! EE FR
WIN: solar lamps, a superfood wellness kit and free yoga classes on page 16!
E E K M TA H O E
MEET THE WINNERS The results of the Wellness & Lifestyle Awards 2021
M
FITN E SS NU T RIT ION WELLBEING HO ME ECO S PA
I’M
OCTOBER 2021 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . co m LIV MAGAZINE
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WINNERS' LIST
After tallying more than 62,000 votes across 50+ categories, we have identified Hong Kong's best wellness and lifestyle brands. Congratulations to all our winners! PEOPLE
PLATINUM WINNER
GOLD WINNER
SILVER WINNER
BEST PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Jenny Fielding, Joint Dynamics
Kieran Rogers, MOMENTUM
Angela Leung, Sports & Spinal
BEST OSTEOPATH
Juliette Camile Dutois, Joint Dynamics
Damien Mouellic, Central & Stanley Wellness
Ines De Beer, The Round Clinic
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Elaine Leung, Hong Kong Sports
Ben Dyer, Atlas Chiropractic
Michelle Zhou McCulloch, UP!health
BEST TCM PRACTITIONER
Cecilia Tse, The Vitality Centre
Troy Sing, Health Wise
Master Ruth, Master Ruth TCM Clinic
BEST ALTERNATIVE HEALER
Dino Hira, Central Wellness
Caroline Rhodes, The Body Group
Anita Cheung, iLivingHK
BEST FITNESS GURU
Tricia Yap, Limitless
Jen Mackay, The Gym
Ziggy Makant
BEST PT
Stephanie Cuvelier, Calibrate Studios
Marco Orcino, Limitless
Trixie Velez, Defin8 Fitness
BEST SOUND HEALER
Lily Chan, LightOfLily
Malbert Lee
Nicole Yinki Wong
FITNESS
PLATINUM WINNER
GOLD WINNER
SILVER WINNER
ENTREPENEUR OF THE YEAR
Laurena Law & Vanessa Wong, Ananta Wellbeing
Olivia Cotes-James, LUUNA naturals
Carlos Calvo Rodríguez, Kool For Men
MOST HARDCORE WORKOUT
Ursus Fitness
F45
H-Kore
MOST BEAUTIFUL YOGA STUDIO
IKIGAI
Flowga
Pure Yoga Starstreet Precinct
BEST NEW STUDIO
Ikigai
PURE Fitness K11 MUSEA
Limitless
MOST UNIQUE WORKOUT
Lights Out
Aeria
Calibrate Studios
BEST POST-GYM MEAL
MANA!
Chickpea
Nutrition Kitchen
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
Nature's Village
Slowood
The Store
LOCAL ACTIVEWEAR
Lane Eight
B.Y.O. Active
DX Sportswear
FOOD
PLATINUM WINNER
GOLD WINNER
SILVER WINNER
BEST PLANT-BASED BURGER
Beef & Liberty
MANA!
Treehouse
BEST BRUNCH SPOT
Fineprint
MANA!
14 South Lane
BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
MANA!
Treehouse
Bedu
BEST PLANT-BASED DESSERT
The Cakery
Sweet Secrets' cardamom ganache tarte
Ice Age vegan ice cream
BEST PLANT-BASED COFF EE
Elephant Grounds
Fineprint
Blend & Grind
BEST HEALTHY SNACKS
Supabowl
Suphia's Functional Foods
Pura Vida
BEST ONLINE FOOD SHOPPING
HKTV Mall
Biltong Chief
Eat the Kiwi
BEST GROCERY STORE
Feather & Bone
Slowood
Live Zero
HOME
PLATINUM WINNER
GOLD WINNER
SILVER WINNER
BEST BEDDING
Bamboa
H&M
Dormu
BEST HOME & LIFESTYLE BRAND
Live Zero
Enid.Scents
TREE
BEST ECO CLEANING BRAND
ecostore
House of Pure Essence
Mrs. Meyers
BEST ZERO WASTE STORE
Live Zero
Slowood
Treehouse
BEST CRYSTAL STORE
The Modern Yogi Co
Stone & Star
Lunite
LIFESTYLE
PLATINUM WINNER
GOLD WINNER
SILVER WINNER
BEST ALT. HEALING CENTRE
LifeHub
iLivingHK
IMI / Shakti Healing Centre (tied)
BEST CBD BRAND
CBD Collectiv
Kool for Men
Calmed & Co
BEST MINDFUL JEWELLERY
Flo Jewellery
Nishita Fine Jewelry
Freedom2Sparkle
BEST FACE MASK
Mask Lab
Aveita
Mask On
BEST STAYCATION
Rosewood
Four Seasons
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
BEST DAY SPA
Sense of Touch
Feel Good Factor
Hygge Spa
BEST HOTEL SPA
The Spa at the Four Seasons
Asaya, The Rosewood
The Mandarin Oriental Spa
BEST LOCAL SKINCARE BRAND
Coconut Matter
Inner Temple Healing Oils
Botanium Care
BEST VET
Acorn
David Quach, Creature Comforts
SPCA
BEST PET CARE
Buddy Bites
Pets Central
Calmed for Pets
BEST NEW APP
Jabbed
Mind Beauty
Calioo
BEST 2ND HAND FASHION
HULA
Retykle
1ofaKind by ImpactHK
BEST MEDICAL PRACTICE
OT&P
LifeClinic
IMI
KIDS
PLATINUM WINNER
GOLD WINNER
SILVER WINNER
BEST SUSTAINABLE KIDS' BRAND
Retykle
Cotton Pigs
Bamboa
BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT PIzza Express
Oolaa
Limewood
BEST SPORTS CLUB
Island Sports HK
Alison Tam Swimming
Rugby Tots
BEST CREATIVE CLUB
Baumhaus
Faust International
Curiousity Kids
BEST BABY STORE
Petit Bazaar
Baby Central
Mothercare
BEST MATERNITY CARE
Matilda Hospital
Annerley
Joint Dynamics Evolve
OCTOBER 07 Editor’s Letter
LIV | NEWS 08 Wishlist
Lovely things we want right now
10 Hot Right Now
New happenings on the wellness scene
12 Fresh Cuts
Hong Kong cookbooks
14 Community
Apps to help you live more sustainably
34 Liv's Choice
Our pick of the best names in wellness and sustainability
LIV | MORE 36 Recipe
Vegan tofu and pea curry
38 Home
Homeware brands at the new Central Market
40 Family
How to build a better body image in children
08
17 Review
Can a shower filter improve your skin and hair quality? Let's find out
LIV | STORIES 20 Wellness & Lifestyle Awards Meet Hong Kong's top wellness brands, as chosen by our readers!
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36
12
5
Sponsored Feature
FIND YOUR TRIBE Catering to a growing demand for hard-working furniture for smaller flats, TRIBE By Indigo offers smart furnishings for firsttime home buyers and renters alike, looking to maximise space without skimping on style. We speak to Indigo Living’s founder, John Mclennan, about his journey to launching TRIBE. What gave you the idea to launch Tribe by Indigo? The Hong Kong market was crying out for a homeware brand suited to smaller flats. Developers are making smaller apartments but the furniture market was not providing well designed, multifunctional furniture that fit into them. Indigo has stepped in to not only address this gap, but to make furniture that’s affordable and fun for first-time homeowners and renters. How is it different from Indigo Living's main collection? The sizes, style and price point are the main differentiators. The colours are bolder and the products are smarter. For furniture you’ll find multifunctional, transformable pieces, hidden storage and even tech savvy items with built-in chargers, USB ports or speakers. All of the products are designed and sized to fit smaller spaces. The look is also cleaner and more contemporary, and the price point is more accessible.
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How have your customers reacted so far to the collection? We have had great reactions from both our retail and corporate customers! Even our corporate clients have been using Tribe in showflats and furniture packages. Everyone is excited to see something new, bold, fresh and affordable in the market. Do you think people have invested more on their interiors during the pandemic? I think people have definitely become more invested. Even as restrictions ease up, entertaining at home and working from home have all become part of the “new normal.” We are spending so much more of our time at home, and so a lot of us have been taking this time to update our homes and interiors. Some have created work from home spaces they did not have before, while others have updated their dining and entertainment.
