My post on Red Bull seems to have caused a reaction amongst a few people, one in particular which is great! Bring it on.
I feel the need to go over some points, and in particular the 'poor research at best' comment.
I'm sticking by everything I wrote about this 'Energy' drink, and yes there are a great many other substances that cause health problems/risks and even death such as paracetamol, asparin, recreational drugs, alcohol, excess sugar, hyrogenated fats..........the list is endless , but I can only cover one thing at a time!
I singled out Red Bull as it came to my attention through my day to day observations - clients, friends, gym goers, party animals etc. that it's a major player in the drinks market and is quite possibly drunk to excess by more than a few people judging by the sales figures. And this doesn't appear to me to be a good thing.
Its ingredient combination is dodgy at best. Talk to any medical professional about the implications of high levels of caffeine, taurine, sugar (and if mixed with ..........alcohol too) and I'm convinced their reaction would not be to mix them, especially in high doses. And some countries are trying to ban Red Bull sales for this very reason.
(In addition, the mix of caffeine and carbs messes about with blood sugar big time, not good for glucose levels or insulin levels in the body - thought I'd mention it but this needs to be a blog post subject on its own really.)
There are over 2,250,000 sites when googled on the 'dangers of Red Bull' and whilst they cannot all be substantiated it makes for interesting reading.
The Red Bull website does indeed talk about drinking water with their product after exercise, thanks to the comment for pointing this out. It also states on the website and on the can itself that 'it has been specifically developed for times of increased mental and PHYSICAL exertion'. Make of that what you will but I would feel particularly irresponsible as a personal trainer in recommending this drink to MY clients.
I could go on, and I'm sure I'll incite further comments following this blog post, but want to finish by saying that I firmly believe (and I am entitled to publish my belief on my blog!) that it's not the food in your life that brings health but the life in your food that really counts.....................and Red Bull is well and truly DEAD.
Today's Tip : Stand by your beliefs!!!!!
Monday, 17 November 2008
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Red Bull Gives You Wings!
But apparently having just read an article by What The Doctors Don't Tell You, they may as well be angel's wings as it can boost the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
Oh my God, and we consume so much of the damn stuff too. Last year close to 20 million cans were guzzled in 120 countries. Scary figures! And with 80mg of caffeine in each tin PLUS five teaspoons of sugar is this really a ' natural health' drink as they like to claim? Don't think so.
It's used alot after physical exercise to re-plenish the hard working muscles. Ha, thats a laugh, as due to the high caffeine content its more likely to dehydrate rather than rehydrate. And after exercise the lack of hydration could put a strain on your heart.
The fact that it's served cold means we can down more of it than coffee, and our systems get a pretty instant buzz - just what you need as an afternoon pick-me-up or a hangover cure right? Wrong, very wrong! The high levels of caffeine and other stimulants such as gaurana, have been found to increase the heart rate and blood pressure.
I'm abit old for this (can't believe I'm writing that) but apparently the 'youth of today' are also making lethal cocktails with energy drinks and alcohol. Well, apparently it gets you there...... but with what potential consequences?
You get a double dose of the 'baddies' which will weaken your immune system and rob you of your vitality. Please think before you drink............. and try water instead, eight glasses a day. You WILL feel better for it, I promise you.
Today's Tip : Make time for the special things in life!
Oh my God, and we consume so much of the damn stuff too. Last year close to 20 million cans were guzzled in 120 countries. Scary figures! And with 80mg of caffeine in each tin PLUS five teaspoons of sugar is this really a ' natural health' drink as they like to claim? Don't think so.
It's used alot after physical exercise to re-plenish the hard working muscles. Ha, thats a laugh, as due to the high caffeine content its more likely to dehydrate rather than rehydrate. And after exercise the lack of hydration could put a strain on your heart.
The fact that it's served cold means we can down more of it than coffee, and our systems get a pretty instant buzz - just what you need as an afternoon pick-me-up or a hangover cure right? Wrong, very wrong! The high levels of caffeine and other stimulants such as gaurana, have been found to increase the heart rate and blood pressure.
