Innholdsfortegnelse for September/October 2020 i Men's Health South Africa

THIS MONTH WE’VE GIVEN YOU TWO COVERS; which means twice the wisdom, lessons and tried-and-tested advice from our cover guys. There’s Maps Maponyane (@mmaponyane), a man who has become a household name in just over a decade. Turn to p.82 for his formula for success. And then there’s Scott Parker (@scottparker1987), the fit chef whose life was upended after suffering a pulmonary embolism. He came back stronger, more focused and with greater purpose (p.19). Our cover guys exude true grit, the type of resilience you build with drive and determination. In these difficult times, it’s an important skill. The pandemic has devastated our economy, and the publishing industry wasn’t spared. More than half of SA’s biggest mags have already closed their doors. And in the wake of the coronavirus’ relentless…

BACK “This is an area where clean cut rules. Use your clipper, set to around grade three, then wax. Your back is not an easily accessible area, so unless you’ve got arms like Mr Tickle’s, find a friend to help you. You will need decent leverage to remove the hair cleanly.” FEET “Some toe hair is perfectly fine, but if it looks like you’ve just stepped out of Hobbiton, you should take immediate action. Waxing beats shaving, as it lasts longer – up to six weeks when it is done effectively. Sans shoes, toe stubble is even worse than hobbit feet.” CHEST “Don’t get carried away – you don’t want to end up looking like a Ken doll, especially since you can use hair to your advantage by adding definition…

BEING A CHEF doesn’t just arm you with the skills to materialise jaw-dropping dishes out of whatever is lying around in the fridge. If you’re the type of guy who wants to be healthy, strong and look the part, this toolkit makes you more than just a man counting macros; you’re now an architect with the ability to design each plate to deliver the perfect balance of nutrition and taste. With a combo of CrossFit and good – read: really good – eating, chef Scott Parker had forged the type of body all men strive for. At the beginning of this year he was 32, working his dream job as the product development manger for culinary innovation at Woolworths, and close to the best shape of his life. He had…

1 Fresh Lemons “A squeeze of lemon juice on anything, whether it’s a grilled chicken breast, steak or fish will elevate the flavour. Zest the lemon peel for a dash of freshness.” 2 Sriracha Sauce “Sweet, sour, spicy; it’s not just a finisher. You can use it to marinade meats or add spice to your curries.” 3 Miso Paste “It goes with anything and is the perfect base for soups and dressings.” 4 Parmesan “A beautiful umami hit. Just shave it over your next omelette and thank me later. My go-to breakfast: omelette with shaved parmesan and a healthy splash of sriracha.” 5 Maldon Salt “A flaked salt that finishes any dish perfectly.”…

If you slog through the same interminable kilometres week after week, if you go out too fast, if your high school coach used laps as punishment... of course you’re gonna hate running. But here’s the thing: running’s not about banging it out anymore. It’s still an incredibly efficient cardio workout that you don’t get with weights alone. Now, however, running itself isn’t really the point. It’s just what happens to be going on in the morning, with friends. Or at night, when the city’s yours and you may or may not be breaking some rules. It’s a game you play with yourself, a way to test yourself, a way to find yourself, a way to forget. You don’t really hate running. You hate the way you’ve been running. And we’ve…

In the age of bio-hacking, laborious prescriptions such as diet and exercise are being replaced with newfangled workarounds, as people look to squeeze more into every day. One of the trendiest short cuts can be found at the IV-therapy clinic REVIV. Here, customers plug into intravenous drips, hoping to sleep better, look younger, or simply recover from the sins of the night before. The website appeals to a demographic that likes to “work hard and play hard, too”, promising to “combat tiredness, detoxify your body and leave you feeling revitalised”. In my case, I was looking to mainline the energy levels required to boss my deadlines and workouts. REVIV offers four main treatments (as well as a “Royal Flush” combo), each of which contains a cocktail of antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins…

BLACK BAY FIFTY-EIGHT “NAVY BLUE” In 1958, TUDOR engineered its first divers’ watch capable of plunging to depths of up to 660ft. The Fifty-Eight pays homage to the original with aesthetic nods to that historic moment. And now, you can strap on its flagship model in a new colour that doubles down on the nautical inspiration: navy blue. The watch features a 39mm case forged in 316L stainless steel and “Snowflake” hands that have become a hallmark of the line. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or just looking for a compact timepiece that doesn’t sacrifice on looks all hands point to this beaut. R51 850, tudorwatch.com SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FLIP No one breaks boundaries like the South Korean powerhouse that is Samsung. The Z Flip is the most talked about…

