Get Active Prize Pack

Comments 78 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Vancouver is one active town and I know this because when there is a hint of sunshine the Sea Wall is just as crowded as the Pattullo Bridge in morning rush hour.

CWilliam_BostonMarathon-9328
Photo: Lululemon

That being said, complimenting an active lifestyle with the right food is key. Now this doesn’t mean snacking on crunchy cardboard diet crackers all day, but just being more aware of the types of food and ingredients that are going into our bodies.

Cruising into our first holiday of the summer many will be indulging in fire-grilled meats, saucy side dishes, and creamy desserts. It’s not quite as belt-loosening as Thanksgiving or Christmas but there are ways to eat right this season and stay active.

A recent StatsCan study showed more than 40 per cent of Canadians aged 20 to 79 have unhealthy cholesterol levels.

I was approached to run a contest in partnership with Becel pro.activ calorie-reduced margarine with plant sterols. Of course before I could begin, I had to look into what exactly “plant sterols” are.

Plant sterols occur naturally in everyday foods like vegetable oils, nuts, grains and fruits, and have been studied for decades for their cholesterol-lowering effects. Though they are found in everyday foods, Canadians aren’t able to consume enough to significantly reduce their cholesterol – up until now: Health Canada recently approved the addition of plant sterols to certain food products for their cholesterol-lowering claims. Links: Plant Sterols on About.com, Plant Sterols on Wikipedia.

To promote lowering your cholesterol this summer with healthy food and an active lifestyle, Becel is offering up a prize pack to one of my readers. This includes:

  • A gym pass for one month (for local gym near the winner)
  • Jump rope
  • Water bottle
  • Yoga ball
  • Pedometer
  • Becel pro.activ coupons (x2)
  • Free consultation with Melodie Yong, a Vancouver-based dietitian
  • Approximate value of the prize pack is $200. To enter to win, please leave a comment below stating how you will stay active this summer.

    This could be from starting (or continuing) a morning run, kayaking in Deep Cove, doing the Grouse Grind, or cycling through Stanley Park. I’ll draw one winner Tuesday July 6th and they’ll be able to pick out a gym in their neighbourhood for their 1 month membership.

    Update The winner is Julie! Congratulations and have fun being active this summer!

    Disclosure cmp.ly/0 I was not paid to write this post or conduct this contest

    78 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

    1. JenWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 4:17pm PDT

      I will be going to yoga regularly this summer 🙂

    2. JeremyWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 4:18pm PDT

      I have been going on more walks instead of driving and will continue through the summer!

    3. OanaWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 4:19pm PDT

      I plan to go for runs in Pacific Spirit Park with my dog, and have also started the 100 Push Up Challenge.

    4. TriciaWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 4:27pm PDT

      My summer’s all about dragonboat and ultimate frisbee on a weekly basis, interspersed with tennis, golf swimming and short runs. Kayaking, hiking and biking trips now and then are nice too. The gym membership would be great once the weather gets dreary in the fall!

    5. angelaWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 4:33pm PDT

      Running after the kids at the park!

    6. DilaraWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 4:51pm PDT

      My summer exercise consists of jogging and doing the Grouse Grind.

    7. MarkWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 4:56pm PDT

      I stay active year round riding my bike instead of using public transit/driving. It’s not much but it’s enough.

    8. mariaWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 4:59pm PDT

      Some nice long walks! Hopefully our weather improves!

    9. ApollineRWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 5:09pm PDT

      I will walk

    10. LyndseyWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 5:24pm PDT

      doing yoga, hope to bike a bit.

    11. bekkiWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 5:44pm PDT

      I will starting biking more.

    12. MonaWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 6:29pm PDT

      I go running a few times a week.

    13. KatherineWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 6:43pm PDT

      Walk West Van seawall and/or North Van trails 4X a week..

    14. ChamindaWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 7:03pm PDT

      I go running 3 times a week and do yoga 2 days.

    15. KrisWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 7:30pm PDT

      I hike in the North Shore mountains a couple times a month, and walk/jog on the Burnaby Mountain trails a couple times a week.

    16. Patrick M.Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 8:30pm PDT

      I’d be fighting forest fires, but luckily for the Okanagan,it seems like they’re going to be saved from that this year.

      Seems I’ll have to get back on the bicycle after all 😛

    17. XingjiWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 9:00pm PDT

      I plan to bike to work.

    18. Sandra M.Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 9:17pm PDT

      I was just told my cholesteral levels have doubled in the past 6 months which means I have to do some serious excercising … and the prize pack is just what I need. :o) I’m going to start by exercising at lunch time and walking after dinner.

    19. NicoleWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 9:51pm PDT

      i’ll be doing the grouse grind!

