The Marni Wasserman Vega Team Challenge!

As explained in my previous blog, I tested out the new Vega One protein powder and sports hydrator drink. I also had my team give it a try to see how it affected their lifestyle. The fun part about this is that they all used Vega for different reasons. Read on to see how it turned out!

Stephanie – The Fitness Buff
When it comes to training and nutrition a rule that I live by is to train smart and fuel properly. Many people can get to the gym, follow through with their workout but not have the right combination of nutrients to provide their body with the fuel they need to repair, re-energize, and make gains towards their fitness goal.

The focus of my training is to build lean muscle and increase my strength. I’d mix 1 scoop with 350ml of water or rice milk and consume it within 30 minutes after my session. Not only did I notice a difference in my energy levels but my delayed onset muscle soreness was greatly decreased, I experienced less fatigue throughout the day and my workouts the following day always felt better and stronger.

Most recently I have started using the Electrolyte Hydrator. I mix the Hydrator in some water and drink it during my work out on the days that include more anaerobic work, such as sprints, intervals and plyometric training. I also pack it with me for long days at school or work and when I need a little more energy to keep me feeling refreshed.

I have seen huge gains since starting to supplement with Vega’s Sport Performance line and these three items have become a part of my daily training routine! Keep training and re-fuel the right way!

Sophia – Vegetarian Taking it to the Next Level
My non-vegetarian friends always ask me, “Where do you get your protein from if you don’t eat meat?”, and I’m sure vegetarians (and vegans alike) always sigh when they have to give a listed answer. Protein does not exist only in meat – it’s in many foods like grains, beans, nuts, soy or tofu, and yes, protein supplements like powders. And although this isn’t breaking news, you’d be surprised at how many people ask me this question!

I’m picky about what goes into my food and body – I like knowing that my protein shake (among other foods) is full of natural, plant based ingredients, vitamins, and nutrients. Which is why I was so happy to test out the new Vega One Vanilla protein powder. Because I am a petite girl and I tend to lose weight very easily, I like to incorporate high-protein based foods into every one of my meals in the day. I used Vega One Vanilla protein powder as a nutritious liquid meal rather than after the gym like Stephanie and Jordana. I combined 1 cup of hemp milk, ½ cup of sliced strawberries, and 1 tbsp of goji berries, flax seeds, chai seeds, cacao nibs, and coconut nectar (thanks Marni for this simply divine recipe!). I sipped that down with my glass straw and I was full and chock full of nutrients for the next 2 hours. I didn’t feel bloated, stuffed, or heavy like some other protein drinks with questionable ingredients had made me feel previously. It was a great tasting meal that left me full and satisfied knowing that I got both a healthy and generous serving of protein, all in one cup.

Jordana – Before and during a Workout
Chocolate Protein Powder
For breakfast I made myself a chocolate shake using the protein powder. My smoothie consisted of ½ a banana, blueberries, chia seeds, water, almond milk and protein powder. Not only was it delicious, but I was satisfied for hours and it lowered my cravings throughout the day. I’m very much the type who snacks out of boredom, however; I was so full from the shake that I didn’t have these cravings!

Electrolyte Hydrator
For the first time I did back to back fitness classes (2 hours in total) so I knew I needed something to refuel after the first workout. I’m pretty skeptical adding anything to my water, but I figured I would try for the sake of testing it out. After my first workout, I filled up another bottle of water and added the lemon lime hydrator. I’m surprised to say it tasted delicious and quenched my thirst, although on a daily basis I prefer the pure taste of plain water.

After assessing the day, the combination of a balanced breakfast and the electrolyte hydrator definitely contributed to a successful workout!

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So there you have it. All my girls found the Vega drinks to accommodate their days pretty well based on their needs and uses. If this post has inspired you to incorporate more protein or fitness foods in your routine, then my Fit and Fabulous class is something you don’t want to miss out on!

CONTEST ALERT
Tell us why you want to use Vega and what you’d use it for and we’ll enter you in the contest for a chance to win free samples! At the end of the week, I’ll choose the best answer to be rewarded with the prize. Good luck Torontonians! Contest closes May 11th, 2012.
Note: (Winner must be in Canada)

You can get more delicious knowledge by checking out Marni’s Purely Fit e-book, available here: http://www.marniwasserman.com/ebooks/

Marni’s Vega Experience

I’ve been using Vega products for over 6 years, and as you may know I’m already a huge fan of Vega’s sport performance pre workout drink.

