Do we have any idea how much salt we're eating?
The food Standards Agency have finally cottoned on to the fact that the likelihood is we have no idea whatsoever. This is because so many of the foods we buy in boxes and packets now have salt added, even breakfast cereals and bread! Why?
Apparently a total of 75% of the salt we eat comes from our everyday foods, take that as processed, by the way. This is because the foods that contribute most salt to our diets are not necessarily the saltiest but the ones we eat most often - processed again. Half the time I think we'd be hard pushed to actually taste the salt in these foods - sweet breakfast cereals??
The recommended salt intake for the average adult is 6g a day. We are currently averaging 8.6g. In view of this the Food Standards Agency are currently running an ad campaign that you may already have heard (I've heard it lots on the radio), asking us to pay closer attention to the salt levels in our food.
To find out more about it you can log on to www.food.gov.uk, but here's a bit more general information that may be useful on salt and why we DO need some in our diets.
Salt comes in the form of sodium chloride, two elements that combine to create something unique and useful to our bodies. We need it for the following reasons:
- salt helps to balance blood sugar levels
- salt is a strong, natural antihistamine
- salt can help prevent muscle cramps (and we all know how painful they can be)
- salt is needed in order to make the structure of the bones firm
- salt helps to clear the lungs of sticky, yakky mucuousy type stuff
- salt is needed for the absorption of food particles through the intestines
- salt stops excess acidity in the body
Having cleared the fact that yes we do need salt in our diets there is a big difference in the types of salt we need. Most of the salt in commercially produced processed food is refined table salt.
Refined table salt often contains other 'things' to bulk it up such as anti caking agents (which potentially are aluminium based), dextrose (a sugar) , sodium silicoaluminate and sodium acetate - the latter two are thought to be associated with kidney disturbances, mineral malabsorption and water retention.
Eating too much refined table salt is surrounded by differing medical opinions but the general view is that it can lead to high blood pressure and increased chances of heart disease.
On the other hand natural, unprocessed sea salts can be beneficial to an already healthy diet - they contain many trace minerals necessary for nutrition and regulating our bodily systems.
So for a healthy salt intake ;
- check the labels of processed food particularly bread and breakfast cereals. You may be shocked at the levels of salt contained in them.Try adding up your consumption in a day.
- use unprocessed sea salt - the best kind is from New Zealand if you can get it.
- always taste foods before adding salt. You may find they really don't need any more adding.
- If you eat a generally, healthy diet full of organic fruits and vegetables and quality meat and fish, adding sea salt will enhance your diet by adding nutrition.
- Adding a pinch of sea salt to a bottle of water will help keep electrolyte and energy levels up , if you are already drinking enough water(don't do this if you already salt your food liberally and eat heaps of processed foods)
- reduce your intake of unnecessary salt by reducing your processed food consumption. This includes fast food outlets where salt is used in vast quantities.
Reducing the amount of processed foods in your diet will help in all areas, not just salt reduction - they contain way too much sugar, wrong types of fats and plenty of chemicals too.Why would you want excess amounts of all of those swimming around inside you?
Hope this was useful.
RX
Monday, 9 November 2009
A SMALL PIECE OF HEAVEN
How dull would life be without chocolate? However healthy most people are, and I like to include myself here, a piece of chocolate or even a bar, every now and again can be just yummy.
And it can actually be good for us too! If you eat the right stuff - apparently some Swedish researchers have been looking into the effects of eating chocolate and heart disease and have discovered that chocolate eaters (2-3 times a week) are up to three times less likely to die of heart problems than those who avoid it. Isn't that the best news you've heard in a while??!!
The thing to remember before you all rush out and stock up on the sweet sugary stuff is that all chocolate is NOT created equal! Although the Swedish study did not actually distinguish between types of chocolate, most research indicates that it's only the dark kind that's good for your heart.
Dark chocolate, ideally go for the 70% cocoa solids or higher (90% is fabulous, an acquired taste that's worth acquiring!) still contains sugar, around 12g per large bar, but the cocoa packs a healthy punch that may counteract the detrimental effects of the sugar. How cool is that? The key ingredient in cocoa are flavonoids. These are natural antioxidant plant compounds which have been known for some time to have healthy heart effects.
Chocolate also contains fat but much of it is present in stearic triglycerides (dark still by the way, milk contains other fats which are not so good!) which is good HDL cholesterol. The fat also slows down the rate at which the sugar is released into the bloodstream so you won't get the blood sugar 'spike' which you WILL get from the other varieties of chocolate.
Dark chocolate eaten in small doses but regularly can help prevent diabetes too, as it improves insulin sensitivity - again please note this is only the DARK variety. Other types will have the opposite effect.
Dark chocolate bars are now largely available in most supermarkets and even small convenience stores mainly thanks to Green and Blacks (Bournville has been around for a while but its cocoa solid content is too low for it to be included as a 'healthy' treat). Also, Green and Blacks is organic so you can avoid unnecessary chemicals.
Seeds Of Change have a great range, some of which include berries and nuts and spices, and is also organic, and exceedingly tasty.
Raw chocolate is becoming more prevalent now ,too, and is well worth a sample. Available on the Internet, and in larger health food shops it's worth trying but beware that tastes vary enormously.
I've conducted a major study over the years (very pleasurable) and have recently come across a range that is made on my doorstep in Wetherby, and sold through the Good Life in the market place. It's called Sweet Revolution and comes in a range of flavours, but all made from 100% natural ingredients and with no high temperature heating so the nutrients reach us virtually untouched. Worth a try - for guilt free indulgence, and for the kids no sugar spike that sends them crazy for half an hour!
100% cocoa bars and blocks are available in Hotel Chocolat and also Waitrose, and work very well when grated onto berries with coconut milk with a bit of cinnamon for a sweet dessert. Also great for cooking with.
So there you have it, it really is OK to eat chocolate - great news to my ears. But please avoid those great big tins of Quality Streets and Celebrations they're selling as 'buy one get one free' for Christmas, in Salisbury's at the moment; they'll do you NO favours however nice they taste.
Choose 70% plus and enjoy!
