Saturday 31 January 2009

What does Quorn mince taste like?

Actually it doesn't taste to bad, the texture is a bit different to ordinary mince but tastes quite similar. Why not try quorn's recipe for bolognese, click on this link to get the recipe-

http://www.quorn.co.uk/CMSPage.aspx?ssbid=456&rid=83

They also have plenty of other recipes that are low in fat and high in protein like chilli con carne. Mycoprotein which is what most Quorn products are made from is high in dietary fibre which is great for regular bowel movements, this means that the harmful toxins have less time to be absorbed by the body. Quorn is good if you are on a diet as it has no cholesterol. It is also perfect for the younger members of your family even babies, so you wont have to make several different dinners, which means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time on the more important things in life.

What are the stages of weight loss?

Stages of weight losing

Often after several days of slimming we are delighted with its effects, not being conscious that we get rid of water instead of fat. Fat burning we can consider only after 11 days of a diet. And so the schedule of burning looks:


Stage 1: During first 3 days of a diet we lose 70% of water, 5% of proteins and 25% of fat.

Stage 2: Until the 13th day of the diet we lose 19% of water, 12% of proteins and 69% of fat.

Stage 3: Between the 21st and the 24th day of the diet we lose 15% of proteins and 85% of fat.

Stage 4: From the 24th day of the diet we lose 25% of proteins and 75% of
fat.


To weight losing one needs determination and consistency.



How can i prevent vitamin losses in food?

To prevent losses of natural vitamins in food try to:

Cook vegetables and fruit on steam best

If you cook vegetables in water do it in little amount of it, which can be used for sauces or soups

Prepare meals as late as possible before serving them

Definitely choose frozen food when having frozen and canned food to choose

Cook frozen food without defrosting

Prepare salads from freshly cut vegetables, otherwise they lose vitamins B and C

Store pod vegetables, pasta, rice, flour in dark containers because sun rays destroy contained in them vitamin B2


Does the new Boots Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler actually work?

Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler, £24.99, 30ml in Boots


"In one compound you get instant wrinkle-filling science plus a complex of three technologically advanced ingredients."

Science rating 2/5

To read reviews visit-


Friday 30 January 2009

What could i do for valentine's day?

Why not treat yourself and your partner to a Champneys health spa break this valentines?

Visit-



On their website you can sign up for the newsletter and request a brochure. If this is not your style or too expensive why not have a spa break in your own home. All weekend just make it about you and your partner. Have a long, hot romantic bath and just simply laze about in each others company, sounds relaxing to me. If you have children or simply don't have the time, try and get someone to babysit just for the evening or if your busy, make time! Looking after yourself is very important and works wonders for your health.


What is my BMI?

The body mass index (BMI) is a statistical measurement which compares a person's weight and height. Though it does not actually measure the percentage of body fat, it is a useful tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on how tall a person is. Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most widely used diagnostic tool to identify obesity problems within a population. However, it is not considered appropriate to use as a final indication for diagnosing individuals.



Thursday 29 January 2009

How can i save money?

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/

This website provides useful information on different ways to save money. You can sign up for their newsletter which gives you tips and advice on how to save money. there are pages about how to save money on your mortgage, loans and shopping. Martin also provides information on insurance, travel and banking. He even provides family health info. Sure check it out and leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Wednesday 28 January 2009

No time for breakfast but still want to stay healthy?

Cereal Bars

Everyone knows a good breakfast is the best start to the day. But with today's busy lifestyles, for many people it is difficult to find the time. This website provides useful facts and figures about different types of cereal bars and which has the lowest calories and would be the best to take.




Tracker - Breakfast Forest Fruits

Per 26g Bar
Per 100g
CALORIES
124kcal
474kcal
CARBS
16.7g
64.1g
FAT
5.8g
22.2g
SODIUM
No Data
No Data
PROTEIN
1.2g
4.6g
FIBRE
No Data
No Data


Quaker - Harvest Cheweee Milk Choc Chip

Per 22g Bar
Per 100g
CALORIES
95kcal
430kcal
CARBS
15.0g
68.0g
FAT
3.5g
16.0g
SODIUM
0.1g
0.2g
PROTEIN
1.2g
5.5g
FIBRE
0.8g
3.5g


Jordans - Frusli Cranberry & Apple


Per 33.3g Bar
Per 100g
CALORIES
128kcal
385kcal
CARBS
22.9g
68.9g
FAT
3.3g
9.9g
SODIUM
0.01g
0.03g
PROTEIN
1.7g
5.1g
FIBRE
1.9g
5.8g


