proteins and energy cocktails for all! The World Health Store’s Fitness Expo Night Kicks Off at 7pm! Tickets can be purchased beforehand for savings! Tickets available at the World Health Stores, The Hilton & participating partners.

Contact:
For more information, please visit: www.whs-12weekchallenge.com. Email info@whs-12weekchallenge.com. Or visit World Health Store’s two locations: *Note; include the addresses