HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE LATEST DIET?

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I wish I had been given a dollar every time someone has asked me this question!

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring and with it comes a desire to shake off the accumulated winter kilos the fastest way possible. Surely that must mean going on a diet?

The fitness industry is constantly up against the big giants such as television, women’s magazines and social media who promote the next best, most popular, sure to work, amazingly easy, fast, cheap and best way to lose weight. Such is our quick fix, society.

Immediately the word DIET conjures thoughts of painful food restrictions and giving up everything we love in the pursuit of lost kilos. Perhaps it means living on cabbage soup (without friends), protein shakes/bars or lemon juice for several weeks. Well, it really depends if you think this is LIVING. The most miserable people to go out with are those on a DIET! Real living should be with real food and real food should be considered a daily appreciation, celebration and expression to share with family and friends.

Why so many diet options? Surely if we were to obtain the miraculous results a diet promises we would only have one diet, we would all be on it, and we would all be thin and happy. Diets and diet books make big money, a good reason to create a new diet each week or to put a new spin on an old diet, reinvent it and attract more $$$ again.

A more sensible approach to nutrition is called a FOOD PLAN. Yes, we plan our holidays, we plan our finances we plan our houses and décor, we plan our work life balance, so why not our food?

All you have to do to start your food plan is to reassess your pantry and fridge contents. Throw out all the bad, high fat high sugar foods and create a new healthy shopping list for the week ahead.

Type a generic list on the computer so you can simply print it out each week and circle the items you require.
By preparing a list you will have assessed what meals to cook each night, what to take for snacks and lunch each day. You now have all the required essentials for meal preparation and it will eliminate the temptation to wander into the nearest lunch bar, or fast food take away.

This is the start of your plan.

The next step is to shop, BUT ONLY FROM THE LIST, NO EXTRA TEMPTATIONS. We all know how it works when we have no list and simply impulse buy, especially if the kids come along to help.

Try to minimise the purchase of processed food from the isles, these typically contain more salt, sugar and preservatives. Shop specifically from the perimeter of the shop, which is where you will find most fresh produce, a much healthier option.

Being organised will definitely help the plan. Organise your purchased food into daily portions so your food is easy to grab and go for work, even if you sleep through the alarm.
Perhaps take a few hours on the weekend (groan), to prepare and freeze some food for a few easy weeknight meals.

Of course nutrition and food planning is only the start. The other side of the plan relates to exercise, meal timing, portion control, understanding food labels and obtaining a balance of macronutrients from all 5-food groups. That all sounds daunting and far too much work for the average dieter!
So lets take it one small step at a time.

Starting to assess current shopping and eating habits are a good start. Healthy food choices will give you stable blood glucose levels, more energy, better sleep, and an inclination to get out and do exercise. Now you’re starting to win.

See your plan is starting to come together!

Think back to your last quick fix diet. Did it come together for you and provide a change that lasted? What did you learn from it? Truly assess whether you can afford the time, money and health to continue to fool yourself you are going to succeed on your next diet. Break the habit.

Ditch the diet – eat healthy – plan for you and your family’s future and your body will thank you for it!

Full nutritional analysis consultations are available at Regenerate Personal Training. These sessions are designed to educate, motivate and empower clients to create a balanced lifestyle.

"The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat, can influence your life by 30 to 50 years" -Deepak Chopra

WORKING TOWARDS BETTER POSTURE

  WORKING TOWARDS BETTER POSTURE

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We have already addressed the issues of core strength but what about poor posture? How does it develop or how do we inherit it? Some genetic factors may influence our posture, or our ability to perform an exercise with correct technique. This postural condition is known as a structural posture problem and usually the person is born with it.
Some postural problems are functional and this relates to how a person copes with his / her body weight in relation to movement or how they have adapted to a scenario such as back pain. If these scenarios are you, you may need support and education in order to identify these problems.
SOME COMMON POSTURAL PROBLEMS
Flat feet - (over pronation)
Can cause foot, knee, hip or back pain.

