Following on from Zar's blog last night about sugar - just a few observations really...
Firstly you might previously have heard me mention the Paleo Diet - also known as the Caveman Diet... a food programme I am a big fan of. It is, quite simply put, the pre industrial revolution diet. It harps back to when man was a hunter gatherer and took from the land and the sea and simply ate what he could find. Research behind the Paleo phenomenon is similar to the book Zar mentioned - that before we discovered grain and manufactured wheat, flour, sugar, bread and all the other modern day diet staples, sugar was a luxury, found naturally in honey, and in some fruits.
In Miami last year, Eduardo and I stuck to the Paleo diet to the letter. It basically means you eat natural proteins, vegetables, salads, fruits, nuts, seeds and stay off all processed foods and sugars. I did it to get my weight down, he did it because I bullied him into it. We actually really enjoyed it and the food we were eating wasn't a far cry from our normal diet - what we did find is that I was a much more reasonable person for it. Yes, you read correctly. Without hardly any sugar (which also helps keep my candida levels low) I was a much nicer person to be around. I didn't seem to suffer those terrible energy or mood swings because my body wasn't suffering sugar lows and highs. I wasn't prone to energy lapses or bouts of tiredness, I didn't fly and then crash and burn like I do when I eat sugar or a high calorie snack and although I certainly ate more, I found myself sleeping better, working out better and eating as much as I liked (which those of you who know me will know I LOVED!)
I stick as closely as I can to the Paleo principles on a daily basis. If I do ever need sugar, I get some in the form or an apple, or some very dark cocoa chocolate. THe most sugar I ever eat is baked beans which is my one big treat in life. Of course I have the occasional eat out, pig out or pudding - but I know how much better I feel when I keep the sugar levels low.
If you are interested then you could do worse then read up about it. In terms of Paleo then the bible of this food plan 'The Paleo Diet' by Loren Cordain available at Amazon or in all good book shops, and his website offers the best explanation www.thepaleodiet.com I KNOW you can adopt this diet to the full but I also know that I don't stick to it rigidly but it really taught me about getting my own sugar levels to a satisfactory level.
Oh, did I mention that research shows that too much sugar ages you? I did now - that is for my next blog I promise.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
ZAR- Sweet Sweet Sugar
I'm reading a really interesting book at the moment; "The Sweet Poison Quit Plan" by David Gillespie. It is a sequel to his book "Sweet Poison: Why sugar makes us fat". It is an eye-opening read and I'm sure I'll have to read it at least twice to get some of the more scientific points into my head. I'm also sure I'll write further blogs on it but for now I thought I'd let you know about some of the basic points he makes.
Firstly, he talks about the history of sugar and it's introduction into our diets. 200 years ago, sugar was rare and therefore expensive. The only way the average person ate sugar was within seasonal fruits and honey.
In 1910, the first ever packaged chocolate product was for sale (Cadbury's Dairy Milk). Coke and Pepsi were still garage operations with minimum sales but growing fast. Breakfast cereals would not be available for another 14 years and fruit juice was only of the freshly-squeezed-at-home kind. There were very few overweight people and very little heart disease (at least not enough to be regularly diagnosed).
Half a century later, things have changed dramatically. Sugar is everywhere. Coke and Pepsi are huge. Fruit juice is in ready to drink bottles. Chocolate bars are commonplace. Breakfast cereals have gone from cornflakes to many high sugar concoctions. The number of overweight people has doubled and heart disease is endemic.
At this time, in the search for answers, a new profession was born - human nutrition. Amongst the ideas that they had was that, clearly, if you eat fat you will become fat. The populations were encouraged to eat low-fat diets and take up the new sport of jogging. As a consequence, food manufacturers created low-fat everything. Unfortunately, when something is low-fat, it doesn't taste that great so they added sugar to these products. People stopped drinking milk and started drinking low-fat juice and soft drink. Stopped eating cooked breakfast and switched to high sugar cereals. Swapped peanut butter for honey and conserves. The book advocates not avoiding fat but avoiding sugar, infact giving up fructose, except in whole fruit.
