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As a frequent runner and gym-goer, I have been looking for a headset that would suit my needs for a while. 
It being Bluetooth was, of course, the key point: getting all tangled up in a wire during a run is one of the worst feelings an athlete can experience (although this might be a slight exaggeration)

I also needed it to be somewhat waterproof – Singapore is a great playground for runners, as long as they are not afraid of getting sweaty.. or drenched.
Finally, I needed to stay in place – most of the wireless headsets’ earplugs are not adapted to small ears like mine and won’t stay in for an extended period of time.

After testing some products from Jabra and other brands and listening to my ultra-running friends’ recommendations, I decided to go ahead with the Aeropex from Aftershokz. Here is my honest review, after more than a year of using it daily.

aftershockz aeropex
picture: @dirganfasapixels

What are bone conduction earphones?

What convinced me to buy them, apart from the design itself, was the use of interesting technology – Bone conduction, which allows the earphones to sit ON your ears, rather than going in, like more traditional models. 
The 2 most noticeable advantages of this are:
1. Safety – as it doesn’t isolate you from the outside sounds, you can run/walk/cycle with them without putting yourself at risk of an accident due to something you hadn’t heard coming. 
2. Great for people with hearing difficulties – as it doesn’t rely solely on the eardrums, people with impaired hearing can get a better experience than with normal earphones. 

More information about bone conduction headphones and how they work here. 

This model from Aftershockz is, of course, not the only one available on the market based on this technology – but it is the main brand commercializing it in Singapore, meaning you can go to a shop and give it a try to see if you like it or not. 


Pros of the Aftershokz Aeropex:

  • perfect for outdoor sports – the bone conduction system allows the user to stay aware of their surroundings while getting a great audio experience
  • sweat & rainproof
  • Very light yet not fragile at all
  • fits every head
  • The battery can last & recharging it takes less than 2hrs
  • The in-built microphone is very decent and allows to take phone calls – but the lack of noise-cancellation makes it difficult to have a call outdoor, especially near busy roads. 

 

Cons of the Aftershockz Aeropex:

  • No noise-cancellation functionality (simply because they don’t get into your ears). However, they come with internal earplugs you can use along with the headset – which can come in handy in a crowded & noisy environment such as the gym.
  • Within 14 months of usage, I had to fill a warranty claim twice – the charger had stopped working properly, and the battery life was down to a few hours.
    However, Singapore’s warranty service is very responsive, efficient and offered an immediate solution both times. Aftershokz products are covered by a 2year warranty, which makes them a safe bet.


So, should you buy the Aeropex earset from Aftershockz?

YES

If you are looking for very light yet sturdy running/cycling earphones that won’t move during your sessions. 

NO

If you need noise-cancellation, or if you intend to swim with your new earphones.

 

 Last thoughts:

Overall, one of my best sports-related purchases of 2019 – I can’t spend a single day without using it, and I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable headset to run, cycle or go to the gym. 
If you are looking for a more technical review, TechRadar has published an extensive article about those – check it out! 

 

Where to buy Aftershokz Aeropex in Singapore: 
Stereo 68, #04-06 Orchard Rd, Plaza Singapura, 238839
MobyShop 14 #02-52 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, 228213

 

You would like to eat healthier but don’t have the time to shop, prep and cook every day? Here is a quick guide to some of the healthiest options available in your local hawker centre – and some tips on what you should try to avoid. 

 

First things first: the “healthiest” doesn’t mean the “lowest in calories”. This is a misconception many articles on the same topic are pushing – but you do need to pay the same attention to the nutrients your body will get from the meal.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a “healthy” dish:

  • It needs to include some protein (plant or animal-based). Think meat, fish, eggs, tofu. Your body needs protein at every meal, and skipping it to save on calories isn’t healthy at all. A good portion of protein is approx the size of a deck of cards (or a mobile phone).
  • If any ingredient is deep-fried or served with a dense, heavy sauce (often packed with oil & sugar), you know it won’t be healthy. Even if it’s soup.
  • Pay attention to the portion of carbs – ask for 1/2 rice or noodles, and go for the wholemeal option if available. White carbs don’t keep you full for long, and they are quite calorie-dense. Ask for more vegetables to get some good fibres & vitamins that will last longer in your stomach.
  • Even if it has the “healthier option” logo doesn’t mean it is “healthy”. Most of these dishes have been labelled that way because they contain fewer calories – but again, calories are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adopting healthier food habits.

 

1. Sliced fish soup

Sliced fish soup is a great option, as it contains quite a lot of protein (from the fish), along with fibres. Make it healthier by asking for 1/2 rice or noodles – but don’t forget that the soup contains quite a lot of salt, so make sure you balance it with a lot of drinking water after your meal.

Side note: this doesn’t apply to fish ball soup, as fishballs are mostly flour and don’t contain enough protein to make your bowl a healthy meal.

Picture: Danielfooddiary

 

2. Thunder tea rice

It includes several types of vegetables & greens, and in most places, you can swap white rice for wild/brown rice. Make sure you get some protein as a topping – tofu or egg – to build a healthy yet filling bowl that will keep you full until dinner.

thunder tea rice healthy hawker
Picture: The meatmen Channel

3. Kaya Toast set with Soft Boiled Eggs

You’ve got your portion of protein with the eggs & some carbs to keep you full all morning. If possible, ask to skip the margarine/butter slice as that doesn’t bring anything interesting nutrition-wise, or maybe have only 1 of the toasts.

As it often comes with a kopi, make sure to go for a simple black coffee and avoid adding 200kcal+ of concentrated milk to a healthy meal.

 

4. Chicken porridge with extra egg

Most porridges are a decently healthy option, as they contain a lot of water. You can choose the flavour you want, but keep in mind that there’s rarely enough chicken in the porridge to give you enough protein, and you can always ask for a double portion of meat. 

chicken congee
Picture: NY Times

5. Oyster Omelette

All oyster omelettes are not equal, as some stalls use a lot more cooking oil than others. However, the initial recipe is quite healthy: protein & good fats brought by the eggs, and even more protein from the oysters. If you can, get a side of veggies to complete your plate.

 

6. Poke Bowls 

Some hawker centres, including Amoy Street, have stalls offering poke bowls – a clean, often palm oil-free option, packed with protein & good fat (with the tuna or salmon), veggies & a layer of rice.

If you can, ask for wild/brown rice to make it even healthier, and swap the rice for some salad if you’re not very hungry, to save up to 300kcal.

Ju Ju Pokebowl
Picture: Ju Ju Pokebowls

7. Salads from Salad Bars 

If you get the option to build your own salad, make sure you get enough protein (portions of protein, as ingredients, are more expensive, so tend to be a bit small) and get a small amount of carbs (brown rice or quinoa) to keep you full throughout the day.

8. Japanese Bento Boxes

Some stalls serve well-balanced Bentos – make sure you get one with fish, meat or tofu, and avoid going for the deep-fried options, like tempura. The portions of rice are usually small, making it a great choice if you are watching your calorie intake.

 

 

Bottom line:

Eating healthy when you’re not able to cook your own food can be a bit tricky. But if you keep the following simple rules in mind, you are sure to avoid calorie bombs:

  • Always get some protein on your plate (meat, fish, eggs or plant-based protein)
  • Avoid deep-fried food (chicken, noodles, fish)
  • Avoid heavy sauces & curries that can add up to 300kcal per plate
  • Whenever possible, fill half of your plate with veggies & greens – they’ll keep you full longer
  • Swap white rice & noodles for the wholemeal/wholegrain version, if available.