Scoliosis - (lateral spinal curvature C or S curve 30d or more)
Symptoms = shoulders at different heights
Raised or prominent hip
Uneven waist
Rib cages at different heights
Leaning of entire body to one side

Hyper kyphosis - (rounding or exaggerated curve in thoracic spine)
Symptoms = shoulder and neck pain.
Tight pecs, hip flexors, h/strings and adductors.
Weak neck & thoracic spine extensors.
Limited shoulder flexion & external rotation

Hyper lordosis - (excessive curve in either cervical or lumbar spine or both)
Symptoms = Neck or lower back pain, weak lower abs (anterior pelvic tilt), neck flexors and extensors. Tight hip flexors, iliopsoas, adductors and iliotibial (ITB) band.

POSTURAL SCREENING
IF you suspect a postural issue, a full postural screen is best performed by a physiotherapist and may include some of these tests-
Posture check / H/string calf flex test (straight leg raise / Adductor (short & long) flex test / Hip flexor flex test / Lumbar spine flex & ext test / Hip rotation prone & supine test / Shoulder flexion and external rotation test / Lower & upper ab strength test / Neck and mid back extensor test / Lower ab strength

A modified version that your personal trainer can adopt may include the following simple checklist
•Ideal posture check –
•Feet - check for supination / pronation
•Knees – even space between, check for knees turned in or out,Standing with locked knees
•Hips – level pelvis, hips raised or lowered
•Scapula – from rear, even space between spine and shoulder
•Shoulders – raised or lowered
•Neck and ears – even
•Head – centered or to one side
•Chin - protrusion

Other simple checks that can be applied relate to muscle bulk
Quads – proportional to leg, even R & L
Erector spinae- even both sides of spine
Trapezius – proportional to back, raised on one side
Calf muscles- overdeveloped, underdeveloped, proportional to legs
You may notice girth measure differences on R & L sides, or notice a dominant side of the body.
Check performance of ab endurance / upper body endurance for weaknesses.

FACTORS EFFECTING POSTURE IN VARYING AGE GROUPS
CHILDREN
Current obesity levels / Lack of physical activity / Mode of transport eg: to & from school / Family issues: lack of quality meals, parents working / Carrying backpacks / Poorly fitted shoes

TEENS
Activity levels / obesity / Sitting for long periods – TV, computers / Fashion – shoes + bare bellies / Bras / Scheuermann’s kyphosis / fast growth issues

MID AGE
Sedentary occupations/ Repetitive manual labourer / Lack of fitness understanding / education / Quick fix / fad generation / Fashion – shoes / Slouching / coach potatoe

ELDERLY
Past history / occupation manual labour, years of repetitive tasks / Physical conditions eg: osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and disease

BASIC EXERCISES TO START YOU ON THE ROAD TO BETTER POSTURE
See previous blog for CORE ACTIVATION EXERCISES
A NATURAL PROGRESSION
Don’t run before you walk with these exercises. Allow for precision, and ensure you are performing them on a daily basis and have progressed accordingly before you take the next step!

STORK POSE – recruits rectus, adductors, abductors & TAs.
•Stand on one leg, place other foot on inner thigh (options floor, heel)
•Tighten opposite buttock, press foot to thigh, thigh back to foot
•Centre weight on whole of standing foot
•Grow tall through crown
•Activate shoulder, and core stabilisation and connect breath.

SITTING ON EXECISE BALL – encourages postural muscle activity through instability.
•Sit on the ball correct height for size
•Buttocks centred
•Shoulders gently retracted
•Keep S curve in spine
•Maintain core activation & breath
•Try to raise one leg off floor slightly
•Maintain pelvic alignment
•Keep postural height

LATERAL STABILITY ON EXERCISE BALL – strengthens shoulders, neck and lower back
•Kneel behind ball and hold fit ball with arms
•Keep neck in neutral position
•Recruit core and raise one knee off the floor slightly, keep toes / foot grounded
•Maintain pelvic alignment
•Alternate knees

PRONE SINGLE LEG / FOOT SLIDE – strengthens erector spinae / multifidus
•Lay face down on floor / head supported on arms
•Draw navel away from floor (imagine - slide a cold sheet of steel under belly)
•Gently slide one foot away from your buttocks, keep toes in contact with the floor,
•Maintain breath
•Buttocks relaxed!
•Alternate feet and repeat

