Tuesday 17 June 2014

"What's your body type??"







A few months ago, I wanted to lose weight for my older brother's wedding and at the same time I was trying to increase my strength. My workout was based on the strength-gaining program called 5-3-1 by Jim Wendler, and the diet I was doing definitely didn't supply me with the amount of energy I needed to constantly increase the weights I was lifting. I did reach the body weight I wanted to have in time for the wedding, but I sacrificed all the numbers I was working so hard to gain.

I knew that the diet I was on was not realistic to maintain for more than a month, and I actually didn't stay on it any longer than that. I eventually got back to eating the way I normally do, and I'll admit- it's not always the healthiest meals. Even though I started eating more, I still struggled to increase my gains for my workout and I just couldn't understand why.
John showed me this article online which talks about knowing what your body type is. This article reminded me that one diet does not fit all, and everyone's body is different. Depending on your body type- you may have to eat more or less of certain foods to maintain/lose/gain weight. The type of exercises you do would also depend on your body type to get your desired results.

Make sure to understand what kind of body type you have and how your body works instead of doing some crazy diet or exercise routine. It's so basic but so important!! By simply adjusting your workouts and diet to specifically to meet the needs of YOUR body can get you to your goal that much faster.

Here's the link for the article: "What is your body type?"

Take the quick test on the site and see what your body type is if you don't already know :)

-K

Saturday 14 June 2014

Pear Tree Restaurant- Cabbagetown

A few weeks ago John and I found this little gem of a restaurant in Cabbagetown. I was looking for a new restaurant for us to try for John's birthday, and randomly chose this one. I'm so glad I did!! The place was cute, service was great and the food was delicious!! We liked it so much that we went back there the week after with John's siblings.

Atmosphere: Inside- 8 Outside Patio-9
Customer Service: 8
Food Quality: 9
Price: Medium

Pear Tree Restaurant- 507 Parliament Street
Chandelier
Art work of featured artist


Pear Tree is located in Cabbagetown Toronto. You can walk from Sherbourne Station or take a quick street car ride from College Station. The restaurant isn't that big, but does stretch pretty far back to include a patio. This restaurant has an indoor patio which allows you to enjoy natural sunlight or the view outside without actually having to sit outside. Their outdoor patio is more like a backyard patio. It's not that big but can probably seat around 15 people comfortably.

The inside of the restaurant is dimly lighted which makes for a nice romantic dinner. The brick walls are filled with paintings which features a local artist. The server mentioned that the restaurant features works of different artists and sells them- 100% of the profit goes back to the artist. He also mentioned that they have quite a long wait list if you want to try to have your work up on their wall.
We received good service on both occasions. However, we did have a little mishap during our first visit. The server was professional enough to take care of it but didn't go above and beyond to rectify the situation. Nonetheless, we didn't let it ruin our experience because the food was really good!

Regular Menu & Fixed-Prix Menu
Complimentary Bread

The appearance of the menu really didn't look that much- it could definitely be updated. The price of everything was really reasonable, and even the fixed-prix menu was definitely a bang for your buck! Everything on the fixed-prix menu ranged from $20-$25, and there was a good amount of options for your appetizer, main and dessert. The complimentary bread was delicious and the taste was unique. The flavour had a hint of a cheesy taste, and it was served hot and moist :)

Kim's Meal
Butternut Squash Soup
Breast of Chicken Burgundy with Mashed Potatoes and Veggies   
Chocolate Truffle Cake
I chose the butternut squash soup as my appetizer. The soup was creamy, and the taste of cinnamon was not overpowering- which I feel like can be the case at most restaurants. The soup had a lot of flavour and it went great with the complimentary bread. My main meal was their burgundy chicken which was chicken breast topped off with a red wine pearl onion sauce and mashed potatoes. The chicken was nice and moist, and the sauce was such a unique flavour. I still crave the sauce till now! The portion for everything was great considering the price! I was so full at the end of my meal that eating my dessert was a struggle- which is usually not the case. 

All their cake desserts were from the company La Rocca, but those cakes are also available in some grocery stores. So as yummy as the cake was, something a little less common would have been better. 

John's Meal

Potato Leek Soup

Surf & Turf w/ Basmati Rice & Veggies 

Carrot Cake

To start, I had the potato leek soup which was made in house. It was really well seasoned and spiced with a variety of different herbs. The texture of the soup was light and chunky and it was the perfect start to my whole experience at Pear Tree.

The main dish featured a 10oz new york strip loin steak that was cooked medium rare, covered and marinated to perfection with garlic butter. The lobster tail was also really good and it was marinated with garlic butter as well. I rarely ever eat lobster so I personally don't know what great lobster is suppose to taste like but I enjoyed it a lot. I ordered their basmati rice as a side which I really felt it blended well with the meats. All in all, great quality, large servings and great price!

I usually don't get dessert after a meal but this carrot cake disappeared faster than it arrived. Cakes are just cakes, as long as they're sweet and moist that's good enough for me.

Overall, great place for date night! Great food, good portions, and lovely environment :)

Pear Tree's Website


- J & K

Wednesday 11 June 2014

Update

Hi all!

I apologize for not posting any reviews in the past couple of weeks- things have been a little bit hectic. But I will definitely be posting a review by the end of this week on hidden gem John and I found in Cabbagetown!

Also, I know originally I said you would read from a "his/her perspective" when it came to the restaurant reviews but it seems that John and I usually have similar experiences, so it will seem repetitive to read both of our full reviews on a place.  So from now on, John and I will combine our reviews on places in ONE post as opposed to two separate posts.

Also, workout/diet tips will be posted soon..PROMISE. So until then, if you have any questions/suggestions feel free to comment below :)

P.S. Follow us on instagram!! ---> username: BARBELLSNBISTROS


-K