Raw Chocolate, Coconut and Seed Energy Bars Recipe

These healthy energy bars are the perfect midday pick-me-up.

Makes: 12

Time to prep: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 35g (1/2 cup) shredded coconut
• 50g (1/3 cup) raw unsalted cashew nuts
• 30g (1/4 cup) cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons pepitas
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 50g craisins
• 70g dried figs, stem removed
• 250g fresh dates, pitted

Method

• Place coconut, cashews, cacao powder, sunflower seeds, pepitas and cinnamon in a food processor and process until all ingredients are finely chopped.
• Add the craisins and figs and process again until well combined. With the motor running, start adding the dates a few at a time, until all the dates are added and mixture starts to come together. Use clean hands to bring together completely, adding 1-2 teaspoons cold water if necessary.
• Press mixture evenly into a 19cm square (base measurement) baking tin, smoothing the surface with the back of a metal spoon. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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5 Reasons to Start Yoga

Thinking about taking up yoga? The mental and physical rewards of yoga are well worth it -- relaxation, better sleep, increased concentration and more. If you’ve been trying to muster up the motivation to begin practicing yoga but need a bit more inspiration, read on for 5 reasons to get on board this healthy bandwagon.

1. Yoga Clears Out Mind Clutter

In today’s always-on-the-run world, your mind may be constantly spinning -- thinking about what happened previously, what’s currently going on and what’s next on your to-do list. Yoga can help you stay in the present moment and clear your head. “Things can cause us stress because we hold on to them and let them create stories in our mind, which takes up our precious time,” says Jessica Ray, yoga teacher at Back Bay Yoga Studio in Boston. She feels the practice “helps clear it all out.”

2. Yoga Improves Your Mood

If you’re feeling blue, yoga can provide a natural pick-me-up. A 2011 study from Boston University School of Medicine found that yoga improved the moods and decreased the anxiety of 19 yogis over a 12-week period. This is attributed to the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which increase when you practice yoga. Other studies have found links between low GABA levels and depression. So pull out that yoga mat and improve your health and happiness.

3. Yoga Helps You Sleep

If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, yoga may help you sleep more soundly. A 2004 study published in the Journal of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback found that yoga reduced awakenings that contributes to insomnia. Participants reported better sleep efficiency, sleeping longer and waking less frequently during the night, among other improvements. Add some oms to your routine and you may find it easier to catch some Z's.

4. Yoga Relieves Stress

If you feel stressed from work or other demands, Jessica Ray, yoga teacher at Back Bay Yoga Studio, recommends releasing your worries through yoga. “Just the simple act of taking a few deep breaths can help ease the mind and reduce stress as your body moves through poses,” she says. “As you incorporate breath into each movement, the muscles in the body begin to relax and the places we hold our stress and tension start to release.” Have a big presentation coming up? Roll out the yoga mat and run through a few sun salutations or simply sit quietly and meditate, focusing on the in and out of each breath.

5. Yoga Teaches You to Breathe Again

Deep breathing can relax you and help you deal with stress better. A large part of yoga centers on the breath. “Yoga teaches you to breathe not only when it’s easy, but also when things are difficult,” says Laura Burkhart, San Francisco-based yoga teacher. It may sound silly, but when you are constantly on the go or in stressful situations, you sometimes forget to breathe -- at least productively. The slow, deep-breathing techniques you learn in yoga can help in tense circumstances when you might find yourself taking quick, shallow breaths.

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Sculpt Your Body with Barre!

Have you tried the new amazing Purely Barre class in Balance Mind + Body Studio? Not sure what is involved, check out the video above!

Until the end of October, you can receive 1 FREE* Purely Barre class in Balance Mind + Body Studio - Redcliffe.

• For more information on the class click here.
• For more information on Balance Mind + Body Studio, click here.
• Visit the Facebook page here.

To claim the special offer, see Dolphins Health Precinct reception. *Offer is limited to new participants and is not valid with any other offer.

Millet, Cauliflower, Pea and Ricotta Fritters Recipe

Photography by Jeremy Simons

These gluten-free fritters are a tasty combination of millet, cauliflower, peas and ricotta. Millet is rich in proteins and nutrients and is naturally gluten-free.