OPPOSITE HAND AND FOOT RAISE SLIDE – strengthens erector spinae / multifidus
•Lay face down on floor, arms extended overhead
•Draw navel away from floor (slide cold sheet of steel under belly)
•Draw chin in
•Extend opposite arm / hand and leg / foot from floor.
•DO NOT aim for height in this exercise. Focus on length of each lever (legs + arms) away from the midline of the body.
•Maintain breath

ALL FOURS / HORSE STANCE – strengthens erector spinae / multifidus, gluteal
•On hands and knees. Hands under shoulders, knees directly under hips, knees hip distance apart
•Distribute weight evenly an all fours
•Draw navel in away from floor – don’t let back arch excessively or buttocks raise, keep body, hip, shoulders square to floor
•Eyes to floor avoid neck hyper extension
•LEVEL ONE – raise one knee or hand off the floor at a time
•LEVEL TWO – raise one leg or arm off the floor at a time
•LEVEL THREE – Raise opposite arm and leg off the floor together, hold 6-8 sec
•MAINTAIN breath,core activation,correct form & alignment at all times.

With a bit of time and patience each day you will start to feel stronger, walk taller and have better posture.

Marg Anderson - Information collated, written and presented for Fitness W.A. ©2011

WELLNESS AND LIFESTYLE COACHING NOW AVAILABLE AT REGENERATE

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WHAT IS WELLNESS COACHING?
Wellness will mean many things to different people, put simply it relates to the best we can be emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Wellness and Lifestyle Coaching looks at the whole person and supports clients to make positives changes or choices in their lives. Coaching can have a huge impact on the transformation of a client’s wellbeing. It can balance your body, mind and spirit, which in turn will improve your quality of life.

WHY DO I NEED WELLNESS AND LIFESTYLE COACHING?
Frequently people go on the latest fad diet to lose weight, or re join the gym as a New Year resolution only to fail over and over again. This seems to be a common scenario.
So…what gets in the way, mostly just life!
Do you really want to make lasting change in your life? Do you really want to lose weight, reduce stress, eat better, and have the ultimate balance of work and play? Life is complex and we don’t always have the tools or time to focus on what it is we need for ourselves. A more holistic approach looking at all aspects of our lives is required be truly ready to make that lasting change.
This is done with the help of your lifestyle and wellness coach by creating a program of choices and strategies that help facilitate achievement through encouragement and accountability. Clients learn to become masters of health and wellbeing for themselves!

WHO BENEFITS FROM LIFESTYLE AND WELLNESS COACHING?

Anyone who wants to improve his or her overall wellbeing and health

Anyone who wants to be his or her best

Anyone who wants to create a new relationship with themselves

Anyone who wants to create lasting change


HOW DOES IT WORK?
Sessions are structured with an initial overall wellness assessment.
From there the sessions commence with a Wellness Vision, then work through the following components - strengths, values obstacles, strategies, goals and plan, confidence and commitment, action plan, steps, rewards and a review of plan.
Sessions can be one on one, face to face, via phone or e-mail. Group sessions can also be organised.

Coaching is a step-by-step process that takes you from where you are now to the health and wellbeing you deserve. It is a process that creates a unique self-plan and brings it to life through commitment and self-belief.

BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE!
Marg Anderson
Qualified LEVEL 1 Wellness and Coaching for the Fitness Professional Qualification via Wellness Coaching Australia.
LEVEL 2 course completed assessments and examinations are currently underway.

THE POWER OF PILATES

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Imagine an exercise system that has the ability to empower you with better health, a flatter stomach, increased flexibility, improved posture and mobility, along with an overall feeling of wellbeing!

Many exercise regimes promise this and much more and you have probably tried them all at some stage, but have you tried pilates? Pilates is an exercise system that will deliver amazing results. It does however take practice, patience, routine and time as most other systems do!

From the Hollywood buzz that has surrounded Pilates over recent years, it has evolved into a sound exercise alternative for many people who welcome the many benefits and opportunity to enhance their everyday lives.

What is Pilates?
Pilates is based on a body-conditioning program emphasising the inner core unit (deep abdominals and back muscles).

