T R A V E L: Bellaroca Island Resort

'Tis the last day of A P R I L tomorrow and we're still in the mid of the summer season. I'm dreaming of a beach vacation in a quiet, luxurious, and fabulous island resort - The Bellaroca in Marinduque, Philippines. 

"Discerning travellers in search of their next unexplored destination need to look no further than the Philippine Islands. With its white Santorini-inspired architecture on rolling terrain contrasted with the azure blue of the sky above and the clear water below, Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa offers a fantastic experience unlike any other place in the Philippines and across South-East Asia." BIR

Come fly (with me) in my dream travel destination aboard a private chopper...

Have fun and enjoy luxurious treats at the Bellaroca Island Resort.

Photo via HERE

Stay at the 3-Bedroom Guest Villa where you can enjoy lounging at the exterior lounge area/sundeck, beddings and pillow selections and individually-controlled air-conditioning.

Photo via HERE

Swim and snorkel and chill on the sea shore.

Photo via HERE

 Be awed by the view of a rainbow in the sky in a cloudy afternoon.

Photo via HERE

Take a few laps at the pool, allowing sometime to stop and savor the gorgeous view of the tranquil sea; feel the breeze of the summer wind; and simply B R E A T H E in fresh air.

Photo via HERE

Marvel at the beauty of God's creations...the blue-green sea and the sky. 

Photo via HERE

Enjoy a refreshing dip, anytime, day or night, in the Hotel’s Lap Pool.

Photo via HERE

For more information about Bellaroca Island Resort, click this link.
For more information about Marinduque, click this link.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: around the house

How do you spend lazy Sunday afternoons? When the weather is at 38 degrees and you are nowhere near a beach...what would you do? 

On super hot and humid day like today, i nested at home, took some photographs, snacked on super-melt-in-the-mouth homemade cookies + swissmiss chocolate, and browsed at page-to-page photo packed books and magazines.

H O M E: B&B Bedroom inspiration

via SHABBY CHIC MANIA

...just shouting it loud to the big U. I want this please for my future B&B. I love the mix of colors of soft pink, creme and white; and the shabby chicness that exudes simple elegance, easy comfort and lightness.

Le Coeur de France: Pumpkin Soup

Le Coeur, a French restaurant, offers vegan lovers some veggie food. Aside from their green salads, you can also order pumpkin soup, which taste delicious. 

If you are craving for pastries and breads, Le Coeur offers a variety of carbo-packed foods from croissant to pies to muffins.

A must try is their pink lemonade.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga is my choice of exercise. BY is "a 90 minute program consisting of a series of 26 postures including two breathing exercises. Each posture stretches, strengthens and prepares specific muscles, ligaments and joints needed for the next posture. BY also stimulates the organs, glands and nerves, allowing fresh oxygenated blood to be transported to the whole body, restoring all systems to a healthy working order." -BYM

Bikram "delivers total health through the balancing and strengthening of every system in the body in order to prevent illness and injury, promote weight loss and limit the effects of aging. Bikram Yoga series is physically demanding and may not be for everyone. To facilitate stretching and encouraging the body to detoxify itself through sweat, Bikram Yoga is done in a heated room with temperatures kept at 38°C and an average humidity of 60 percent. This is done to warm your muscles, prevent injury, allow a deeper workout and cleanse the body by flushing toxins out."-BYM

I took some pictures during my first visit, so let me tour you around the studio...

Upon entering the studio, you will be required to take off your footwear. 

The Bikram Yoga mantra.

"No yoga, no peace. Know yoga, know peace."

The twenty-six Bikram Yoga postures.

All natural, organic goodies are for sale inside the studio such as cookies, granola bars, organic teas, vitamins & supplements.

Yoga clothes and hair accessories are also available inside the studio.

and this is where we hang out and powder our noses after yoga.

GUEST POST

I am creating a new page called ilove! GUEST POST.  This page will feature inspiring stories from friends and bloggers who want to share their thoughts about health, wellness, yoga, vegan cooking, gardening, perfect vacation, weekend getaway and beauty and body products. If you want to be featured here, please contact me at simonestar888@yahoo.com. If you want to advertise your all natural/organic products here, contact me and let’s talk about it.  

