As mentioned in my previous post, I am creating a new website this year, which is very close to phase one completion (very excited!). But with that, I will let you know now that I will be transferring my wordpress blog across and will be blogging from my website from now on!

You will still be able to access these posts just as easily, but they’ll all look prettier 😉 And of course I’ll be leaving my wordpress blog online for all to access as usual.

So, please be patient while I (actually, my website builder) take the time to transfer the content across. If you notice anything missing or have any difficulties viewing the posts please comment and let me know!!!

I’ll be announcing the new website launch date soon so stay connected 😉

Thanks again everyone for your support!

Gavin

For those of you who have managed to keep your new years resolutions – congratulations on making it this far! You will have got further than many! For those of you who have resolutions for the new year around health, wellbeing and fitness goals….this post will make it easier for you. Actually this post is 1 of 2 – yep, you’ll need to wait for next week’s entry for the 2nd of only 2 steps you need to take to ensure a healthy 2013.

OK, so to Step 1. “Beware the health marketing machine”!

Make sure that what you are pursuing as “healthy” is actual health itself! Throughout my career I have found many people become frustrated when pursuing what they think is a healthy lifestyle, yet expected rewards are either a long time coming or short lived. In the vast majority of cases they have fallen foul of the great “Health Marketing Machine”. No, I am not talking about those late night ads selling King Ab rollers! I am talking about something far more insidious and covert…..the daily bombardment in social, paper and online media of the latest miracle cure for everything. It seems Coconut Sugar is pretty high on the list of “healthy foods for 2013”. It’s everywhere! From the latest internet marketing guru, to your local “health food” shop, to being added to all those fancy expensive ice creams because agave syrup isn’t quite so trendy any more – and it’s touted as having some quite incredible benefits. Lets have a look…..

Coconut Sugar: Before & After!

What Is Coconut Sugar?

It is produced from the sap of cut flower buds of coconut palms. A cut is made on the flower, and the flowing sap is collected. Once collection is complete it is transferred to vats where it is heated to evaporate the water, and the crystalised remains are then collected and you have your coconut sugar.
Mmmm, sounds remarkably similar to the way cane sugar is made into raw sugar!

Coconut sugar boasts a low GI of 35, is comprised of sucrose and is highly nutritious.
Mmmm, well the GI index is a bit of a misnomer because it is based on the AVERAGE reaction of quite a small sample size of people. The GI of anything can vary depending on the season and crop too. And….going back to cane sugar….raw sugar is still only ranked 55 on the GI scale which is also considered low!

But maybe it’s the number of calories, after all coconut sugar couldn’t contain many calories could it?

Mmmm, well actually it’s the same amount of calories as raw sugar! So we have 2 sugars, both with the same amount of calories and comprising of the same type of sugar – sucrose (which is a disaccharide and is commonly called “table sugar”) but one has a lower GI? It may well be true but sounds a little dodgy to me!

So, nutrition aside, surely coconut sugar is more sustainable?

Mmmm….apparently so, except that the bud that provides the sap for coconut sugar would ordinarily be turned into a….COCONUT! You know, the thing that produces incredibly useful meat, water, cream and oil! In fact, it is written in a number of sources that the coconut sugar industry is becoming a fast cash crop for coconut farmers. Which is great for the farmers of course, but what about the sustainability of the coconut meat, water, cream and oil! As coconut sugar production increases, doesn’t that indicate there’ll be less of the other goodies? And wouldn’t that mean the price of those things would go up since there is less of them? Well, if the price of wild caught fish and non-farmed fish is anything to go by I’d be stocking up on your coconut oil folks!

So, if coconut sugar is made in a very similar process to cane sugar, has the same GI category (which is a questionable method itself), has the same number of calories and consists of the same kind of sugar, what advantage does it have? Surely coming from so-called “developing countries” it would be quite a cheap product for the end consumer?

Mmmm….it appears to average at the $15/kg mark! I have no idea how much raw cane sugar costs but I would imagine it is considerably less than this! (If any readers know the answer please leave the price in the Comments section below).

“Oh goodness!”

Oh goodness, this is not looking good! I’m really struggling here…I thought this was a “wonder food” that will make me healthy? I mean, it does contain lots of nutrients though doesn’t it?

Mmmm….yes actually it does. But so does “old fashioned” food like carrots, onions, kiwi fruit, beef and butter! And many of those you can even grow on a balcony of a studio apartment!

Well…..maybe….just maybe…..it’s all just some hype from the Health Marketing Machine! I mean, doesn’t every industry ultimately need to maximise profits?