A few popular pieces include our colourful TRIBE birchwood trays with fun, bold phrases on them. In terms of furniture pieces, the slim and contemporary Jackson side table has an easy swing top and - even better - has a built in speaker and USB charger, making it both practical, elegant and smart. I think all of our coffee tables resonate with our customers as most are small but have lift up storage, allowing them to be used for both storage and to convert it into a dining table.
What are some of your most popular pieces and trends?
Check out the range at the Tribe website as well as in the Shatin Tribe showroom in Home Square. The collection can also be found at 6/F, Horizon Plaza. www.indigo-living.com/tribe_hk
EDITOR’S LETTER
I
THREE’S A CHARM
started working for Liv in October 2018. In the three years that it has been since I joined the team, I’ve learned more than I thought possible about health and wellness in Asia. And I can honestly say that one of my favourite parts of the job - besides writing punny headlines - is getting the chance to learn about and support Hong Kong’s small businesses. Last year, we leaned into that idea by launching our first Wellness & Lifestyle Awards. We asked readers to nominate and vote for their favourite people and brands - and we were so floored by the incredible response that we couldn’t help but do it again! This year, we received a staggering 62,000 votes across 50 categories. The WLA Class of 2021 represents 150 of the most talented, passionate and enterprising names in Hong Kong’s wellness landscape right now, and as a homegrown media outlet, we’re delighted to showcase them to our readers. Learn more about the awards and some of this year’s winners on p.20. This month, you might also notice a new face on the masthead… We’re very lucky to have Ziggy Makant, one of Hong Kong’s most entertaining, knowledgeable and honest mumfluencers joining our team as our new FitFam contributor. Ziggy’s a personal trainer, mum of two, and former Liv cover girl, when she graced our pages to get real about social media back in May 2020. Check out her inaugural column over on p.40. We’re also launching a brand new section, Eco/Conscious, spearheaded by Tanya Parmanand. This column is all about giving back to the community, highlighting impactful leaders, organisations and events that make our city a better place - whether it’s a social enterprise, charity, or eco-friendly initiative! Read more on p.14. Have a great October, and please remember that Halloween candy is a legitimate form of self-care.
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Meet Ziggy Makant: mum of two, personal trainer, and our new FitFam columnist! This month, she’s tackling how to instill a more positive body image in our kids on p.40.
Kate Springer visits the new and revitalised Central Market on p.36, to scope out all the best homeware brands on offer.
Welcome Tanya Parmanand! Another new Liv contributor, Tanya will be penning our Eco/Conscious column every month - check it out on p.14!
ON THE COVER
CARLA THOMAS
Photographer: Ike Li Location: Flowga
EDITOR
facebook.com/livmagazine.hk
www.liv-magazine.com
liv.magazine, #livmagazine
Say hi hello@liv-magazine.com
work with us hello@liv-magazine.com
Send invites and info to: Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS ANSHU RIJHWANI PARTNERSHIPS MANAGERS CHARU MATHUR, EVA YOE EDITOR CARLA THOMAS SOCIAL MEDIA JO ROBINSON SPECIAL PROJECTS STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS KATE SPRINGER, ZIGGY MAKANT, TANYA PARMANAND PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2021 Liv Media Limited. The content provided here is the property of Liv Media Limited and may not be reproduced in any part without the written permission of the Publisher. The information provided by Liv Media Limited’s contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the company. The information provided by Liv Media Limited, or its staff, advertisers and contributors is given in good faith; readers should gather more information before making the decision to purchase any goods or services highlighted here. Liv Media Limited will not be held responsible for any action, omission or error resulting from actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. Please seek the approval of a doctor before following any health advice.
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Retail Therapy
WISHLIST
Here's what we're crushing on this month
SPACE SAVER
Autumnal hues like burnt orange and forest green make these chic, stackable glass cups from local florist and lifestyle shop The Floristry a must-have this fall. $90 each from The Floristry
PAGE TURNER
Hong Kong’s COVID-zero policy getting you down? We’ve got just the book for you! $250 at Homeless
8
MISTIC MOMENT
Fans of cult classic beauty product Moroccanoil will love spritzing on the company’s first foray into fragrance. This argan oil and vitamin-infused hair and body mist features the brand’s signature scent, a mix of spicy amber and tropical floral notes. $260 at IL COLPO, Shop 220, L2, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway Rd., Admiralty
CORPSE POSE
No bones about it, yoga is for every body - no matter what stage of life you’re at! If you’re looking for a super cute Halloween-themed phone case that inspires you to flow, look no further. $459 from Casetify
Retail Therapy
PUMP IT UP
‘Tis the season for everything pumpkin! Harness the beautifying power of pumpkin enzymes and AHA this fall, with this lucious exfoliating mask from Peter Thomas Roth. $460 from Harvey Nichols
GREAT JACKET
Is this the perfect fall trench? This fawn-coloured overcoat is the perfect blend of oversized fit and understated elegance, plus we’re obsessed with the fashionable yet functional room-sized pockets. USD$290 from COS
POCKET WATCH
We kind of love these mustard leggings from Lululemon. Not only are they buttery soft, they’re thick enough to smooth bums, tums, and thighs plus there’s a pocket concealed in the seams! $1,080 from lululemon
TEA WORK
Taste the rainbow with this colourful tea collection that’s designed to enhance wellness. It includes five tea flavours, like Kung Flu Fighter, a soothing blend of eucalyptus, orange peel and peppermint, and La Vie En Rose, black tea with rose buds. $188 from OrTea? 9
Cool Stuff
HOT RIGHT NOW
LUNE STRUCK We love a women-friendly space, and even more so when it’s specifically committed to women’s health and wellness! Studio La Lune is a female-only yoga and wellness studio that just opened last month in Central. More than just a place to come and practice, this pink-paneled haven is dedicated to creating a safe space for all women, literally adorning the studio with images of the feminine divine in all stages of her life. Some of the classes offered here include Yoga For Menstrual Health, Pre- and Postnatal Yoga, and Embrace The Feminine, a yin-style class that incorporates reiki or sound therapy. We’re also super excited to check out their Sisterhood Circles, which touch on breathing techniques, journaling, meditation, movement, setting intentions, and more. They also plan on holding regular events that aim to help women develop their highest potential in life we couldn’t applaud this goal more! Classes start at $250 per class or $1,600 per month. 4/F, Kai Kwong House, 13 Wyndham St., Central, 9226-8464, studiolalunehk.com
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Cool Stuff
GOING UP Niche Hobbies
NET NEUTRAL
Sustainable swimwear line Rii Swim is the brainchild of local influencer Ellie Furuya, who launched her collection of upcycled bathing suits over the summer. What’s cool about this brand is that everything is made with regenerated nylon, recycled from disused items like old fishing nets. (Not-so-fun fact: did you know that about 640,000 tons of fishing nets are currently left discarded in our oceans?!) All of the bikinis and one-pieces are designed to be timeless - the company’s slogan is “the little black dress of swimwear” - and resistant to chlorine, sunscreen and pilling, so you can wear them for many years to come. Suits start from $740. riiswim.com
We just got word of a new Chinese archery club launching in Hong Kong. We love an esoteric pastime!
Camping Weather October marks the start of camping season! Earth friendly tip: pick a bag of litter and bring it home with you.
Toxic Productivity Having an endless capacity for work is so overrated and people just give you more stuff to do! Be sure to build some downtime into your work day.
Christmas Panic
ON YOUR MARKS
Retailer and star purveyor of British comfort food, Marks & Spencer has re-opened their flagship store in Taikoo Shing last month, and we are here for it! The new space has expanded to over 30,000 square feet, introducing new wellness-oriented concepts like an activewear line, baby care, and more healthy food options - a one-stop shop for the health-conscious consumer! New grocery additions include Picard, a French brand specialising in high-quality frozen foods, and a smorgasbord of nutrient-dense snacks to go along with their selection of diet-sensitive products, including organic, gluten-free, vegan, and sustainably sourced options. Busy parents can also avail of the new Little Smiles range, which covers all things baby, from cruelty-free baby cream and wet wipes to FSC-certified nappies and cotton bodysuits and bibs. Shop 130, Cityplaza, Taikoo Shing, marksandspencer.com/hk
With global supply chains still affected by COVID, Christmas type-As are telling us to get our festive shopping done this month. What the...?