Pretty much everything we eat these days contains sugar (which is one half fructose, which Mr Gillespie's book is essentially about). It's the reason why it's so much better to cook from raw and avoid buying convenience food. It is highly addictive and is beginning to show up in large scale trials as a link to heart disease, strokes, fatty liver disease, cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, impotence, depression and anxiety.
I could go on and on with these insights but I'll leave you with this. Since we were encouraged to eat low-fat by the nutritionists of the 1960's, the percentage of overweight people has doubled again. We exercise more than we used to but continue to get bigger and bigger. The sugar issue is as much as ignored but it can't go on like that for ever. I'm sure (hopefully) it will become, in the future, as much of an issue as nicotine is in terms of being recognised as a killer. This book has certainly woken me up to what I put into my body sometimes and how addicted I am to it.
Firstly, he talks about the history of sugar and it's introduction into our diets. 200 years ago, sugar was rare and therefore expensive. The only way the average person ate sugar was within seasonal fruits and honey.
In 1910, the first ever packaged chocolate product was for sale (Cadbury's Dairy Milk). Coke and Pepsi were still garage operations with minimum sales but growing fast. Breakfast cereals would not be available for another 14 years and fruit juice was only of the freshly-squeezed-at-home kind. There were very few overweight people and very little heart disease (at least not enough to be regularly diagnosed).
Half a century later, things have changed dramatically. Sugar is everywhere. Coke and Pepsi are huge. Fruit juice is in ready to drink bottles. Chocolate bars are commonplace. Breakfast cereals have gone from cornflakes to many high sugar concoctions. The number of overweight people has doubled and heart disease is endemic.
At this time, in the search for answers, a new profession was born - human nutrition. Amongst the ideas that they had was that, clearly, if you eat fat you will become fat. The populations were encouraged to eat low-fat diets and take up the new sport of jogging. As a consequence, food manufacturers created low-fat everything. Unfortunately, when something is low-fat, it doesn't taste that great so they added sugar to these products. People stopped drinking milk and started drinking low-fat juice and soft drink. Stopped eating cooked breakfast and switched to high sugar cereals. Swapped peanut butter for honey and conserves. The book advocates not avoiding fat but avoiding sugar, infact giving up fructose, except in whole fruit.
Pretty much everything we eat these days contains sugar (which is one half fructose, which Mr Gillespie's book is essentially about). It's the reason why it's so much better to cook from raw and avoid buying convenience food. It is highly addictive and is beginning to show up in large scale trials as a link to heart disease, strokes, fatty liver disease, cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, impotence, depression and anxiety.
I could go on and on with these insights but I'll leave you with this. Since we were encouraged to eat low-fat by the nutritionists of the 1960's, the percentage of overweight people has doubled again. We exercise more than we used to but continue to get bigger and bigger. The sugar issue is as much as ignored but it can't go on like that for ever. I'm sure (hopefully) it will become, in the future, as much of an issue as nicotine is in terms of being recognised as a killer. This book has certainly woken me up to what I put into my body sometimes and how addicted I am to it.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
ROSIE - Depression - or just the blues?
Sorry, this is not a light and hearty blog today, it's a subject that the Bingham Girls are holding rather close to their hearts at the moment... and I thought it was well worthy of a blog.
I read an interesting article in the Sunday Telegraph today about depression by Hermione Norris, aka the skinny blond lady in Spooks. If I didn't know better, I would ask "why does she have depression?" She's a highly succesful actress, gorgeous looking with it, is a wife and a mother - what has she got to complain about?
But I suffered from a bout of depression about 8 years ago now and struggled so much to come to terms with it actally being depression that it did affect me for quite some time.
I remember asking myself at the time - what's this all about? I have had the most idyllic upbringing; wanting for nothing in terms of emotions and stability, have a loving family, have a job, have friends, a social life - what's going on? Monosyllabic, not wanting to get up in the morning, not wanting to exercise, not wanting to go out or talk to people... it was only G who MADE me go and see a doctor that made me realise there's nothing that "makes you" depressed. As Hermione Norris says in the article; “It’s not something that you are really in control of because it’s physical, and it’s genetic, and it’s about your life experiences."