DRINK IT: You should enjoy any moonshine 90 proof or higher cold – and sipped. Shots of moonshine aren’t a good idea for many reasons, but you won’t be able to taste the nuances if you shoot it. MIX IT: Swap moonshine into any recipe with bourbon or vodka. Try a boozy Arnold Palmer with equal parts lemonade and ice tea, plus 60ml of hooch. Or, make Norwegian karsk: one part coffee, two parts ’shine, and a dash of sugar. COOK WITH IT: “I like to use it in a brine for chicken, pork chops, and [dorado],” says North Carolina chef Kenny Gilbert. “I mix it in with spices, OJ, honey, salt, and water, then let the protein sit in it overnight.”…

RULE #1 PLAN TO FIGHT Seeing that peanut butter-covered knife lying precariously on the now peanut butter-smeared counter might send you into a blind rage, but rushing into a discussion while you’re upset or angry is the worst thing you could do. Rather take the time to calm down and reflect on what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it. Too often a fight is cause by a minor frustration or something you see in an entirely different light when you’re no longer upset. How many times have you had a fight only to not even remember the reason the next day, but still vividly recall the fight itself? Our guess is more often than you’d care to admit. We’re not saying you should sweep everything…

THE SUPERCHARGED SPORTSBLAZER Wrinkle-resistant and stretchy, this Calvin Klein two-button can bounce from Monday’s 9am meeting to Friday’s happy hour without a crease in sight. Jacket by Calvin Klein (Country Road and Zara also have great options); track jacket by Polo Ralph Lauren; pants by G-Star Raw; sneakers by Nike; watch by Audemars Piguet. THEPACKABLE, CRUSHABLE, UNKILLABLE WINDBREAKER One hundred percent nylon yet super breathable, this ultralight Nike jacket is made to travel – and it won’t wrinkle when you scrunch it up in your carry-on. Packable jacket by Nike ACG; shirt by Calvin Klein; jeans by Diesel. THECAN’T-MISS, ALL-WEATHER PARKA With a detachable hood and inner vest, Lacoste’s water-resistant parka is a combination three-in-one jacket, ideal for when you’re not sure where you’re going but you’re excited as hell.…

START WITH THIS GUY Steel has never looked so sharp. This stylish Seiko diver’s watch is as durable as it is refined, built with a spring-drive movement for precision in harsh conditions and a silicone band for casual comfort. Seiko Prospex watch R8 499 Treger Group…

There was a time, not too long ago, when the idea of metal straws and linen tote bags being commonplace might’ve seemed like a tree hugger’s fantasy. Now, we’re turning to these ecofriendly alternatives out of necessity, as more and more countries wage war against plastic waste. Plastic packaging, like shampoo bottles and deodorant containers, makes up about 40 percent of all plastic usage, which is a lot. One way you can help is to put your empty bottles in the recycling bin instead of the trash. (Pro tip: rinse them out first to make it more likely they’ll actually get recycled.) Another way is to look for products that come in glass, paper or aluminum packaging, which is recycled more often than plastic. Bonus points if you go for…

Thrive in work, life or starting your own business with this pandemic-proof advice from the guys at Bottles App: 1/ Manage Expectations “They say the customer is always right,” says co-founder Vincent Viviers. “And we couldn’t agree more. But we also need to acknowledge that most customers don’t just complain because they enjoy doing it, they usually complain when their expectations are not met.” COVID-19 put the squeeze on stock and product availability, so Viviers and his team were quick to communicate any delays. This transparent approach gave users an insight into the hurdles they had to overcome, and as a result, customers were more understanding and compassionate. 2/ Think Fast “We have been able to run projects planned to last for weeks and months in a matter…