Historically in 1912, a German physician named Joseph Pilates studied various forms of movement in a wide range of activities ranging from yoga, ballet, martial arts and even animal behaviour. Through this study he developed his own unique conditioning exercise program. Initially his program was used to enhance the performance of dancers and also used in the rehabilitation of back injuries.

Pilates as we know it today has been refined into a safe, effective, user friendly program that caters for the beginner, advanced, elite and rehab participant.

Through a combination of movements pilates creates balance within our bodies.
Emphasis is placed on a series of stretching, strengthening, exercises that will enable you to learn to recruit the deep muscles of the abdominals, and pelvic floor, while maintaining stabilisation in other areas of the body for example the shoulder girdle. Each movement is coached from the core and in turn assists in the development of increased strength.

The Benefits of Pilates
Pilates has the power to help eliminate many postural, habitual or genetic factors that can inhibit our ability to perform every day tasks effectively.
Pilates can assist to decrease the following conditions -

High blood pressure
Heart disease
Diabetes
Weight gain
Depression and anxiety

Over time it will assist in the development of a stonger, more mobile, self-aware system.Pilates will enhance the way you walk, how you perform your work, sport and everyday activities, ultimately leading to an increased overall mental awareness of how your body moves.

Class structure
Class structure is based on simple exercises that focus on a series of sound principles –

Concentration - Teaches us to focus on each muscle as they move and to incorporate a mind, body connection.

Centering - Relates to the centre of your body, ribs to hips, front side and back of your torso (the core).

Breathing - Incorporates the importance of breath while we exercise and teaches us correct breathing during each exercise.

Control - Great control makes the exercise happen – focus on the muscle, incorporate concentration, breath and centering. Control is essential for injury prevention.

Precision - Refers to the correct execution of exercise and encourages individuals to work to their own level with an incorporation of mind and body awareness.

Flowing Movement - Muscular control and fluidity while performing each exercise, enhances every day activities.

Isolation - Working a particular muscle, gaining control of muscles through increased strength. Isolation of muscles increases the precision of each movement.

Routine - Relates to the number of repetitions of each performance. Establishing a weekly routine of pilates equals increased results.

To the novice the ability to incorporate all eight principles in the first instance
may seem daunting!
Broken down, each principle is simple and logical. Slowly mastering one principle
at a time is the key to pilates success. Ultimately you will be able to progress
through the fundamentals and develop skill effectively and accurately.


Pilates classes
Most fitness centres and recreation facilities offer Pilates classes.
Participants need to be able to differentiate what class is suited to their fitness or experience level. Beginners in particular need to look for a class suited to their specific needs, as there is much to learn in the initial phases of the program.

Usually numbers in beginner classes are restricted to cater for a more hands on approach by the instructor. This is a great way to learn the basic fundamentals in a non-threatening environment and sets sound knowledge for the future.
Multi level classes tend not to focus on the need of the newcomer as much and provide options for participants who then have to decide which one to take. Beginners may feel the need to “keep up” with others in the class, resulting in poor technique and possible injury.

As Pilates classes are named and structured differently at each centre, always be sure to speak to an instructor to ensure you are attending the right class for you.

Pilates studios
Pilate’s studios offer a more intimate environment for participants. Whether it be a mat or equipment based class, numbers are much smaller and tend to be more personal which is extremely suitable for the novice or rehabilitation client.
Pilates studios offer clients the ability to meet very specific aims and goals by utilising specialised equipment such as reformers, trapeze, rollers and swiss balls.

Programs can be tailored to meet individual needs and classes are often facilitated within physiotherapy centres.
If services are provided by a qualified physiotherapist check with your health insurer as sessions may be partially rebated depending on your level of cover.

One on One
This service ensures a specialised service either from a physiotherapist or qualified Pilates instructor and is an excellent way to be introduced to the fundamentals of Pilates without distraction.
Similarly, a personalised session on the reformer or swiss ball would be extremely beneficial for either an advanced or rehabilitation client.

What do I look for?
When looking to commence a class you should ensure your instructor is qualified with a nationally recognised training provider to ensure your safety and overall wellbeing.
Your instructor must be able to provide you with a safe learning environment that allows you to set and achieve realistic aims and goals, while you progress over time with your fitness and strength.
This in turn will keep you educated, injury free, motivated and coming back for more of the Power of Pilates!