    20. KaliWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 10:01pm PDT

      I just bought a new bike, and have been riding long distances on the weekends to stay fit. Considering membership at the YWCA to swim after work during the week.

    21. lianeWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 10:16pm PDT

      I have just recently moved to Vancouver so I’m excited to run the Sea Wall, and get dragged up the Grouse Grind by my friends!

    22. BonnieWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 10:20pm PDT

      I’ll be swimming at Kits pool this year — only a block away, so no excuses!

    23. GladysWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 11:00pm PDT

      I’m hoping to hit the gym at work more often, supplemented by workouts with my wii aerobics routine.

    24. lucWednesday, June 30th, 2010 — 11:27pm PDT

      My wife will chase me around the house!

    25. TobyThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 1:09am PDT

      I moved near the seawall a couple months ago and have since taken up jogging three to four times a week. Shedding pounds like I never imagined possible and having a great time doing it! I’m looking forward to my most active summer ever. 😀

    26. JohannesThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 2:02am PDT

      Running in Stanley Park is the way to go!

    27. MIKEThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 7:27am PDT

      Living in Vancouver with its awesome beaches, I naturally take to the beaach and ennjoy running along the shoreline. Swimming is also a favourite exercise and best of all I can exercise and its free to be me.

    28. JulieThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 7:28am PDT

      Continuing to train to run 10km, something I never EVER thought I’d be able to do, but I’m already half way there!

    29. GusFThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 8:53am PDT

      I need to be more active, you think with walking to work and walking a dog I’d lose some weight, but NO. 🙂

    30. LeanneThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 9:14am PDT

      I plan to ride my bike on the seawall.

    31. TeresaThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 12:06pm PDT

      I am going to jog 2-3 times per week.

    32. DeeThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 12:35pm PDT

      I stay active by riding my bike and going to yoga. I’d like to take up running.

    33. NicoleThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 12:48pm PDT

      I stay active by taking advantage of the bike routes in Vancouver and am will discover a new walking/hiking trail once a week.

    34. ErinThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 1:13pm PDT

      Morning run, hot yoga, runner’s yoga, cycling the sea wall and doing the Grouse Grind.

    35. ErinThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 1:17pm PDT

      Swimming at Kits pool and riding my bike. It’s a beach cruiser so it’ll slay me on hills. Stupid sensible vs cuteness battle!

    36. ChrisThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 4:19pm PDT

      With a decision to either play or pass on softball this year, I elected to play thinking that if I were to pass, I’d simply be sitting around doing nothing much else instead.

      So far I’ve proved myself right.

      I’d like to think I’ll hit the pavement on my bike if the weather were to improve, but I don’t think I have the personal drive to do so. Maybe I can actually prove myself wrong on that count.

    37. EllenThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 5:34pm PDT

      hiking and possibly buying a bike

    38. AnneThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 5:51pm PDT

      biking to work, instead of the bus

    39. BerhThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 8:35pm PDT

      Just did a half marathon and am about to start training for the next one! That should keep me pretty active!

    40. SherryThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 9:18pm PDT

      I am trying to walk every night after dinner and will be taking the bike out most weekends.

    41. lisa chauThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 9:54pm PDT

      Ride my bike to work every day. Kickbox in the evenings to let out some steam. Hike on the weekends to soak in the beauty around this amazing city! Rockclimb…simply because it’s wicked fun!

    42. amfriesenThursday, July 1st, 2010 — 10:33pm PDT

      i will continue gardening (pulling weeds & squating is tiring)
      i will continue to ride my stationary bike when i get my fave mag in the mail to read
      i will continue to enjoy the nice weather by taking walks during lunch with running errands

    43. StephanieFriday, July 2nd, 2010 — 5:36am PDT

      I’m going to do the Grouse Grind and Chief for the first time, and continue playing softball and pole dancing for fitness!

    44. HeatherFriday, July 2nd, 2010 — 10:41am PDT

      I will be riding my bike on the PoCo Trail, aka the Traboulay PoCo Trail. It’s partly paved and really well-maintained.

    45. EmmaFriday, July 2nd, 2010 — 11:50am PDT

      I plan on hiking more, and biking to UBC for my classes!

    46. RoshenaFriday, July 2nd, 2010 — 11:53am PDT

      Participating in events like Seek the Peak in support of Rethink Breast Cancer!

      http://www.grousemountain.com/Winter/vancouver-bc-hiking-trails-trips/seek-the-peak-relay.asp

    47. NazaninFriday, July 2nd, 2010 — 11:56am PDT

      Swimming in Kits beach pool, tennis in Stanley Park, and running to Semperviva in Granville Island!!