For me, it was certainly about the first two factors but none about the last. I had had absolutley no life experience to affect me; but of course for some people it is all about a life experience. There is no rhyme or reason as to why someone has depression, all I know is it was something I certainly couldn't control even if I wanted to. Even the most upbeat, cheerful, life-and-soul-of-the-party type person can have serious depression and to people on the outside they appear the absolute opposite of depressed.
I would say if anyone reading this is having these feelings; lack of self worth, not wanting to do live their lives the way they usually do (i.e. dreading getting up in the morning, not wanting to socialise, exercise or spend time with family & friends), lack of apetite, turning to food for comfort, anxiety and many, many other symptoms , the only thing I would say is TALK TO SOMEONE. G was my saviour because there was no way I would have talked to anyone had she not made me; I was lucky though and she spotted the signs that were different.
If you do have the above symptons, it doesn't necessarily mean you are depressed; but certainly talking about things that you may not feel great about can make you feel so much better. Don't bottle things up, don't be afraid of the stigma. It's something that can be so easily helped. I was in a dark place for no reason at all - and luckily I came out the other side.
Sorry if this is a bit of a "confused" blog, I hope to some of you it makes sense and, as I said, if there's anything on your mind, please please talk to a loved on. If you're interested in reading the article in the Sunday Telegraph, here it is.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/7957946/Hermione-Norris-interview-theres-nothing-spooky-about-having-therapy.html
I read an interesting article in the Sunday Telegraph today about depression by Hermione Norris, aka the skinny blond lady in Spooks. If I didn't know better, I would ask "why does she have depression?" She's a highly succesful actress, gorgeous looking with it, is a wife and a mother - what has she got to complain about?
But I suffered from a bout of depression about 8 years ago now and struggled so much to come to terms with it actally being depression that it did affect me for quite some time.
I remember asking myself at the time - what's this all about? I have had the most idyllic upbringing; wanting for nothing in terms of emotions and stability, have a loving family, have a job, have friends, a social life - what's going on? Monosyllabic, not wanting to get up in the morning, not wanting to exercise, not wanting to go out or talk to people... it was only G who MADE me go and see a doctor that made me realise there's nothing that "makes you" depressed. As Hermione Norris says in the article; “It’s not something that you are really in control of because it’s physical, and it’s genetic, and it’s about your life experiences."
For me, it was certainly about the first two factors but none about the last. I had had absolutley no life experience to affect me; but of course for some people it is all about a life experience. There is no rhyme or reason as to why someone has depression, all I know is it was something I certainly couldn't control even if I wanted to. Even the most upbeat, cheerful, life-and-soul-of-the-party type person can have serious depression and to people on the outside they appear the absolute opposite of depressed.
I would say if anyone reading this is having these feelings; lack of self worth, not wanting to do live their lives the way they usually do (i.e. dreading getting up in the morning, not wanting to socialise, exercise or spend time with family & friends), lack of apetite, turning to food for comfort, anxiety and many, many other symptoms , the only thing I would say is TALK TO SOMEONE. G was my saviour because there was no way I would have talked to anyone had she not made me; I was lucky though and she spotted the signs that were different.
If you do have the above symptons, it doesn't necessarily mean you are depressed; but certainly talking about things that you may not feel great about can make you feel so much better. Don't bottle things up, don't be afraid of the stigma. It's something that can be so easily helped. I was in a dark place for no reason at all - and luckily I came out the other side.
Sorry if this is a bit of a "confused" blog, I hope to some of you it makes sense and, as I said, if there's anything on your mind, please please talk to a loved on. If you're interested in reading the article in the Sunday Telegraph, here it is.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/7957946/Hermione-Norris-interview-theres-nothing-spooky-about-having-therapy.html
Thursday, August 26, 2010
ZAR - Recipe for the weekend - Stuffed Mushrooms
I feel really sorry for people who don't like mushrooms! They are so versatile - can be added to spag bol, risotto, salads, used for breakfast etc. I use them alot for everyday but this recipe is something that you could use for a starter for a dinner party or as a side dish with a steak or something or just for a week night supper on their own.