McVities - a:m Cereal Bars Strawberry

Per 35g Bar
Per 100g
CALORIES
138kcal
395kcal
CARBS
24.7g
70.5g
FAT
3.5g
10.1g
SODIUM
0.1g
0.2g
PROTEIN
2.0g
5.7g
FIBRE
0.9g
2.7g


Safeway - Chewy Cereal Bars Nut & Chocolate

Per 27g Bar
Per 100g
CALORIES
127kcal
471kcal
CARBS
15.6g
57.9g
FAT
6.1g
22.7g
SODIUM
Trace
Trace
PROTEIN
2.3g
8.7g
FIBRE
1.1g
4.1g


Tesco - Breakfast Snack Bars Apple & Cinnamon


Per 37.5g Bar
Per 100g
CALORIES
137kcal
365kcal
CARBS
22.1g
58.8g
FAT
4.7g
12.5g
SODIUM
0.1g
0.3g
PROTEIN
1.6g
4.3g
FIBRE
0.8g
2.0g


Conclusion
Tracker and Quaker came out on top for when you need a quick breakfast on the move.

How can i eat healthily when i have no time to cook?

No time to cook? Don't reach for the choccy biccys, grab one of these snacks.

Mash half an avocado and spread over toasted granary bread. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a little black pepper.

To satisfy a sweet craving - slice a banana or 1⁄2 a mango into a bowl, top with some Greek-style natural yogurt, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of shelled almonds.

Spread split and toasted muffins with low-fat cream cheese and top with ribbons of smoked salmon and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Spread cottage cheese onto wholegrain crackers and top with chopped dates.

Spread houmous onto rice cakes. It might not be that healthy but i love cream cheese spread on rice cakes with sun blushed tomatoes, to die for!!!

Top oatcakes with slices of mature Cheddar and top with a little tomato chutney.

Combine a selection of nuts, dried fruit and seeds to munch on – try mixing whole almonds, hazelnuts, dried cranberries, sultanas and pumpkin seeds. Keep close at hand for the occasional snack.

Toast a slice of multiseed loaf. Top with slices of ripe tomato, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar, and season with black pepper.


What foods are in season at the moment?

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/family/hot_topics/features/pick_of_the_season.htm


Visit this website for all the information on how to cook the foods to perfection and ideas on how to try the foods in new ways, for example roasting the carrots in olive oil parsley and lemon, yummmm.

Here's a narrowed down version for you:

Blurberries

Carrots

Sweetcorn

Tomatoes

Cauliflower

Broccoli


How can i feed my family for a fiver?

SIMPLE!!!

Sainsburys are family friendly and are reducing foods for a certain period of time so you can make their recipes for your family of four for under a fiver. I personally thought, right okay these might taste a bit dodgy but they actually don't. Check out sainsburys website for the latest recipes or alternatively see instore for the wee recipe cards.

There simple to make and taste great, all for under a fiver!!

Monday 26 January 2009

The causes of hair loss

Pregnancy and the Pill- Hormonal changes can cause hair loss, nut this is virtually always temporary. It's important to be very gentle with your hair and avoid harsh products or treatments.

Smoking- This affects the body's take-up of Vitamin C and constricts the blood vessels, which means fewer nutrients reach the hair to encourage growth.

Drinking- Alcohol destroys B vitamins, which are essential for healthy glossy hair.

Stress- Anxiety and stress can lead to hair problems and can even cause it to fall out. Try gentle scalp massage to stimulate the follicles.

Poor diet- Thinning hair or hair loss can be associated with a lack of iron, B and C vitamins and lysine. Try to boost your diet and include plenty of water and essential fatty acids.

Perming, bleaching or dyeing- If constantly over-treated, hair can become brittle and break off close to the scalp. Seek professional advice from a reputable hair salon.


£1.89 for an anti wrinke cream?

Yes!!! Its true, Aldi do a day and night cream that actually works for the bargain price of £1.89! Take a look at this forum on what different women have said about this wonderful cream. If your like me and are no where near and Aldi then check out ebay, you might not pay only £1.89 but under a tenner still can't be bad. Check it out-



http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/?_nkw=siana+cream&_sacat=0&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=sianna+cream&_osacat=0

http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/index.php/chatroom/topic/6149

Thought I would alert you to this wonderful face cream, it is so smooth and silky - feels lovely and fresh too. Just proves again that you don't need to pay a fortune. Here's what they say about it ....