GOING DOWN 11
Dining
FRESH CUTS
MASTER CHEF:
HEALTHY HONG KONG COOKBOOKS TO LOVE Feed your body and mind with these homegrown cookbooks from Hong Kong chefs and nutritionists. By Tanya Parmanand
ANTI-AGING BY ALTHEA AND TANSY TAN Sisters Althea and Tansy Tan launched Hong Kong’s first whole-foods, plant-based vegan cookbook in 2016, and it is an absolute trove of great, healthy recipes. Unlike other cookbooks on the market, this one has been carefully curated using evidencebased nutritional info and ingredients with therapeutic properties to naturally counter the aging process. Available for purchase on Google Play (shorturl.at/ knvRS)
STAR DISH Tomato-Lentil Soup, a soup mega-rich in the powerful antioxidant lycopene.
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A SPARK OF MADNESS BY SIMRAN SAVLANI A vegetarian and vegan cookbook with 116 pan-Asian recipes from Singapore to Seoul, Taiwan to Thailand, and India to Indonesia! While many recipes stay true to their cultural roots, others are a fusion of comfort food favourites, such as green curry gnocchi and beer bread made with ema datshi, a Bhutanese cheese and chili dish. $240 from asparkofmadness.co
STAR DISH Pho with Charred Vegetables, Crispy Tofu and Spices (VG, GF)
HONG KONG HOUSE COOK BOOK BY AMELIA LEUNG Chef Amelia Leung was raised in Hong Kong, before moving stateside and opening her own restaurant, Hong Kong House in Greensboro, North Carolina. The restaurant has since shut down, but the book pays homage to its madewith-love ethos and loyal clientele - and the crowd-pleasing recipes aren’t half bad either! US$99 from Amazon
STAR DISH The Wok Chicken
Dining
PROVENANCE BY PEGGY CHAN If you’ve been missing Grassroots Pantry and Nectar, two of the city’s most beloved and sorely missed plant-based restaurants, then check this out! Chef Peggy Chan, the creative mind behind both eateries, launched this digital cookbook earlier this year. Find new dishes alongside some of the star recipes from both restaurants’ menus. A large portion of the proceeds will also go towards Chan’s impact venture, Zero Foodprint Asia.
BABA’S BITES BY REBECCA AND MATTHEW TEAGUE Inspired by Ayurveda, this cookbook goes beyond your stomach and straight to your energetic alignment! All of the recipes aim to balance our three Doshas - vata, pitta and kapha - which are believed in Ayurvedic practice to contribute to our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. It hasn’t been released yet (and price is still TBD) but you can get a sneak peek of the cookbook at their website. babas.life
STAR DISH Cacao Paradise Bowl, made with coconut, almond milk, coconut, bananas, and raw cacao powder.
Available for free on Issuu (shorturl.at/ gksBW) STAR DISH Celery Root and Burdock Fries
COOK WITH EASE: TIPS AND RECIPES FOR SMALL FAMILIES Specially designed for Hong Kong’s elderly citizens, Cook with Ease provides healthy and simple recipes for household sizes of one to two. This book also provides a model one-week healthy menu to follow, and shares information about the impact of poor eating habits on general health and wellbeing. Available for free on the Department of Health’s Elderly Health Service page (shorturl.at/fghwJ)
THE RECIPE COLLECTION BY FEEDING HK
STAR DISH Thai Fish Cakes, complete with an individualised nutrient analysis!
Hong Kong charity Feeding HK has published several volumes of cookbooks available in both Chinese and English, each with a special theme depending on your needs and personal tastes. For those living on a budget, Volume 1 offers recipes that are quick, maximise the nutritional value of ingredients, and can be easily prepared even with limited culinary equipment. Volume 3 is healthy versions of fast food; rather than instant noodles, opt for the Healthy Pot Noodles! $100 each from feedinghk.org/store
STAR DISH Barley and Vegetable Stir-Fry by Sally Poon, Personal Dietician who also provides nutritional advice. 13
eco/conscious
ECO/CONSCIOUS
with Tanya Parmanand
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT We all want to live a more sustainable lifestyle, but it can be hard to know where to start. So start small! Try downloading one (or more!) of these apps to help curb your consumption, live healthier, and make a difference in the world.
MY IMPACT PLASTIC TRACKING APP This app comes to us from EcoDrive, a Hong Kong-based NGO campaigning for more awareness and reduction of the single-use plastic problem in our city. Track your plastic consumption to unlock awards, hit milestones, and create challenges with friends to see who can improve their plastic use habits the most! There’s also a “Community” section where you can learn more about eco events, news and more. Available on iOS and Android. 14
EWG FOOD SOURCE Use this app from the Environmental Working Group to scan the barcode on any packaged food products. It’ll give you a score from 1-10 based on the food’s nutritional value, how processed it is, and any ingredient concerns that could affect you or the environment, like contaminants, hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics. Available on iOS and Android.
BEAUTYFACT APP Add a little green to your beauty routine with this app that analyses your skincare, cosmetics, haircare, even nail polish! The database contains more than 5,000 beauty products popular in the Asian market, providing a detailed rundown of ingredients, including possible carcinogens, animal extracts, and other toxic substances. Also publishes weekly product reviews, and recommends clean beauty products that are more eco-friendly. Available on iOS and Android.
eco/conscious
WATER FOR FREE Simple yet ingenious, Water For Free encourages Hongkongers to fill up their reusable water bottles by sharing the location of nearby water fountains. Better still, you can share info about water temperature, and recommend dispensers to other users - a bit like OpenRice for water fountains! Available on iOS and Android. WWF-HK SEAFOOD GUIDE Hong Kong currently ranks second highest in Asia for seafood consumption, and the world’s eighth largest consumer overall. To help us Hongkongers make more informed and sustainable seafood choices, this app from WWF catalogues over 70 species of fish and shellfish that are commonly found in supermarkets, wet markets and restaurants. They’re categorized as Green, Yellow, and Red, to make it as easy as possible for you to shop sustainably. Available on iOS and Android. ECOASIA This Berlin-based app and browser extension uses ad revenue generated from your searches to fund the planting of trees around the world. The app has currently planted over 134 million trees in places like Burkina Faso, to help restore desertified land. Available on iOS, Android, or as a web browser extension. WASTE LESS Developed by Hong Kong’s own Environmental Protection Department, Waste Less displays recyclable collection points in the city using a map feature. There’s also a “recycling diary” feature, where users are encouraged to record their daily recycling efforts to promote waste reduction, and tips on how to recycle more effectively. Available on iOS and Android.
Tanya is a full-time law student and freelance writer, whose work has appeared in Lifestyle Asia, Honeycombers, and more! She covers eco-friendly initiatives, charities and NGO news for Liv. Send tips and pitches to hello@liv.media.
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GIVEAWAYS Visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!
Free stuff!
WIN: a five-class pass for Studio La Lune, Hong Kong’s new women-only yoga sanctuary The first and only wellness studio in Hong Kong that focuses entirely on women and their well-being, Studio La Lune offers classes and workshops for women at every stage of their lives. It also plans to host regular classes, workshops and sharing circles to help women achieve their highest potential. Courtesy of Studio La Lune, we have a five-class pass up for grabs for one lucky winner, valued at $1,100. studiolalunehk.com
WIN: a Sonnenglas solar jar lamp A Red Dot Design Awards winner, Sonnenglas solar lamps are beautiful, functional and sustainable, which tick all our boxes, big time! Simply charge the jar lamps up using solar power, and admire their soft glow in the evening. You can even fill the jars with decorative items for an extra personalised flourish. Courtesy of Sonnenglas, we have five lamps up for grabs, each valued at $420. Sonnenglas.jp
WIN: a Beauty, Brains & Sweetness Kit from Orka Wellness Having just launched last month in Hong Kong, Orka Wellness is a food brand that sources teas, snacks, baking ingredients, supplements and the latest health essentials from all over the world. With compostable packaging and conscious sourcing, their goal is to have as low a carbon footprint as possible. Courtesy of Orka Wellness, we have a Beauty Brains & Sweetness kit up for grabs, comprising a packet of G.L.O Time loose leaf tea; a serving of MacaXP Purple, an adaptogenic maca powder that helps promote antiaging and hormonal health; and Yacon Syrup, a super low-GI sweetener made from a Peruvian root that helps promote gut health. The whole get is worth $577 and we have one up for grabs.
Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways before September 30 to win! 16
Dining
TEST-DRIVE
Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends SPONSORED
THE WATERCHEF SF-7C SHOWER FILTER The Buzz: Hong Kong’s water supply is chlorinated to help safeguard against microbes, but one unwanted consequence is that it can strip our body’s natural oils, leading to brittle hair and dry skin. Chlorine is also an irritant, and can exacerbate symptoms for acne, eczema or psoriasis sufferers. We tried the Water Chef shower filter, which removes chlorine from your water. The Product: The WaterChef SF-7C Premium Shower Filtration System is considered the gold standard in shower filters, with rave reviews online and certifications attesting to its effectiveness. Installation was a breeze - just screw onto your tap and you’re good to go. We immediately noticed that the faint chemical smell coming from our shower disappeared, and our hair seemed smoother and less coarse. Our also seemed less
#LOVEYOURSELF CHARITY SALE for Breast Cancer Awareness
dry and prone to breakouts, and surprisingly, our itchy eyes - which we had been blaming on mascara improved dramatically. The Verdict: It’s only been a week, but so far we’re pleasantly surprised by the changes we’ve noticed. We actually thought our new shampoo was causing dryness, but once we started using the filter, the problem disappeared. We’re also thrilled with the improvement in our skin condition, which we hadn’t connected to our shower water at all. Cost: The WaterChef SF-7C costs $1,300. Comes with a cartridge, which needs to be replaced after six months. Buy online at waterlinks.com.hk
KEEP CALM GO WITH THE
Flo
FLO DIFFUSER ™ Aroma Diffuser Magnetic Clip Show this at our Pop-up store at Eslite Taikoo to receive a gift! Scan QR Code to find out about our #LOVEYOURSELF Charity Sale and Workshops in Oct.
17
Sponsored Feature
FULL
SPECTRUM
Make a statement in bold, dramatic jewellery featuring every colour of the rainbow
Opal & Onyx & Diamond Bangle Bangle in 18K Rose Gold set with Opals, Onyx, Fancy Color Diamonds, and White Diamonds.
Opal & Tourmaline & Onyx & Diamond Ring Ring in 18K Yellow Gold set with Opal, Tourmaline, Onyx, Rubies, Yellow Diamond, and Fancy Color Diamonds.
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Opal & Diamond Earrings Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold set with Opals, Fancy Color Diamonds, and White Diamonds.
Opal & Fancy Color Diamond Ring Ring in 18K Yellow Gold set with Opals and Fancy Color Diamonds.
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Pearl & Diamond Necklace Necklace in 18K White Gold set with Clam Pearl, Opals, Yellow Diamonds, and White Diamonds.
Opal & Emerald & Onyx & Diamond Ring/ Pendant Ring/ Pendant in 18K Rose Gold set with Opals, Emerald, Onyx, Pink Diamonds, and Fancy Color Diamonds. Opal & Onyx & Diamond Ring Ring in 18K White Gold set with Opal, Onyx, Tsavorites, Fancy Color Diamonds, and White Diamonds.
Yellow Diamond & Opal & Diamond Ring Ring in 18K Rose Gold set with Yellow Diamond, Opals, Brown Diamonds, Yellow Diamonds, and White Diamonds.
aUSTY LEE Art Jewellery Address: Shop A, G/F, Kam On Building, 176 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2388 0212
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PRESENTED BY
S I M P LY T H E B E S T
After more than 62,000 votes cast across 50 categories, the results of the Wellness & Lifestyle Awards 2021, presented by Alea, are in! We are thrilled to honour more than 150 of Hong Kong’s top wellbeing brands. Meet some of our winners and learn what the award means to them, and what’s next for their businesses. 20
PLATINUM WINNER
FITNESS GURU OF THE YEAR
What does this kind of recognition from the fitness community mean to you? Winning this award validates all the hardships I have overcome to get to where I am today. Aside from financial resources, travel miles and time, I have sacrificed so much of my own personal and family life for my career! Your studio has a strong female focus. Why did you decide to focus on women’s health? Women are constantly being bombarded with fitness marketing campaigns. The narrative has always been that the beauty of our own individual bodies is not enough, and that we need to abuse our bodies with diets, cleanses and transformation programs to better ourselves. I felt that the fitness industry needed an honest female voice that empowered women by changing the narrative from abusing our bodies to nourishing them. Look beyond the transformation photo! What’s a common misconception that women have about health and fitness? People mistakenly believe that health and fitness are the same thing. But performance, body composition and optimal health are not identical. Someone could be aesthetically sporting a six-pack, but their health markers like their menstrual cycle, cortisol curve and energy levels are far from ideal. Similarly, someone who engages in a high volume of cardio and HIIT programs, and is physically very “fit” could have high cellular inflammation and suffer from gut dysbiosis which is not healthy either. Optimal health shouldn’t be sacrificed for performance and body composition, especially over the long-term.
TRICIA YAP
LIMITLESS HEALTH & FITNESS
Tell us something that every woman should know about her own health and well-being. Women’s bodies undergo multiple hormonal journeys from puberty to pregnancy, post-natal, perimenopause and beyond. The female body is also built differently, and our physiology, biochemistry, and psychology change with different life stages. With every subsequent life change, we tend to have fewer resources - think of it as funds in our health bank account - to thrive as opposed to survive. If fat loss is like a luxury handbag, if you’re simply surviving, then you’re buying fat loss on credit - meaning you’ll be paying back the interest for years to come. So first: switch your mindset to replenish and nourish your body through improving gut health, sleep, blood sugar, and recovery. When you thrive, your body will reflect that, too.
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WLA 2021
GOLD WINNER
BEST MEDICAL PRACTICE
Why did you start LifeClinic and LifeHub? I trained as a medical doctor about 30 years ago, and when my wife developed a serious illness in 2017, we of course did all the usual things, including chemotherapy. But I also looked for additional therapies. We were lucky to find specially trained medical doctors here, in Switzerland, and elsewhere who guided us through Functional and Swiss Biological methods that complemented the conventional ones. After my wife made a full recovery we made a decision to help as many people as possible benefit from this integrative approach to health and wellness. How is LifeClinic’s approach different to that of other medical clinics in Hong Kong? While it is sometimes necessary to control the symptoms of illnesses with medication, at LifeClinic we also go the extra mile to investigate the underlying “root causes” of disease, in order to try to improve our clients’ health. This might mean looking for nutritional deficiencies in one person, for environmental toxins or pollutants in another, and for food intolerances in a third. So our health check clients have the option of testing for all these issues that are not provided for in most standard clinics. Everyone is different - each person has a unique genetic make-up and their own unique biochemical imbalances. Therefore, we believe treatments and lifestyle advice must be personalized to their specific needs to be most effective. What are patients looking for at LifeClinic that they’re not finding at conventional practices? Most LifeClinic patients find that our Functional Medicine doctors and practitioners complement their existing regular doctors. This is because most regular doctors, while they might be experts in their areas of specialty to treat existing illnesses, do not have the interest, training or experience in health optimisation - which is the usage of the latest researchbased methods to try to help you work smarter, play harder, and potentially live longer. Some patients also come for an integrative approach for some difficult chronic diseases, or for specific lifestyle conditions like weight loss, better mental performance and energy, or better skin and hair.
LIFECLINIC DR JONATHAN SEAH, CHAIRMAN, LIFECLINIC AND LIFEHUB 22
Tell us more about the concept of well-aging. Why do you think it’s important to invest in your health now? While it is (for now) impossible to live forever, it is already very possible to not just have a higher chance of living longer, and more importantly, to be able to enjoy decent health during one’s elder years - so that we can continue to work and play well into our 70’s, 80’s and 90’s! 50 is the new 30! I believe we have a higher chance of achieving this if we start the process as early as possible - eating healthy, exercising, and with medically-supervised use of certain supplements and other treatments.