So, when I was offered to be part of their ambassador team, I was absolutely thrilled. Knowing that I would get to try some of their new and innovative products, I was especially excited to test out the new Vega One protein blend and sport hydrator. I not only put myself to the test, but I had my entire team give it a go as well to see how it fit into their lifestyle. We all have a different perspective.

Today, I share with you my Vega experience.

Vega One Protein Blend
The Vega One complete blended protein is perfect for anyone on the go. It’s easy to mix up with water, rice milk, almond milk or hemp milk, and the new creamy texture goes down very easily. The prime time for these quick shakes is for when I’m running out the door in a rush and I don’t have time to put things into my blender (which I do daily basis). The new Vega One shake also has the perfect amount of nutrients to hold me over for a few hours.

Vega Sports Hydrator
This formula is perfect for long workouts because it just gives you that extra strength to push through. It is not overly sweet, it’s smooth and soft, and gives your water a boosting lift. I can’t see myself drinking this regularly, as I don’t like to flavour my water – but from a sport, training, and fitness perspective it really does take my workouts to the next level.

I have to say that I’m really impressed and excited to share the new Vega One formulas with my team and my clients. In my upcoming Fit & Fabulous class, participants will also get to sample this new product… and I can’t wait to get their feedback as well!

Stay tuned for my team’s thoughts on how these Vega blends had an impact on them!

You can get more delicious knowledge by checking out Marni’s Purely Fit e-book, available here: http://www.marniwasserman.com/ebooks/

Green Tips for Your Everyday Life

“Go Green” – we’re hearing this more than ever right now. Naturally, some of us think of hippie, tree hugging health nuts, sipping on green concoctions. (Actually, to be fair, with the right ingredients those weird looking green concoctions can actually be quite tasty, but that’s another topic for another day!)

Believe it or not, “going green” isn’t just about being “earthy”, and opting for extreme diet enhancements. Going green is a lifestyle that each person can take part in, simply by making some basic changes. You don’t have to be “extreme” to do something green. Making some alterations to your everyday routine can help you become a more eco-conscious individual and consumer.

If you want to be more green, both for the benefit of the environment and your body, then here are just a few tips:

1. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, and the lights when you leave a room.
These are a few habits I’ve gotten myself into when it comes to conserving water and energy. While it might seem super easy to look past these rules, it’s also super important to follow them. Always remember that a little bit goes a long, long way.

2. Opt for natural and organic skin care products
As a strong believer in healthy skincare, I avoid the drug store brands, and turn to food grade products that I know are safe on my skin. These products can be found at your local health food store. (Or, you can try the ‘Salad for your Skin Green Cream’ that everyone’s been raving about!)

3. Ditch your Styrofoam and plastic lunch containers for glass
Okay, so it might be heavier than the plastic Ziplocs you’re used to carrying in your lunch box. But if you’re someone that is out and about almost all the time, you want to preserve your packed lunch to the best of your abilities. Storing your food in glass containers will keep your food fresh, and prevent it from leaking. I like the comfort of knowing that my containers are tried, tested, and true.

4. Opt for organic linens and cottons
As a green-conscious consumer, I don’t ignore any aspect of my daily routine. While you may or may not realize, there are tons of chemicals and bleaches on the materials you use everyday. Go green when it comes to the bed you sleep on at night, the clothing you put on in the morning, and the napkins you use at the breakfast table. By opting for 100% organic or bamboo cottons and linens, your mind and body will feel as pure as your values.

5. Go green in the garden
I know it seems like a long shot, but believe it or not, growing your own veggies will save you money, time, and rotten veggies in the refrigerator. Once a year,  Young Urban Farmers comes to plant my own personal garden, leaving me with fresh veggies from May until December. Getting your own garden can be done with a box above the ground, or having herb plants in the backyard. Simple, efficient, and delectable!