IF THERE’S ONE TOPIC we tend to avoid talking about, it’s grief. And yet amidst all the uncertainty of the current global health crisis, if there’s one thing we can be certain about, it’s that we’re all experiencing it right now. “Grief is a natural human response to a significant loss of a treasured person or a valued part of our life experience,” says psychiatrist Dr Barry Fortuin. We’re not just mourning the death of loved ones, but the loss of our potential futures and the lives we would have had. To make matters worse, we’re often dealing with more than one type of loss at a time. Previous research on personal loss during times of broad social distress has shown how the effects can linger even after the danger…

01 ANXIOUS ENERGY The thing about anxiety: anything can trigger it. It could flare up before a job interview or meeting the in-laws for the first time – an intense, persistent fear about how the situation will play out. Leading up to the event, you may begin to feel a sense of impending doom and a racing heart, coupled with a dry mouth. Eminem could easily be rapping about you in his hit song ‘Lose Yourself’. 02 BRAIN MATTERS Even before you register these physical symptoms, your brain has been hard at work. Your amygdala and hippocampus send a message to your central nervous system to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. As adrenaline courses through your veins, your rapidly beating heart increases blood circulation. The blood…

Before Buns Out, Maps started many other businesses, some of which failed. These included Niche Streem, a music streaming umbrella company and Tuta-Me, an educational tutoring app. These are some of the lessons he learnt from his ventures. Never plan for something with money that’s promised to you. “Anything can happen and if you’ve already made plans with money expecting it to come through, your business will be derailed quickly and you will end up in trouble.” Timing Is Everything. “Think less about what is a great idea and more about what’s a great idea that people are actually wanting to use or need a solution for right now. It doesn’t help having a great idea that we don’t have the infrastructure for or that no-one needs now.” You need…

I have a trusty bis and tris routine, but recently my gains have plateaued. How do I get things fired up again? Well, you’ve heard Einstein’s definition of insanity, right? It’s repeating the same process over and over again but expecting different results. Fortunately, you don’t need a physicist to figure out this problem. Ha, ha. Alright, genius, I’m listening… Your muscles are lacking an “adaptive stress stimulus” – that is, sufficient stress to force them to grow larger and stronger. Really? I already feel like I’m working near my max. Then what you need to do is increase the volume using drop sets. Does that have anything to do with throwing my weights to the ground after the final rep? Sadly, no. When you reach failure point during a…

UPPER BODY 01 STRAIGHT-ARM BAND PULL-DOWN This power-player of a move pumps up your lats, pecs and delts, and chisels the serratus on the sides of your ribs (google “Bruce Lee” for reference) – while ensuring that your triceps don’t go unpunished. With your core braced, grip the handles (A) and pull the band down, making sure that you keep your arms straight throughout (B). Use a resistance grade that challenges you over 45-75 seconds. ENDURANCE 02 BODYWEIGHT PUSHUP For an upper-body pump with stamina-boosting benefits, you can’t beat the pushup. While a close-grip push zeroes in on your tris, the regular pushup is sufficient to hit them hard, along with your pecs, shoulders and core. Once in position, lower until your chest reaches the floor (A), then press back…

1A/ CHINUP 4 SETS OF 4-6 AT 4011 TEMPO*, 10SEC REST Start with your biceps: they still need to do some of the work, after all. Grasp the bar with a shoulder-width grip, with your palms facing behind you. Retract your shoulder blades to pull up over a one-second count (A), pause for a beat, then lower over a count of four (B). Do one set, take a 10-second breather, then move on. 1B/ INCLINE DB CURL 4 SETS OF 8-10 REPS AT 2110 TEMPO, 2MIN REST Set the bench to a 45-degree angle and start with your arms hanging straight. Raise both dumbbells together, rotating your forearm so your palms face towards you, lifting until the weights reach your shoulders (A). Lower over a count of two (B). Go…

01 The Dream Catcher Those dawn-alarm workout sessions count for less than the hours preceding them. In a study by the University of Chicago, men who logged five and a half hours’ sleep lost half as much body fat as those who managed eight and a half. Make a full night’s sleep more achievable with HoMedics SoundSpa White Noise Machine, which plays six soothing sounds including rain and rolling waves. Set an auto-timer to let it switch off after you’ve fallen asleep. HoMedics SoundSpa White Noise Machine (R799, takealot.com) 02 The Frozen Asset A summer spent juicing in the hope of squeezing yourself into tighter trousers can quickly start to feel joyless. The Yonanas Elite offers another way to pack nutrients into your diet – but it will…