WLA 2021
PLATINUM WINNER
CANDICE CHAN (R) AND DR JONATHAN SEAH (C), TWO OF THE FOUNDERS OF LIFEHUB, WITH KENNETH WATHALL (CEO, HK OPERATIONS) (L)
BEST ALTERNATIVE HEALING CENTRE
LIFEHUB You are affiliated with LifeClinic. Can you explain how these two concepts work together? How are they the same, and how are they different? LifeClinic is an integrative medical clinic and LifeHub is an independent medical wellness center. When people are sick, LifeClinic offers a range of medical treatments and services based on Functional Medicine. However, as we know, simply the absence of illness isn’t health. That’s where LifeHub comes in. At LifeHub we focus on disease prevention, performance optimization and tackling the sub-optimal health issues that so many of us suffer from every day. So while LifeHub has a different focus to LifeClinic, we often work together to improve health and wellbeing for all. People talk a lot about “biohacking” - can you explain what this is, and what kind of services LifeHub offers for people interested in exploring biohacking? Biohacking is a movement that started in Silicon Valley, that attempts to use scientific methods to try to raise one’s baseline health potential in order to be able to work smarter, play harder, and to potentially live longer. At LifeHub, we offer several products and services that work to get the best from your body. Some of these include nutrient IV therapy, quick and easy lab tests and supplementation. What’s your most popular service, and can you tell us a bit more about it? Our most popular service is our doctor-supervised IV Drips. The LifeDrip and Skin Glow drips are a favourite! They both
have master antioxidants and other ingredients that have been studied for their ability to detoxify and improve the health and appearance of your skin. A new favourite is our Fountain of Youth IV Drip, which include nutrients that are being researched for their longevity benefits. Many people report feeling more energetic and clear-minded just from one drip! Why do you think people have responded so positively to the services you offer? I think there are three key reasons. Firstly, everything we do is evidence-based and safe. Trained medical team members carry out the services and help educate our clients during treatments. In this way, not only do we offer innovative services that are not readily available elsewhere, but we do it with the trust of our clients. Secondly, we understand that our clients live busy lives but also want results. Our services are designed to try to improve health and performance in a fast, efficient, and affordable manner. Thirdly, our team has worked very hard to improve our customer service over the past year! What’s your plan for LifeHub for the next 12 months? Our plan for LifeHub over the next 12 months is to expand our locations to Kowloon, as well as to mainland China. We hope to be able to reach more people and to support them on their personal health journeys. We are also launching our own line of supplements. We have a lot going on and we’re very excited for the coming year!
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WLA 2021
SILVER WINNER
BEST PERSONAL TRAINER
Congratulations on being named one of Hong Kong's best personal trainers! How does it feel to win? Thank you so much! I’m very honoured, humbled and grateful. It means a lot, but it means even more that our Defin8 community believes in me and my work so much. What motivates you every day? Doing what you love is key, because when you love what you do, you don’t need much motivation at all! I might get tired or feel exhausted sometimes - everyone does. But seeing my clients in the studio and witnessing how they improve and grow stronger just gives me a natural lift and energy boost. As an entrepreneur, how do you stand out from the crowd? I’m not really sure that I do stand out from the crowd, but that’s OK! I know that I always just try my best with everything I do. I also stay involved - I'm very hands on with everything in my work. I didn’t start out with a business degree or any formal background running a company, so it’s all been a great learning experience. But I learn as I go, and make sure to connect with our clients. What's next for Defin8? What are your plans for the next 12 months? Expect some exciting things! Defin8 is expanding to a bigger space, and we’re hoping to move sometime in October. We can't wait to have you guys there!
TRIXIE VELEZ DEFIN8 FITNESS
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When you first launched Defin8, did you ever expect it to become this popular? I started my studio out of a love for movement, and helping people to find their inner strength and potential. I really didn't expect that we would get this far, and that the community would grow so strong. It was a natural process; one thing led to another, and everything just seemed to fall into place. If you could, what advice would you go back and give yourself before starting out? I’d probably tell myself to rest! It doesn’t matter what you’re working towards, it’s always okay to take some breaks and listen to what your body needs. Take charge and recharge!
WLA 2021
GOLD WINNER
Most Beautiful Yoga Studio As a young brand that started during the pandemic, what does this award mean to you? We love what we do, and it’s very gratifying to be recognised by the community that we’re here to serve! We hope that this award means that more people can experience our signature style of yoga. Flowga is an infrared yoga studio with a very unique design. Tell us a bit about the space. We wanted to steer away from the traditional yoga studio feel and offer something a bit more boutique. We also wanted to harness the power of yoga in a setting that encourages, strengthens, and inspires growth and positive transformation. The colour palette has been kept to a minimum. We used materials like concrete and steel to complement the timber flooring, incorporating slightly more masculine elements which we feel balances the natural elegance of yoga. What’s your favourite part of the studio? Definitely the timber flooring in our hot room! It is repurposed maple hardwood flooring from a demolished school gymnasium in Scotland, and it’s around 50 years old. We love that it was once used in a place where children learned and enriched their lives. Now, it continues to serve the same purpose for new generations, in our studio half way across the planet! What kind of environment do you try to offer? As a boutique studio, we want to make your hour with us the best 60 minutes of your day. We practice in a candlelit, heated room with no mirrors and no distractions. This is your time to stop thinking and start feeling. We want you to allow yourself to be messy and sweaty, and become that badass you never thought existed.
FLOWGA
CO-FOUNDER, SASHA KOLAROV
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WLA 2021
GOLD WINNER
BEST POST-GYM MEAL
Were you surprised to hear that Chickpea was chosen as the reader’s choice for best post-gym meal? I’m not surprised that people like to refuel on Chickpea after a big workout, as we do tick a lot of boxes for flavour and macros! I am surprised however by how many people voted for us! Pleasantly surprised but also very proud of the recognition, if I’m being honest. What was your mission when you first designed the concept and menu for Chickpea? We opened Chickpea to shake the stigma that Middle Eastern food has to be heavy or even unhealthy. We wanted to make health and wellness a focal point of the brand, and I’m glad that it’s been received so well. Which are your most popular items for healthconscious customers? Our bowls are very popular, in particular the hummus bowl and salad bowl. They’re ideal because you have a healthy base to work from, which by itself offers a lot of nutrients, whole foods, and of course, flavour. Then you can tailor it with proteins and toppings to make the bowl of your dreams! At the same time, we like to balance it out with some naughtier menu options, like our saucy fries. What challenges did you face launching a new business during the pandemic? We deliberately opted for a takeaway business model because of COVID. So dine-in restrictions weren’t a problem for us, but every business still has its challenges. In contrast to a restaurant, we can’t get instant feedback from our customers. We send the food off and just hope that the people eating it enjoy it. It can be hard to know where we stand. It’s only by seeing customers return or leave a nice review that we know it’s gone over well. It means a lot to us.
CHICKPEA ALEX MALOUF, FOUNDER, CATCH CONCEPTS 26
What are your plans for Chickpea? We would love to open more shops and continue to grow the brand. We could even play around with the business model and possibly introduce a dine-in concept. Growth is definitely the plan, so let’s just see what 2022 holds!