RX
And it can actually be good for us too! If you eat the right stuff - apparently some Swedish researchers have been looking into the effects of eating chocolate and heart disease and have discovered that chocolate eaters (2-3 times a week) are up to three times less likely to die of heart problems than those who avoid it. Isn't that the best news you've heard in a while??!!
The thing to remember before you all rush out and stock up on the sweet sugary stuff is that all chocolate is NOT created equal! Although the Swedish study did not actually distinguish between types of chocolate, most research indicates that it's only the dark kind that's good for your heart.
Dark chocolate, ideally go for the 70% cocoa solids or higher (90% is fabulous, an acquired taste that's worth acquiring!) still contains sugar, around 12g per large bar, but the cocoa packs a healthy punch that may counteract the detrimental effects of the sugar. How cool is that? The key ingredient in cocoa are flavonoids. These are natural antioxidant plant compounds which have been known for some time to have healthy heart effects.
Chocolate also contains fat but much of it is present in stearic triglycerides (dark still by the way, milk contains other fats which are not so good!) which is good HDL cholesterol. The fat also slows down the rate at which the sugar is released into the bloodstream so you won't get the blood sugar 'spike' which you WILL get from the other varieties of chocolate.
Dark chocolate eaten in small doses but regularly can help prevent diabetes too, as it improves insulin sensitivity - again please note this is only the DARK variety. Other types will have the opposite effect.
Dark chocolate bars are now largely available in most supermarkets and even small convenience stores mainly thanks to Green and Blacks (Bournville has been around for a while but its cocoa solid content is too low for it to be included as a 'healthy' treat). Also, Green and Blacks is organic so you can avoid unnecessary chemicals.
Seeds Of Change have a great range, some of which include berries and nuts and spices, and is also organic, and exceedingly tasty.
Raw chocolate is becoming more prevalent now ,too, and is well worth a sample. Available on the Internet, and in larger health food shops it's worth trying but beware that tastes vary enormously.
I've conducted a major study over the years (very pleasurable) and have recently come across a range that is made on my doorstep in Wetherby, and sold through the Good Life in the market place. It's called Sweet Revolution and comes in a range of flavours, but all made from 100% natural ingredients and with no high temperature heating so the nutrients reach us virtually untouched. Worth a try - for guilt free indulgence, and for the kids no sugar spike that sends them crazy for half an hour!
100% cocoa bars and blocks are available in Hotel Chocolat and also Waitrose, and work very well when grated onto berries with coconut milk with a bit of cinnamon for a sweet dessert. Also great for cooking with.
So there you have it, it really is OK to eat chocolate - great news to my ears. But please avoid those great big tins of Quality Streets and Celebrations they're selling as 'buy one get one free' for Christmas, in Salisbury's at the moment; they'll do you NO favours however nice they taste.
Choose 70% plus and enjoy!
RX
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZs
How difficult can it be to lie down in a lovely, snuggly warm bed (if you're lucky, with someone you quite like next to you) in the dark and fall asleep, and stay that way for eight hours. Sounds like bliss doesn't it, and so it should be, and we wake up feeling totally refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Why is it then that so many of us cannot do this? Or we go to sleep quite readily only to wake up a couple of hours later and toss and turn for most of the rest of the night.
This is me at the moment. I've now joined the x million people in this country who have INSOMNIA. Aaaaaaaaaagh, it's horrid. I hate it; it makes me feel sluggish, lethargic, foggy, irritable, impatient and increases cravings for foods that are not healthy just to get me through the day.
INSOMNIA is big business; approx 16 million presciptions are written in the UK each year for sleeping pills. And no doubt several million other products are bought over the counter with a view to obtaining that blissful nights sleep.
I know whats causing my INSOMNIA; it's stress, which again is big business. We live in a busy, stressful, 24/7 world and seem to have lost our ability to relax, in the main. We have computers,texting, I phones, Blackberrys,TVs with hundreds of channels,late night shopping etc. etc. all of which encourage us to keep going and going despite being exhausted. We end up with a situation where our brains are tired but wired; unable to switch off.
I have a client who frequently wakes in the early hours, gets up and does a few hours work to 'catch up' and then sleeps again. Another clients husband wakes in the night and tosses and turns due to stresses at work. My father also suffers from insomnia, as does his wife, and he has been known to watch ships crossing the Atlantic on the Internet to pass some time!
Our body's need sleep; fact. It is productive; it is necessary for our survival. It gives our minds and body's a chance to recharge. It enhances performance, learning and memory and inproves creative ability to generate those 'aha' moments.
We should aim to be in bed by 10.30pm, and between then and 2am our physical repair takes place followed by mental repair between 2-6am. If we miss out on sleep at these times, we cannot get the repair cycles back even if we slept all day long. This is the way we are hard wired. These are part of our circadian rythmns - mess with these and our body's are in trouble.
Our circadian rhythmn is the internal clock that guides our daily cycle from sleep to wakefulness and back to sleep again. When this is interrupted ie. with things like shift work, it can throw everything out. Over time if we constantly abuse our wake/sleep cycles illness and disease can occur.
I just need to point out that alcohol and drugs can also cause insomnia - whilst you may collapse comatose in bed after a night out drinking, the quality of sleep you are getting is far from ideal, and you may find you wake a few hours later and not be able to get back off to sleep again leaving you feeling dreadful the following day.
So how can we help ourselves to achieve that enviable eight hours sleep a night. Well, sleeping pills are NOT the answer. Whilst they may work in the short term it is easy to become addicted and lose your natural rythmn. Generally they have side effects (read the small print) such as headaches, confusion, nightmares, memory problems, and nausea, and who only knows what the build up of chemicals is doing to your liver. They are also likley to leave you feeling 'fuzzy' during the day.
There are natural alternatives, such as Valerian tea, available at health food shops. I'm trying this at the moment. You drink it an hour before going to bed, and are advised not to drive or operate machinery, like with sleeping pills.Chamomile is also a relaxing, calming tea but can be an aquired taste.
Eating foods containing tryptophan can be helpful as it is a relaxant. These include chicken, turkey and milk. Warm milk is a good thing, but not hot choclate as choclate is a stimulant!