In the Sunday Mirror’s Celebs on Sunday 2008 Beauty Survey, our Siana Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream (£1.89, 50ml) was the winner out of three under £20 mass market anti-ageing creams tested. The cream received high praise from testers: “I was asked if I’d had a facial, my skin looked so fresh. I think it must be expensive”; “My skin feels firmer, brighter and refreshed”.
There is also a fantastic Anti-wrinkle Night Cream (£1.89, 50ml).

The Sun said:“Aldi’s cream beat pricier products, including Olay and Elemis, in consumer tests and is now shifting a massive 20,000 jars a week.” The Sun went on to say the product “contains top ingredients that are found in more expensive products, such as enzyme Q10, which has been proven to help shield the body against premature aging”.

The Mirror featured it as one of its ‘5 to Try’ anti-aging creams. The paper went on to report that this “bargain cream” has been “flying off the shelves nationwide after topping several beauty polls”.


How can i hold back the years?

Drink plenty of water- it's your skin's most important beauty treatment. About 2 litres a day will keep skin hydrated and help plump out fine lines. You'll notice a difference within hours.

Skin experts recommend sleeping on your back to encourage blood flow and reduce puffiness. You're also more likely to develop deeper wrinkles on the side of your face on which you sleep.

Try to avoid stress. It triggers the release of cortisol in your body, which weakens your immune system and the skin's ability to act as a barrier, leaving it prone to inflammation and irritation.

Skin problems are often a sign of an unhealthy gut. A balanced, nutritious diet is vital if you want healthy skin. Vitamins A, C and E and essential fatty acids are particularly important in the fight against premature skin ageing.

Treat yourself to regular facials. They help to relax muscles and tone the complexion. They are also a good way of keeping up to date with new products and understanding what your skin is like now.


Sunday 25 January 2009

What is in anti-ageing skin creams?

As our obsession with looking younger longer grows, scientists and dermatologists continue to research effective anti-ageing treatments. They have discovered a number of vitamins and natural ingredients to help slow down the ageing process and that may even reverse some of the signs of ageing skin.

Vitamin A can help puff up the skin and ill out fine lines.


Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It heals and boosts collagen production and circulation. It generally brightens the skin.


Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant and moisturiser.


Retinoids are chemicals that encourage the production of new skin cells, giving skin a smoother appearance.


Alpha hydroxy acids encourage the skin to shed dead surface cells, improving texture and reducing large pores. They are particularly useful for oily or acne-prone skin.


Green tea extract is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It's good to drink and is effective topically to reduce puffiness, wrinkles and large pores.


How do i choose the right sunscreen?

Choose a product that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

Look for one that also contains antioxidants to neutralise damaging free radicals generated through exposure to the sun.

More mature skin benefits from the addition of essential fatty acids to rehydrate skin.

There are increasing numbers of products that use natural minerals sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which act as a physical barrier. These are particularly suitable for sensitive skin.

Mineral filter sunscreens work by reflecting and scattering light and are not absorbed by the skin. Chemical filters sink into the skin and absorb the sun's rays, which can lead to photochemical skin reactions.

Look for melatonin-boosting plant ingredients and moisturising, soothing oils, such as jojoba.

Antioxidant vitamins, such as E and C, will help to strengthen and repair skin, stimulating cell renewal. Vitamin A also helps to protect from damage.


5 Sun Facts!

The sun's rays are at their most intense between 10am and 3pm. At other times the atmosphere filters out of their damaging energy.

At high altitudes ythe atmosphere is thinner and more harmful rays reach us.

For every 30 metres increase in altitude the sun's rays are roughly 5% more powerful.

sunscreens are categorised by a Sun Protection Factor or SPF. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.

As a guide, if your skin usually burns after 15mins in the sun, an SPF of 20 will extend that 15 minutes by 20.


Ten steps to a more youthul you!

1. DON'T SMOKE
Nothing ages you faster

2. ADJUST YOUR DIET
Eat at least five portions of fruit and veg, and boost your intake of omega3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Avoid processed, sugary foods and drink plenty of water.

3. EXERCISE
A toned supple body will not only help to make you look longer, but regular exercise will make you feel and act younger too.

4. MODERATE YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE
Remember a glass of red wine is good for your heart. It also contains all-important antioxidants to help your body fight ageing free radicals, and even contains a compound called resveratrol to stimulate lean cells and helped shed fat. Now there's something to make you smile!

5. CLEANSE, MOISTURISE AND PROTECT YOUR SKIN EVERY DAY
Change the products you use- look at what's new and what's suitable for you at the age you are now.

6. GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP- Simple as!
7. REDUCE STRESS LEVELS
Take time out to relax. Try yoga, massage, meditation, soak in a scented bath, or whatever it takes to help you unwind.

8. SMILE AND BE CONFIDENT
There's no surer way to shed the years.

9. ADAPT YOUR STYLE
Don't get stuck in a rut. Regularly overhaul your wardrobe, cosmetics, hairstyle and colour.

10. INCREASE YOUR FRESH AIR AND OXYGEN INTAKE
Take a country walk or cycle- you'll be exercising at the same time.


How can i avoid wrinkles?

There are growing numbers of anti-ageing products available that are specifically designed to limit damage and help you hold back the years (its really as simple as natural plain make-up and a smooth moisturised body)

Your skin will become gradually drier and rougher from now on, so exfoliation is important. It's also critical to carry on protecting your skin against sun damage if you want to avoid sun spots, uneven pigmentation and even more wrinkles.
A good defence against damage from free radicals is vital. Use a moisturiser rich in antioxidants.

Vitamin A an retinoids will help boost collagen and elastin levels in your skin, making it look younger.

Exercise is even more important to maintain a healthy skeleton and muscle tone, and to combat a slower metabolism. A combination of weight-bearing or resistance exercise and a cardiovascular workout i best.

It's not always easy to avoid stress, especially as most people in their 40s have hectic lifestyles, balancing the needs of family, home and work. But there's no doubt that your body will now cope less well with stress and lack of sleep, so be gentle with yourself and make sure you have enough time to rest and recover from everyday life.

Now is the time to take a good, long look at your diet. What you ate even a decade ago may no longer suit your body's needs. Hormone and oestrogen-balancing foods are key if you want to feel healthy and avoid the worst effects of ageing.

Saturday 24 January 2009

Confused about weaning your baby??

Almost two thirds of UK mums believe that a variety of healthy weaning foods, including green, leafy veg, red meat and chicken aren't suitable for babies. Due to worries about allergies, a lot of mums continue giving only fruit and veg purees for those aged nine months and over. But babies also need nutrient rich foods such as chicken, meat and cheese from around six or seven months to fuel their rapid growth.

How can i eat healthy on a budget?

Think Green

Fewer than a third of men and women eat the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day. But both can be inexpensive an good for you - whether fresh or frozen, dried or canned (which have a longer shelf life)

Plan ahead to save the pennies
Devise a weeks menu in advance and use this to compile your shopping list. It's important for you to stick to it, to avoid temptations that may blow the budget.

Eat more wholegrains

They're rich in nutrients, so are healthy,as well as being filling and cheap. Opt for wholegrain breakfast cereals and bread, brown rice, wholewheat pasta, bulgar wheat and ricecakes. (you can read reviews on the cheapest and tastiest at http://www.ciao.co.uk/Rice_Cakes_5205949_4)
Top up
At times when we struggle to eat healthily, taking a daily multivitamin can help support nutrition. If your like me and hate swallowing tablets then try Bassetts Soft and Chewy, they have a nice raspberry taste and provide you with the right multivitamins and minerals needed.

Cook yourself thin!



This is a great website to find tasty but healthy recipes, heres one to get you started-


Chicken Tikka Masala
Serves 2
Ready in 55 minutes (plus 12-24 hour marinade

Ingredients
The marinade
1 tablespoon tikka masala
Curry paste
150g 0% fat Greek yoghurt
2 free-range chicken breasts each cut into 5-6 large chunks
Salt


The sauce
1 rounded tablespoon tikka masala curry paste
1 onion, finely chopped
200g passatta
200ml tin reduced-fat or light coconut milk
1 tablespoon 0% fat Greek yoghurt
A handful of coriander, chopped

Nutritional Information
Per serving:526 calories

The fragrant rice
100g basmati rice
Salt
5 curry leaves
1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1 cinnamon stick
A pinch of saffron (optional)