WLA 2021
PLATINUM WINNER
BEST MINDFUL JEWELLERY
FLO JEWELLERY Founded in 2015, FLO JEWELLERY’s mission is to inspire, empower and enlighten people through symbolic jewellery energised by nature and ancient wisdom. Elegant in their simplicity, their collections are sustainably handcrafted by expert jewellers, and are designed to be worn by both men and women. During the pandemic, founder Flora Chan designed an aromatherapy diffuser that clips onto your mask or clothing with a magnet to deliver your favourite calming scent all day long. What’s next? FLO JEWELLERY will be opening a new flagship store in Central this month, their next step in spreading the message of gratitude and wellbeing. In addition to showcasing mindful jewellery, the venue will play host to regular workshops and holistic healing services. IG/FB: @flojewelleryofficial, 5398 8188, flojewellery.com FLORA CHAN, FOUNDER, FLO JEWELLERY
GOLD WINNER
BEST ONLINE STORE
BILTONG CHIEF Fed up with struggling to source decent South African-style meat in Hong Kong, university friends Dylan and Matt, both South Africans who represented Hong Kong in rugby, decided to start importing biltong themselves. If you’re not familiar, biltong is a South African air-dried jerky that makes for an excellent high protein post-workout snack (though it also goes great with a beer!). Partnering with their South African butcher, they developed a recipe using grass-fed beef, less sugar and zero MSG. Their range of products has since grown well beyond meat snacks, and Biltong Chief now offers a full range of restaurant-quality meats, barbecue products and great value South African beer and wine. Biltong Chief offers next-day delivery to your doorstep, or visit Chief’s Blend, their biltong bar in Wan Chai. 5964-4418, biltongchief.com MATT ROSSLEE, CO-FOUNDER, BILTONG CHIEF 27
WLA 2021
GOLD WINNER
BEST TCM PRACTITONER
TROY SING, HEALTH WISE
One of Hong Kong’s most highly regarded TCM practitioners, Troy Sing has been practicing in Hong Kong for decades, with an excellent track record among clients looking for help with fertility issues, women’s and men’s health, sport performance, injury recovery and dermatology. Troy takes a holistic view, and ensures that all treatment protocols complement, rather than contradict, western medical treatments, and his warm, personable approach immediately puts you at ease. Their dispensary contains more than 300 herbs, which can be expertly blended to help you achieve optimal health. Suite 1003 10/F, Winway Building, 50 Wellington St., Central, 2526-7908, chinesemed.hk
PLATINUM WINNER
BEST NEW STUDIO
IKIGAI
One of the city’s most up-and-coming health, wellness and lifestyle brands, IKIGAI was founded in 2019. It currently has two locations in Central and Causeway Bay. Derived from the Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being”, IKIGAI is a boutique yoga and wellness studio brand offering experiences that encourage physical and mental transformation. IKIGAI provides a wide variety of yoga, meditation and movement classes, private yoga programmes, workshops, training and events. 7/F, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan St., Central; 21-23/F, Art Piece Building, 3 Matheson St., Causeway Bay, 9013-3701, ikigai.hk.
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WLA 2021
PLATINUM WINNER
BEST ECO CLEANING
ECOSTORE
New Zealand’s leading environmental and sustainable brand, ecostore offers cleaning products for your home and body and with their commitment to the environment, there’s no surprise they were voted Hong Kong’s favourite eco cleaning brand. Everything they do is with the planet in mind, from recyclable sugar cane plastic packaging, to setting up 200plus refill stations in more than 10 countries worldwide, including right here in Hong Kong. Their Auckland factory, where they develop and manufacture all their hardworking, effective products with no unnecessary chemicals, is certified carbon zero. ecostore.hk MALCOLM AND MELANIE RANDS, CO-FOUNDERS, ECOSTORE
PLATINUM WINNER
BEST BEDDING
BAMBOA Hong Kong’s original bamboo home and lifestyle brand, Bamboa has been promoting the sustainable and skinfriendly properties of bamboo since 2008. All of Bamboa’s products are chosen for adhering to the highest social and environmental standards, and include bed sheets, towels, homewares,clothing and accessories for men and women. All of their products are made from bamboo, one of the most sustainable resources in the world. One hundred percent natural, silky soft, anti-bacterial and cooling, bamboo products from Bamboa are both gentle on the skin and gentle on the planet. They also grow bamboo through their Grow Bamboo Initiative, which fights climate change and helps empowers local communities. S304, Block Staunton, 35 Aberdeen Street (PMQ), Central, 2291-0285, bamboahome.com JULIA WASHBOURNE, FOUNDER, BAMBOA 29
PLATINUM WINNER
BEST DAY SPA
SENSE OF TOUCH AURÉLIE COMES
Specialising in CBT, EMDR + Depression and Anxiety Disorders (including Eating Disorder and Trauma)
HAS THE PANDEMIC FUELLED A SURGE IN DISORDERED EATING HABITS?
W
e have all been unequivocally impacted by this pandemic, whether it is through being separated by our loved ones, working from home or adjusting to the new rules, being locked at home more often has created a new challenge for those managing a difficult relationship with food. The uncertainty of this pandemic has also brought disruption and chaos into our lives with changes we never thought we would have to make. In addition, with gyms closing, no commute and limited social interaction, we became sedentary more than ever leading us to weight gain or over-exercising as a way of compensating. Concerning behaviors we should look out for are tracking calories, weighing food, allowing yourself to only eat certain foods and seeing other food as ‘bad’ and overexercising. If you are experiencing some form of distress around going out to eat or skipping a workout, the first step to get help is to raise these concerns with someone you trust so they can offer support. It is also important to seek professional help as therapy will help you build a healthier relationship with your body and food.
CENTRAL MINDS 8th & 10th Floor VC House,4-6 On Lan Street, Central, 2813-6108, centralminds.hk 30
Celebrating its 19th anniversary this month, Sense of Touch is Asia’s most awarded day spa, with locations in Central, Repulse Bay and Tseung Kwan O. This proudly homegrown company delivers all-round beauty care, from high-tech, results-driven facials to indulgent pamper sessions using natural and organic products. With almost two decades at the forefront of Hong Kong’s spa industry under its belt, Sense of Touch has been chosen as one of Hong Kong’s leading spas by multiple wellness authorities. As part of its commitment to a more sustainable operation, the brand has begun to make a transition to more eco-friendly practices, working with brands such as Comfort Zone to deliver sustainable skincare without compromising on quality. senseoftouch.com.hk
DION LEUNG, GENERAL MANAGER, SENSE OF TOUCH
GOLD WINNER
BEST KIDS’ SPORTS CLUB
ISLAND SPORTS Island Sports was founded with the idea to encourage a love of sports and an active lifestyle in kids, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy habits. Over the years, the company has supported many youngsters in reaching their personal and sporting milestones. If your child lacks confidence, their passionate and nurturing coaches will help them find their feet. Starting from just 18 months old, tots learn the fundamentals with Sports Playgroup sessions, establishing key skills, before progressing to a sport of their choosing within Island Sports’ diverse programme. Right now they offer swimming, skateboarding, tennis, hockey, rugby and football as sports to specialise in. Island Sports places an additional focus on developing soft skills such as the confidence to try new things, communication skills and social expectations, alongside physical development, to help shape well-rounded individuals. Founder Alex Tam is also excited to enhance their birthday party offerings, incorporating costumes, decorations, pinatas and party bags into a full-service package that takes the headache out of party planning. Room 716, Wayland Industrial Building, 131-132, 7/F Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, 5599-8805, islandsportshk.com
LIVE LIFE AND LOSE WEIGHT? Fat loss to blood sugar management to hormone optimization… to managing PMS or the menopause… improving energy & mood or just feeling happier in your skin…
B
eth can show you how. From navigating her own health journey to helping men and women throughout Hong Kong and worldwide, she creates personalized programs that improve health, help lose unwanted pounds and still allow you to live a full and active life. WHAT’S THIS MAGIC ‘WRIGHT WAY’ THAT CHANGES SO MANY LIVES? “The key is taking a truly personalized approach, I get to know my client, their goals, their lifestyle to help them achieve change. I look at the whole picture – nutrition, exercise, hormone health, mental health, their stressors and derailers. Sometimes we have to focus on basic foundations such as sleep and managing stress first before we do anything else. I am passionate about empowering my clients to understand their bodies, how to manage blood sugar, what their hormones are doing and what they can do from a lifestyle, exercise, or nutrition perspective to improve all health biomarkers. “I’m passionate about teaching people how to be healthier and happier - not just today but forever. We all deserve to feel good no matter what age or stage of life we are in. There are a lot of things we can’t control right now… but health is something we can make positive and life changing choices about.” CONTACT BETH FOR: • • • • • • • • •
ALEX TAM, FOUNDER, ISLAND SPORTS
Fat loss Hormone optimization Blood sugar management PMS / PCOS and other female health issues Menopause symptoms Gut health Feeling burnt out Stress management Sleep www.bfit-thewrightway.com beth@bfit-thewrightway.com IG/ @bfit_thewrightway FB/ https://www.facebook.com/bfitthewrightway
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Liv’s Choice 2021
The BEST of the REST
The Liv team is often asked for their personal recommendations - and here they are! These are our favourite new and established brands that truly walk the talk when it comes to wellness and sustainability. Meet our Liv’s Choice award winners!