Try relaxing for 30-45 minutes prior to going to bed.A warm bath is a good idea, and lavender oil added is a great relaxant. A read of a calming book can help, as can some gentle exercise such as yoga or pilates (anything energetic is not advisable as it releases cortisol which will wake you up) or try asking your partner or a friend to give you a relaxing massage with some calming oils. My friends Ian and Dan are the best masseurs I know, and can guarantee me a great nights sleep - if only I could win the lottery and employ them full time!
Vitamin D supplements can help sleep, and help our organs stay healthy and decrease our cancer risks.
Hypnosis is another natural therapy that can help with relaxation and sleep.
To clear your head if you are suffering from stress, keeping a journal by your bed can be helpful. Before sleep, and also if you wake in the night, write down any negative thoughts you are having leaving your head free and empty to sleep.
Tonight I'm going for it, starting with some yoga. I have my journal at the ready, I have lavender oil for my bath, I have Valerian tea to drink in my bath - all I need now is a volunteer to come and massage me. Any takers?
If you have any tips on how to get a good night sleep please, please leave a comment.
RX
Why is it then that so many of us cannot do this? Or we go to sleep quite readily only to wake up a couple of hours later and toss and turn for most of the rest of the night.
This is me at the moment. I've now joined the x million people in this country who have INSOMNIA. Aaaaaaaaaagh, it's horrid. I hate it; it makes me feel sluggish, lethargic, foggy, irritable, impatient and increases cravings for foods that are not healthy just to get me through the day.
INSOMNIA is big business; approx 16 million presciptions are written in the UK each year for sleeping pills. And no doubt several million other products are bought over the counter with a view to obtaining that blissful nights sleep.
I know whats causing my INSOMNIA; it's stress, which again is big business. We live in a busy, stressful, 24/7 world and seem to have lost our ability to relax, in the main. We have computers,texting, I phones, Blackberrys,TVs with hundreds of channels,late night shopping etc. etc. all of which encourage us to keep going and going despite being exhausted. We end up with a situation where our brains are tired but wired; unable to switch off.
I have a client who frequently wakes in the early hours, gets up and does a few hours work to 'catch up' and then sleeps again. Another clients husband wakes in the night and tosses and turns due to stresses at work. My father also suffers from insomnia, as does his wife, and he has been known to watch ships crossing the Atlantic on the Internet to pass some time!
Our body's need sleep; fact. It is productive; it is necessary for our survival. It gives our minds and body's a chance to recharge. It enhances performance, learning and memory and inproves creative ability to generate those 'aha' moments.
We should aim to be in bed by 10.30pm, and between then and 2am our physical repair takes place followed by mental repair between 2-6am. If we miss out on sleep at these times, we cannot get the repair cycles back even if we slept all day long. This is the way we are hard wired. These are part of our circadian rythmns - mess with these and our body's are in trouble.
Our circadian rhythmn is the internal clock that guides our daily cycle from sleep to wakefulness and back to sleep again. When this is interrupted ie. with things like shift work, it can throw everything out. Over time if we constantly abuse our wake/sleep cycles illness and disease can occur.
I just need to point out that alcohol and drugs can also cause insomnia - whilst you may collapse comatose in bed after a night out drinking, the quality of sleep you are getting is far from ideal, and you may find you wake a few hours later and not be able to get back off to sleep again leaving you feeling dreadful the following day.
So how can we help ourselves to achieve that enviable eight hours sleep a night. Well, sleeping pills are NOT the answer. Whilst they may work in the short term it is easy to become addicted and lose your natural rythmn. Generally they have side effects (read the small print) such as headaches, confusion, nightmares, memory problems, and nausea, and who only knows what the build up of chemicals is doing to your liver. They are also likley to leave you feeling 'fuzzy' during the day.
There are natural alternatives, such as Valerian tea, available at health food shops. I'm trying this at the moment. You drink it an hour before going to bed, and are advised not to drive or operate machinery, like with sleeping pills.Chamomile is also a relaxing, calming tea but can be an aquired taste.
Eating foods containing tryptophan can be helpful as it is a relaxant. These include chicken, turkey and milk. Warm milk is a good thing, but not hot choclate as choclate is a stimulant!
Try relaxing for 30-45 minutes prior to going to bed.A warm bath is a good idea, and lavender oil added is a great relaxant. A read of a calming book can help, as can some gentle exercise such as yoga or pilates (anything energetic is not advisable as it releases cortisol which will wake you up) or try asking your partner or a friend to give you a relaxing massage with some calming oils. My friends Ian and Dan are the best masseurs I know, and can guarantee me a great nights sleep - if only I could win the lottery and employ them full time!
Vitamin D supplements can help sleep, and help our organs stay healthy and decrease our cancer risks.
Hypnosis is another natural therapy that can help with relaxation and sleep.
To clear your head if you are suffering from stress, keeping a journal by your bed can be helpful. Before sleep, and also if you wake in the night, write down any negative thoughts you are having leaving your head free and empty to sleep.
Tonight I'm going for it, starting with some yoga. I have my journal at the ready, I have lavender oil for my bath, I have Valerian tea to drink in my bath - all I need now is a volunteer to come and massage me. Any takers?
If you have any tips on how to get a good night sleep please, please leave a comment.
RX
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
COOKING
I'm totally in awe of my mother and her cookery skills. Don't get me wrong, I know my way around a kitchen (thanks to my mum and Mrs Grace, my officious Home Ec teacher at school), but she makes it all seem so effortless. Even if she's cooking Sunday lunch for a dozen people, with four of the most complicated, time consuming, desserts known to man (usually a minimum of four to choose from, hence my sweet tooth!).
I prefer dishes that are quick, easy, healthy and straight forward - yet still tasty - to prepare and my blog today is all about SELF PROMOTION. By that I mean ME, self promoting my latest service through BALANCED, and that's COOKERY SESSIONS.
I've always analysed clients food diaries and made recommendations to improve things, and make life easier where food is concerned, so have decided to take it further. I'm now offering to teach people to prepare good healthy meals for themselves, friends and family, in the comfort of their own home.