Serves 4
8 large field mushrooms
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
300g trimmed English spinach
250g low fat ricotta
30g toasted pinenuts
grated rind of 1 lemon
Remove the stalks from the mushrooms and finely chop. Sauté off the onion with a little olive oil over a medium heat. After 5 mins, add the chopped mushroom stems. Cook for 3 mins. Add the garlic and cook, stirring for 1 min. Remove from heat.
Place the spinach in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Remove after 30 seconds, rinse under cold water and squeeze out excess liquid. Finely chop. In a bowl combine onion mixture, spinach, ricotta, pinenuts and lemon rind. Season.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Place the mushrooms on tray and stuff with mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 15 mins. Remove foil and cook for another 10 mins.
If serving for a starter, accompany with a simple rocket salad.
Serves 4
8 large field mushrooms
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
300g trimmed English spinach
250g low fat ricotta
30g toasted pinenuts
grated rind of 1 lemon
Remove the stalks from the mushrooms and finely chop. Sauté off the onion with a little olive oil over a medium heat. After 5 mins, add the chopped mushroom stems. Cook for 3 mins. Add the garlic and cook, stirring for 1 min. Remove from heat.
Place the spinach in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Remove after 30 seconds, rinse under cold water and squeeze out excess liquid. Finely chop. In a bowl combine onion mixture, spinach, ricotta, pinenuts and lemon rind. Season.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Place the mushrooms on tray and stuff with mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 15 mins. Remove foil and cook for another 10 mins.
If serving for a starter, accompany with a simple rocket salad.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
GEORGIE - The 'hips and lips' thing...
This article caught my attention today - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1305853/Scientists-prove-moment-lips-does-mean-lifetime-hips-weight-gain.html
This one fascinates me. A group of young, slim healthy people asked to eat crappy food and exercise little for a month and they put on weight. The research then found that a few years later, those people tended to be heavier then a control set of people who didn't binge for a month. This basically proves my theory that you can never let your foot off the pedal for long in your quest to look your best. I know that the older I have got, the harder it has been to lose and keep weight off if I go on binges. Accepted I never go on month long binges but imagine the effects a bad break up could have on your future ability to lose or keep weight off? This basically says the more irresponsible you are, the harder it gets the older you are.
Just a footnote to add to this really interesting piece of information - something I still find hard to comprehend... the fact that when you put on weight, you do it by gaining extra fat cells - and they NEVER go away. I didn't know this until my old personal trainer told me in the US. When you 'lose' weight, you don't actually get rid of fat cells, they just shrink. They are still there, still waiting to pounce, or should I say bounce back when you let your guard down. (Explains why people who lose HUGE amounts of weight have to be SO disciplined in keeping it off). It just re-enforces that old Bingham Girls mantra that you have to work work work to get and keep yourself looking good. No easy way at it really!!
This one fascinates me. A group of young, slim healthy people asked to eat crappy food and exercise little for a month and they put on weight. The research then found that a few years later, those people tended to be heavier then a control set of people who didn't binge for a month. This basically proves my theory that you can never let your foot off the pedal for long in your quest to look your best. I know that the older I have got, the harder it has been to lose and keep weight off if I go on binges. Accepted I never go on month long binges but imagine the effects a bad break up could have on your future ability to lose or keep weight off? This basically says the more irresponsible you are, the harder it gets the older you are.