Time to prep: 20 minutes

Time to cook: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 70g (1/3 cup) hulled millet
• 250ml (1 cup) water
• 300g cauliflower, cut into florets
• 150g (1 cup) frozen peas
• 2 eggs
• 125g (1/2 cup) fresh ricotta
• 80ml (1/3 cup) milk
• 75g (1/2 cup) gluten-free plain flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind
• 2 tablespoons chopped continental parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 180g (2/3 cup) natural yoghurt
• 100g baby spinach leaves
• Lemon wedges, to serve

Method

• Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add millet and stir for 2 minutes until aromatic. Add water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until water is absorbed. Set aside, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff grains with a fork.
• Meanwhile, cook cauliflower in boiling water for 5-6 minutes, adding peas in last 2 minutes. Drain well. Coarsely mash with fork. Cool.
• Whisk eggs, ricotta and milk in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in flour and cumin. Stir in millet, cauliflower mix, rind, parsley and 2 tablespoons of mint.
• Heat oil in frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook 1/4 cup portions of mixture for 3 minutes each side until golden, making 12 fritters. Add remaining mint to yoghurt. Serve fritters with yoghurt mixture, spinach and lemon.

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Melbourne Cup Under the Bigtop!

Have you ever wanted to attend the races on Melbourne Cup, experiencing all the on-field excitement under a big top? Dolphins and Our Village have you covered!

This Melbourne Cup we are hosting our very first BIG TOP Melbourne Cup event - right in our own backyard! 

What makes this an event not to be missed, is the fact the big top will not only cover all your food, drink and entertainment requirements for the day, but it is fully air conditioned AND has solid flooring (so you need not worry about those new pumps sinking into the grass!).

But there's just too much on offer to list it here, so visit the Our Village website for more information and to purchase tickets to this one-of-a-kind event! BOOK NOW: http://bit.ly/1nctdXe

GOLD AWARDED AGAIN

Dolphins Health Precinct has received a GOLD Quality Award from Fitness Australia for the second year in a row for its proven ability to provide quality service across its business. 

Fitness Australia’s Health and Fitness Industry Quality Awards promote and celebrate industry excellence and the work the fitness industry does in helping Australians get and stay fit and healthy. 

The GOLD Quality Award is granted to a fitness business that has achieved quality in customer service, programs, people, safety and business management. 

”This is the second year that Dolphins Health Precinct have received a GOLD Quality Award - the highest accolade that our industry can award to a fitness provider, and they should be proud of their achievement. Dolphins Health Precinct has maintained their quality service levels over the past 24 months and their customers can be confident that they are with one of the very best fitness providers in the country” said Ms Lauretta Stace, Chief Executive Office of Fitness Australia. 

“We are excited to receive the GOLD Quality Award again for this year, it is a great honour to be recognised by our colleagues for the service we provide to the community” said Justin Charlish, Dolphins Health Precinct Centre Manager. "We have our dedicated and passionate staff to thank, as well as our Members - without who, we wouldn't strive to continually be the best we can."

“Given more than 60% of Australian adults are overweight or obese and with the increase in chronic conditions, we have a vital role to play in the health and fitness of our community. But with this role comes the responsibility providing high quality programs and striving for continuous improvement. This Award is proof that we deliver a quality service and we are committed to raising the bar even higher” said Justin Charlish, Dolphins Health Precinct Centre Manager.

Chia and Coconut Pudding

Photography by Creative Services

Indulge in a taste of tropical paradise with this mouth-watering coconuty dessert containing healthy chia seeds.

Serves: 4

Time to prep: 4.05

Ingredients

• 400g can organic lite coconut cream
• 80ml (1/3 cup) honey
• 1/3 cup Chia Seeds
• Blueberries, to serve
• Toasted coconut, to serve (optional)

Method

• Place coconut cream, honey and Chia Seeds in a bowl. Stir well to combine. Cover and store in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight to thicken.
• Divide among serving glasses. Top with berries, and coconut if desired.

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Developing Babies Senses

Mums and dads of babies up to two years, this is for you.

Come along to Dolphins Health Precinct and join in the fun. It’s the best way to learn, share, laugh and enjoy with other mums, dads and bubs.

Aqua Rhyme Time is a happy, playful water experience. Through playful aquatic nursery rhymes, babies are exposed to a variety of senses all combining into developing amazing water familiarisation ... the first step in learning to swim.

The class is designed solely for play and social interaction. Play is crucial for babies’ social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Cost $5 with no booking required.