Method: How to cook low-fat chicken tikka masala with fragrant rice
1. To make the marinade, mix the curry paste, yoghurt, chicken and salt together, cover and leave overnight in the fridge to absorb all the delicious flavours.
2. Preheat a conventional oven to 220ºC or a fan-assisted one to 200ºC.
3. Wipe the marinade off the chicken and place, piece by piece, onto a baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes or until slightly charred, but not cooked through.
4. You are just trying to get some colour here because the chicken will finish cooking in the curry sauce. Set the tikka chicken aside while you make the sauce.
5. Heat the curry paste in a saucepan. Add the onion and sweat slowly over a low heat for five to eight minutes or until the onion is translucent and soft.
6. It is important to take the time to do this slowly because the onion will then release its natural sugars, producing a sweeter dish, but be careful not to do this over too high a heat because the curry paste will burn.
7. Add the passatta and coconut milk and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and add the tikka chicken.
8. Cook over a low heat for five minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Finish by stirring through the yoghurt and coriander.
9. To make the fragrant rice, add the rice, a pinch of salt and the aromatics to a pan and cover with enough water to come 1cm over the top of the rice.
10. Bring to the boil and simmer for eight minutes, covered.
11. The rice should have absorbed almost all of the water, but still be a bit wet.
12. Remove from the heat and leave to absorb the remaining water for 10 minutes, covered. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving with the curry.


Find it hard to exercise in the winter weather?

Winter-proof your work-out!

Summoning the motivation to exercise in winter can be tough, so try these tips to get you up and out - and feeling good about it.


1. Have a back-up plan
There can be times when the weather may put you off a run around the park. So always have an alternative exercise plan, such as swimming or a work-out DVD.


2. Don't feel guilty
Only exercise on days when you're motivated. As long as you're doing your weekly quota - five 30-minute sessions. Theres no need to feel guilty if you don't fancy it on one particular day.


3. Reward yourself
For working out with a hearty bowl of soup, a hot relaxing bath or a small glass of wine. The lure of a treat can help you get through!

Friday 23 January 2009

How can i recharge my batteries??

Follow these simple steps:

Have a holiday at home
Love how carefree you feel on holiday? Keep one night to do something that gives your brain and body a rest from the norm. If you rely on the TV for entertainment, spend the night sorting through old photos or invite the girls around for a natter.

Radiate positivity
Sending out good vibes can encourage others to react more positivity towards you.

Feel more energised
Stay switched on by smartening up your diet. Stick to three good meals a day with lots of low GI foods such as oats and vegetables, which release energy slowly.
Appear more confident
Improve the way you hold your body can reinvigorate your self-esteem. I you are feeling low you may slouch and look down. Counter it with an open stance- stand tall, with shoulder blades down and relaxed and head held high.
Treat your skin, Brush Up!
Help yourself to smoother skin, improved circulation and a super-charged lymphatic system with the DIY energising ritual of body brushing. Use a firm natural fibre brush, moving in long strokes from your feet upwards. Always work towards your heart.




Want a free health and beauty magazine?

If so.....

All you have to do is have a boots advantage card, as simple as! If you dont, dont worry because it is just as simple to get one. Call into one of the local boots stores and fill out a leaflet or do it online.

You get lots of perks when you sign up, you get 4 points per pound you spend, save the points up and you can buy things instore for nothing!! You cant be bad to that! You can get more discount offers by inserting your advantage card into the kiosks instore and it brings up relevent coupons to print out. Not only that you get a free magazine with more offers and healthy ideas and tips.




Thursday 22 January 2009

The Balance of Good Health

This is a guide showing the proportion and types of foods that are needed to make up a healthy balanced diet. It is achieving the right balance and variety of foods that is important for health.

The guide is divided into five food groups: Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods; fruit and vegetables; milk and dairy foods; meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein; foods and drinks high in fat and/or sugar. Foods from the largest groups should be eaten most often and foods from the smallest group should be eaten least often.

Why is balance important?
No single food contains all the essential nutrients the body needs to be healthy and function efficiently. The nutritional value of a person's diet depends on the overall mixture, or balance, of foods that is eaten over a period of time, as well as on the needs of the individual. That is why a balanced diet is one that is likely to include a large number or variety of foods, so adequate intakes of all the nutrients are achieved.


We need energy to live, but the balance between carbohydrate, fat and protein must be right. Too little protein can interfere with growth and other body functions, too much fat can lead to obesity and heart disease. Adequate intakes of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre are important for health, and there is growing evidence that a number of bioactive plant substances (also termed phytochemicals) found in fruit and vegetables are also important in promoting good health.


Eight tips for eating well:
1. Base your meals on starchy foods
2. Eat lots of fruit and veg
3. Eat more fish
4. Cut down on saturated fat and sugar
5. Try to eat less salt – no more than 6g a day
6. Get active and try to be a healthy weight
7. Drink plenty of water
8. Don’t skip breakfast


What makes our skin?

SKIN

Collagen makes up 70% of the skin. It is the main structural protein in the skin, and its fibres act as scaffolding to give skin strength and maintain elasticity. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen. Collagen production is badly affected by skin damage, smoking and eating too much sugar, causing wrinkling and sagging.