By Marg Anderson - Pilates Instructor (Pilates Inst Australasia)
(Article written for Focus On Magazine)

THE CORE CONNECTION

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With a great proportion of our community involved in passive desk jobs, or just commencing the road to fitness, exercise programs need to be tailored to meet individual client requirements in order to promote balanced muscle tone.
An ideal program is one that is linked to the client’s aims and goals, as well as strengthening areas that play an important role in injury prevention, musculo-skeletal balance and postural support. All aspects of the client's life work, rest and play should be considered when designing a suitable program.

Daily living and life’s associated activities can place undue demands on our bodies resulting in muscles imbalances. For example, sitting at work stations for long periods of time, repetitive tasks performed at work or at home can create over use syndrome in certain muscles. Most commonly tightness will occur in the frequently overused anterior muscles (chest / pecs), which often leads to poor posture, weakness in the upper and lower back which increases the risk of injury.

Most basic weight programs still focus on the use of the same muscles used in excess every day. For example many seated exercises perpetuate poor posture and compound existing imbalances. Ideally the program should incorporate core strength or stabilisation exercises, reversal exercises and stretching to encourage balance and correction.

Core stabilisation exercises, more commonly known, as functional exercises will help develop the (often forgotten) deeper postural muscles of the abdomen and spine. Functional exercises or FIS (functional isometric stabilisation), lead to greater flexibility, better posture, increased joint mobility and flow of movement. Overall these exercises will enhance the way you move or perform every day tasks.

WHAT AND WHERE ARE OUR DEEP CORE MUSCLES STABILISERS?
The transverse abdominous (holds pelvis together), and the erector spinae & multifidous muscles (keep vertebrae in place), are the deep set postural muscles of the abdomen and spine. These muscles are close to the joints of the spine and continuously work to support and protect the spine.

When activated these muscles help protect the spine from excessive load. We risk injuring or straining the spine each time we arch the back excessively, tilt the pelvis alternately, lift heavy loads incorrectly (eg. unsupported forward flexion) or sit for long periods in a slumped or awkward position.

By adopting good posture via core strength exercises you will avoid strain on joints, muscles and most importantly avoid becoming one of many people with a back injury!
You will become stronger; walk taller, your organs will have more room in order to function normally and your blood will circulate more freely.


NEUTRAL SPINE POSITION
The body performs at it's best when neutral spine is present. What we mean by this term is that when the spine is in neutral, the vertebral discs are not being pushed forward or backward and ligaments are not stretched or shortened. Tight hip flexors or weak core stabilisers will compromise a neutral spine position or the ability to maintain a natural S curve in your spine. Reminder or reinforcement of a neutral spine is vital during exercise. It generates the greatest activation of the deep core muscles and enhances isolation of the muscle you are targeting in each exercise.

This is easier said than done as it requires internal awareness (mind body connection), along with the connection of correct posture, shoulder stabilisation and breath.
Patience in teaching and learning the following techniques is required, and clients need to be aware that it may take several weeks to master this technique. These exercises are great as ‘homework” to be done each evening between PT sessions!

Here are some examples of these exercises. Once mastered in a lying position you can progress to standing,then from a stable base such as the floor, to a series of exercises on the swiss ball!

Method 1. Neutral spine in supine position
*Lay down on the floor on your back, heels a short distance away from you buttocks.
*Slide your hands down the floor towards your feet (encourage space between the ears & shoulders), open your shoulders softly to the floor.
*Place one hand under the small of your back (where natural curve exists)
*Gently draw your navel towards your spine in order to make light contact between your back and your hand. Breathe naturally and hold this contraction for 10 seconds. Relax.
*Repeat this procedure, this time removing the hand under the back if you can. Maintain the contraction and breathe for 10 seconds. Relax.
*Slowly build up this exercise to 10 x 10 contractions whenever you have time during the day.

Method 2. Neutral spine in standing.
*Stand with feet a small distance away from a wall, buttocks, back, shoulders and head against wall. Ensure your head is straight and eyes are focused on the horizon.
*Encourage space between the ears & shoulders by gently retracting scapula.