I'm abit old for this (can't believe I'm writing that) but apparently the 'youth of today' are also making lethal cocktails with energy drinks and alcohol. Well, apparently it gets you there...... but with what potential consequences?
You get a double dose of the 'baddies' which will weaken your immune system and rob you of your vitality. Please think before you drink............. and try water instead, eight glasses a day. You WILL feel better for it, I promise you.
Today's Tip : Make time for the special things in life!
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Blog Followers
Fab, I have a 'follower' for my blog - thankyou Dizzychica1, whoever you are!
I've just clicked on the follower info and apparently it's a good thing to have them, and to display the follower 'widget' (all these technical terms!!) for all to see.
So, all you readers (I rate myself don't I?), get yourselves on my follower widget and lets spread the word. Health on all levels ,mind, body and spirit, is to be celebrated - big time, and I intend to keep wittering on about it.
I've just clicked on the follower info and apparently it's a good thing to have them, and to display the follower 'widget' (all these technical terms!!) for all to see.
So, all you readers (I rate myself don't I?), get yourselves on my follower widget and lets spread the word. Health on all levels ,mind, body and spirit, is to be celebrated - big time, and I intend to keep wittering on about it.
The "No -Diet" Diet
Today's blog could be THE most important thing you've read for a long time. Please pay attention!
How many of you diet, lose weight temporarily having tortured yourselves for weeks ,only to find as soon as you revert back to 'normal' eating the weight piles back on, and more?
The number of diets, magic hormone supplements, diet pills, shake drinks etc. on the market are vast and each one claiming to help you shed those excess pounds for good - don't we all wish it were that easy? A magic wand would do the trick but alas..........
But listen up, help is at hand. Just as you wouldn't fill a petrol car up with diesel and expect it to perform optimally, neither can you expect the most from your body if you're feeding it the WRONG foods. There is no such thing as a 'one size fits all' diet.
We all have our own unique biochemical individuality, just as we look different on the outside, so we are very different on the inside too. Therefore the safest and most effective way to achieve your goals is to eat right for YOUR metabolic type.
For example, Eskimos thrive on very large quantities of meat and fat, while people born in tropical countries stay healthy eating fruit, vegetables and grains predominantly. This works for them and both groups are healthy on their 'diet'.
We are given blanket cover advice that says eat low fat, lots of grains, and five portions of fruit and veg a day to stay healthy. But what if this is not what your body needs as its fuel to help it function at peak efficiency. What if you are a 'fast oxidiser', which means your body burns through carbohydrates rapidly leaving you feeling hungry and dissatisfied soon after eating. What you need is more fat and protein to create balance inside .
The opposite is true of 'slow oxidisers' who need a high level of carbohydrates in their diet and would feel lousy on lots of proteins and fats. Then there are 'mixed oxidisers' who need a relatively equal split between carbs, fats and proteins. This is metabolic typing at its simplest level!
You may have an idea of which category you fall into by looking at your reaction to foods. However, most peoples diets include so many processed foods, alcohol , sugar etc. ie 'non nutrient' foods that this is confusing the issue. Metabolic Typing takes it back to basics and offers a list of suitable foods for your type which are as close to nature intended as possible.
How many of you diet, lose weight temporarily having tortured yourselves for weeks ,only to find as soon as you revert back to 'normal' eating the weight piles back on, and more?
The number of diets, magic hormone supplements, diet pills, shake drinks etc. on the market are vast and each one claiming to help you shed those excess pounds for good - don't we all wish it were that easy? A magic wand would do the trick but alas..........
But listen up, help is at hand. Just as you wouldn't fill a petrol car up with diesel and expect it to perform optimally, neither can you expect the most from your body if you're feeding it the WRONG foods. There is no such thing as a 'one size fits all' diet.
