Summer Shape-Up: WHS 12-Week Challenge!

With the scorching hot weather and smoggy air quality combined with the abundance of parties and events around town, I can imagine it’s difficult to stay in shape this summer!

Fear not, the World Health Store‘s annual 12-week challenge is just about to begin and it’s not too late to sign up! Contestants will be part of a very select group for FREE training, including BOOT CAMP, HEYROBICS, and PILATES. (just think what a great deal this is considering how expensive these classes can be!)

Anticipated to be even bigger than last year, the challenge will take place in both Beijing and Shanghai and winners can expect to see even more cash prizes and gifts totaling over RMB 250,000!

If you are someone who wants to have a life changing experience and a chance to win some awesome cash and prizes, check out www.whs-12weekchallenge.com for registration details and you can also register on the night of the launch party this Saturday night at Zeta Bar (Hilton Hotel).  Lucky winners have a chance to win cool prizes including a dinner voucher from Hercules, Tailer Made Shirts from the Bauer Company, and a Free Haircut/Style at TICTAC Salon just to name a few.

“The 12 Week Challenge is a chance of a lifetime to transform your body and gain a new perspective on life!” – The World Health Store (WHS)

Event Details:

• Date: July 16th,2011
• Time: 7:00PM until Late
• Cost of entry: FREE (RSVP is advised to avoid disappointment)
• Drinks Deal: 50%off Drinks
• Location: Zeta bar, Hilton Beijing,
• Address: Dong san huan (right off the LiangmaQiao station, Exit B)
• For more info: Contact Ivy Leung: ivy@worldhealthstore.com.cn

The Champ is Here: Joey Chestnut Flies to Beijing!

The KING of hot dog eating, Joey Chestnut arrives to Beijing, China this afternoon and has announced that he is stoked to be coming out to China for the very first time as a celebrity Guest Judge for China’s very first Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition in search of a China champion to fly to New York for the annual Nathan’s Famous hot dog competition on July 4th in Coney Island.  (Other local judges include Hatsune King Alan Wong, SALT & TERRA Queen Gaby Alves, Gungho Pizza King John O’Loghlen and Fitness Hero Jim Dawson representing the World Health Store.)

With trips planned for him to hike the Great Wall, hop on a rickshaw and ride along houhai to explore Beijing’s hidden hutongs, taste some local specialties including Beijing duck, visit the Olympic green and present a check for 1,000 hot dogs to Compassion for Migrant Children (CMC). Joey should be a local Beijinger by the time we’re done with them.

And the most exciting bit?  With the world-record set by him in 2009 at 68 hot dogs in 10 minutes, Joey has announced that in the 5 minute eating exhibition after the main contest at Wanliu, his goal is to devour 50 hot dogs in 5 minutes!!  Siiiicknesssss!!

Will be epic to watch the champ himself in action!

Nathan’s Official CHINA Hot Dog Eating Competition Event Details:

Date: Saturday, June 18

Time: 11AM-12:30PM

Location: Wanliu BHG Mall (last stop of line 10 – Bagou stop)

Address:  Bagou Lu #2

Free entrance, everyone is welcome!

Take Control of Your Health: Raw Foods Workshop

“The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over again and expecting a different result.”  Maybe it’s time for a change.

Raw Food & Pastry Chef and Eco Health Adviser, Jennifer McClelland is the face of a new generation of eco chefs who merge culinary arts with sustainable living.

I have had the privilege of witnessing Jennifer in “raw foods action” on multiple occasions and I have been blown away each and every time on how she is able to create such healthy snacks that tastes like treats! It’s incredible what combinations and possibilities are available for people who want to live a healthier lifestyle through smarter dietary choices.  Everything she creates is dairy and gluten-free and vegan friendly.