While I’ve given you five of my personal favorites, it’s up to you to make green alterations that will suit your own lifestyle. Although you may not be able to implement all 5 of these tips, always remember that every small change goes a long way, so start small and build your way up. (Oh, and if you’re still thinking about that green concoction, then here’s the recipe! http://bit.ly/JpRJer

Keep Your Stems!

When your mum used to say to you “Eat all your veggies!” it was for a good reason. Vegetables are a must that should be included your diet to keep you feeling healthy and fabulous. Not only are vegetables rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins, but for those wanting to look as good as they feel, vegetables are low in calories, excellent energy sources, and help maintain a healthy weight.

That’s why it pains me when I often hear that people throw out the stems, tops and skins of their fruits and veggies. You may not realize it, but they usually carry more nutrients than the fruit or vegetable themselves. If you’re going out of your way already to buy beautiful, fresh, or even local and organic produce, then why waste the most nutritious parts? Unless you are composting – you’re getting rid of essential nutrients that could be benefiting you.

The Stems
Most stems, skins, and even leafy tops to fruits and veggies are loaded with fiber and nutrients. Since the stem is the component that’s rooted in the soil, it contains more substantial vitamins and nutrients. For vegetables such as kale, collards, parsley and swiss chard – don’t get rid of those precious stems!

The Tops
Then there’s the tops. This is for vegetables like beets, carrots, or any other vegetable that sprouts a leaf or anything green. This is indicating that the vegetable is full of vibrancy and nutrients, so don’t just cut them off and toss them into the garbage. They’re very useful and can be a great contribution to your diet.

The Skin
The skin of most fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, potatoes, squashes and even kiwi, contain antioxidants, fiber and other health promoting properties.

What can you do with your leftover stems, tops, and skins?
Depending on the type of fruit or vegetable – whether it’s a leafy green or root veggie – there are different uses for them.

Uses and benefits for your stems, tops, and skins

1. Stems make a great the base to a stir-fry.  Add in broccoli and swiss chard stems at the beginning along with your onions and celery. That way they can soften and absorb lots of flavour.
2. Stems make are great for the base for a soup stock (collard stems, kale stems, parsley stems). Let them infuse in your water for an hour or so and then remove. They will leach all of their nutrients into your soup stock.
3. The skins from citrus fruits contain bioflavonoids, which are amazing antioxidants. Use the zest of an orange into a cookie, muffin or yogurt.
4. Put the stems and skins of any fruit and vegetable through your juicer. From collards, kale, broccoli and chard to carrots, beets and apples.
5. Bake your potatoes and squash with the skins on. Potatoes skins have potassium, iron, and vitamin C.
6. Use the tops of beets and stems of swiss chard to make a wonderful and colourful side dish. Beetroot tops are loaded with calcium, magnesium and iron.

Garlicky Green Stem Sautee

3 cloves of garlic
2 large bunches of whole beet root tops and swiss chard
1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

How you make it!

1. Fold green leaves in half lengthwise and cut away the leaf from the inner ribs or stem.
2. Chop up the stems into small pieces and set aside.
3. Pile about 5-6 leaves on top of one another, and roll into a tight roll
4. Starting at the top and cutting across the leaves, slice the leaves into needle thin strips.
5. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
6. Add the garlic and sauté for a few seconds.
7. Add the stems, season with salt and pepper and sauté for 5 minutes or until soft.
8. Add in the green leaves and cook until they are bright green, and are just short of their wilting point.

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Salad for Your Skin – The Green Cream

Not many people can say they’ve smeared a salad on their face and completely loved it, but I’m one of the fortunate ones that can say I have. Of course, I don’t mean literally (although I certainly don’t oppose to the occasional mashed avocado on my face to leave it feeling soft and smooth). What I’m really talking about is the new Green Cream, appropriately titled “Salad for Your Skin”.

I love the Green Cream for 3 major reasons: 1) The Ingredients, 2) The Scent, and 3) The Feel.

1) The Ingredients
It’s what goes into a product that makes the product. This applies to produce and food, too. If your fruits and vegetables are being sprayed and grown with chemicals and pesticides, then unfortunately, that goes into your body too (even though they may still look fresh and green at the grocery store). The chemical-free Green Cream is made up of natural and pure ingredients; the 1^st three ingredients are purified water, aloe vera juice, and avocado oil. It’s infused with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, and contains no mineral oils, parabens, sodium laureth sulphate, phthalates. And you can rub it anywhere on your body – so go ahead and roll around in this salad for your skin!