We all have our own unique biochemical individuality, just as we look different on the outside, so we are very different on the inside too. Therefore the safest and most effective way to achieve your goals is to eat right for YOUR metabolic type.
For example, Eskimos thrive on very large quantities of meat and fat, while people born in tropical countries stay healthy eating fruit, vegetables and grains predominantly. This works for them and both groups are healthy on their 'diet'.
We are given blanket cover advice that says eat low fat, lots of grains, and five portions of fruit and veg a day to stay healthy. But what if this is not what your body needs as its fuel to help it function at peak efficiency. What if you are a 'fast oxidiser', which means your body burns through carbohydrates rapidly leaving you feeling hungry and dissatisfied soon after eating. What you need is more fat and protein to create balance inside .
The opposite is true of 'slow oxidisers' who need a high level of carbohydrates in their diet and would feel lousy on lots of proteins and fats. Then there are 'mixed oxidisers' who need a relatively equal split between carbs, fats and proteins. This is metabolic typing at its simplest level!
You may have an idea of which category you fall into by looking at your reaction to foods. However, most peoples diets include so many processed foods, alcohol , sugar etc. ie 'non nutrient' foods that this is confusing the issue. Metabolic Typing takes it back to basics and offers a list of suitable foods for your type which are as close to nature intended as possible.
Results are obtained simply through a series of on line questions (based on your diet, physical and psychological traits) which are then analysed to work out an individualised eating and lifestyle programme depending on YOUR needs.
Metabolic Typing has many benefits ; it may assist you in losing weight and maintaining your ideal weight, preventing and reversing chronic illness, strengthening your immunity, slowing down the aging process, overcoming mood swings, temper tantrums and depression, and ultimately enhancing athletic performance.
I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome about twenty years ago, and have had on and off digestive problems ever since, aggravated by certain foods. Having found Metabolic Typing I'm virtually sorted (if I stick to my food list!). I'm a protein type and friends are amazed at how much bacon, egg, avacado, nuts, oils and seeds I can eat without putting on a pound! Pasta on the other hand is a definite no no!
Today's Tip : Do your body a favour and find out your Metabolic Type - contact me and we can get the ball rolling.
Monday, 3 November 2008
FUN AND SOCIABLE EXERCISE
I went to my first Ceroc dance session last night, and what fun it was too.
I was given an orange spot to wear on my top to show I was 'new' ie. didn't have a clue what I was doing! but I have to say the guys (who ranged from 18 to 70) were very kind as they spun me round the dance floor. Guys lead, you know, and ladies follow - abit traditional but there you go!
Great exercise (two and a half hours virtually non stop) , used up lots of energy and had the most fun at the same time - I can highly recommend it as a way to keep fit, and meet lots of new people. It definitely exercises mind as well as body, you have to concentrate on the moves, and for assisting in aerobic fitness it's up there with the best of them!
Dancing energetically releases endorphins (feel good hormones) which give you a natural high, helping you feel a happier, fitter, sexier and more confident person. I can vouch for that.
And it turns out one of my neighbours is a 'taxi ' dancer ie. an expert who helps out the newcomers, so bizarrely we had a few dances. Amazing what people get up to in their spare time!
Bring on the next session!
Today's Tip : Give something new a go! It may be just what you need!
I was given an orange spot to wear on my top to show I was 'new' ie. didn't have a clue what I was doing! but I have to say the guys (who ranged from 18 to 70) were very kind as they spun me round the dance floor. Guys lead, you know, and ladies follow - abit traditional but there you go!
Great exercise (two and a half hours virtually non stop) , used up lots of energy and had the most fun at the same time - I can highly recommend it as a way to keep fit, and meet lots of new people. It definitely exercises mind as well as body, you have to concentrate on the moves, and for assisting in aerobic fitness it's up there with the best of them!
Dancing energetically releases endorphins (feel good hormones) which give you a natural high, helping you feel a happier, fitter, sexier and more confident person. I can vouch for that.