HOW NOT TO WASTE… FOOD 10 MILLION TONNES of food in South Africa is wasted every year, which is a third of the 31 million tonnes produced every year in SA, according to the WWF. It’s estimated that the energy wasted to produce this food that isn’t eaten could power Johannesburg for 16 weeks! These three rules can help you turn that around: 1 BE REALISTIC WITH WHAT YOU’RE BUYING. People are aspirational at the supermarket, says Dana Gunders, interim executive director of the anti-food-waste group ReFED. “They hope to cook more and eat better, and then life happens. By Wednesday, they’re ordering pizza and the food is rotting. Beware of overbuying, and plan for lazy nights. We all have them.” 2 SAVE (AND SAVOUR) YOUR SCRAPS. Recipes (and food…

MEET CHARLES SAVAGE As the CEO and founder of Easy Equities, a low-cost investment platform that gives users the chance to hedge their bets in SA, US and Australian markets, Charles understands what it takes to turn money into the motherlode. Planning to invest? Here’s his advice for thriving even when the chips are down. My friends are buying cryptocurrencies, but I’m wary – are these digital coins a safe bet or a massive gamble? I think the future of money looks more like crypto. The problem I have is that I haven’t yet worked out which one. It really feels like the dot-com days back in 2000 when I was convinced that e-commerce was the future, but I didn’t end up buying any Amazon shares. So this time I’ve…

Best local eatery? Test Kitchen. Eating out or cooking at home? Cooking at home (because I can’t bloody eat out.) Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver? Ramsay. No contest. MasterChef or Chopped? MasterChef. Protein shakes, yay or nay? No. I get the protein I need from my diet. Plus, shakes make your farts smell. Staying sane during lockdown? Set yourself goals. And eat steak and drink red wine on Fridays. Get your hands on some truffles. Annoying cooking trend? Everyone keeps making bloody banana bread. Cheat meal? Pizza. Pizza. And pizza. How do you take your coffee? Americano. Black. Home workout power-up? Weighted vest.…

01 WHIZZ IN THE KITCHEN Though few self-respecting Saffers would identify with the gym-culture trope of the shaker-toting bro, many of us regularly reach for the protein scoop. Many of us take supplements every day, and we’d wager that it’s not a pleasant experience for everyone. However, done right, shakes can not only deliver prime muscle fuel, but also be a delicious antidote to your bland eating plan. Follow our nutritionist-certified guide and give ’em a whirl. A WHOLE EGG Throw it in, shell and all: it contains calcium carbonate for strong bones, while the lining is packed with collagen for healthy joints. But if you’re worried about salmonella, swap it for chia seeds or white beans. You still get the calcium kick, plus a thicker smoothie mix. B…

1 First Ascent Double Layer Fabric Face Mask Two layers of breathable, moisture-wicking 100% polyester fabric – the inner layer having anti-microbial properties. Machine washable. R69, firstascent.co.za 2 adidas Face Cover Double-layered soft, breathable fabric – 93% recycled polyester and 7% elastane – with moisture-wicking properties. R299 (per pack of 3), shop.adidas.co.za 3 Ciovita Sports Face Mask A four-layered mask designed specifically for ease of breathing during exercise, with a hydrophobic mid layer to repel water, and polyester mesh outer and inner layers with anti-microbial treatment to reduce odours. R325 (for a pack of 4), ciovita.co.za 4 Under Armour Sportsmask Water-resistant, three-layered performance mask, with mouldable nose bridge made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that allows for better air flow. Bonus: the third layer is treated with PROTX2, a non-metal anti-microbial…

HYDROMAX HYDRATION Promise: Hydrates, balances salts and flushes out lactic acid and toxins. Rumoured to defeat any hangover. ULTRAVIV RECOVERY Promise: Fights illness by hydrating your body, reducing inflammation and relieving feelings of pain and nausea. MEGABOOST ENERGY Promise: Combats symptoms of jetlag, boosts your immunity, detoxifies the body and cleanses vital organs. VITAGLOW ANTI-AGEING Promise: Rejuvenates tired skin, cleanses vital organs, and prevents and reverses the effects of free radicals.…