2) The Scent
The scent of the Green Cream is just an added benefit to its ingredients. Upon spreading onto your face, the scent is immediately brilliant – not overpowering or pungent at all – but rather like smelling a blooming herb garden (after all, that’s what it’s made of!). The scent is really one of the beautifying features of the Green Cream – it makes your skin feel earthy, cool, fresh, and quenched.

3) The Feel
Your skin immediately drinks up the cooling liquid and leaves your face feeling supple, soft, and silky. There is really no way to describe such a refreshed feeling in words. (Think of it this way: try describing a really delicious dessert you’ve eaten to a friend. All you can say in the end is, “You just have to try it yourself!”)

I’ve heard many say that when you “go natural” in cosmetics and skin care, you don’t get the same “quality” you do with mainstream brands. Not true. The Green Cream is truly a testament to this myth. You can get a refreshed and hydrated sensation from the Green Cream with natural and pure ingredients, minus the chemicals and parabens. Also, it doesn’t have the sky-high retail price most hydrating creams in retail chain stores charge. The Green Cream only sells for $25.00 (+ tax).

If you’d like to buy The Green Cream by Marni Wasserman, send us an email at gethealthy@marniwasserman.com.

Or, if you’d like to try making your own natural beauty product using the same ingredients as you would in a green dish, sign up for our Nourish Your Summer Skin Workshop on June 4th with Graydon, the founder of Clinical Luxury.

Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Your Home

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These Boots Were Made From Coconuts

If you know me by now, I’m always looking for how I can incorporate eco-minded and eco-friendly products into my lifestyle as much as possible. From eating well to having eco-conscious products in my home, I find myself constantly on the look-out for products that compliment my values. It makes the experience of filling your home that much more fulfilling and rewarding, which brings me to one of my favourite brands I’ve ever worn, Po-zu.

I’m a big fan of going barefoot or wearing barefoot shoes whenever I can. But living in wintery cold conditions for the past few months calls for a good pair of boots. After reading Po-zu’s philosophy and actually wearing their boots, I am proud to say that I support their brand and product. I am also so thankful that companies like this exist to fit into my lifestyle of eco-conscious living.

A Little Background on Po-zu

Po-zu is footwear that’s not only eco, but made from plant-based fibers, which to me, is wonderful (as you know how much I promote a plant-based lifestyle!) Po-zu is based out of the UK with one thing on their mind: a good feelin’ foot.

What truly stood out to me was their philosophy: “Maximum comfort – Minimum waste”. Although Po-zu and I specialize in different industries, I feel like I can relate to this philosophy as well. For me, food and nutrition has to make you feel comfortable, happy, nourished, and knowing what you’re getting is from pure and trusted whole food sources. Since I could relate with Po-zu, it made me feel closer to their brand’s mission.

5 Reasons why I love Po-zu Boots and how they fit in with my Food Philosophy!

1. Every piece of the shoe was hand-crafted
I believe that every meal you make and eat should be hand-crafted by you, too. Not only will it taste better, but you know everything going into it.

2. They are ethically-crafted and sourced from natural materials
Po-zu claims they are “shoes with a good sole”. Likewise, every ingredient that you buy and put into your body should be ethically minded and sourced naturally, too.

3. They are super comfortable and making walking and standing so easy!
Thanks to their “foot mattress”, your feet feel so much rested and relaxed. It’s perfect for when I am going to the farmers market.

4. They look good!
Simple: If your food doesn’t look good, you won’t want to eat it.

5. Foot Mattress made from 60% coconuts!
Close to 60% of my recipes (more or less) use some form of coconut; whether it’s as coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut aminos, or coconut sugar – I am obviously a lover of all things coconut!

I love knowing that my philosophy for my passion in life (healthy food) aligns with the products I wear as well.

Do you have products that you love using or wearing because of their ethical background? Do share and talk about it – that’s what make these products more of an experience to enjoy!

Team Tonica Challenges You!