And it turns out one of my neighbours is a 'taxi ' dancer ie. an expert who helps out the newcomers, so bizarrely we had a few dances. Amazing what people get up to in their spare time!
Bring on the next session!
Today's Tip : Give something new a go! It may be just what you need!
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Artificial sweeteners.........
.............are they weight loss wonders or total non nutrient foods?
No contest - they have no goodness in them whatsoever.
Hip hip hurray, the Daily Mail ran an article on these dreadful things the other day which means a million or so people could have had their eyes opened at last(not sure of the Mails circulation since leaving the ad. industry).
Saccharin, Sucralose and the biggest contender in the market of all, Aspartame, have been marketed as allowing us to eat sweets without the calories and so assisting weight loss.
Rubbish.
The science bit :whats happens when you consume 'diet' foods is that your taste buds think "great, sweet stuff's here", which to the brain means nutrition (and ultimately energy) . However, when it reaches the small intestine the receptors here find no nutrition or calories and send a message back to the brain to say they've been tricked - no goodness to work with after all!
So, more messages are sent to say "keep eating until nutrition does arrive", hence hunger pangs and over eating. In particular you'll crave carbohydrates (sugar).
Perhaps that's why there's been a dramatic rise in obesity at the same time as sales of diet drinks and foods have skyrocketed.
One of my clients who previously consumed ten cans of diet drinks a day, cut it right back to one - pretty good going hey?
She discovered quite quickly that her skin improved, until it glowed. Her hair has become more glossy and her energy levels have increased Although she's not lost any weight (yet) she looks more toned and her clothes feel better.
If you're a diet food freak, why not do what she did, stop, and see how good you feel. You'll be doing your health a massive favour!
Another interesting thing - apparently pilots are not allowed to fly after drinking/eating aspartame. There have been cases of pilots having seizures and its been traced back to apartame.
Need I say more.
Todays Tip : Learn to love yourself, you're gorgeous and don't let anyone tell you any different.
No contest - they have no goodness in them whatsoever.
Hip hip hurray, the Daily Mail ran an article on these dreadful things the other day which means a million or so people could have had their eyes opened at last(not sure of the Mails circulation since leaving the ad. industry).
Saccharin, Sucralose and the biggest contender in the market of all, Aspartame, have been marketed as allowing us to eat sweets without the calories and so assisting weight loss.
Rubbish.
The science bit :whats happens when you consume 'diet' foods is that your taste buds think "great, sweet stuff's here", which to the brain means nutrition (and ultimately energy) . However, when it reaches the small intestine the receptors here find no nutrition or calories and send a message back to the brain to say they've been tricked - no goodness to work with after all!
So, more messages are sent to say "keep eating until nutrition does arrive", hence hunger pangs and over eating. In particular you'll crave carbohydrates (sugar).
Perhaps that's why there's been a dramatic rise in obesity at the same time as sales of diet drinks and foods have skyrocketed.
One of my clients who previously consumed ten cans of diet drinks a day, cut it right back to one - pretty good going hey?
She discovered quite quickly that her skin improved, until it glowed. Her hair has become more glossy and her energy levels have increased Although she's not lost any weight (yet) she looks more toned and her clothes feel better.
If you're a diet food freak, why not do what she did, stop, and see how good you feel. You'll be doing your health a massive favour!
Another interesting thing - apparently pilots are not allowed to fly after drinking/eating aspartame. There have been cases of pilots having seizures and its been traced back to apartame.
Need I say more.
Todays Tip : Learn to love yourself, you're gorgeous and don't let anyone tell you any different.
BLOG LINK
My lovely friend , John Millward, has been kind enough to link to my blog from his, so I feel obliged to do the same back. He's been writing for a while and is hugely witty (or so people tell him!). No he really is, he's a journalist you know. Have a read, think you'll enjoy!
http://johnmillward.blogspot.com/
http://johnmillward.blogspot.com/
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