Most recently I received one of Jennifer’s newest green smoothie creation recipes:

Pineapple Refresher

3 cups pineapple chunks
1 cup water
1 banana
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/4 cup parsley

1 lime, peeled Ice cubes, optional

Blend.  Serves 2

“Eating fresh, organic, dark leafy greens and fresh fruits may improve your intestinal tract, give you more mental clarity, increase your energy level and boost the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy hair, skin and nails! When I drink a green smoothie it feels like giving my insides a shower. The wonderful taste has kept me a convert.  Whether for health, vanity or both, join the green smoothie revolution to get the green smoothie edge on health and vitality!” – Jennifer McClelland on Green Smoothies

If you’re interested in learning more about raw foods and seeing Jennifer in action, she will be hosting her next raw foods class at The Hutong in collaboration with The World Health Store.

“Discover the benefits of raw food. Detox and purify with delightful new tastes, and change the way you perceive food.Come with your sleeves rolled up and hands washed because you are in for a healthy treat! Gluten and Dairy Free and Vegan friendly.”

Event Details for Raw Food “Hands-on” Workshop at The Hutong:

• Date: Tuesday, June 14, 2011
• Time: 10AM-Noon
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: 1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong |  Beijing | China 北京东城区九道弯中巷1号  100007
• Contact: info@thehutong.com

Let’s Powwow Launch Party: POWWOW in da HOUSE

My favorite iPhone app – Let’s Powwow is going viral, going global and it’s all starting in this complex, cosmopolitan, exhilarating  city we call Beijing.

More than just a great directory for Beijing’s giant database of restaurants, bars and spas, Let’s Powwow hooks its users up with killer deals like 2-for-1 lunch at Flamme, new menu item deals at Hatsune, 2-for-1 cocktails at Mo Lounge, 2 hours for the price of 1 hour massage at Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat, etc. Click here for more information on other sweet deals at Beijing’s top restaurants, bars and spas available exclusively to Let’s Powwow members.

Celebrate the genius behind this application together with the exceptional people who are making it happen at their Launch Party this Thursday, April 14 at The House Club (in front of Club Mix).  Powwow members who attend can expect loads of free hook-ups from drink specials and tastings to free give-aways including free vouchers/sessions at Black Golden Tanning Salon, Kick in2 Shape Gym, the World Health Store, IF Juice, etc.

LumDimSum Super Sweepstakes:

As an avid supporter of products that are useful, practical and fun, LumDimSum will be rewarding my devout readers with FREE Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat Vouchers (valued at RMB 200) to the first 10 people to check into the Powwow Launch Party Event on their personal powwow account with a public comment mentioning LumDimSum.  You can write how much you love it, hate it, praise it or just that you are in desperate need of a great massage!

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, April 14
  
• Time: 8:00PM-10:00PM
• Location: The House
  
• Address: North Gate of Worker’s Stadium, 工体北门
• Tel: 138-1188-2470

Let’s Powwow Background:

Powwow Limited is a Mobile Internet company providing a location-based service that is founded upon personal user needs and set preferences to provide relevant information about places, people and events around the individual that pertains to that person’s particular likes and interests. “Let’s Powwow” is the platform that will deliver this information by matching the user’s identified “likes” with our vast database of venues, social networks and events. The more frequently an individual uses Let’s Powwow, the more specific and unique the information s/he receives will become. In essence, we view each user as having their own thumbprint in the form of a personalized database that we can cross reference with ours to provide exacting information they want and require.

Let’s Powwow can be downloaded from the iTunes App store or Android Market. You can also register and log in to the website - www.letspw.com.

WHS Raw Food Potluck Dinner

This Friday, December 17, the World Health Store is hosting its next Raw Food Potluck Dinner (this time it’s Christmas themed!) and everyone is welcome to join in on a unique experience to sample a variety of delicious dishes all gone raw.

Open your eyes to the world of Jennifer McClelland‘s raw food cuisine – where you can enjoy a tasty, delectable meal (including a range of desserts) guilt-free!

To attend, all you need to bring is one raw food dish (think salads and fruits) and if that is too much of a daunting task, you are also welcome to contribute a bag of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or goji berries, conveniently available to you at the World Health Store.