With today's busy stressful lifestyles most of us are looking for easy options in the food department, and this is where meals can seem really daunting and why we often fall back on those handy ready-meals, convenience foods and take-aways. The majority of food falling into these categories contain way too many chemicals and way too much salt, sugar and bad fats - leaving very little nutritional value for your body to convert to energy.
Eaten regularly these meals are what make us fat, lethargic and ultimately are more than likely to contribute big time to health problems such as arthritis,heart and cholesterol problems, diabetes etc.
Making good healthy,fresh, nutritious meals from scratch does not have to be stressful. Most of it is in the planning - making sure you have the ingredients where and when you need them, and not over complicating things.
I have a couple of clients on board already and last night had a two hour session with the client who requested this service a while ago - a big thank you to you!! He wanted to learn quick and easy breakfast, lunch and dinner options and over the past few months has now built up a repertoire of delicious meals he's able to prepare from scratch with little time and effort.
Amongst others we have made chickpea curry, roast chicken with garlic and lemon,tuna with black eyed bean salsa, stuffed peppers and salmon in a paper bag. Nothing freaky there hey?! Just good wholesome food incorporating all of the food groups and delivering top quality nutrition to the body.
Many of these meals have the added bonus of being able to be frozen. If done in portion size it means they defrost during the day whilst he's at work, and hey presto when he gets home there's a 'ready meal' to pop in the oven the minute he walks through the door.
If you've got children and want them to eat more healthily, this is a great way to get them involved. Why not try a cookery session for the whole family? and sit together and eat it afterwards.
You are what you eat. Really.
Contact me for more information or to book a session.
RX
I prefer dishes that are quick, easy, healthy and straight forward - yet still tasty - to prepare and my blog today is all about SELF PROMOTION. By that I mean ME, self promoting my latest service through BALANCED, and that's COOKERY SESSIONS.
I've always analysed clients food diaries and made recommendations to improve things, and make life easier where food is concerned, so have decided to take it further. I'm now offering to teach people to prepare good healthy meals for themselves, friends and family, in the comfort of their own home.
With today's busy stressful lifestyles most of us are looking for easy options in the food department, and this is where meals can seem really daunting and why we often fall back on those handy ready-meals, convenience foods and take-aways. The majority of food falling into these categories contain way too many chemicals and way too much salt, sugar and bad fats - leaving very little nutritional value for your body to convert to energy.
Eaten regularly these meals are what make us fat, lethargic and ultimately are more than likely to contribute big time to health problems such as arthritis,heart and cholesterol problems, diabetes etc.
Making good healthy,fresh, nutritious meals from scratch does not have to be stressful. Most of it is in the planning - making sure you have the ingredients where and when you need them, and not over complicating things.
I have a couple of clients on board already and last night had a two hour session with the client who requested this service a while ago - a big thank you to you!! He wanted to learn quick and easy breakfast, lunch and dinner options and over the past few months has now built up a repertoire of delicious meals he's able to prepare from scratch with little time and effort.
Amongst others we have made chickpea curry, roast chicken with garlic and lemon,tuna with black eyed bean salsa, stuffed peppers and salmon in a paper bag. Nothing freaky there hey?! Just good wholesome food incorporating all of the food groups and delivering top quality nutrition to the body.
Many of these meals have the added bonus of being able to be frozen. If done in portion size it means they defrost during the day whilst he's at work, and hey presto when he gets home there's a 'ready meal' to pop in the oven the minute he walks through the door.
If you've got children and want them to eat more healthily, this is a great way to get them involved. Why not try a cookery session for the whole family? and sit together and eat it afterwards.
You are what you eat. Really.
Contact me for more information or to book a session.
RX
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
OVEREATING
OMG, I'm just back from a week in America. I feel very privileged to have taken part in the TRX course over in San Francisco with 17 other highly motivated individuals; awesome. I learnt loads, and am desperate to share it, so anyone who fancies having a go with a TRX (think mobile cable machine) give me a shout. I'm offering 30 minute taster sessions for free for the next couple of weeks.
Anyway, back to to days blog - overeating and portion control. I was under the impression that San Fransisco was full of beautiful, healthy people all taking huge amounts of care over their appearances and body's in general, with sensible eating and exercise etc. Unlike other areas of America! Not so!
I was a hugely taken aback to see clothes sizes in XXXL and the most ridiculously sized food portions in restaurants.
Not only do they give you a half plate size of sauteed potatoes with virtually EVERY meal (yes breakfast pancakes included) but they are visually affronted when you say you'd rather not have them on your plate! In one week I think I ate as much as I would do in a month in England. Partly because I was at someone elses mercy (I normally plan every meal in advance - anal I know) and partly because I was on a bit of a holiday, and thought "what the f***" like most of us do. "I'll deal with it when I get home"- well I'm home now and most definitely dealing with it.
Portion control is a big problem for many of us and once your tummy gets used to receiving large portions it then complains when you try to cut them so down! So how can we limit what we put in our mouths to control weight levels and out overall health in general?. Good time of the year to look at it because with Winter coming up there is a tendency to hide behind big jumpers and eat lots of comfort food to keep warm. Don't do it. When Spring comes (I know it's a long way off!) you WILL regret it.
TOP TIPS TO STOP OVEREATING :
1. When you make casseroles, bolognaises, soups etc. freeze them in individual portion sizes, so that's all there is.
2. Drink a large glass of water 20 minutes before a meal. It'll take the edge off your hunger and you'll feel satisfied more quickly with less food.
3. Eat a salad on its own before your main meal. Results as above.
4. Try eating 6 small meals a day rather than three big ones. It'll help keep your blood sugar stable and get your stomach used to receiving smaller amounts in one sitting.
5. Plan ahead so you're not caught out, and have to head to the nearest McDonald's/Ainsley's/Gr eggs. Don't lose control over what you put into your mouth.
6. Simple one - use a smaller plate!
7. If you are buying 'snack food' buy it in single serving packs such as nuts or seeds. You won't be tempted to eat more because there won't be more!