    48. Steph :)Friday, July 2nd, 2010 — 12:16pm PDT

      I will be staying active this summer by playing badminton, walking and doing hot yoga.

    49. TracyFriday, July 2nd, 2010 — 4:46pm PDT

      Walking on the sea wall.

    50. JohnFriday, July 2nd, 2010 — 5:52pm PDT

      I kept myself committed to go to the gym everyday doing weight training followed by cardio , and I feel great !

    51. AmySaturday, July 3rd, 2010 — 12:37am PDT

      Lots of Bikrams Yoga and Swimming this summer!

    52. laurenSaturday, July 3rd, 2010 — 1:11pm PDT

      Definitely doing the Grouse Grind this summer. Also going to use my bike more and hit the gym regularly.

    53. LauraSaturday, July 3rd, 2010 — 2:06pm PDT

      I love early morning beach runs and power yoga on the weekend!

    54. JulioSaturday, July 3rd, 2010 — 2:17pm PDT

      By hiking as much as I can

    55. JessicaSaturday, July 3rd, 2010 — 3:08pm PDT

      A few friends and myself are starting kickboxing! =)

    56. PeterSaturday, July 3rd, 2010 — 4:28pm PDT

      Sounds great!

    57. PingSaturday, July 3rd, 2010 — 11:19pm PDT

      I’m going to take my toddler to the park and try to keep up with him.

    58. rubySunday, July 4th, 2010 — 9:30am PDT

      I have been getting off a few stops early and walking the rest of the way home. I am going to start yoga classes to help improve my flexibility.

    59. AndreaSunday, July 4th, 2010 — 3:58pm PDT

      i try and walk everywhere! and i’ve added swimming to my life.

    60. ChristineSunday, July 4th, 2010 — 4:29pm PDT

      I just bought a bike and will be going on bike rides and also riding to the pool and to yoga.

    61. JaniceSunday, July 4th, 2010 — 6:25pm PDT

      I enjoy gardening, cycling with my husband and walking with my friends.

    62. HollyMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 9:24am PDT

      I will start walking home from work every day instead of taking the bus.

      Also, I will use my lunch break for walking and enjoying this beautiful city in the summer!!

    63. ChrisMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 10:08am PDT

      Human powered transportation to work!

    64. Monica (aka monnibo)Monday, July 5th, 2010 — 10:45am PDT

      I’ve been trying to go on bike rides on the weekend. Last weekend I cycled the South Dyke Trail in Richmond.

    65. AlyMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 10:51am PDT

      Yoga and walking. Taking time out to be outside and just take in some fresh air!

    66. AlexaMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 12:45pm PDT

      recently fell back in love with the Grind ( I know!). Hate it while I’m there, but loving the results.

    67. NadineMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 2:09pm PDT

      Swimming & trail running.

    68. Alex CameronMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 2:10pm PDT

      Nice, I was just gonna start biking to work and try to get back to yoga. I’ve got a free week at Exhale starting next week thanks to you already 😉

    69. JewelsMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 3:45pm PDT

      well, i’m working on getting in my athletic form again by working with a trainer [so i don’t get hurt] and doing activities such as rollerblading around the seawall, cycling through the city and walking as much as my little feet will take me. All this for myself and for the goal of getting a hot little dress to wear to a wedding in mid September and a bikini in Hawaii in December.

    70. KatieMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 3:54pm PDT

      I just started tennis lessons. Hopefully that will keep me in shape.

    71. RennMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 4:36pm PDT

      Jogging/biking around the neighbourhood

    72. RitaMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 7:40pm PDT

      Biking and swimming in the heat wave that is going to hit Vancouver

    73. AudreyMonday, July 5th, 2010 — 7:59pm PDT

      I’ve been jogging everyday at QE and I plan to sign up for some dance lessons!

    74. kelseyTuesday, July 6th, 2010 — 10:19am PDT

      maybe this will motivate me to do something about myself!

    75. willTuesday, July 6th, 2010 — 10:20am PDT

      going to the gym everyday, grouse grind

    76. KathyTuesday, July 6th, 2010 — 11:28am PDT

      Yoga three times weekly,learning how to run from a group and lets add learning how to golf too! Whew!

    77. AngieTuesday, July 6th, 2010 — 12:03pm PDT

      This summer, along with weekly volleyball & softball, I have a goal to hike the Grouse Grind 36 times (3 times/week) for the Grind For Kids Children’s Hospital Charity program! Keeps me healthy & fit, and gives the Hospital some, always needed & appreciated, support!

    78. RachelTuesday, July 6th, 2010 — 3:41pm PDT

      Biking on the sea wall and going to the gym

    Also on Miss604.com
    «
    »