Elastin, which is the skins other main fibrous protein, gives skin its bounce. Collagen and Elastin fibres become less flexible over time because of damage my free radicals.


Antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and minerals such as selenium limit damage caused by free radicals. A normal skin should be composed roughly of 70% living cells and 30% dead cells. At the age of 40 only 30% of skin cells are still active.


The epidermis never stops growing from the bottom layer up. Dead skin cells are usually shed invisibly from the surface (the dead cell layer is called the stratum corneum). On average it takes between 50-75 days for a complete cycle from the development of new skin cells until they are shed.


Essential fatty (such as those in seeds, nuts and oily fish) are vital for healthy skin to maintain the membranes of skin cells.


TOP 5 IMMUNE BOOSTERS!

Get these down ya to beat that cold :) -

1. Seafood and shellfish for zinc and selenium.

2. Kiwifruit and sweet potatoes for vitamin C.

3. Apricots for iron and beta-carotene.

4. Jumbo oats and brown rice for zinc, selenium and iron

5. Garli and onions- the very bet protection against all viruses and bacterial infections.

Cold busting foods!

Broccoli, pomegranate and papaya!

Broccoli contains more vitamin C (essential for fighting colds and flu) than any other fruit and veg, while papaya and strawberries also score highly. Make a simple fruit salad with satsumas, strawberries, papaya and pineapple to ward off winter ills.


Pomegranate contains hundreds of tiny like jewels and are a rich source of vitamin C. Several trials have found that the fruit helps fight off heart disease, lower blood pressure and protects against breast cancer.

How to relax in 5 minutes!

LISTEN TO BACH

According to experts, music with a tempo of 60 beats per minute slows blood pressure and respiration rates, and stimulates the production of relaxing alpha brainwaves. Music with this rhythm mimics your heartbeat at rest which, on hearing, your body then emulates. Bach, Handel, Purcell and Vivaldi can be great stress soothers.

Should i worry about low blood pressure?

Low Blood Pressure

There are fewer health risks associated with low blood pressure than high. Less strain is put on the blood vessel walls so there's a lower risk of damage and atherosclerosis.


A sudden fall in blood pressure may cause problems. This can happen with a rapid change in posture - say if you get up quickly from sitting or get out of bed too quickly. This effect is known as "postural hypotension". When we stand up, blood vessels called arterioles have to constrict to maintain blood supply to the brain - if this does not happen quickly enough we can feel dizzy or faint, but this feeling should pass.


Wednesday 21 January 2009

What happens when i get a migraine??

Migraines

A migraine is much more than a headache. As well as the throbbing pain, normally felt on oneside of the head, suffferers can become sensitive to light, smell or sounds. This is why lying in a dark, quiet room can help soothe symptoms. Attacks can last from a few hours to a few days, but you can feel drained for days afterwards.


It's not known exactly what causes them, but at the start of an attack serotonin is released into the bloodstream. This causes changes in the blood vessels within the brain, either making them shrink or widen, possibly causing the pain. Experts are still unsure what causes the serotonin to be released.


Some common triggers have been identified that may lead to a migraine, such as stress or excitement, hormones, over-exercising, food additives- suc as MSG or aspartame- too much caffeine, bright lights and sinus problems. A combination of triggers can be also responsible.

Tuesday 20 January 2009

How much fibre should i be eating a day?

FIBRE
The Guideline Daily Amount of fibre is 24g. The term fibre describes a number of compounds, such as pectin and lignin, all of which are found in the cell walls of plants. it can be divided into two groups- insoluble and soluble- both of which help keep the body healthy in different ways.


Insoluble fibre - which is found mainly in wholegrain cereals but also in vegetables, fruit and pulses. It helps prevent constipation and problems such as hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. It works by absorbing water, making stools larger, softer and easier to pass. It also speeds the passage of waste material through the body. The quicker waste materials are excreted, the less time harmful substances have to linger in the bowel.

Soluble fibre - found in oats and oat bran, beans and pulses. It helps lower high blood cholesterol levels which will reduce the risk of heart disease. Soluble fibre also helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, making foods rich in soluble fibre a good choice for people with diabetes or anyone trying to balance blood sugar levels.

To give you an idea of what this means-
2 slices of wholemeal bread equals 4g
2 apples equals 5.4g
1 bowl of bran flakes equals 5.5g
1 carrot equals 3.25g


To find out more visit- www.getmorefibre.co.uk

What affect do mushrooms have on your health?