8. Resist buying bigger than necessary chocolate bars (if you have to eat chocolate). Is there really any need for a foot long twix????
9.Practice conscious eating - be aware of each mouthful you're putting into your body,and what will happen to it as it goes through your digestive system. Be aware of how you feel; does your stomach bloat, do you get constipation, diarrhoea, gas etc. All these are bad signs that your body is objecting to some of the foods you've eaten.
10. Keep a food diary or journal. record what you eat and drink and regularly review it. Add comments on how you felt straight after a meal, and then again two hours later. Did the food give you energy? Did it make you lethargic? These are useful clues as to how food is working for you. Food to our body's is like diesel to a car, give it the wrong stuff and it'll malfunction, big time.
Hope this has been useful.
Comments other than Lucy's gratefully appreciated.
RX
Anyway, back to to days blog - overeating and portion control. I was under the impression that San Fransisco was full of beautiful, healthy people all taking huge amounts of care over their appearances and body's in general, with sensible eating and exercise etc. Unlike other areas of America! Not so!
I was a hugely taken aback to see clothes sizes in XXXL and the most ridiculously sized food portions in restaurants.
Not only do they give you a half plate size of sauteed potatoes with virtually EVERY meal (yes breakfast pancakes included) but they are visually affronted when you say you'd rather not have them on your plate! In one week I think I ate as much as I would do in a month in England. Partly because I was at someone elses mercy (I normally plan every meal in advance - anal I know) and partly because I was on a bit of a holiday, and thought "what the f***" like most of us do. "I'll deal with it when I get home"- well I'm home now and most definitely dealing with it.
Portion control is a big problem for many of us and once your tummy gets used to receiving large portions it then complains when you try to cut them so down! So how can we limit what we put in our mouths to control weight levels and out overall health in general?. Good time of the year to look at it because with Winter coming up there is a tendency to hide behind big jumpers and eat lots of comfort food to keep warm. Don't do it. When Spring comes (I know it's a long way off!) you WILL regret it.
TOP TIPS TO STOP OVEREATING :
1. When you make casseroles, bolognaises, soups etc. freeze them in individual portion sizes, so that's all there is.
2. Drink a large glass of water 20 minutes before a meal. It'll take the edge off your hunger and you'll feel satisfied more quickly with less food.
3. Eat a salad on its own before your main meal. Results as above.
4. Try eating 6 small meals a day rather than three big ones. It'll help keep your blood sugar stable and get your stomach used to receiving smaller amounts in one sitting.
5. Plan ahead so you're not caught out, and have to head to the nearest McDonald's/Ainsley's/Gr eggs. Don't lose control over what you put into your mouth.
6. Simple one - use a smaller plate!
7. If you are buying 'snack food' buy it in single serving packs such as nuts or seeds. You won't be tempted to eat more because there won't be more!
8. Resist buying bigger than necessary chocolate bars (if you have to eat chocolate). Is there really any need for a foot long twix????
9.Practice conscious eating - be aware of each mouthful you're putting into your body,and what will happen to it as it goes through your digestive system. Be aware of how you feel; does your stomach bloat, do you get constipation, diarrhoea, gas etc. All these are bad signs that your body is objecting to some of the foods you've eaten.
10. Keep a food diary or journal. record what you eat and drink and regularly review it. Add comments on how you felt straight after a meal, and then again two hours later. Did the food give you energy? Did it make you lethargic? These are useful clues as to how food is working for you. Food to our body's is like diesel to a car, give it the wrong stuff and it'll malfunction, big time.
Hope this has been useful.
Comments other than Lucy's gratefully appreciated.
RX
Sunday, 27 September 2009
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Lots of people around me seem to be coming down with nasty bugs at the moment, including my nine year old son. This week at least eight members of his class have had a twenty four hour sickness bug. Not nice but kids bounce back pretty quickly thank goodness.
Adults don't always bounce back so quickly and Autumn/Winter with a change in the temperature seems to bring more disease, so how can you boost your immune system to ensure you're not missing out on living your life because you're laid up sniffling or worse?
Here's an IMMUNE BOOSTING TOP 10 :
1.Up at the top is KICKING the SMOKING habit. I don't think I need to go into detail here, we all know that smoking kills - the build up of toxins in the body is enormous and puts a great strain on the immune system, and the liver. Set a date to quit, get rid of everything to do with smoking on that day, tell the world you're going to do it and ask for their support. Use some strong smells like peppermint,Vick, spices, coconut; apparently they help stop cravings. If you need to ,get some gum or nicotine patches, and whilst relapses are common if you're prepared for them they're easier to deal with.
2.LAUGH - children laugh all day at anything. Fab to listen to, and we adults should take a leaf out of their book because it's so good for us and most of us take life too seriously and get bogged down in unnecessary detail, I know I do! Laughing can decrease stress hormones and increase immune cells. Watch a sit com, film, meet friends, read a joke book, play with your kids;do whatever it takes to add some laughter to your life.
3.AVOID antibiotics. Yes, they have their place but frequent use causes a build up of chemical toxins that have to be broken down and detoxed by the liver. They have side effects too and alot of the time are taken unnecessarily. They should be taken for bacterial infections only - not viral. Don't take them for colds and flu even if they're prescribed. Don't use them as a preventative measure, and don't save or share them.
4. AVOID C.R.A.P foods (junk food), your body needs a good old fashioned 'hunter/gatherer' style diet ie. eating as close to nature as possible. Organic or locally sourced meats, fruit and vegetables, fish, pulses and unrefined carbohydrates and lots of filtered or mineral water (approx two and a half litres a day). Experts believe that nutritional deficiencies are probably the greatest cause of immune system weakness. Junk food has no nutritional value, it can even be called non nutrient food so places a strain on the body to detox and digest. Lose it where at all possible. Try the 80/20 rule, and apply it to alcohol as well.
5. Be TACTILE. Cuddles, hugs, kisses and affection in general are extremely good for us, and are to be encouraged for the amazing 'feel good' factor they produce, helping to lower stress levels and put things into perspective. Do random acts of kindness every day, see how good it makes you feel . Make communication in general part of your day whether its through face book, texting, phoning or direct face to face contact- be socially active. Isolation leads to negative feelings in alot of cases, and can blow things out of unnecessary proportion.