Just a footnote to add to this really interesting piece of information - something I still find hard to comprehend... the fact that when you put on weight, you do it by gaining extra fat cells - and they NEVER go away. I didn't know this until my old personal trainer told me in the US. When you 'lose' weight, you don't actually get rid of fat cells, they just shrink. They are still there, still waiting to pounce, or should I say bounce back when you let your guard down. (Explains why people who lose HUGE amounts of weight have to be SO disciplined in keeping it off). It just re-enforces that old Bingham Girls mantra that you have to work work work to get and keep yourself looking good. No easy way at it really!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
ZAR - FAT FIGHTING FOODS
The subject of this blog can get some people VERY excited, thinking that by eating the foods mentioned they will magically lose all they weight they would like to! We all know better. There is no magic. It's hard work, willpower and dedication. However, some foods will help to stop the build up of fat and speed up your metabolism.....only if you're eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Lean meat - protein requires the body to work harder to digest it and leaves us feeling fuller for longer.
Low fat yoghurt, milk and cheese - US studies have shown that those who eat 1300mg calcium per day lose more weight than those who don't. It's thought that calcium breaks down fat cells and suppresses the growth of new ones.
Berries and citrus fruit - these are rich in vitamin C which contains flavones which increases metabolism, controls cholesterol levels and helps dilute fats.
Salmon, avocado, nuts, ground flaxseed - oily fish and plant based fats contain essential fatty acids that help burn fat. You need to make sure that you are adding these in moderation to a low-fat diet for them to do their job.
Cinnamon - it's been found that 1/4 tsp of cinnamon per day boosts your sugar metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels and helps store less fat.
Oats, wholegrains and sweet potatoes - high in fibre and low GI, they leave you feeling fuller for longer and help regulate blood sugar levels which reduces the urge to snack.
Chilli - contains the chemical capsaicin which triggers a thermodynamic burn which speeds up the heart rate and boosts metabolism. Studies have shown that those who eat spicy foods consume less kilojoules and carbohydrates than those who don't.
Turmeric - used in mustards and Indian curries, it's been found to slow down the spread of fat tissue and lowers blood glucose, triglyceride, fatty acid and cholesterol.
Ginger and garlic - these are both vasodilators, expanding blood vessels and boosting body heat which means your metabolism speeds up a little.
All the foods in this list are items that should be consumed regularly anyway. Regardless of whether you're aware of their abilities to help fight fat, if you cook from raw for yourself everyday then these will be foods that have a place in your daily diet already.
Lean meat - protein requires the body to work harder to digest it and leaves us feeling fuller for longer.
Low fat yoghurt, milk and cheese - US studies have shown that those who eat 1300mg calcium per day lose more weight than those who don't. It's thought that calcium breaks down fat cells and suppresses the growth of new ones.
Berries and citrus fruit - these are rich in vitamin C which contains flavones which increases metabolism, controls cholesterol levels and helps dilute fats.
Salmon, avocado, nuts, ground flaxseed - oily fish and plant based fats contain essential fatty acids that help burn fat. You need to make sure that you are adding these in moderation to a low-fat diet for them to do their job.
Cinnamon - it's been found that 1/4 tsp of cinnamon per day boosts your sugar metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels and helps store less fat.
Oats, wholegrains and sweet potatoes - high in fibre and low GI, they leave you feeling fuller for longer and help regulate blood sugar levels which reduces the urge to snack.
Chilli - contains the chemical capsaicin which triggers a thermodynamic burn which speeds up the heart rate and boosts metabolism. Studies have shown that those who eat spicy foods consume less kilojoules and carbohydrates than those who don't.
Turmeric - used in mustards and Indian curries, it's been found to slow down the spread of fat tissue and lowers blood glucose, triglyceride, fatty acid and cholesterol.
Ginger and garlic - these are both vasodilators, expanding blood vessels and boosting body heat which means your metabolism speeds up a little.
All the foods in this list are items that should be consumed regularly anyway. Regardless of whether you're aware of their abilities to help fight fat, if you cook from raw for yourself everyday then these will be foods that have a place in your daily diet already.
Monday, August 23, 2010
ROSIE - HOLIDAY POST MORTEM!
Ha. So, holiday over. It was great! Lots of sleep, lots of relaxation, great quality family time and generally a lot of fun. Oh yes, and a lot of food. I would say on a scale of one to ten of naughty-over-eating-just-because-I-am-out-of-my-normal-routine, I scored a 6. 10 being generally disgusting and wallowing in chips and 1 being generally disgustingingly healthy and barely touching a lettuce leaf.