“Raw food is fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds–unrefined and unprocessed by high temperatures of heat and Raw Food Cuisine is natural foods turned into delicious snacks, soups, salads, entrees and desserts.” - The World Health Store

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, December 17
• Time: 6:00PM
• Requirement: One Raw Food Dish Per Person
• Location: World Health Store at SOHO Shangdu branch
• Contact: 5900-2209, www.worldhealthstore.com.cn
  

Organic Made Easy: DeRunWu Organic Farms

Originally introduced to me by the World Health Store, DuRunWu (DRW) Organic Farms is your perfect solution for ensuring that your veggies and fruit are all guaranteed fresh produce devoid of pesticides, herbicides and insecticides.

Produce is all seasonal so availability is not always guaranteed, but once you get in touch with DeRunWu Farms directly, they will send you regular updates with what they have in stock and you can request your top picks or a “random selection” and they can either deliver to your doorstep (for RMB 20 fee) or you can pick it up for free at the World Health Store near you!

For vegetable orders:

• A large pack of seasonal veggies is 4 Kg and costs ￥80.
• A small pack of seasonal veggies is 2.5 Kg and costs ￥50.

Minimum 2 days advanced ordering required because DeRunWu Farms picks the produce right before delivery to ensure the freshest quality.

Ordering is made easy with online ordering forms and constantly updated list of seasonal fruits and vegetables available to order.

DeRunWu’s Current Selection:

• Veggies: Pumpkin,  Winter melon,  Cherry radish, Small Chinese Cabbage, Pea Sprout, Beet Root, Carrot,  Long white Radish, Fruit Radish, Potato, Tah tsai, Jerusalem Artichoke, Rose-heart Radish, Red Radish, Potherb mustard, Chinese mustard,  Butter Cabbage,  Chinese cabbage, Chinese Kale,  Swiss Chard,  New Zealand Spinach, Flowering Chinese Cabbage,
• *”Random Pack“ Salad: Curly Chicory, Begonia Fimbristipulata hance, Green leaf Lettuce, Green Endive, Butter Lettuce, Red Wave Lettuce,Romaine Lettuce, Mixed Salad
• Herbs: Sweet mint, Flat-leaf Parsley

Specials:

• Fruits: Organic Fragrant Pear, Fuji Apples, Kiwis
• Others: Handmade Tofu (made from organic soy beans) and Organic Rice

To order DeRunWu Organic Farms Produce:

E-mail Alison/Mr. Li (both English and Chinese are OK): jiyunliang@vip.163.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Tel: 8459-0809 (land line) and 1391-006-2022

The Healthy Benefits of Sprouting

Fat and oil have bad reputations for being unhealthy, and while most available fat and oil products sold to the mass consumer market is generally toxic, you should know that healthy fats, especially omega 3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flaxseed and fish oils are very beneficial.

But to get the benefit of these nuts, they must be cold-pressed (unheated) and go through a soaking process to get the most nutrients and enzymes.

Did you know that sprouting and soaking nuts and seeds increases nutrients, enzymes and absorption? Nuts and seeds are naturally acidic and the sprouting and soaking process removes phytic acid, which increases assimilation of their minerals, especially zinc.

- Jennifer McClelland , Raw Food Chef

To learn how to easily sprout seeds, Raw Foods Chef & Health Expert Jennifer McClelland will give short demos on sprouting buckwheat (a gluten free grain) and flaxseed (high source of ALA, an important Omega 3 fatty acid) at the World Health Store in SOHO Shangdu.

Buckwheat Sprouts

Upcoming Sprouting Demo Event Details:

• Dates: Saturday, November 20^th & Sunday, November 28^th
  
• Time: 2:00PM to 2:30PM
• Location: World Health Store at SOHO Shangdu branch
• Contact: 5900-2209, www.worldhealthstore.com.cn

Go Raw: Vegan Sushi Rolls & Chocolate Macaroons

One of my favorite things about Raw Food Chef Jennifer McClelland’s monthly raw foods classes are that you not only get to try some delicious raw food recipes, but you also get to learn how to make simple recipes that taste super good and can easily be reproduced in the comfort of your own home!