6. Be ACTIVE - exercise and movement in general is what our bodys are designed for. "Death is still, so keep moving" (Dr Berndston). Sedentary ways have a big impact on our health, especially posture, and your weight (and obesity is definitely not the way forward for health). Moderate exercise is the key - government recommendations are 5 x 30 mins a week. Not difficult to fit in to your routine, as it can be as simple as walking to work, or running up and down stairs. Functional movement is as good as any 'formal' exercise. Buy a pedometer and see exactly how close you're getting to the 10,000 steps we're all advised to do each day.
7.DEAL WITH DEPRESSION. We all have 'down' days, and doing some of the above tips will help conquer them - affection, exercise,laughing etc.It's when we can't shake off the blues that we need to take positive steps to overcome them. Clinical depression is damaging to the immune system, it weakens it, but even just having a bit of a down day can do the same.
Try positive thinking; if something goes wrong, isolate it. Don't lump all of your life together as one big negative. Box off the negatives and concentrate on the positives - think I can and I will. When Lauren(my seven year old) and I went climbing last weekend she said to me on the way there " mummy if you say to yourself that you can do something then you'll do it" and she climbed straight up the first wall like a little monkey. The mind is THE most powerful thing, use it to your advantage.
8. SLEEP - this is crucial in fighting off infection, and other illnesses. Night time is the time when the body repairs itself, both physically (10.30- 2am) and mentally (2am til 6am) so getting your eight hours a night in is very important. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to heart disease, gastro intestinal problems and other medical illnesses so hit that sack at a decent time.
9.LET GO OF STRESS - easier said than done; most people I know have some stress in their lives to a greater or lesser extent. It's how we deal with it that's the issue. Under constant stress our body's are bombarded with stress hormones and they can cause the immune systems ability to fight disease to decrease. Stress relieving solutions are a blog all on their own but in brief try to create balance in your life - meditation, yoga, relaxation, keeping a stress diary - writing things down gets it out of your head, dance, listen to music, meet friends. Basically off load in whatever way feels right.
A 'friend' once said to me that my life was like an episode of Dallas. That made me stop and take a good look at what I was doing, and he was right. Sometimes it's just time to take a chill pill............
10. Avoid toxic pollutants such as PCBS. Buy organic where at all possible, stay away from cigarette smoke, alcohol (OK within reason) and illicit drugs - all of these play a part in the build up of toxins in the body, helping to prevent your immune system from functioning optimally. Read food labels and avoid those containing unnecessary chemicals. Choose naturally derived household cleaners too, these products are now readily available in supermarkets.
So there you have it, all of the above are possible with some thought and time. Stay healthy this winter, and live your life to the full.
RX
Adults don't always bounce back so quickly and Autumn/Winter with a change in the temperature seems to bring more disease, so how can you boost your immune system to ensure you're not missing out on living your life because you're laid up sniffling or worse?
Here's an IMMUNE BOOSTING TOP 10 :
1.Up at the top is KICKING the SMOKING habit. I don't think I need to go into detail here, we all know that smoking kills - the build up of toxins in the body is enormous and puts a great strain on the immune system, and the liver. Set a date to quit, get rid of everything to do with smoking on that day, tell the world you're going to do it and ask for their support. Use some strong smells like peppermint,Vick, spices, coconut; apparently they help stop cravings. If you need to ,get some gum or nicotine patches, and whilst relapses are common if you're prepared for them they're easier to deal with.
2.LAUGH - children laugh all day at anything. Fab to listen to, and we adults should take a leaf out of their book because it's so good for us and most of us take life too seriously and get bogged down in unnecessary detail, I know I do! Laughing can decrease stress hormones and increase immune cells. Watch a sit com, film, meet friends, read a joke book, play with your kids;do whatever it takes to add some laughter to your life.
3.AVOID antibiotics. Yes, they have their place but frequent use causes a build up of chemical toxins that have to be broken down and detoxed by the liver. They have side effects too and alot of the time are taken unnecessarily. They should be taken for bacterial infections only - not viral. Don't take them for colds and flu even if they're prescribed. Don't use them as a preventative measure, and don't save or share them.
4. AVOID C.R.A.P foods (junk food), your body needs a good old fashioned 'hunter/gatherer' style diet ie. eating as close to nature as possible. Organic or locally sourced meats, fruit and vegetables, fish, pulses and unrefined carbohydrates and lots of filtered or mineral water (approx two and a half litres a day). Experts believe that nutritional deficiencies are probably the greatest cause of immune system weakness. Junk food has no nutritional value, it can even be called non nutrient food so places a strain on the body to detox and digest. Lose it where at all possible. Try the 80/20 rule, and apply it to alcohol as well.
5. Be TACTILE. Cuddles, hugs, kisses and affection in general are extremely good for us, and are to be encouraged for the amazing 'feel good' factor they produce, helping to lower stress levels and put things into perspective. Do random acts of kindness every day, see how good it makes you feel . Make communication in general part of your day whether its through face book, texting, phoning or direct face to face contact- be socially active. Isolation leads to negative feelings in alot of cases, and can blow things out of unnecessary proportion.
6. Be ACTIVE - exercise and movement in general is what our bodys are designed for. "Death is still, so keep moving" (Dr Berndston). Sedentary ways have a big impact on our health, especially posture, and your weight (and obesity is definitely not the way forward for health). Moderate exercise is the key - government recommendations are 5 x 30 mins a week. Not difficult to fit in to your routine, as it can be as simple as walking to work, or running up and down stairs. Functional movement is as good as any 'formal' exercise. Buy a pedometer and see exactly how close you're getting to the 10,000 steps we're all advised to do each day.
7.DEAL WITH DEPRESSION. We all have 'down' days, and doing some of the above tips will help conquer them - affection, exercise,laughing etc.It's when we can't shake off the blues that we need to take positive steps to overcome them. Clinical depression is damaging to the immune system, it weakens it, but even just having a bit of a down day can do the same.