Oriental Cures


Shiitake- A hailed cancer-fighter, shiitake raises interferon levels and contains a strong antiviral substance called lentinan.

Reishi- Known as the 'long-life' mushroom, reishi boost the production of key immune cells. Best taken in a concentrated extract.

Maitake- An immune booster. They also regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.


Chanterelle- One of the few vegetable sources of vitamin B12, needed for the formation of blood cells and nerves.

Enoki- Have been shown to stimulate the immune system and fight off viruses and tumours.


Does eating yoghurt fight off cancer???

YOGHURT CAN FIGHT CANCER?

According to the pros, eating yoghurt is not just good for warding off osteoporosis; scientists at the Karolinska Institute in sweden found eating yoghurt twice a day could reduce your risk of developing cancer by 40%. The benefits are due to the lactic acid bacteria in all yoghurts.

How do i relieve my PMS symptoms?

Eat to beat PMS!

The National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS) has devised a unique PMS 7 day guide to relieve your PMS symptoms. Top tips included:


1. Eat more complex carbohydrates and wholegrains, such as brown bread or rice. These help to stabilise blood sugar levels.


2. Avoid caffeine - it can increase irritability.


3. Limit salt and sugary foods to help prevent bloating.


4. Eat foods rich in vitamin E like sunflower seeds or pine nuts, to relieve sore breasts.


If you become a member of the NAPS you can download the full plan:






Does Drinking Tea REDUCE Your Risk Of Cancer?

Time for Tea

Research from the U.S. shows that by drinking BLACK tea may reduce your risk of ovarian cancer by up to 30%. You need two cups a day to get the benefits, so now you have the perfect reason to indulge in a relaxing tea break - hurrah!

What does from concentrate mean?

Ever wondered what it means when you buy breakfast juice and it says, from concentrate or not from concentrate???

From concentrate- to make from concentrate the fruit is picked, squeezed and the resulting juice concentrated in the country of origin. The concentrated juice is shipped to the country of use for packing. The juice is then reconstituted, restoring it to its original strength by adding the same amount of water.

Not from concentrate- this juice comes directly from the fruit. It is picked and processed within 24hours to retain the freshness. The juice is packed without the addition of water and then pasteurised, just like milk to retain its freshness.


Hope this is useful!

Saturday 17 January 2009

Tone Up For The New Year

Did you eat to much after christmas? Do you eat to much in general? LOL

Well, try these simple exercises and you feel look and feel much better!

Basic Crunch-

Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your head for support. Using your abdominal muscles lift your shoulders a few inches off the ground, pause briefly and return to start position. Complete at least one set of 10-12 reps.


Standing Towel Circle-

Stand tall and hold a small towel (or resistance band) taut overhead. Contract abs and slowly draw a large, wide circle over your head and around your torso with your hands. Keep towel pulled taut throughout. Return to beginning position and reverse the circular direction. Complete at least one set of 8-10 reps in each direction.


Oblique Twist With Ball-

Begin by sitting on the ball. Walk feet forward until ball is resting under your back -- body is now parallel to the floor. Place hands lightly behind head for support. Using your abdominal muscles slowly crunch up lifting your shoulder blades off of the ball and rotate left shoulder toward right hip. Return to starting parallel position and repeat then switch sides.
Remember to warm up before you start intense exercise and a healthy lifestyle is diet related as well, so eat a balanced diet!

FREE Health Check!!

Bupa is offering a free health check, why not try it out!

www.bupa.co.uk/healthcheck


It takes about 30min to fill it but its worth the time. The heath check checks your medical risks i.e medical conditions like heart disease. It also checks your lifestyle risk i.e. things like your fitness, diet and stress.

Once you fill in the questions it will produce a report which lets you know the main health risks you might face and how much this will impact on your life expectancy.

Once you have read the report, bupa gives you some recommendations on how to change your lifestyle and consequently increase your life expectancy.

Why not try it out? If you take their advice you could live longer!!

What counts as one of your 5 a day???

Ever wondered how many grapes or cherries you have to eat before it makes one of your 5 a day?

Well now you know with this handy guide:

Fresh fruit:

Small-sized fruit: 2 or more, for example 2 plums, 2 satsumas, 3 apricots, 2 kiwi fruit, 7 strawberries, 14 cherries, 6 lychees
Medium-sized fruit: 1 medium fruit, such as 1 apple, banana, pear, orange, nectarine, or 1 sharon fruit
Large fruits: half a grapefruit, 1 slice of papaya, 1 slice of melon (2-inch slice), 1 large slice of pineapple, 2 slices of mango (2-inch slices)

Dried fruit:

1 tablespoon of raisins, currants, sultanas, 1 tablespoon of mixed fruit, 2 figs, 3 prunes, 1 handful of banana chips

Tinned fruit:

Roughly the same quantity of fruit that you would eat as a fresh portion: 2 pear or peach halves, 6 apricot halves, 8 segments of tinned grapefruit

Juices:

A glass (150ml) of 100% juice (fruit or vegetable juice or smoothie) counts as 1 portion, but you can only count it as 1 portion per day, however much you drink.