Mia, my incredible assistant shares with us the result of her 30 day Tonica Kombucha Challenge —- read what she has to say!

After 30 days of drinking Tonica Kombucha, my conclusion is: it simply rocks.

Tonica Kombucha and I became best buds; I even started calling it Ton-Kom, like those weird celebrity names people combine. I drank it consistently after lunch every day. I felt more energized, clear headed, and fueled for work. I can honestly say that I felt the effects of Tonica Kombucha a few days after drinking it. Throughout afternoons, and even into evenings, my digestion had improved. It was basically my magic potion for a whole month.

To start off, kombucha is an effervescent tea-based drink that many drink for its health benefits. Tonica Kombucha has created a pleasantly blissful drink that isn’t pasteurized or put through any heat processing. This process ensures that all living enzymes and acids inherent in live kombucha remain intact.

As a result, kombucha provides several beneficial effects on the body such as:

- Digestive aid: Living enzymes and bacteria help to restore the body’s natural intestinal flora. This helps enhance digestions and metabolism
- Liver cleansing: The natural gluconic acid in kombucha helps to rid the liver of toxins
- Skin rejuvenation: Gluconic acid also helps regrowth of skin and hair cells!
- Immune boosts: Kombucha is full of antioxidants that help you stay healthy

After listing the benefits, it would actually be a good idea to incorporate Tonica Kombucha into your beauty regime for a healthy and glowing boost.

Now that I’ve completed the challenge, I highly recommend you give Tonica Kombucha a try, too. Even if it’s just for one week, you’ll start to feel all of these amazing benefits. Try to incorporate kombucha into your life for a natural, delicious, health booster – and let us know how it goes for you, we’d love to hear it!

 

Live it up at Alma Spa!

Have you checked out Toronto’s newest natural eco quick spa? For myself, I am not really one for the spa or weekly manicures for that matter but Alma Natural Spa may have changed that!

Upon arrival I was greeted right away at the door by the owner Katie, and my aesthetician who was already waiting for me. But before that I should mention that there wasn’t a scent in the air that was unfriendly. Just the pure smell of essential oils and freshness. This is a true indulgence for me, as I can’t tolerate the toxic fumes that are often wafting the air in most traditional quick spas.

I found my cozy chair for my pedicure, all ready to go with a pillow for my back and a nice warm bath for my feet. A tea menu featuring Steeped and Infused loose teas, was brought to me within seconds along with a warm lavender pad for my neck. I couldn’t believe the exceptional, personalized service and comfort I was being given.

The pedicure was simple, clean and efficient. I got to pick my eco non-toxic paraffin and formaldehyde free polish and then I was off across the way for my mani. All fresh supplies were being used on my hands, and there was no weird pink creams, or bright blue alcohol being used to rub off my polish. I was in bliss

Since my first experience was so positive, I decided to get a gift certificate and bring my hubby along for the next one. He is a guy that is comfortable enough in this environment and boy, did he love his man buff! Plus it was nice to share some down time together in their cozy space.  For myself, this time around I wanted to experience a mani without polish, which they cleverly call the “sport manicure”.  This is ultimately the perfect solution for my busy and active hands. Polish for me is only for special occasions.

This is definitely a place I am going to frequent, to take care of my nails and also just allow me to unwind even if it’s just for 30 minutes. Beyond their amazing mani’s & pedi’s, I have yet to experience there other services such as waxing, message therapy and reflexology. I know there will always be a cup of tea waiting for me, an Eco-inspired health or lifestyle book or just the comfortable ambiance of a place that exudes cleanliness and overall appeal. Not to mention some really cute posters with quotes hanging on their exposed brick walls.

Of course you are going to pay a little more here for your nails then the average quick spa, but you are saving your health. Also what you are getting in return as far as customer service, you can’t really put a value on that!

Thanks Alma, for being a friendly local spa that I am sure to tell all my friends, family and clients about.

Microwave days are over…here are 4 reasons why!

You may have thought about it or considered it, or this may come as a complete shock to you, get rid of your microwave! This may sound daunting and even threatening as the reliance on this convenient, easy-to-use appliance has been one of the most purchased and widely used in the last few decades. And guess what, cancer rates have never been higher. I am not saying there is a direct link, but I can say with certainty that there is certainly not positive energy going in your food from the microwave.