*Once again place one hand between the wall and the natural lumbar curve of your spine. Gently draw navel in and create contact between your back and hand. Don’t raise or hunch shoulders. Breathe naturally and hold this contraction for 10 seconds. Relax.
*Repeat this procedure, this time removing the hand behind your back. Maintain the contraction and breathe for 10 seconds. Relax.
*Repeat this procedure, this time slowly stepping away from the wall. Walk around the room and maintain your newfound perfect posture!
*Now RELAX & FEEL THE DIFFERENCE!


PELVIC FLOOR CONNECTION
Pelvic floor muscles also play a part in deep core activation. Technically they are not deep core muscles, however, the contraction of the pelvic floor does however help to stabilise the core.


SHOULDER STABILISATION
Shoulder stabilisation will assist in minimising the activation of the upper chest and neck muscles. These muscles are often already overworked and often responsible for poor posture or imbalance.
By stabilising the shoulder girdle we aim to strengthen the muscles that may overcome imbalances (lower traps, serrates anterior, deep neck flexors).


To understand shoulder stabilisation simply -
*Relax, and draw shoulders into a soft V shape down your back.
*Lengthen the back of your neck in standing by growing tall through the crown of your head, create more space between ears and shoulders, and relax jaw. In lying, think about sliding your head up the floor or mat away from feet, slide fingers towards feet and soften face, relax jaw.


BREATH CONNECTION
Incorporation of diaphragmatic breathing will assist in activation of the core muscles. The focus should be on continual regular breathing and on breathing into the lowest ribs, creating a wide full action of the ribcage. The ribcage should move laterally. A good cue or visualisation is to hold their lower ribs with your hands, breath into your hands to feel the lateral movement. Avoid doming of the abs or noticeable rising and falling of the chest, or upward movement of the shoulders.

WAYS TO GET MOVING ON CORE STRENGTH
Repetitive standing position.
Alleviate this by frequent checks of your posture. Draw in the abs slightly, allow natural curve of spine, and bend knees slightly. Alternate feet onto a footrest when standing in one place for long periods of time- this relieves sway back.

Repetitive sitting position.
The ideal sitting position is one that involves varying postures and positions. Changing positions on the chair every 10min or so alleviates excess tissue load, which in turn will alleviate tissue micro trauma.
*Relieve strain by sitting well forward on the chair, tighten abs and cross knees.
*Use a footrest for sway back and keep knees higher than hips.
*Sit on a swiss ball. A swiss ball will create an unstable base of support and naturally utilise and encourage activation of the stabilisers. If this is ergonomically incorrect, have one in the office for use in other tasks eg: answering the phone, reading notes or memos.
*Take time out to stretch back on the swiss ball (counter act tight pecs)
*Use a stability disc on the chair.
*Use a lumbar roll or rolled towel behind your back when sitting to encourage the S curve in your spine instead of slouching.
*GET OUT OF THE CHAIR
*At regular intervals (every hour), simply stand up and get out of the chair. Move around!
*Use a buzzer or timer to remember to stand or change chair position.
*Perform a simple stretch, which involves using the opposite action to the one involved in sitting -
Simply stand in a relaxed manner for 10 – 20 seconds. Allow redistribution of the nucleus and reduce stress.
Inhale deeply and at the same time raise arms slowly overhead and push heel of hands towards ceiling. In doing so you will take your back through a gentle progressive lumbar extension, dispelling the stresses of sitting for long periods.


PAIN AND POSTURE
Injury and associated pain can influence stability and posture. In case of injury or pain always consult and work with a sport medicine specialist or physiotherapist. Repetitive stresses, poor posture, excessive flexion or extension may result in further damage or compression of vertebral discs.

In collaboration with expert advise (sport doctor, physio, rehab specialist or Cert IV personal Trainer), you will be able to identify weaknesses and assist in improving posture, stability and core strength.

By Marg Anderson Regenerate Personal Training (Article written for Focus On Magazine)

TAKE ME AWAY USA- A food sensation

( photo credits _ Carlos Porto)

I don’t normally socially comment on my bog site but my recent time away in America has compelled me to do so. So bear with me and read my mundane travel blog ☺

We started off on the 7th of July with a flight from Perth Western Australia to Sydney (4hrs). We took off 20 min late from Perth and then on arrival at Sydney, bad weather forced us to be held over the city for 30 -40 min. We were already late for our international fight!