This month’s World Health Store raw foods class by Jennifer featured Raw Vegan Sushi Rolls & Chocolate-Orange Macaroons.

Using only fresh vegetables, leafy greens and marinated mushrooms, the raw vegan sushi rolls were the very first time I’d tried sushi rolls without any rice or fish! The marinated mushrooms (soaked in sesame soy sauce) were the key ingredient to having a filling and satisfying roll and the extra sauce was perfect for dipping.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Raw Vegan Sushi Roll Ingredients & Prep Stages:

Final Product & Everyone Digging In:

Chocolate-Orange Macaroons:

Consisting of the following ingredients: Raw Cacao Powder, Shredded Coconut, Raw Honey, Coconut Oil, Orange Juice, Vanilla, and Cinnamon, Jennifer mixed everything into a massive bowl and then rolled little balls to and flattened onto a dehydrator for several hours.  Lucky for us, Jennifer had previously prepared the final product for all of her audience members to sample.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Chocolate-Orange Macaroons:

Final Product: A delicious chocolate dessert that you don’t have to feel guilty about.

…really doesn’t get much better than that!

Note: Next Raw Food Cooking Class is Saturday, December 4 from 2:00PM-3:15PM

Perfect for the winter season, Jennifer McClelland teaches the art of “unbaking” with a food dehydrator to make comfort foods in the raw. Featuring Scones & Honey Butter and Warmed Chocolate Flaxseed Pudding, all dishes are meat and dairy free.

To Sign Up:

• Date: Saturday, December 4
• Time: 2:00PM-3:15PM
• Tickets:  RMB 120 for Advanced registration (1 week before event), 150 RMB regular fee and RMB 180 walk-in fee.
• Register at the nearest World Health Store (WHS) by you!
• Contact: 5900-2209, www.worldhealthstore.com.cn

12-Week Body Transformation Challenge Winners

Contestant Tony Nicholson wins Best Male and Best Overall Body Transformation

This year the World Health Store launched their very first 12-week Body Transformation Challenge in Beijing and what an amazing turnout it was!

They started with over 50 contestants, which was narrowed down to 10 finalists who competed last Friday for their chance to win over 100,000rmb worth of cash and prizes. The energy in the room was high and the suspense was intense.

In just 12 weeks, the participants truly made miraculous transformations. The final results were unreal and totally mind blowing.

10 Finalists Group Pic

See here a before and after shot of Tony Nicholson, winner of both “Best Male” and “Best Overall” categories.  Not only was his change the most drastic, going from 24% body fat to 8%, he displayed a home-made video of his 12-week journey winning him thousands in gift certificates and prize money.

“Best Male” & “Best Overall” winner Tony Nicholson lost 16% body fat!

“Best Female” winner, Dorothy Cronin lost 16 kilos and over 22 inches!

As one of the four judges (representing both LumDimSum and the Hatsune Restaurant Group), it was difficult to choose just one winner knowing how hard each contestant worked over the 12 weeks, each one making life-changing steps toward a healthier lifestyle.  Not only was it inspirational, it really goes to show that exercise and a healthy diet really does make a world of difference.

Congratulations to both Dorothy Cronin “Best Female” and Tony Nicholson “Best Male & Best Overall” on their incredible achievements!

LumDimSum Snapshots of 12 Week Body Transformation Challenge Finale Party @ Zeta Bar (Hilton):

12 Week Body Transformation Challenge Finale

At the start of summer, the World Health Store launched a 12-weeks body transformation challenge to motivate Beijingers to transform their bodies in 12 weeks.

Now that we have finally reached the end of these 12 weeks, it is time to see the final results.

This Friday, Zeta bar is hosting the finale party with a panel of judges (LumDimSum will be among the panel of judges) to decide the contest winners.  The event will also feature various competitions for the contestants with generous prizes to be won.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, October 15
• Time: 8:00PM-11:30PM
• Location: Zeta Bar (Hilton)
  
• Address: 1 Dongfang Lu, 东方路1号希尔顿酒店
• Free Entrance
  

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

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

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.