44% off on Bikram Yoga

www.bikramyogamanila.com

 

Find a way to carve out some time to incorporate in your Fitness Plan this summer Bikram Yoga.  For only  Php3,100 (Originally Php5,500) for 10 sessions, you can now experience the benefits  of Bikram Yoga. BY is said to build overall strength and flexibility, detoxify and improve circulation, and restore overall health and wellness. The routine, which consists of a 26 posture exercise is done in 90 minutes in a heated room @ 38 degree celsius. Hot! Hot! Hot! You will be sweating buckets, thus, releasing toxins from your body.  

Avail of the 10-Bikram Yoga Class Card hot deal now via DealGrocer.

For inquiries about Bikram Yoga in Manila, contact the Bikram Yoga Manila.

Quezon City Studio
5F CKB Centre
203 Tomas Morato Avenue
Quezon City, Metro Manila
(02) 494 8741
(02) 376 4632

www.bikramyogamanila.com

Dr. Lam's Food Choice Table

To continue with my previous post  on Dr. Lam's blood type diet , Dr. Lam encourages health conscious individuals to combine the use of the specific blood type diet along with choosing the right food from his food choice table to achieve optimal success.

Food Choice Table

Carbohydrates	Good Choice	Reasons	Bad Choice	Reasons
	Vegetables - green leafy	Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, fiber	Most Tuber vegetables (potatoes, tapioca)	High glycemic index
	Onions, Green Onions, Chives, Garlic	Antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic
	Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower	Prevents estrogen dominance (which causes cancer)
	Tomatoes (both raw and cooked)	High Vitamin C and lycopene for CA prevention
	Tubor vegetables in moderation - (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes)	Beta Carotene - good antioxidant
	Whole Fruits -	Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, fiber	Fruits (banana, Watermelon)	High glycemic index
	Lemon, Lime	Keeps the body alkaline	Fruit Juices	High sugar content, low fiber
	Soybean Products in moderation	Cancer prevention
	Pineapples	Bromelain
	Blueberry, grapes	Protects the Heart
	Whole Grains	B-Vitamins, Insoluble fiber
	Oats, Barley	Soluble fiber, Lower Cholesterol	White Rice	High glycemic index
	Pasta made with duram wheat	Low to medium glycemic index	White Flour	High glycemic index
	Basmati Rice	Low glycemic index
Protein	Good Choice	Reasons	Bad Choice	Reasons
	Legumes	Soluble fiber	Peanuts	Aflatoxin (carcinogen)
	Nuts	High in Monounsaturated fats
	Deep water fish	High in Omega 3 Fatty Acid	Coastal Fish	Toxic Metals
	Organic Eggs	Best Biological Value Protein for Human	Red Meats	Acid forming, Carcinogenic, Increase Hormone
	Nuts	Monounsaturated fatty acid (lower chol), fibers	Dairy	Allegen, Hormone Increase
			Shellfish	Carcinogenic
Fat	Good Choice	Reasons	Bad Choice	Reasons
	Avocado	Monounsaturated fatty acid (lower chol)	Margarine	Hydrogenated Oil - carcinogenic
	Olive Oil	Monounsaturated fatty acid (lower chol)	Deep Fried Food	Hydrogenated Oil - carcinogenic
	Polyunsaturated Oil (when not heated)	High in Omega 6 fatty acid	Chips	Hydrogenated Oil - carcinogenic
			Saturated Fats-Palm	Increase Chol
			Polyunsaturated Oil when Heated	Hydrogenated Oil - carcinogenic
			Soft Drinks	Acidic, high sugar
			Desserts	High in sugar, high in hydrogenated fats
			Sugar	Empty calories, Increase TG, Inc Chol, Dental Caries

SOURCE: HERE 

How do I use this table along with the blood type diet plan when buying and cooking food?

For now, I refer to the blood type diet plan to take note of the food that I am allowed to eat then I refer to the table above and select the food under "Good Choice Food" that is appropriate for my blood type. As I am a "newbie"in this blood type diet plan, I try not to eat all the food listed under "Good Choice Food" as some of those listed here are considered "allergens" or ïrritants" to my specific blood type.  