We raced without knowledge of where to go from domestic to international terminal via underground train triumphant that we had made it to the United Airlines check in at last, only to be told we were 3 mins late for boarding. We would not be allowed on the plane for our San Francisco destination. This meant a 24hr delay in Sydney. We had to find already checked through luggage, o/night accommodation, phone San Fran hotels, change organised tour dates for Nappa etc etc.

Not a great start to the long awaited holiday!

A few good wines, a reasonable sleep and 24hrs later, we were happily on board our United flight with pretty good seats + leg room, our sights set firmly on San Fran 15hrs away. We were blessed with great travelling companions next to us; one was from the town of Saratoga where we were to spend some of our time so we gained some local information!

5 movies, 2 indigestible meals and 15 hrs of thoughts about how much water we were flying over later, we arrived at SAN FRANSISCO.

We breezed through baggage claim, customs + immigration, walked outside and grabbed a cab immediately. Our first destination hotel Marriott Union Square was only 30min away.

Memories of the main streets of San Fran came flooding back as we were expertly driven (that means holding on for grim death in the back of the cab), though Market, Grant, Sutter + Powell Street.
Our Union Square hotel was in a prime location. Nearby it was easy to hop aboard a cable car or enjoy Union Square people watching, shopping, and is also near popular Nob Hill, Chinatown and minutes from Fisherman’s Warf.
We spent a day in the Nappa Valley tasting great wines and champagne, took the ferry over to Sausalito, revisited Fisherman’s Warf, shopped and generally had a ball there.

Oh, did I mention the shopping (only the third time now). I only succumbed to 6 new pairs of trainers! That should keep me going for at least 2 years or until I retire!

After 4 days in San Fran we took a short fight to Seattle where my real taste sensation began. Actually from here on in until we arrived home, food had never tasted so good.
Meals at the fabulous Hotel 1000 just short walks from the Seattle Warf were outstanding.
The Pike Markets had a full selection of fresh produce both from the earth and the ocean. Punnets of any kind of summer berry for ridiculously cheap prices (these were picked fresh that morning by the way) were being sold for only $2.00US. Fruit was in abundance and soooo cheap. It was good to be able to eat bananas again cheaply. The seafood to die for. The shrimp I saw were bigger than our Aussie King Prawns and again a steal by comparison prices. We made the most of purchasing here.
The next week and a half our time was shared between countryside Seattle and, countryside California. The food taste sensation remained the same…Excellent!

Now finally to my main point. The flavour of the food I tasted, the quality and freshness were unsurpassed. Berries picked that day, apricots and nectarines as large as apples ( aussie sized apples I mean), were delicious. The Washington state apples were also awesome and enormously big. I ate as much Salmon + Dungeness crab as I could. Food had a new flavour and I marvelled at the affect it had on me.

I ate very well and healthily for our entire trip. Not that I don’t normally, but this felt so very different.

Were the new sights and sensations around seducing me? No…I don’t think so. This food was truly amazing, including the food we had served in many restaurants in Seattle and California.

I analysed the differences and upon returning home tried some of the same types of dishes here only to be disappointed. I was back to no flavour, poor presentation and most of all lack of quality service at most restaurants back in Oz.

My first trip back to the supermarket for convenience shopping also proved a disappointment. How much of our food particularly fresh produce is stored for months before it is put out to buy? How is it maintained by the store once placed out for purchase? How often have you bought strawberries for instance only to find the bottom fruit already white and mouldy?
We pay top dollar for our produce only to find quite often it s second rate and we put up with it. The purchase price in America was ridiculously low compared with 100% more quality.

It is in the hands of each and every one of us to shout out about bad service, bad food and supply, after all our wage barely competes with our increased prices at shopping each and every week.
Meanwhile, find alternatives to your regular supplier. Try markets and co-ops, or farmers markets, (they seem to be springing up everywhere, even your local school).

For the next few months I will hold onto the memory of what real food should taste like. I have the choice to make a real effort to find better quality local supplies, be resigned to what we have to put up for convenience sake at the supermarket, or decide to go back and live in the USA!

Marg Anderson