Try positive thinking; if something goes wrong, isolate it. Don't lump all of your life together as one big negative. Box off the negatives and concentrate on the positives - think I can and I will. When Lauren(my seven year old) and I went climbing last weekend she said to me on the way there " mummy if you say to yourself that you can do something then you'll do it" and she climbed straight up the first wall like a little monkey. The mind is THE most powerful thing, use it to your advantage.
8. SLEEP - this is crucial in fighting off infection, and other illnesses. Night time is the time when the body repairs itself, both physically (10.30- 2am) and mentally (2am til 6am) so getting your eight hours a night in is very important. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to heart disease, gastro intestinal problems and other medical illnesses so hit that sack at a decent time.
9.LET GO OF STRESS - easier said than done; most people I know have some stress in their lives to a greater or lesser extent. It's how we deal with it that's the issue. Under constant stress our body's are bombarded with stress hormones and they can cause the immune systems ability to fight disease to decrease. Stress relieving solutions are a blog all on their own but in brief try to create balance in your life - meditation, yoga, relaxation, keeping a stress diary - writing things down gets it out of your head, dance, listen to music, meet friends. Basically off load in whatever way feels right.
A 'friend' once said to me that my life was like an episode of Dallas. That made me stop and take a good look at what I was doing, and he was right. Sometimes it's just time to take a chill pill............
10. Avoid toxic pollutants such as PCBS. Buy organic where at all possible, stay away from cigarette smoke, alcohol (OK within reason) and illicit drugs - all of these play a part in the build up of toxins in the body, helping to prevent your immune system from functioning optimally. Read food labels and avoid those containing unnecessary chemicals. Choose naturally derived household cleaners too, these products are now readily available in supermarkets.
So there you have it, all of the above are possible with some thought and time. Stay healthy this winter, and live your life to the full.
RX
Saturday, 19 September 2009
You Can Heal Your Life
I haven't blogged for ages, partly because my personal circumstances have changed big time, and my emotions are running pretty high just now. This has been a gradual build up over the past few years and to say I've been stressed is an understatement.
However, onwards and upwards, and to days blog looks at how it is possible to get your life back on track the way YOU want it, and not how everyone else thinks it should be. It takes guts to make change, to step out of the norm, not knowing whether the grass is going to be a brighter shade of green or some murky khaki colour. And once you've made a big change if it's not all you thought it would be often there is no going back.
The biggest thing I found to take on board is that WE are EACH responsible for our own experiences. Each time we make a choice we are doing what we think is right at that particular time, and beating ourselves up later is a futile exercise.
Negative thought processes are capable of ultimately leading to ill health. Harboured within the body with no way to be released means that they are stored, and where they are stored will differ depending on individual make up. Positive thinking goes a long way to producing positive outcomes. If we can really believe in something, there is a greater chance that it will happen and happen in the way we want it to.
Loiuse Hay, author of YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE, believes that there is a strong correlation between diseases you may have had or are having now and a probable cause through certain thought processes.
For example ;
Health problem 1; sore throat.
Probable cause; holding in angry words. Feeling unable to express oneself.
New thought pattern ; I release all restrictions, and I am free to be me.
Health problem 2; heart problems.
Probable cause; long standing emotional problems.Lack of joy. Hardening of the heart. Belief in strain and stress.
New thought pattern; joy, joy, joy. I lovingly allow joy to flow through my mind and body and experience.
Reading this you may think this is all a little left of centre, but reading the book is well worthwhile should you be feeling vulnerable for whatever reason, and in need of some direction and guidance. Louise Hay is a very wise lady.
How many of us go over what has happened during the day as we lie in bed trying to sleep. Going over the events of the day, trying to rationalise them, beating ourselves up for things we said, things we did, things we may do in the future ,all can create negative thought patterns which can be hugely stressful.
When at my most stressed I really struggled to drop off to sleep and found that if I kept a notebook by my bed with a pen I could 'offload' all the confused thoughts swimming around in my head onto a sheet of paper helping to clear my mind so that I could relax enough to sleep. (It makes fascinating reading in the morning too, but you may need to hide it!).
We very rarely say to ourselves how well we have done, how loving we are in our relationships, how kind we have been to someone, how lovable we are, what great parents we make etc. etc.
What I'm trying to say is that the only thing we are ever dealing with is a thought, and a thought can be changed. Thoughts are one of THE most important things EVER. Thought processes can be dangerous if they are continously negative. Thoughts go on to produce feelings, and we buy in to those feelings. Change the thought and the feeling changes too.
For any one of us to heal our lives positive thinking is the way forward. I had a year of Emotional Freedom Technique with a qualified therapist. In a nutshell its all about releasing negative emotions and replacing them with positive ones. It works. I am now very excited about my future, and not petrified that I was about to make a dreadful mistake, as I was before.
The biggest negative emotions are guilt, criticism, fear and resentment and the thoughts and the feelings attached can cause more problems than anything else. Some of these thoughts come about because its easier sometimes to blame others than it is to take responsiblity for our own experiences. I beleive that what you give out you get back, in spades.
These four negatives can be responsible for ill health and disease. Long term resentment can 'eat away' at the body and make you ill. Guilt is a form of self punishment and often leads to pain. If we can forgive people for not being the way we want them to be it frees us up to release the emotions and move on.
Try this exercise, which goes along with EFT as a way to clear negativity, and to stop us beating ourselves up. Stand in front of a mirror, look directly into your eyes and tell yourself you love yourself just the way you are, and that you accept yourself just the way you are. Whenever you pass a mirror say it over and over until it becomes a habit and you truly believe it.
It's amazingly difficult to do this for most people, but worth perservering with. It can be quite an emotional experience, and if it is that's fine just go with the flow.
I've been on an emotional rollercoater for years and am still on it, although the ride is beginning to slow down alot. I still find myself sometimes overwhelmed with emotion so that I break down and cry. It's very therapeutic and so much more so if you have someone to hold you whilst it happens. I never underestimate the power of touch - human beings thrive on it from being babies; a cuddle can change my day so much for the better.