MO HLIA A one-stop shop for luxury gifting, MOHLIA pioneered the infinity flower - floral arrangements that last for years - in Asia. Aiming to strike a balance between luxury and innovation, Mohlia has also created their own sulphite-free wines, and regularly collaborates with local and international brands on gift sets that combine their signature blooms with desserts, fragrances, candles, jewellery and more. LAB-102, B1, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, Tsim Sha Tsui, 6072-9118, mohlia.shop.
ST U DI O L A LUNE Studio La Lune is the first wellness studio in Hong Kong that focuses entirely on women and their wellbeing. It provides wellness and yoga classes to women and aims to create a safe and sacred space for them to connect with themselves and others. The studio offers both traditional yoga classes and unique classes structured around key transformational stages of a woman’s life, including pregnancy, menopause and the menstrual cycle. La Lune also hosts special events and workshops that relate to women, femininity and how to fully develop their highest potential. 4/F Kai Kwong House, 13 Wyndham St., Central, 9226-8464, studiolalunehk.com
E STHE CLINIC EstheClinic is a new generation of beauty clinics that combines medical expertise and ground-breaking technologies for pain-free, non-invasive and highly effective aesthetic treatments. You’ll find a solution for just about every concern imaginable, from permanent hair removal to anti-ageing, body slimming and shaping, and even hair loss. The team firmly believes that confidence comes from within, but it also helps to feel great in your skin and know that you’re the very best version of yourself. 16/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 3615-0919; Shop F, G/F, King’s Hill, 38 Western St., Sai Ying Pun, 2612 1388, estheclinic.com.hk.
O RK A W ELLNE SS Pioneered by wellness professionals Aswini Rachel and Nobin John, Orka Wellness is gearing up to become a lifestyle brand with a vision to make wellness tasty, affordable, and socially responsible. Their newly launched Orka Organics line comprises wellness teas, adaptogenic beverages, low-GI sweeteners, vegan meat alternatives, supplements and snacks. Their primary focus is to lower their carbon footprint with a “farm-to-pantry” approach to sourcing, cutting out middlemen and committing to eco-friendly packaging. Coming soon: a wellness cafe on Wyndham Street - keep your eyes peeled! orkawellness.com
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Liv’s Choice 2021
Z E R O YE T100 One of our favourite made-in-Hong Kong skincare brands, ZeroYet100 was founded by two best friends, Anita Patel and Sheetal Avlani, who passionately believe that natural is better. Their products are potent yet completely free from chemicals. Their ingredients lists are totally transparent and everything is made by hand in their Hong Kong workshop. What’s more, all their packaging is fully recyclable, meaning you’re not only making a conscious choice for your body, but also for the environment. Their star product is their gender-neutral deodorant, which has won fans across the city for its skin-friendly but effective formulation. 702 Car Po Commercial Building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2524-4948, zeroyet100.com
A S P H ODEL Hong Kong’s first CrossFit gym, Asphodel was founded in 2010. Since then, it has grown to become a full-service strength & conditioning facility (though it still offers CrossFit) and works with athletes, or anyone wanting to get in the best shape of their lives. What we love about Asphodel is the passion for what they do and the tight-knit and supportive community they’ve created, with regular charity events and kids’ programmes that really help to promote fitness and wellbeing to all sectors of society. Their “Keep Moving Kids” programme accepts little ones as young as 2.5 years. Children then progress through their kids and pre-teen classes until they’re ready to join the regular sessions. G/F, Shop 11, Nam Hung Mansion, 22-23 Praya ,Kennedy Town, 3568-7719, asphodel.fit
O KO O KO If you’re ready to splurge on the best sleep of your life, your first stop needs to be at Okooko. This full-service bedding store focuses on organic latex mattresses, adjustable slatted bed bases and bedding accessories, all made of natural and sustainable materials. Okooko provides a customisable sleeping system where your bed base, mattress and pillow work together to provide excellent back support for all ages, builds, sleeping positions and personal preferences. You can even order a king-size mattress with a different firmness on each side to match each partner’s sleeping preference. Fully customisable, they also offer extra-large mattresses for families, or even custom sizes to fit yachts. Don’t need a new mattress but still want to upgrade your sleep? Try their organic, hypoallergenic latex foam pillows and bamboo fibre bed sheets for a dreamy night’s sleep. Stop by their cosy showroom in Central to learn more. 13/F, The Plaza LKF, 21 D’Aguilar St., Central, 6286-1132, europeanbedding.hk
TRI BE BY I N D IGO Spice up your space! We all know that a key element of wellness is creating a sanctuary where you can relax and find peace. TRIBE by Indigo can help you reach your ultimate interior design goals. Empowering you to fully express yourself with curated home furnishings, TRIBE delivers super accessible design, furniture and accessories with zero compromises on style and function, all without breaking the bank. Fitting right into your space and lifestyle, mix and match your favourite styles from across the range to create a home that reflects you and your tribe. 6/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing St., Ap Lei Chau, 2555-0540, tribebyindigo.com
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Food
HEALTHY RECIPE
Vegan Tofu & Pea Curry BY SPICEBOX ORGANICS
Low-fat and super easy to make, this vegan curry dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a plant-based spin on mattar paneer, a popular Indian recipe traditionally made with cottage cheese – just swap the cheese for tofu, and dig in!
INGREDIENTS
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
• 300g tofu
• 120 ml coconut milk (regular or reduced-fat)
• 130g frozen garden peas
• 1 tsp coarse sea salt plus pepper to taste
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1.5 tbsp peeled ginger
• 4 tbsp cilantro finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 tbsp olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS: TIME
20 minutes
TIP: Enjoy with bread, naan, or rice. 36
1. Start by preparing the tofu. Drain it well, wrap it in a paper towel and squeeze gently to remove any excess water. Cube the tofu and set aside. 2. In a pot, heat 3 tbsps of oil, add the bay leaf, garlic, ginger and onion and fry on medium heat for a minute, stirring often. 3. Add garam masala, cumin and turmeric and continue frying for another minute or so, stirring often. 4. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the meantime, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a separate large pan and fry tofu over medium heat until golden brown (about 2 minutes on each side). 5. Remove sauce from heat, discard the bay leaf and puree the sauce. 6. Add coconut milk, cilantro, tofu and frozen peas. Reheat the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve!
How Can Osteopathy Help Keep Your Child Happy and Healthy? By Katherine Bond-Webster (M.Ost, ND, H.K.O.A.) on behalf of the Hong Kong Osteopathic Association Ask any parent what they want for their kids and they are likely to say that they just want them to be healthy and happy. Giving our little ones the best health support throughout their journey into adulthood can however often be confusing and quite frankly intimidating. Who can you turn to when your new
born baby isn’t sleeping well, when your toddler is getting one ear infection after another, or when your teenager has neck or back pain after being scrunched over a keyboard for hours of the day or night? If you are looking for an effective option that does not focus on medication as the first line of treatment, then why not give Osteopathy a go? It is a noninvasive, gentle hands-on approach, that doesn’t just work for adults, but is also highly effective for treating baby to teen and everything in between. Our children go through enormous changes in their lives that can impact them both physically and mentally. A difficult birth, childhood accidents and teenage stresses can all be challenging. Osteopathy can help throughout this process by meeting the needs of your child at each stage of development to help them flourish into healthy young adults.