Picnic By The Pool is a once a month casual picnic get-together in the relaxing surroundings of the sunny grasses area next to Dolphins Health Precinct. From 1pm to 3pm on the second Friday of the month, we offer interesting and informative monthly guest speakers, as well as a sensory play element. Cost $10 includes light lunch, juice or tea/coffee from our cafe and activities.

Yesterday’s Hero Can Return Today

Don't know about you but I still feel like I did when I was in my 20s, it’s just when I look in the mirror reality hits back.

For some of us, it’s when you start to play with the grandkids and the following day you can’t move or playing with them is just not an option any more. That’s when your body reminds you that you are not as young as you used to be. So is this it? Is this what we are happy to live with? We are old and we have to act old?

No, I say, stepping down from my soap box and getting a little less dramatic.

I work with chronically ill people with chronic heart and lung disease and I can tell you now we all benefit from regular exercise.

Whether it’s a knee, hip replacement, chronic disease or you just haven’t moved for a while, you can and will benefit from regular exercise.

Now I am not suggesting a marathon nor am I saying to get those footy shorts or netball skirt out from mothballs. I’m suggesting exercise suitable for you at a pace you can manage and slowly improve on. Yes, you do have to consult your doctor first, but once you have the all clear there is a plethora of choices in fitness classes and programs you can choose from nowadays.

So for those of you who have fitness facilities at work, start today not Monday, today.

Engage a personal trainer, walk in the pool or on the treadmill. Ten minutes of exercise today was more than what you did yesterday. Most of you will be goal-orientated so set a goal i.e. (an easy one first) I am going to be able to walk up the stairs without having to talk in sign for a month. Work out with a friend, and motivate each other. Make a challenge at work or with a group of friends to be fitter, healthier and slimmer. Celebrate the positives of “dropped two sizes in clothing” etc. These challenges work as a starter, but for any long-term fitness program to work it has to be maintained.

Remember, to put more quality in your life it’s a full-time commitment. For those who are saying I can’t because I have chronic back problems, joint replacements etc., my answer is yes, you can. There are so many exercise choices you can access nowadays. Ask your doctor for advice on the nearest Heartmoves, Lungs in Action, Vietnam Vets, Lift for Life program near you. So what are you waiting for? There are places to see, golf courses to play and life to be lived … as the Nike brand says ‘Just do it!’

Dolphins Health Precinct has a wide variety of classes suitable for over 50s. Call in for more information today.

Poached Chicken, Apricot and Chickpea Salad Recipe

Photography by Jeremy Simons

Jill Dupleix's salad has all the flavours of a Middle Eastern tagine with a rich, creamy dressing.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 x 200g chicken breast fillets
• 300g green beans, blanched, refreshed
• 400g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained
• 1/4 cup coriander sprigs
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 8 dried apricots, soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes
• 2 tablespoons raw almonds, toasted
• 1 teaspoon harissa (see note)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons low-fat thick Greek-style yoghurt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimenton)

Method

• Place chicken in a pan and add enough water to cover. Bring the to boil over medium-high heat, then cover and remove from heat. Stand for 30 minutes or until cooked through. Drain, then shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Toss beans, chickpeas, coriander and oil together, then season and divide among 4 plates. Drain apricots and chop into small pieces, then scatter over salad with chicken and almonds.
• Swirl the harissa, honey, cinnamon and cumin through the yoghurt, then spoon over the salad. Dust with paprika to serve.

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What a Champion - Teneka Hyndman

2014 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for Teneka Hyndman - Personal Trainer and Professional “Figure” Competitor in ‘Natural Body Building’. 

After competing overseas in the 2014 INBA/PNBA Natural Universe, she returned with a 3rd Place International Title in the Pro Figure Class. After which she competed on home turf, in the INBA QLD State Competition and won the Figure International Class 2 (Tall) at the recent Body Building Championships held at the Sleeman Centre in Chandelor. 

Her journey has been full of accolades and some heart break along the way; 2014 certainly looks like it’s Teneka’s year.

“I have lived in Redcliffe now for almost 3 years and it’s my home. Having left my family, who still live in Auckland, NZ; I have come to love our local community spirit and the atmosphere ‘vibe’ at Dolphins Health Precinct. The Pennisula is my ‘home away from home’; the support, and friendship has been a blessing”.