So there we have it folks. Am I “hater” of coconut sugar? No. In fact, I really couldn’t care less since I consume neither so none of this affects me! BUT…..my point is that if you are pursuing a healthier lifestyle to feel and look better……PLEASE make sure you are pursuing real health. There is no magic bullet, no miracle cure, and there certainly isn’t room in your health plan to chase foods that have slick marketing and fancy words! So please do not fall foul of the Health Marketing Machine – remember, just because a dozen uninformed journalists say it’s true, doesn’t mean that it is! That’s just downright dangerous, especially where health is involved!

Here’s to your year of great health!

Gavin

Mentoring in action!

As I sit down to write this and think about all of the different mentors and coaches I’ve had throughout my life, I am filled with gratitude. Learning from someone who has been through what you are going through, has learnt “the hard way”, or is trained specifically and operates where YOU want yourself to be is truly a helping hand out of the mud!

One of those people for me is Mark Buckley. From the first time I met Mark (years ago), he always encouraged me to do what I felt naturally compelled to do and that is seek the truth. Research, research, research! And, do what I love! Sure, he taught me so much about the mechanics of the human body, the relationship between the sub-conscious mind and results in the gym, and much more, but it was the bigger things like encouraging me to create my own path, follow my own rules, find and use the truth, and just get results with my clients by really, truly knowing my stuff. So, Thanks Mark, I’m sure we have many an inspiring conversation to come!

Another is Helen Ryan. She opened my eyes to certain thought patterns and beliefs that I was carrying which no longer served me, or were restricting me from my goals. She reminded me that I truly am amazing at what I do (aww, shucks!), and that my life really can be everything I want it to be without sacrificing any particular aspect, or losing time with my precious family.

There are many more, but in the last 12 months those two people have impacted my life the most.

So from my point of view, the benefits to engaging a mentor are these;

• You LEARN from someone active & successful in their field
• You are encouraged and supported on your own path, be it personal or professional (or both!)
• Your training can be tailored to your specific goals
• Your Mentor has already been where you are so can offer advice, help, and coaching through all aspects of difficulty
• You receive a cumulation of information, all relevant to your goals
• It’s interactive, it’s personal, and can even be face-to-face!
• You are shown new viewpoints, knowledge you didn’t even know was available, and information you might not have even known was relevant!
• More often than not, you experience a life-changing “Aha!” moment (or ten!)
• And finally, more often than not, your Mentor will become, or touch your life, as a friend 🙂

One-on-One Mentoring

So, as I begin with the first student undertaking my new Mentor Program, designed specifically for Personal Trainers & health professionals (right where I began!), I sit with a smile knowing that not only will the individuals I teach become better at what they do, but each of the people they work with will benefit from the results of the program and my years of study and research! It doesn’t get any better than that!

Have you ever used a mentor? If not, what held you back?

Have a great day!
Gavin

“Welcome 2013!”

Aaahhhh, how a single day can change your whole life.

This year I had MANY of those days and regardless of how challenging it was, the highs and lows, I continued with my work, and planned ahead for a brilliant future 🙂

Firstly, I want to say thank you to all of my mentors, friends, colleagues, partners, and family, for your support and being part of it all!

To my beautiful wife who always supports and encourages my growth in all areas of my life and who does an amazing job with our daughter, who is the sunshine and laughter in my life! You two are my everything!

And last but not least, thank you to all of my clients! My gratitude goes out to you for allowing me to pursue my passion of helping others, and also for the growth I experience with every session – your challenges are my challenges and I have enjoyed being part of the solution to your health, well being or performance goals! More than anything I am proud of the steps my clients take, their commitment, and their progress!

So it is a very happy ending to the year and I can say with my heart and mouth wide open…

Welcome to new clients and old, new connections and past ones, new opportunities and events!

2012 was a year of change, development, and hard work, and I am so excited to give you a little sneak peek at some upcoming projects I’ve been working on for 2013 🙂

In no particular order:

A new book or two 🙂

A new mentor program

Some special and dedicated athletes to work with

Teaching both in Scandinavia and Australia, with the possibility of a visit to Dubai

A few exciting online events! 🙂

A new website

And a few BIG surprises, too!

I love what I do! Exciting times ahead!

Looking forward to enjoying 2013 with you!

Gavin

Well here it is, after months of sourcing the perfect equipment, my new Health and Performance Studio is complete! I’m very excited, it feels SO great to have everything at my fingertips when working with my clients. To now be able to offer every skill I have to every client that steps in the door is truly powerful, and I believe the results are going to show it.