Life is a huge learning curve. A friend said to me yesterday that we are still learning. We learn every day, and won't stop until the day we die. So on this basis it is absolutely OK to make mistakes as we learn, to accept that this is part of living, and not to beat ourselves up over them. Let the negative thought pass through your head/body and replace a positive one. Every time.
This blog could go on for ever, there is so much to say on the subject but you may switch off very shortly so I'll wrap it up.
Tips to Heal Your Life :
- let out negative emotions by writing them down
- every time you have a negative thought, replace with a positive one
- get to bed on time, quality sleep reduces stress
- eat well. If you constantly put rubbish into your body in the form of poor food and drink it will have a negative impact. Really.
- repeat positive affirmations to yourself in front of a mirror every day, learn to believe you are a good person
- try EFT
- learn by your mistakes;move on
- be affectionate and in turn you will recieve affection
- cry if you need to, it can be very therapeutic
- accept cuddles/hugs
- take life one day at a time, its more manageable this way
- read Louise Hays book YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE, because you are the only person who can; take responsibility for your experiences.
I hope this has been food for thought.
RX
However, onwards and upwards, and to days blog looks at how it is possible to get your life back on track the way YOU want it, and not how everyone else thinks it should be. It takes guts to make change, to step out of the norm, not knowing whether the grass is going to be a brighter shade of green or some murky khaki colour. And once you've made a big change if it's not all you thought it would be often there is no going back.
The biggest thing I found to take on board is that WE are EACH responsible for our own experiences. Each time we make a choice we are doing what we think is right at that particular time, and beating ourselves up later is a futile exercise.
Negative thought processes are capable of ultimately leading to ill health. Harboured within the body with no way to be released means that they are stored, and where they are stored will differ depending on individual make up. Positive thinking goes a long way to producing positive outcomes. If we can really believe in something, there is a greater chance that it will happen and happen in the way we want it to.
Loiuse Hay, author of YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE, believes that there is a strong correlation between diseases you may have had or are having now and a probable cause through certain thought processes.
For example ;
Health problem 1; sore throat.
Probable cause; holding in angry words. Feeling unable to express oneself.
New thought pattern ; I release all restrictions, and I am free to be me.
Health problem 2; heart problems.
Probable cause; long standing emotional problems.Lack of joy. Hardening of the heart. Belief in strain and stress.
New thought pattern; joy, joy, joy. I lovingly allow joy to flow through my mind and body and experience.
Reading this you may think this is all a little left of centre, but reading the book is well worthwhile should you be feeling vulnerable for whatever reason, and in need of some direction and guidance. Louise Hay is a very wise lady.
How many of us go over what has happened during the day as we lie in bed trying to sleep. Going over the events of the day, trying to rationalise them, beating ourselves up for things we said, things we did, things we may do in the future ,all can create negative thought patterns which can be hugely stressful.
When at my most stressed I really struggled to drop off to sleep and found that if I kept a notebook by my bed with a pen I could 'offload' all the confused thoughts swimming around in my head onto a sheet of paper helping to clear my mind so that I could relax enough to sleep. (It makes fascinating reading in the morning too, but you may need to hide it!).
We very rarely say to ourselves how well we have done, how loving we are in our relationships, how kind we have been to someone, how lovable we are, what great parents we make etc. etc.
What I'm trying to say is that the only thing we are ever dealing with is a thought, and a thought can be changed. Thoughts are one of THE most important things EVER. Thought processes can be dangerous if they are continously negative. Thoughts go on to produce feelings, and we buy in to those feelings. Change the thought and the feeling changes too.
For any one of us to heal our lives positive thinking is the way forward. I had a year of Emotional Freedom Technique with a qualified therapist. In a nutshell its all about releasing negative emotions and replacing them with positive ones. It works. I am now very excited about my future, and not petrified that I was about to make a dreadful mistake, as I was before.
The biggest negative emotions are guilt, criticism, fear and resentment and the thoughts and the feelings attached can cause more problems than anything else. Some of these thoughts come about because its easier sometimes to blame others than it is to take responsiblity for our own experiences. I beleive that what you give out you get back, in spades.
These four negatives can be responsible for ill health and disease. Long term resentment can 'eat away' at the body and make you ill. Guilt is a form of self punishment and often leads to pain. If we can forgive people for not being the way we want them to be it frees us up to release the emotions and move on.
Try this exercise, which goes along with EFT as a way to clear negativity, and to stop us beating ourselves up. Stand in front of a mirror, look directly into your eyes and tell yourself you love yourself just the way you are, and that you accept yourself just the way you are. Whenever you pass a mirror say it over and over until it becomes a habit and you truly believe it.
It's amazingly difficult to do this for most people, but worth perservering with. It can be quite an emotional experience, and if it is that's fine just go with the flow.
I've been on an emotional rollercoater for years and am still on it, although the ride is beginning to slow down alot. I still find myself sometimes overwhelmed with emotion so that I break down and cry. It's very therapeutic and so much more so if you have someone to hold you whilst it happens. I never underestimate the power of touch - human beings thrive on it from being babies; a cuddle can change my day so much for the better.
Life is a huge learning curve. A friend said to me yesterday that we are still learning. We learn every day, and won't stop until the day we die. So on this basis it is absolutely OK to make mistakes as we learn, to accept that this is part of living, and not to beat ourselves up over them. Let the negative thought pass through your head/body and replace a positive one. Every time.
This blog could go on for ever, there is so much to say on the subject but you may switch off very shortly so I'll wrap it up.
Tips to Heal Your Life :
- let out negative emotions by writing them down
- every time you have a negative thought, replace with a positive one
- get to bed on time, quality sleep reduces stress
- eat well. If you constantly put rubbish into your body in the form of poor food and drink it will have a negative impact. Really.
- repeat positive affirmations to yourself in front of a mirror every day, learn to believe you are a good person
- try EFT
- learn by your mistakes;move on
- be affectionate and in turn you will recieve affection
- cry if you need to, it can be very therapeutic
- accept cuddles/hugs
- take life one day at a time, its more manageable this way
- read Louise Hays book YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE, because you are the only person who can; take responsibility for your experiences.
I hope this has been food for thought.
RX
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