“I’m right on track with my preparation and I’m confident I can bring home the gold. However I am also gracious in saying ‘may the best athlete win’”. When asked why she choose body building as a sport Teneka said, ‘I have always admired beautifully toned athletes and thought one day I would aspire to being in the best possible condition my body could achieve! Each year, my body continues to develop which motivates me to test the threshold of my ultimate potential.’”

The last two upcoming events for Teneka are: INBA Australia Nationals, she competes on the Sunday 5^th October, at the Sleeman Centre, Chandelor. Her final event for the year is an International Competition, the 2014 INBA/PNBA Natural Olympia, held in San Diego, CA, USA; the long weekend of 7-9 November. God bless Australia!!!

Elite Utra Marathon Trail Runner as DHP Instructor

Who better to take our new Deep Water Running program than our newest member of Dolphins Health Precinct - Andrew Hedgman. 

Andrew is an elite Utra Marathon Trail Runner who is passionate about health and fitness.

Andrew, a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness instructor has an amazing running pedigree. Andrew found his passion for running in high school, and broke records and regularly won races against much older students.

After finishing high school, Andrew took a break from running to pursue other adventures. Andrew is a licensed scuba diver and skydiver and has held many jobs, gaining both experience and skills. In 2008, he decided to shake the dust off his running shoes and get back into it.

Having already run a marathon, Andrew decided to start training for, and completed his first ultra marathon – a 100 km event in February 2009 at the New Zealand Nationals, where he finished in the top 10. Since then, Andrew hasn't stopped, completing several ultra marathons to date.

In February and March 2010, Andrew completed his biggest achievement to date – a 2200 km event, running the length of New Zealand in 28 days, averaging between 70-80 km a day, fighting shin splints, a torn muscle and bad weather.

In November 2010, Andrew returned to where it all started for him, at his old high school – Paeroa College – to talk to students about his journey into running, the 2200km New Zealand ultra marathon, and his future plans.

September 2011, Andrew ran 200km in Queensland, to raise funds for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA – www.wspa.org.au). It was while training for this event that Andrew changed to a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons, and believes it was one of the best decisions of his life.

He then went on in 2012 to run 1000 km's over a period of 15 day's from Brisbane to Sydney and once again raise money and awareness for WSPA. He said of his experience that the Brisbane to Sydney run was the most satisfying run he has ever done.

Not long after the Brisbane to Sydney run, Andrew ran in the Lycian Way ultra marathon over in Turkey, a 250 km, six stage, self sufficient race along the ancient Lycian Way. According to Andrew this was the toughest and most challenging race he had ever done.

Since then Andrew has also found time to study completing his Cert 111 and IV in Personal Training.

Members of Dolphins Health Precinct can catch Andrew teaching SPIN classes as well as Aqua Deep classes - 6:30pm Wednesday nights.

View our latest timetable by clicking here.

Crunchy Carrot Salad with Pan-fried Barramundi Recipe

Tempt the taste buds with this delightfully crisp and crunchy carrot salad served with pan-fried barramundi.

Serves: 4

Time to prep: 20 minutes

Time to cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons pure olive oil
• 4 x 150g barramundi fillets
• 2 bunches Hatters coloured carrots, cut into matchsticks
• 2 oranges, segmented
• 1/2 cup torn flat-leaf parsley
• 1/3 cup chopped macadamias, toasted
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoons lemon juice

Method

• Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Season the fish and cook for 2-4 mins each side (depending on thickness) or until golden and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
• Meanwhile, combine the carrots, orange, parsley and macadamias in a large bowl. Combine extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl and season. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.
• Serve fish with the salad.

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Orlando Bloom's Pilates Toned Torso

Pictured stripped to his shorts on a recent holiday, Orlando Bloom was photographed displaying his toned torso for all to see.

The 37-year-old British actor is known to take his workouts and sport seriously. He lifts weights regularly, plays tennis, and goes mountain biking but Pilates is his fitness mainstay and he is a regular at a specialist Pilates studio called Ballet Bodies in LA. 'Pilates is great,' he says. 'I'm man enough to walk into Ballet Bodies.'

Ladies, why not try convincing your man to attend a Pilates session in Balance Mind + Body Studio... We have a fantastic 3 class pack promotion for only $45*.

Balance Mind + Body Studio run a range of sculpting classes including; Purely Barre, Pilates, Dance Squad and more. Click here to view our Facebook page.

*Only valid 1 per customer.