A Cast Iron Skillet There is just something to be said about cooking out of a preseasoned surface. And this quality cast iron has been made in Colombia since 1939. It’s pellet-smoker safe. R1 399, yuppiechef.com Kosher Salt Kosher salt is ideal for drawing out moisture from meat. Hollingsworth believes you should find a salt brand you like and stick with it; that way, you learn how it feels in your hand. R22.99, Woolworths A Cleaver Not only is it beautiful and a statement piece, but its quality and balance make chopping large cuts of meat or fish very easy. R2 299, yuppiechef.com Wagyu Brisket This LA Wagyu Brisket is some of the best meat you can get in South Africa. The quality, marbling, and texture are something you will…

THE PROTEIN White fish cooks fast and turns flaky and luscious on the braai. Go with slinger seabream, angelfish or hottentot. They’re all on the SASSI green list and are high in protein but low in fat. BUY IT Ask the person behind the counter to “scale, gut, and clean” the fish, but leave the head on for presentation value. Fresh fish should have a clear eye, a clean (not fishy) smell, and no slick of slime on the skin. COOK IT Fish With Orange Sauce This is one for the Weber. Skin-on fish is notorious for sticking to braai grids and generally making a mess. Prevent all that with a technique called reverse searing, in which you cook the fish with indirect heat first, then crisp the skin over…

WANITA NICOL RECOMMENDS… DELONGHI PRIMADONNA BEAN TO CUP MACHINE I’ve always thought of myself as pretty down to earth, but this machine turned me into a coffee snob. When you’ve grown accustomed to freshly-ground coffee, there’s just no going back to instant. It’s extremely simple to set up if you get over yourself and open the manual. And once it’s up and running, using it is just way too easy. Pour the beans in the top (quality beans, now – you didn’t just splash out on a fancy coffee machine only to be snoep with your beans), top up the water and press a button. Yes, that’s it. You can customise strength, grind, temperature and choose between a long cup and an espresso. You can even use ground coffee… although,…

THE ULTIMATE ACTIVEWEAR When you need extra performance, opt for wicking fabrics in sleek shapes to help improve performance in the gym or on the road. Bonus: your look stays streamlined and bold. Own The Run Jacket R1 099 adidas.co.za UPGRADED ANORAK This cool, indie-style zip-through hooded anorak is lightweight and breathable. The retro colour palette will bring your casual wardrobe back to life. Marina Windbreaker R1 699 levi.co.za THE NEW WORK DAY UNIFORM Make a sartorial statement at the airport or the boardroom, come rain or shine. It’s fully lined and boasts a distinct sheen that’s water and wind resistant. Unstructured Travel Blazer R1 399 Studio W at woolworths.co.za THE REVERSIBLE MAC This coat delivers twice the bang for your buck. One side is printed in a timeless houndstooth,…

THE ALL-ROUND CLASSICS If you haven’t owned a watch before, start with steel and never look back. Lightweight, hard to scratch and totally resilient, steel is the ideal material for a sports watch, able to endure any rugged condition. Even better, it’s also water resistant, so it’s a lot less likely to rust over a lifetime of deep dives and boat rides.…

What does it actually mean for a product to say it’s nontoxic or 100 percent compostable? And what the hell are all these sulfate things that people want to be free of? Use this decoder to help find out what’s really in your shampoo, soap, and body wash. ORGANIC, NON-TOXIC, CLEAN While USDA organic means something – certified foods must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients – cosmetic brands can use the term without any kind of certification. ‘Clean’ is equally nebulous. ‘Nontoxic’ generally means a product is free from ingredients that are known to be harmful to people or the environment. These terms may indicate a commitment to using safe ingredients and a marketing spin to appeal to woke consumers. SULFATE-FREE Sulfates are cleansing agents that create lather…

Some companies adapt, other companies are ahead of the hopefully flattening curve. Earlier this year, the app Sudor was launched. The premise was simple: the app connects you with your favourite social media fitness influencers and lets you train wherever and whenever you want. “Just a year ago, the majority of the fitness industry was still offline,” says co-founder Emma Heap. “Most fitness businesses had their growth trajectories constrained by time and space.” She knew there had to be a way to help these businesses scale and monetise their online content. At the time, she couldn’t have predicted that almost every gym in the world would have to reckon with the same question. Since COVID-19 hit, the platform has expanded to include not only the social media elite, but studios…