Osteopaths treat all ages, even newborns starting from a few weeks old. Babies who experience a challenging birth may experience strains in the body which can contribute to sleep disturbances, feeding issues, digestive problems or even a mishappen head (often called plagiocephaly). Babies and children of all ages respond particularly well to Cranial Osteopathy which utilises a subtle, refined touch to ease strains within the body to ease discomfort and improve overall function. Cranial Osteopathy provides a gateway into treating even unsettled, irritable babies who can’t tell us what exactly the problem is. As children grow they may have difficulties with walking, scoliosis, headaches, or recurrent sports injuries that don’t seem to go away. Osteopaths use an integrative approach, looking at not only the muscles and joints, but the nerves, connective tissue, and other organs to formulate a complete treatment plan for your child to help them develop not only into a healthy child, but young adult as well. Beyond muscular aches and pains, Osteopathy can also be beneficial either on its own or in conjunction with other therapies for conditions such urinary issues, period pain, and sinus problems.
The initial appointment starts with a detailed assessment that covers your complete child’s health history, including birth experience. This is usually followed by a physical examination allowing the Osteopath to come up with a treatment plan that also frequently includes support you can give at home. Osteopaths recognise the importance of providing the best environment for your child to thrive and will take every measure possible to achieve the best care for you and your child. As a result of Osteopathic support parents often find that their child may have less disturbed sleep, better digestive health and is more settled and happier at home and at school.
Find your HKOA registered Osteopath www.osteopathy.org.hk
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Home
RIGHT AT HOME
with Kate Springer
A
fter 12 years of revitalisation works, the Central Market (centralmarket.hk) opened for business once again on August 23. The rejuvenated 80-year-old Grade III historic building feels a bit more polished than one might expect from a former wet market but many of the architectural details have been preserved, including the grand staircase with its recognisable Bauhausstyle lines and curves. While food - cute cafes, specialty stalls and a dedicated “Street Food Central” area - remain the market’s focus, I was excited to discover an array of lifestyle and homeware boutiques created or curated by local indie brands. Here are a few of the highlights, just in case you’re looking to add a touch of old and new - Hong Kong style to your flat.
SEON HONG KONG This is the ultimate Hong Kong-inspired home and stationery store for all your office and organisational needs. Choose from sticky notes and pencil cases, notebooks, thermos bottles, mouse pads, insulated food jars and more, in gorgeous designs inspired by old-school cha chaan teng tiles, dishes and takeaway cups. seon.store
PIMARY Specialising in sustainable lifestyle products, Pimary boutique feels like a soothing escape in the middle of the otherwise busy market. You’ll find everything from calming brews by Love Tea to nature-inspired candles by Finnish brand HETKINEN, calming incense sticks (in fun scents like sparkling yuzu and bitter pink ginger), handy bamboo toothbrushes, glass straws, kitchenware and much more. pimaryhk.com 38
MIRAGE SPACE One of the first boutiques you’ll find at the entrance on Queen’s Road is Mirage Space. Not only does the shop carry playful, handdrawn notepads and greeting cards crafted by local Hong Kong artists, but the Centralthemed tote bags and throw pillows serve as a sweet homage to the city.
Home
INSIDE LATITUDE FOR LIVING It’s hard to walk by this kaleidoscopic space where internationally sourced textiles, glassware, ceramics and candles make perfect gifts for friends - or a nice treat for yourself. Shop for beautifully crafted glassware by Hong Kong’s own BOMSHBEE, invest in delicious smelling soaps from Aussie brand Freshwater Farm and take home vibrant block-printed tablecloths by Indian brand Surat. If you appreciate colour and travelling via design, this is the boutique for you. inside.com.hk
SLOWOOD Easily one of the most popular boutiques at Central Market, Slowood is all abuzz with eco-curious shoppers looking to stock up on low- or zero-waste home goods. Reusable beeswax wraps? Got them. Recyclable copper cleaning pads? Yep. Olive wood bowls? Find them here. While this location feels a bit more cramped than its Kennedy Town or Discovery Bay counterparts, the shop still manages to surprise you with beautifully designed kitchen gear and lifestyle products. Even the LUUNA Naturals menstrual cups and dust bins are gorgeous! slowood.hk
FOREFOREHEAD As a self-proclaimed “weird but cute” boutique, Foreforehead delivers on its promise to add joy and playfulness to your home. Check out the melange of glassware, vintage knick-knacks and contemporary homeware, including beautiful “Wishes Plates” by the Cabinet, featuring Canton-style porcelain designs, vintage Suntory Ade ET highball glasses, and rainbow-hued FOEKJE FLEUR “Ceramic Bottle” flower vases, which aim to raise awareness about plastic waste. fb.foreforehead
Kate Springer is a Hong Kong-based lifestyle writer who contributes to Vogue, CNN, Home Journal, Tatler, BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Fodor’s, Vice, and more. You can follow her on Instagram @katespringer. Send news about exciting home and design stories to kate@kate-springer.com.
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Family
FITFAM
with Ziggy Makant
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT BODY IMAGE H ow do you talk to your kids about their bodies? For that matter, how do you talk about yours? The way we relate to our own bodies, coupled with images we see on social media, can have a knock-on effect when it comes to our children's self-esteem. According to internal research by Facebook and Instagram, social media platforms negatively impact an estimated one in three teenage girls, and are causing a “teen mental health deep dive.” This just goes to show that in a world where we’re constantly exposed to filtered realities, having conversations early on with our kids about how they view themselves is more important than ever before. Having recovered from disordered eating myself, and as a personal trainer to women, I know just how early the negative self-talk can start and how persistent it can be. Now that I’m raising my own children, I’m trying to encourage a healthier body image in them, by promoting positive self-talk and teaching them not to judge others based on their appearance. Body image is the way we feel about our bodies. It contributes to our self-esteem from an early age, and is often shaped by what others say. Helping your child to build a healthy body image can mean making them feel confident with how they look, what they can do, and how they grow and move. Here are some of my tips to help your family approach this from a more neutral, conscious and considerate place:
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MODEL DESIRED BEHAVIOUR
AVOID LABELS
Young children are sponges, and they will always do as we do - no matter what we say. They’re listening even when we think they aren’t! So first, we have to check in with our own relationship with our bodies. If you catch yourself not speaking kindly to yourself, it may be time to start rewiring some of the thought patterns you have. If you’re struggling, consider seeking help from a health coach, nutritionist or even a psychologist to unpack the thought patterns and behaviours you’ve developed.
No food is “good” or “bad” - even junk food! I believe a balanced diet is one where we can indulge without guilt or shame. Steer clear of using terms like “fat” to describe our own bodies or someone else’s. I promote talking kindly about our bodies and giving gratitude for all the things they can do. My children joyfully poke my postpartum belly calling it my “jelly belly”, which I say I’m grateful for because it gave me two clever boys!
TEACH KINDNESS AND ACCEPTANCE I call out body-shaming when I see it, whether it is one of my children or an adult shaming themselves or someone else for their appearance. Teaching kindness and acceptance for different body types promotes empathy, and helps little ones to better handle and navigate bullying. I teach them that all bodies are good bodies - no matter the size, shape, colour or texture.
Family
ECO IDEAS
GREEN YOUR HALLOWEEN! Halloween is just around the corner, which typically means individually wrapped sweets, use-once-andtoss costumes, and plastic decorations galore - scary, and not in a good way! Here are a few tried-and-true suggestions for greening up your spooky season.
DITCH
INSTEAD
Store-bought halloween costumes from the Lanes that you’ll only use once
• Make your own costumes - Pinterest has loads of ideas! • Organise a costume swap with friends • Visit Retykle for their annual Halloween Costume Swap (book a free pickup to swap your pre-loved halloween costume before October 15)
Single-use plastic decorations that won’t last through the holiday
• Get crafty with spooky paper decorations that can biodegrade or get
Individually plastic-
• Hit up the pick-and-mix • Prepare homemade treats • Choose sweets that come in cardboard or paper packaging.
wrapped candy
The one-time plastic pumpkin basket
recycled • Carve a pumpkin, roast the insides and compost the shell when you're done!
• Use a reusable container, pillow case or canvas tote bag to collect all the treats this year. Use some fabric pens to add some spooky flourishes!
Ziggy is a Hong Kong-based mum of two, pre- and postnatal trainer, micro-influencer, and co-host of the Mom Body Soul Podcast. She loves all things motherhood, sustainability and parenting. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @zig.fitmama or reach out to say hello at ziggy.fit.pt@gmail.com for FitFam leads and pitches!
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