Reasons not to use the microwave

1: Electromagnetic Energy

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic energy, like light waves or radio waves, and occupy a part of the electromagnetic spectrum of power, or energy. Microwaves are very short waves of electromagnetic energy that travel at the speed of light (186,282 miles per second).

As these microwaves are generated from the magnetron, they bombard the food, causing the polar molecules to rotate at the same frequency millions of times a second. All this agitation creates molecular friction, which heats up the food. The friction also causes substantial damage to the surrounding molecules, often tearing them apart or forcefully deforming them.

Radiation causes ionization, which is what occurs when a neutral atom gains or loses electrons. In simpler terms, a microwave oven decays and changes the molecular structure of the food by the process of radiation.

We’ve been told that Microwaving isn’t the same as irradiating. The two processes are supposed to use completely different waves of energy and at different intensities.

2: Toxic Release from Food Packaging

There is a problem with release of potentially toxic molecules into the food from packaging, that are designed to help brown food during microwaving.

Microwaving food inside containers made of plastic, cellophane, cardboard and styrofoam may cause toxins to leach into the food thereby increasing the levels of carcinogens being consumed. Since most containers do not visibly melt or get hot, consumers have the false notion that the synthetic boxes and wrappers are not releasing toxins. They are however, and these toxins can cause hormonal imbalances, lowered sperm count, and various other forms of cancer.

3: EMF’s and Radiation

In the book, Health Effects of Microwave Radiation Microwave Ovens by Dr. Lita Lee, she states that every microwave oven leaks electromagnetic radiation, harms food, and converts substances cooked in it to dangerous toxic and carcinogenic products. There has been contradictory research linked to EMFs (electromagnetic fields) produced by appliances like microwave ovens. Dr. David Carpenter, Dean at the US School of Public Health, State University of New York believes it is likely that up to 30% of all childhood cancers come from exposure to EMFs.

EMFs can be measured with an instrument called a Gauss meter. In fact, here is what one reader has to say when he used a Gauss meter to test microwaves: Measuring with a Gauss meter, every microwave I tested leaked, and was detectable up to six feet away. So just to be on the safe side, it is best to stand back from your microwave when its running.

4: New Compounds formed in your body

Besides the loss of nutrients, microwaving forms new compounds (radiolytic compounds) that are unknown to humans and nature. It is not yet known exactly what these compounds do in the human body. But do you really want the compounds in your food being altered? And then that food entering your body? It doesn’t make for healthy tissues and cells.

There is even a test you can try out at home. Buy two identical plants. Give one regular or filtered water and give the other microwaved water. See what happens over the course of two weeks! If that alone is any indication of what is happening inside your body when consuming microwaved food, I think the answer is loud and clear.

Natural Alternatives:

You may be trying to figure out just how on earth are you going to warm up your food? Well let me give you some insight. Firstly, if you are eating a mostly plant based and vegetarian diet, the good news is that you don’t even have to heat up your food. If it’s already cooked, room temperature is just fine if you are in an office all day long. Just bring your food in reusable containers inside a cooler, and pull it out 1 hour to 30 minutes before you are going to eat.

Especially if you are eating an animal protein based meal, the last thing you want to do is nuke it in the micro. Animals food, being mostly protein, is likely to become so denatured through microwaving, that your body hardly recognizes it. So the same rules below apply for both plant and animal based meals.

- If you have access to a stove: put your food into a pot and warm it for a few minutes on low heat. You can even put your plate or your food in a steamer basket and warm it up that way. Of course this all depends on what the item is.

- If you have access to an oven: transfer your food to a glass dish and warm on a low temperature for 15-20 minutes.

What to do with your microwave:

If it’s portable, take it to a depot that accepts old electronic appliances.

If it’s built in, store things in it. Towels, bowls, plates, pans (just make sure not to turn it on by accident!)

Have more ideas, thoughts or opinions? Share with us!

 

Resources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/022015.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/034101_microwaveable_containers_plastics.html

http://www.health-science.com/microwave_hazards.html

http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/natural-health-articles/nutrition/are-microwave-ovens-bad-for-health-00325.html

 

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