Take a look at the pictures below. It’s small but perfectly equipped 🙂 I’ve also included a list of the services I offer for my clients if you’re wondering the type of person I work with.
And great news! This week I’m now able to accept credit card payments (Mastercard and Visa only at the moment) so that will make it 100% easier for a large number of my clients, especially those outside of Brisbane! So I’m very happy to be offering that, it’s been a long time coming! 🙂

Services & Who I Work With
Now to keep this very simple I’ll make a list!

Services Available

SPORTS PERFORMANCE: High Performance Strength & Conditioning (Programs & Coaching), Biomechanics Screening, Advanced Body Therapy, Lab Testing & Nutrition for Optimal Physiology

INJURY MANAGEMENT & REHABILITATION: Back pain and spinal pathologies, Head/Neck/Shoulder Injuries & Pain, Orthopaedic Immobilities, Hip/Knee/Ankle Issues, Acupuncture

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE & NUTRITION: GI Issues, Hormonal Imbalances, Auto-Immune conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis/Addisons disease/Graves Disease, Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia

WELLNESS: Metabolic Healing, Headaches, Depression, Behavioural & Learning Disorders, Illness Recovery, Professional Performance, Stress Management

Additional Programs Available

1. ADHD Program
2. Hyperprofile Elite Performance Program
3. Corporate Wellness Program
4. Mentor Program (limited places available)

Clients Accepted

1. Amateur Professional to Elite Professional Athletes
2. Individuals facing significant health or emotional/mental challenges
3. Health Professionals looking to vastly improve their knowledge & skills
4. Individuals or companies who are looking for open, unbiased and respectful interaction with their Health & Wellness Policy Provider

I think that wraps it up nicely, don’t you? Let me know what you think of the pics!

Gavin

Sweet Potato (Kumera) Chocolate Brownies & Blueberry Slice Recipes – NO Nasties!!!

Hi everyone, so after a fair bit of dabbling in the kitchen, my wife came up with these two AWESOME, healthy recipes for snacks.

Share this around, you won’t regret it!!

Make sure your Kumera or sweet potato is in season that way it’s softer and not so chunky and watery, but we have no way of knowing which ones are which when you buy/harvest them!

So for those of you who like Chocolate Brownies but want something healthier, would like something with a softer sweetness and not the usual overload of sugar you may like to try these. No wheat/gluten, no milk, no sugar, no eggs! Healthy, tasty, extremely quick and allergen free!

Please note, we only had an iPhone to hand to take pics before these were finished – sorry about the poor quality!

Kumera Choc Brownies

INGREDIENTS:

• A big Kumera, peeled, diced & cooked (you can also use sweet potato as the consistency is the same) about 3-4 cups
• 1/3 – 1/2 cup organic cacao powder
• 100 grams raw organic butter
• 1 – 3 tablespoons honey* to taste ( we usually use about 2)
• 1/2 cup or so of finely desiccated organic coconut

Forgive the measurements here, it’s hard when no kumera is the same size!

* feel free to use Stevia, maple syrup, etc.

METHOD:

1. Put all ‘wet’ ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Add the dry ingredients and blend well.
3. Line a shallow baking tray with foil and fill with mixture. Smooth & press down lightly.
4. Cook in 180 degree Celsius oven for 1 hour or so
5. Eat! Will be firmer and even tastier the next day after refrigeration 🙂

Annnnnnd, if you don’t like brownies or would prefer something without cacao, these are delicious and very pudding-like;

Kumera Blueberry Slice

INGREDIENTS:

• A big Kumera, peeled, diced & cooked (you can also use sweet potato as the consistency is the same) about 3-4 cups
• 1/2 teaspoon organic cinnamon powder
• 100 grams raw organic butter
• 1 – 3 tablespoons honey* to taste ( we usually use about 2)
• 1/2 cup or so of finely desiccated organic coconut
• 80 grams/handfull of organic blueberries (or berry of choice)

Forgive the measurements here, it’s hard when no kumera is the same size!

You may also like to replace the berries with pears or apples.

* feel free to use Stevia, maple syrup, etc.

METHOD:

1. Put all ‘wet’ ingredients except berries in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Add the dry ingredients except cinnamon and blend well.
3. Line a shallow baking tray with foil and spread berries evenly on the bottom, and fill with mixture. Smooth & press down lightly. Dust with cinnamon.
4. Cook in 180 degree Celsius oven for 1 hour or so
5. Eat! Will be firmer and even tastier the next day after refrigeration 🙂

Try it out and leave your comments!!!