SUPPORT, DON’T ADVISE. “Only give advice to someone if they ask for it, otherwise just be there to offer them support.” OFFER PRACTICAL SUPPORT. “Completing practical tasks can be very useful. Doing their laundry or cooking them a meal can help take a load off their plate.” If this is impossible right now with social distancing, you could also order them food or help them sort out any life admin. DON’T MINIMISE THEIR PAIN. “It often comes from a good intention of trying to comfort or console, but comments such as ‘I know how you feel’ often minimise the individual’s experience.” DON’T AVOID THEM. “You might not know what to do or say, but it’s best to engage with them while feeling awkward than avoiding them.” KEEP CHECKING IN WITH…

Reader Advisory Following the advice on these pages may put serious strain on your T-shirt sleeves. MH takes no responsibility for any items of clothing that need upsizing.…

Does It Work? Negative Reps Do you even lower, bro? You should: this is the part of any exercise in which our muscles are able to produce the most force. According to the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, recruiting a spotter to help you focus on the lowering part of an exercise – the bench press, say – and adding 40% to your load can help you break through a strength plateau.…

1. Play Dead A Fidelity customer audit found that the best investors aren’t the spreadsheet tinkerers or risk-hungry, bourbon-fuelled banking types. In fact, the opposite is true. Those raking in the most cash were either inactive or dead. The lesson: don’t meddle, let it mellow. 2. Take a Risk A University of British Columbia study found that novice investors were more likely to make safer, more diversified decisions when encouraged to gamble. While a little bit of risk can go a long way, the authors advise newcomers to do their research and consult with an expert before pulling the trigger. 3. Watch the Clock Riding the rollercoaster of the stock market’s inevitable peaks won’t just give you anxiety. Turns out, buying low and selling high might not be as effective…

INGREDIENTS 2 SKINLESS HAKE FILLETS, PIN BONED 200G TENDERSTEM BROCCOLI 1 BAG OF WOOLWORTHS 7-GRAIN MEDLEY ½ AVOCADO 1 LARGE TOMATO, DICED 1 SMALL CUCUMBER, DICED 1 LEMON, JUICE AND ZEST OLIVE OIL MALDON SALT PARSLEY (OPTIONAL) METHOD 1/ Warm the bag of grains for 90 seconds; dice the avocado, tomato and cucumber into bite-sized chunks. 2/ Mix the grains and veg, add lemon zest with Maldon salt. Set aside. 3/ In a large hot pan, add a touch of olive oil and lay the fish skin side down. Place the broccoli around the fish. Cook for three minutes, or until the skin takes on a caramelised appearance, then turn over the fish and broccoli to cook for another 1-2 minutes. Finish with lemon juice, parsley and Maldon salt. 4/…

QUICK-FIRE CALORIE BURN By targeting the larger muscle groups in your lower body and rocketing your heart rate, this workout maximises calorie burn and creates an oxygen debt to spike your metabolism for hours after you’ve collapsed in a puddle of sweat. Grab a set of dumbbells and perform each exercise every minute, three times in total. You’ll incinerate a lot of calories in just 15 minutes. Let’s go. 01 DUMBBELL SKIER SWING 1 set of 45sec, 15sec rest Begin with a set that zones in on your glutes and core. Standing with your feet at shoulder width, dumbbells at your sides, hinge at your hips to swing the weights behind you (A). Contract your glutes to thrust forward and stand tall, propelling the weights up to your shoulders…

ALMOND MILK Its vitamin E is a key ingredient in many anti-ageing products, so if you’re training to look good, this milk could even help to reduce wrinkles. SEMI-SKIMMED MILK Dairy milk actually has a lot more carbs than the alternatives. These sugars will ensure that your muscles are well stocked. OAT MILK Fortified with energising B-vitamins, this dairy alternative can provide the extra boost you need when training hard. Make this your regular mixer and power on.…

In the weight-loss conversation, everyone talks, talks, talks about diet and exercise. Meanwhile, hormones can’t get a word in edgewise. Which maybe makes sense, since hormones aren’t something you’ve thought about since high school. But new science shows that not only are these complex chemicals worth paying attention to as you age, they may also play a key role in how you put on (or take off) weight. Granted, there are dozens of hormones, so we’ve created a crash course on how you can make ten of the big ones work better for you. That sounds complicated. (It’s not.) Here’s how to do it. LEPTIN AND GHRELIN BLAME THESE two hormones when your gut grumbles an hour after you ate dinner. Leptin, a hormone your fat tissues release, alters your…