If you have a better advise on how to go along this blood type diet plan, please share your thoughts with me. I will be very grateful to hear from you.

Bye for now...

Love, Light and Good Health!

Click here to read my previous post on BLOOD TYPE DIET PLAN

Blood Type Diet - Type O Chart

There is a specific diet plan for each blood type – Type O, A, B or AB. According to  Dr. Michael Lam, MD, MPH, author of Eat Right For Your Type, "a chemical reaction occurs between your blood and the foods you eat. This reaction is part of your genetic inheritance. This reaction is caused by a factor called Lectins. Lectins, abundant and diverse proteins found in foods, have agglutinating properties that affect your blood. So when you eat a food containing protein lectins that are incompatible with your blood type antigen, the lectins target an organ or bodily system and begin to agglutinate blood cells in that area."

Whatever your blood type is, there are certain foods that can or cannot be tolerated by your system. Knowing what kind of food(s) is/are good for your blood type may help you to avoid diseases or gain weight.  Your blood type diet is the restoration of your natural genetic rhythm. Your blood type diet works because you are able to follow a clear, logical, scientifically researched plan based on your cellular profile. (Dr. Lam)

Dr. Lam, came up with detailed food diet plan chart for each specific blood type.  This Chart spells out the characteristics of type O and the different food groups marked as Highly beneficial (food that acts like Medicine), Foods allowed (food that are no harm to the blood type) and Foods not allowed (food that acts like a Poison).

 

Here is the detailed Type O chart from Dr. Lam, MD, MPH:

Blood Type Diet - Type O

Michael Lam, MD, MPH
www.DrLam.com

Characteristics of Type O - Best on High Protein Diet
1.     Thrive on intense physical exercise and animal proteins 2.     Do not do well with dairy and grain products 3.     Hardy digestive tract 4.     The leading factor in weight gain for Type Os is the gluten found in wheat germ and whole wheat products. 5.     Type O have a tendency to have low levels of thyroid hormone and unstable thyroid functions, which cause metabolic problems and weight gain. 6.     Type O have high stomach-acid content, can digest meat easily.
	Comments	Most Beneficial	Food allowed	Food not allowed
Protein	The more stressful your job or demanding your exercise program, the higher the grade of protein you should eat	Beef, Lam, Mutton, Veal, Venison
	Type Os can efficiently digest and metabolize meats		Any meat except for those listed not allowed	Bacon, Ham, Goose, Pork
	Cold-water fish are excellent for Type Os. Many seafoods are also excellent sources of iodine, which regulates the thyroid function.	Cod, herring, Mackerel	Any fish or seafood except for those listed not allowed	Barracuda, Pickled herring, Catfish, Smoked salmon, Caviar, Octopus, Conch
Dairy	Type Os need to severely restrict the use of dairy products and eggs		Butter, Farmer, Feta, Mozzarella, Goat cheese, Soy Milk	All other dairy products and yogurts
Fat	Type Os respond well to oils	Olive Oil, Flaxseed oil	Canola oil, Sesame Oil	Corn oil, Peanut oil, Cottonseed oil, Safflower oil
Nuts	These foods should in no way take the place of high-protein meats, and they are high in fat especially if you are overweight.	Pumpkin seeds, Walnuts	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Brazil, Cashew, Peanut, Pistachios, Poppy Seeds
Beans	Type Os don't utilize beans particularly well. They tend to make muscle tissue slightly less acidic and inhibit the metabolism of other nutrients.	Aduke beans, Azuki beans, Pinto beans, Black-eyed peas	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Beans - copper, kidney, navy, tamarine. Lentils - domestic, green, red.
Grains	Type Os do not tolerate whole wheat products at all.	Essene Bread, Ezekiel Bread	Amaranth, Barley, Buckwheat, Rice, Kamut, Kasha, Millet, Rye, Spelt	Corn, Gluten, Graham, Wheat (Bulgur, Durum, Sprouted, white and whole, Germ and Bran) farina, Oat, Seven-grains, or any products such as flour, bread and noodles made with these grain products
Vegetables	These vegetables inhibit the thyroid function for Type Os			Brassica family: Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard greens
	These vegetables help blood clot, Type Os lack several clotting fractors and need vitamin K to assist in the process	Kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, spinach
	These vegetables irritate the digestive tract and the high mold count can aggravate Type O hypersensitivity problems.			Alfalfa sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, fermented olives
	These vegetables can cause arthritic conditions in Type Os			Nightshades: eggplant, potatoes
	This vegetable affect the production of insulin, often lead to obesity and diabetes for the Type Os.			Corn
	This fruit agglutinate all blood types but Type Os.		Tomatoes
		Artichoke, Chicory, Dandelion, Garlic, Horseradish, Kale, Leek, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Parsnips, Red Peppers, Sweet potatoes, Pumpkin, seaweed, turnips	All kinds except those listed not allowed	avocado
Fruits	Dark red, blue and purple fruits tend to cause an alkaline reaction the digestive tract, and therefore balance the high acidity of the Type Os digestive tract to reduce ulcers and irritations of the stomach lining.	Plums, prunes, figs
	These fruits contain high mold counts which can aggravate Type Os hypersensitivity problems (allergies)			Melons, cantaloupe, honeydew
	These fruits are high in acid content which may irritate the acidic stomach of Type Os		Grapefruit, most berries	Oranges, tangerines and strawberries, blackberries, Rhubarb
	Fruits are not only an important source of fiber, minerals and vitamins, but they can be an excellent alternative to bread and pasta for Type Os		All kinds except those listed not allowed
	Type Os are extremely sensitive to this fruit.			coconut and coconut-containing products
Spices	Rich source of Iodine to regulate the thyroid gland	Kelp-based seasonings, iodized salt
	Soothing to the digestive tracts of Type Os	Parsley, curry, cayenne pepper
	Irritants to the Type O stomach			White and black pepper, vinegar, capers, cinnamon, Cornstarch, Corn syrup, Nutmeg, Vanilla
Condiments			chocolate, honey, cocao	Ketchup, pickles, mayonnaise, relish
Beverages		Seltzer water, Club soda and tea	Wine	Beer, Coffee, Distilled liquor, Black Tea