😉

Fast Fuel Cooking & FMA Strength Training, from Australia to Scandinavia!

This September I had the privilege of once again teaching in the lovely city that is Copenhagen! It is fortunate that the Danes speak amazingly precise English though, so there were no confusions there.

First up was the Fast Fuel cooking class at BioMio, Denmark’s largest organic restaurant. This short class combines a demonstration in cooking healthy meals quickly (under 20 minutes to be precise!) and a smorgasbord of information on the real nutritional value of your food and how your body deals with it, plus some fascinating tips along the way! These classes focus on seasonal local produce and are a light and tasty introduction to nutrition for anyone interested, or for those finding “healthy eating” a challenge. This class is also particularly useful for those who are looking for gluten free, diary free, or other “free” and alternative recipes as well.

Follow this blog (subscribe form is to the right) or the BioMio Facebook page so that you know when the next one will be!

The FMA Strength Training Introductory Course was absolutely fantastic! I am really passionate about athletic performance and as the attendees found out I wanted to share all I could! This was a full one day course with lunch provided, hosted by our friends at Move2Peak, with participants from throughout Scandinavia. I covered FMA Strength Training techniques and introduced the FMA methods (and much more!) to a very eager and enthusiastic group – we all really enjoyed the day! So much so that plans are being scheduled as I write this post for me to teach FMA Strength Training Level 1 & 2 early next year in Copenhagen, with the possibility of presenting an Intro course in Norway, too.

I will be uploading the details here so that all fitness and performance professionals in Scandinavia and Europe can register. For more information on FMA Strength Training visit the website.

If you attended either class please feel free to leave comments below!

🙂

What does the New Year mean for you?

OK, OK, so it’s February – but it takes that long for the holidays and come down from christmas and New Year celebrations and excitement to really end!

New Year Resolutions….mmmm…..how many people have found themselves either not upholding or even breaking those resolutions within let’s say….a week….a month…..and for the most hardiest of stalwarts of these positive intentions, perhaps even through to winter (or summer if you are up in the “top half” of the world!). As a practitioner, coach and therapist I see many reasons for these resolutions dropping off so quickly. But perhaps the one reason that encompasses all the others is lack of discipline, which surely begs the question “if the concept of discipline is so ineffective why do people rely on it so much?”. The discipline issue is often a factor in diet books that are not read, gym memberships that are rarely used, and recipes that are not made!

But this is hardly surprising – is there anyone who really enjoys discipline? Let’s take a look at some definitions…..

– the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct behaviour

– punish or rebuke formally for an offense

– train oneself to do something in a controlled way

So let’s see…..discipline is often equated with obeying rules that usually aren’t our rules, punishment, and control. Perhaps THAT is why discipline doesn’t work! Way too many ‘have to’s” for most people. Which normally leads to resentment and further down the track, failure. Doesn’t exactly fill most people with happiness and joy does it?

Now let’s consider the Love Principle. The Love Principle was expounded by Walter Russell in a rather beautiful way. Except Walter Russell is just a little too “out there” for a lot of people. (But check him out and form your own conclusions) So let’s change it to the Self Love Principle. It’s pretty easy don’t you think? Doing things for yourself because you love yourself and would like the best outcome for you. It sure makes a difference when deciding not to have that piece of cheesecake because it won’t contribute to the version of you that you love – mirror that with not having the cheesecake because it’s bad and will invoke some kind of punishment in the form of an extra hard workout or feelings of shame or guilt. See the difference?

"Secret of Light" by Walter Russell

Which one would you rather experience? Using the Self Love Principle helps turn the concept of discipline on it’s head while helping you guide yourself to exactly what it is you want rather than discipline forcing you to avoid what you don’t want. It makes sense don’t you think?

So if you have some New Year’s resolutions try applying the Self Love Principle to it and see how you go. If one is to do something for an entire year, then it’s far more likely to happen through a “want to” attitude than a “have to” attitude. At the end of the day what have you got to lose except positive thoughts and feelings? Let me know how you go by posting a comment below. Have a wonderful 2012 humanity!

I am really excited about the new “3 Month Nutrition Coaching Program” I’ve developed as a way for people everywhere to get the most out of life and really set themselves up to achieve their health goals. Because no matter how hard you work at the gym, or how healthy you think you’re eating, or how many times the doctor has said “there’s nothing you can do about it” – building your health from the inside out will make the difference, you will improve your health, and you’re going to feel great! Don’t just take my word for it, read the testimonials below!