•Make Moonshine Shine •Learn The Rules Of Fight Club •Get Buzzed On Beans •Ask The Girl Next Door FIRST, we dug holes in the ground to cook with fire. Then, as we evolved, we constructed drums, barrels and boxes to better harness heat. But now a new form of flame is gaining power within the world of outdoor cooking: more and more South Africans will be switching to pellets to fuel our backyard culinary pursuits, on machines that are part braai and part smoker and can be operated via WiFi and smartphone apps. Slow-smoking braais with compressed, pill-shaped wood pellets have been around since the 1980s; they’re just yet to become mainstream in South Africa. The pellets themselves are made of apple, hickory, cherry, and other popular braai woods. They…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED 1 (5.5KG) BRISKET 1 CUP OF YOUR FAVORITE RUB 1. Season the brisket all over with the rub, and allow the meat to sit at room temperature as you preheat your smoker to 140°C. 2. Add the brisket to the smoker, fat side down; drop the temp to 90°C; and cook until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the brisket reads 69°C, 4 to 6 hours. 3. Carefully remove the brisket from the smoker; wrap tightly in butcher paper or aluminum foil; and return to the smoker, fat side up. Cook until the meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 92°C. 4. Remove the brisket from the smoker, open the wrapping to vent for 5 minutes, rewrap tightly, and transfer to a dry,…

WILDERER ROGUE APPLE PIE MOONSHINE This offering uses an assortment of ripe apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to create more-ish liquid apple pie. It’s perfect for spring cocktails. Apples are also known for a host of health benefits. Who said you can’t get your apple a day this way? R280, wilderer.co.za SILVER CREEK BON FIRE SOUTHERN MOONSHINE The entire process is done completely by hand – from mashing and fermentation to distillation and bottling.All their grain is locally sourced and is triple distilled. Plus, it won a gold medal at the 2017 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards. POR, silvercreekdistellery. com BOOTLEGGER WHITE LIGHTNING MOONSHINE Bootlegger’s original moonshine is made with 100% natural grain. It is potent yet surprisingly smooth. Squeeze 2 limes onto 10 freshly crushed mint leaves. Mix…

Did you binge Billions in quarantine? You don’t need to visit a sex dungeon to explore your submissive side; start by venturing into “power play” with just your imagination. Try role-playing in which you’re the servant to your partner’s king or queen. Simply asking for permission to touch them (or yourself) puts the reins in your partner’s hands. If they’re into it, level up with some wrist restraints, like furry handcuffs or silk ties from the closet. Quarantining was rough on my marriage. As two full-time career people working from home, we fought every day. It felt like a wake-up call. Do we need therapy? — John, Piet Retief I’m not surprised you clashed! Spending extra time together (read: 24 hours a day on the same couch) isn’t always a…

LIGHT Woolworths Breakfast Blend 100% Arabica Ground Coffee One sip of this and you’ll taste toast slathered in a more-ish marmalade (or the citrus dropkick you need to jumpstart your engine after a night out). R105 for 500g, Woolworths MEDIUM For The Blind Mocha Java Blend This medium roast is a smooth, sweet, full-bodied breakfast coffee – savour slowly with your morning meal. R59 for 250g, Checkers MEDIUM-DARK Foreign Ground Blended Origin Coffee: Bravo Signature Blend You’ll taste milk chocolate deepening to smooth dark chocolate/cocoa. No bitterness at all; no acidity. It’s delicious. R65 for 250g, Checkers MEDIUM/DARK Terbodore Dutch Chocolate Filter Coffee Blend Chocolate flavouring is added to 100% Arabica beans to give it a rich, full coffee flavour. It’s a guilt-free treat. R80 for 250g, Pick n Pay…

TYRESE GIBSON has a lot going on – and not just with his bold, bright style. He’s got the ninth installment of Fast & Furious (and his sixth in the saga) on the way. He’s dipping into the Marvel universe, costarring in Morbius, the upcoming comic-book adaptation about a scientist turned rabid vampire. Offscreen, Gibson still tours as a musician and is working on a follow-up album to 2015’s Black Rose. And he keeps himself busy on social media, posting motivational messages for his 40 million followers. Splitting his time between LA and Atlanta, the 41-year-old says his clothes are a reflection of the moment and largely depend on his mood. That could swing from casual sports jackets and slacks to super-relaxed tracksuit tops and bottoms. Before he was famous,…