Orange Smoothie!

Creamy Orange Dream Smoothie

3 peaches (or nectarines)
1 mango
1 orange
8 tablespoons (120ml) orange juice

Three different orange coloured fruit, with wonderfully contrasting tastes and textures.

Nutrients include:Beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin B3, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sulphur


MONEYMAGPIE!!

This is a great website for various different things including:

1. Freebies

2. How to make money

3. Free mortgage guides

4. Smart speding

5. Saving and investing

6. Borrowing and debt

7. Green Living

This website is great for free samples of health care products for your skin and body. You can get free designer perfume samples and even tea or hot chocolate samples. I am always signing up for things, last week i got a free pack of jelly beans lol :) They tasted even better because they were free!

If your like me and haven't a clue about mortgages and interest rates e.t.c. this site is brilliant, it simplifies it so anyone could understand.

http://www.moneymagpie.com/

What's the difference between saturated and unsaturated FATS?

Ever wondered the difference between the FATS?

Oh! Dont forget that fat is an essential part of our diet and completely cutting it out makes your body store the fat we have, so if your on a no fat diet, get off it! This can be extremely dangerous if you cut out any essential nutrient from your diet.

Fat supplies us with energy and provides linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid for growth, healthy skin and metabolism. It also helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E and K). And, face it, fat adds flavor and is satisfying, making us feel fuller, keeping hunger at bay.

Saturated fats! (the bad fats) These fats are derived from animal products such as meat, dairy and eggs. But they are also found in some plant-based sources such as coconut and palm oils. Saturated fats clog our arteries and directly raise total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Avoid them as much as possible.

Trans Fats or Hydrogenated Fats! These fats can raise total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while also lowering HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Trans fats are used to extend the shelf life of processed foods, typically cookies, cakes, fries and donuts. Any item that contains “hydrogenated oil” or “partially hydrogenated oil” likely contains trans fats. Hydrogenation is the chemical process that changes liquid oils into solid fats.

Unsaturated Fats! They are derived from vegetables and plants.

Monounsaturated fats can be found in olives, olive oil, nuts, peanut oil, canola oil and avocados. Some studies have shown that these kinds of fats can actually lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and maintain HDL (good) cholesterol.

Polyunsaturated fats are found in safflower, sesame, corn, cottonseed and soybean oils. This type of fat has also been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, but too much can also lower your HDL cholesterol.

Omega-3 fatty acids these include an “essential” fatty acid, which means it's critical for our health and cannot be manufactured by our bodies. Good sources include cold-water fish, flax seed, soy, and walnuts. These fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and also boost our immune system. So eat more oily fish!

Low fat chicken recipe!

Chicken & Spring Veg Stir-Fry- Why not try it?

Ingredients:
100g Broccoli
100g Baby Sweetcorn
2 Chicken Breast Fillets (approx 150g each)
1 Bunch Spring Onions
2 Medium Carrots
1 tbsp Olive Oil
34g Ginger
4 Blocks Medium Egg Noodles, Sharwood's (65g each )
1 Jar Black Bean Stir-Fry Sauce, Sharwood's


Method:
Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, add the noodles, return to the boil and simmer for 4 minutes (or per pack instructions). Drain and keep warm.
Meanwhile :- Slice the chicken breasts into 1" chunks; - Cut the broccoli into florets; - Peel the ginger and cut into matchsticks;- Trim and diagonally slice the spring onions; - Peel the carrots and cut into matchsticks.
Bring a second pan of water to the boil and blanch the broccoli and sweetcorn in the water for 2 minutes. Drain well.
Heat ½ tbsp oil in the wok until smoking then add the chicken and stir-fry for 7-8 minutes (or until golden. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Heat the remaining oil in pan and add the ginger, spring onions and carrots and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Stir in the broccoli and sweetcorn and stir-fry for a further 2 minutes.
Return the chicken to the pan, add the noodles and black bean sauce. Stir to coat and heat through.
Serve immediately!


ENJOY!!!

Recipe courtesy from weightlossresources.co.uk