And guess what? It’s available as an online program, so you can go at your own pace, with me there to support you and educate you throughout the whole program! Here are the details:

A revolutionary way to enhance your HEALTH, feel BETTER, gain VITALITY, & LOSE WEIGHT – Forever!

Experience the Power of Food as your Medicine!

with our  3 Month Nutrition Coaching Program (No office visits necessary! Skype is available!)

What’s Included:

• 6 fortnightly coaching appointments
• Metabolic Typing test and re-test (learn more about Metabolic Typing with the video below!)
• 3 hours of video coaching
• Customised nutrition plans
• Ongoing online support
• Strategies to implement changes into your daily lifestyle
• Recipes and ideas to make it easy
• FREE 30 day online access to the Foundations of Health

The Benefits:

• Find out what YOU need for YOUR body
• Take the first steps in a powerful health building program
• Reduce your symptoms
• Make weight management easier than it has ever been before
• Find out why previous diets and approaches have failed
• Start any time and move at your own pace
• Learn how to navigate your nutrition path successfully forever, step by step, one week at a time.

Our 3 Month Nutrition Coaching Program will change your LIFE!

ONLY $845.00* with a Free 30 Day Trial

Save $185! *Enquire for payment options

READ WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY:

“….Gavin’s nutritional program has helped me lose 10Kg, feel better and have more energy – even my medical conditions are improving! Having all this without exercise has made it even easier!…” 

YA, Denmark

“After being hospitalised for 50 days and experiencing a life threatening situation, for 4 months I was under the guidance of some of the best Haematologists and Consultants in the country yet there was little improvement in blood tests. I then consulted with Gavin who immediately drew up a customised nutrition plan; just 4 weeks on this nutrition plan has radically improved my latest blood results! My need for medication is reducing.”

JW, Australia

“After just 2 months of using a customised nutrition plan that was designed for both his Metabolic Type and to address ADD, we were able to take our son off his medication with no ill effects – actually, there were vast improvements” 

LR, Australia

Sign up for a FREE 30 Day Trial! Click here!

OR VISIT MY WEBSITE here.

Learn more about Metabolic Typing:

A program that I have been working on for some time now is my new approach to address these conditions and the results have been astounding! Here are the details of a seminar I’ll be running in Mackay, Qld (Australia) however if you’d like to arrange one for your area, your organisation or perhaps an online event feel free to contact me.

LEARNING & BEHAVIOURAL DISORDERS

– A New Approach to Help Children, Families & Teachers

FREE SEMINAR

Wednesday 19th October, 7 – 7.45pm

Emmanuel Catholic Primary School. Baxter Drive, Mount Pleasant, Mackay QLD 4740

RSVP: Friday 14th October. Contact Janine Refalo on 07 4942 5999 or email janine_refalo@rok.catholic.edu.au

————-

International health management consultant, Gavin Heward, will be presenting a clinically valid approach to alleviating symptoms of learning and behavioural disorders. It is open to anyone who may be distressed by a child diagnosed with or showing signs of these disorders. This presentation will educate you about whether or not ADHD is in fact an actual “mental” condition. Learn the statistics showing the potential dangers of using drugs to treat these conditions, the benefits of his approach to treatment and how it has alleviated – and in most cases eliminated – symptoms and signs of the disorder for children, families and teachers around the world.

YOU WILL LEARN…

– Exactly what can trigger these disorders

– Why research is divided on the subject

– Why nobody really has a cure and why there is no “cure”!

– How to address the causes using laboratory analysis

– How to successfully implement strategies at school and at home

“Thank you for seeing my son. I feel seeing you has been a life changing experience for all ! He does seem to get something out of his visits to you, and was definitely a more relaxed little boy after last week. I am learning every day with him, and now I feel I have a better understanding of what is going on, and am looking forward to making the right changes needed, with your help !!” MD, Son diagnosed as having a ‘behavioural disorder”

“After just 2 months of using a customised nutrition plan that was designed for both his Metabolic Type and to address ADD, we were able to take our son off his medication with no ill effects – actually, there were vast improvements” LR, Australia

Learning & Behavioural Disorders FREE Seminar - Mackay 19th October 7pm

Looking forward to seeing you there!

If you have had any involvement with children who suffer from ADHD/ADD or any type of behavioural disorder, you will know that it can be tough.

You probably aren’t happy with giving your child pharmaceutical drugs on a regular basis, or you’re feeling tired from the constant struggle when communicating with your child. Well, you can change all of that.

The world needs to know about this! Our children are our future!