ORGANIC, NATURAL AND NONTOXIC used to be a niche section of the grooming products aisle – a hippie outpost for patchouli deodorants and peppermint-oil soaps. Then, slowly, organic, natural and nontoxic took over the women’s aisle, and now those kinds of products are arriving in full force in the men’s section. And why wouldn’t they? They’re better for your body than whatever is in your bathroom, and (bonus points!) they’re usually good for the environment, too. None of this would matter, though, if they didn’t work, so for this year’s Grooming Awards, we put hundreds of products to the test. From new “clean” brands to old-school classics, we found the best grooming stuff that also happens to be the best for you and maybe the environment. Look for the Green…

Lockdown has throttled the SA economy. There’s no way around it: once-thriving industries have been gutted by the coronavirus’s relentless spread, and quarantine’s heavy-handed restrictions have delivered the final blow. With restaurants, tech startups, and major companies shuttering in the wake of the disease’s warpath, there are a few enterprises that have managed to stay standing. Their secret: creative thinking and quick implementation. “COVID-19 has, in the space of a few weeks, accelerated the e-commerce adoption curve in SA by several years,” says Bottles App co-CEO and co-founder Vincent Viviers. There is a life raft, but you need to swim fast to snag a spot onboard. The Muscle For Chris Oman, otherwise known as Coach Chris, the goal has always been to make sure he can keep paying his staff.…

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Raise money-savvy kids, pump yourself up and save your cash for the good stuff with our MH-certified research and expert advice. 1 THE BUYER’S BIAS Can’t stop spending? Time to stop scrolling. A recent study by professors at the University of Toronto and University of California revealed that our spending habits are influenced by something known as visibility bias. Essentially, we’re spending more and saving less because we only see what others are spending – and not what they’re stashing in the piggy bank. (And social media is only making things worse.) Meet your best mate in person, and you may notice him sipping a cheap beer or rocking threadbare sweatpants (no judgment!). But online, it’s a highlight reel of expensive restaurants and exotic locales. Your play: it’s…

UP TAKE A BATH Lonely people tend to take more warm baths and showers to induce physical warmth. Hey, while you’re at it, add some bubbles. Emotion Journal HOLD ANTI-SOCIAL MEDIA A 2019 study showed that how you use social media matters more than how much you use it. Scroll away the loneliness by not having an emotional connection to posts, comments and likes. Society for Public Health Education DOWN STRESS OUT A study linked loneliness to increased levels of inflammation in response to stress, something 2020 has in abundance. It also led to more serious health complications. Health Psychology UP HELPING HAND After starting to volunteer for two or more hours per week, people’s loneliness levels subsided. The Journals of Gerontology DOWN MONEY TALKS Higher household income was associated…

LIFEMOTTO There’s no such thing as impossible; it just takes longer than planned. LAST BOOK YOU READ Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho FAVOURITE MOVIE Inglourious Basterds FAVOURITE HOBBIES Reading, traveling and playing sports with friends. FAVOURITE FOOD Food. I’m obsessed with food. I can’t pick my favourite. But if I had to choose, my mom’s seven colour Sunday dish. YOUR PARTY TRICK Being able to say certain phrases in ten different languages. ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT The ability to create. It’s never stuff, material things. Headphones. And I’m trying to avoid saying family or food because that’s sort of the obvious choice.…

“The triceps’ three heads – medial, long and lateral – attach to your elbow and the back of your upper arm bone. The long head connects to your shoulder blade, too. The medial and lateral heads are what make up the coveted ‘horseshoe’ look. When you do a triceps push-down, you’re mostly attacking these two. Once your upper arm starts moving overhead, you’ll start hitting that long head. “Not only do the tris make up more of the muscle mass in your upper arms, they’re also more involved in your day-to-day life than your biceps. You spend more time pushing your arm away from your body than you do pulling. “Your triceps are a secondary mover in almost every upper-body pushing movement, because they’re responsible for straightening your arm. Most…