There is no fast rule in curing GERD. A lifestyle change is recommended (by Physicians) to manage said disease.

The first challenge for me is to be conscious of my food intake. After looking at the chart, it appears that I've been consuming too much of the food that are NOT allowed for my blood type, such as yogurt, vanilla, pistachios, wheat bread, pork, cabbage, and potatoes.  I've accumulated "irritants" over the past years and my body is now showing the (bad) effects of my wrong eating habits. So, now, it's NO more coffee, yogurt, dairy products, wheat bread and pork for me.

I refer to this chart when buying food, cooking meals and ordering food at restaurants. I've become conscious about my food intake since I was diagnosed with GERD. The second challenge now for me is to find local groceries or markets near my place that sell some of the food listed above, such as lam, venison, and veal.  These meat products are available at Rustan's supermarket, where I buy my groceries, however, they are not sold fresh but as cold-cuts. For now, beef is my only choice of red meat, which I plan to eat only once or twice a month.

Kelp, buckwheat, barley, pumpkin seeds and walnuts are available at Healthy Options.  Walnuts can also be bought at Chocolate Lovers.  Amaranth and baby spinach veggies can be bought at the weekend market at Centris Walk; these veggies are grown by our local organic farmers at Atok, Benguet at Php 50.00 per bag (medium sized).  I remember buying Rye bread before at Le Coeur, a French Restaurant at the SM mall. All other edibles listed on the table can be bought at the local market or grocery stores. I haven't been to organic weekend markets, though, but I'm sure the local farmers/vendors have hard-to-find organic products such as rye, essence bread, kale.

 

If you want to learn more about Michael Lam, MD, MPH and your blood type chart, visit his website by clicking here. If you want to share your ideas on where to find some of the FOOD - veggies, bread etc. listed on the table, or if you want to share your stories via my Guest Post Page, please contact me at simonestar888@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your visit.  

Love and Light!