So, not too bad. I did get 3 runs in (not bad out of 5 days away) and lots of lovely hilly Cornish walks, but did eat some fish and chips, 3 courses two nights in a row and ate probably Jack's body weight in ice cream.
Just to show it can be done. I do definitley have a bit of work to do to shift a pound now that I'm back but I can still do my jeans up. Hooray.
Have I grown up do you think? Do you have to be in your thirties to finally realise that there is moderation in self-restraint and actually just some balance in life is all you need? Perhaps so! Anyway, I'm proud of myself AND I had a lovely holiday.
So, not too bad. I did get 3 runs in (not bad out of 5 days away) and lots of lovely hilly Cornish walks, but did eat some fish and chips, 3 courses two nights in a row and ate probably Jack's body weight in ice cream.
Just to show it can be done. I do definitley have a bit of work to do to shift a pound now that I'm back but I can still do my jeans up. Hooray.
Have I grown up do you think? Do you have to be in your thirties to finally realise that there is moderation in self-restraint and actually just some balance in life is all you need? Perhaps so! Anyway, I'm proud of myself AND I had a lovely holiday.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
GEORGIE - Gym Nemesis update...
Just a quickie about my new nemesis the 'paddle leg' machine in the gym.
I've been on this damn machine for two weeks now and it's working those wobbly bits out a treat!! However, during a session with a personal trainer and I asked him about it.... turns out - its a kind of hover machine. You know how on an elliptical machine or cross trainer you have your weight on the feet paddles and its like a running/cycling motion - the key to this machine is keeping your weight central and hovering, in a squat position, so that you are transferring your weight to the centre every time you bring your leg back in. The idea is that you move your legs so fast that your bottom and thighs become a blur and you 'waggle' your way through the session - like a kind of Caribbean shrug dance - and it's EXHAUSTING! IT'S LIKE DOING A PERMANENT SQUAT WHILST KEEPING YOUR WEIGHT OFF YOUR OUTSIDE LEG WHICH EVER LEG THAT IS!!
ARGHHHHHH
Thought you might find the idea of me getting to grips with a new piece of gym equipment quite funny - I really have a MILE to go before I am fit enough to look good on this one and I get sooo cross on it it's totally hilarious... I am that sweaty, crying, pink girl in the corner of the gym once more...
Happy workout week you peeps - get to it and go at it hard!!
Love G xx
I've been on this damn machine for two weeks now and it's working those wobbly bits out a treat!! However, during a session with a personal trainer and I asked him about it.... turns out - its a kind of hover machine. You know how on an elliptical machine or cross trainer you have your weight on the feet paddles and its like a running/cycling motion - the key to this machine is keeping your weight central and hovering, in a squat position, so that you are transferring your weight to the centre every time you bring your leg back in. The idea is that you move your legs so fast that your bottom and thighs become a blur and you 'waggle' your way through the session - like a kind of Caribbean shrug dance - and it's EXHAUSTING! IT'S LIKE DOING A PERMANENT SQUAT WHILST KEEPING YOUR WEIGHT OFF YOUR OUTSIDE LEG WHICH EVER LEG THAT IS!!
ARGHHHHHH
Thought you might find the idea of me getting to grips with a new piece of gym equipment quite funny - I really have a MILE to go before I am fit enough to look good on this one and I get sooo cross on it it's totally hilarious... I am that sweaty, crying, pink girl in the corner of the gym once more...
Happy workout week you peeps - get to it and go at it hard!!
Love G xx
Thursday, August 19, 2010
ZAR - Recipe - Stir Fried Beef with Chilli and Wombok
This is a dish that can contain really any ingredients. You can substitute the beef for chicken, carrot for beans as I did, even leave the chillies out if you don't like them.
Wombok is Chinese cabbage. I haven't had it since I lived at home; Mum used it quite a bit. It is cheap, keeps for ages wrapped in the fridge and you can use it raw in salads. A really good ingredient to have around.
For 2 people
400g rump steak, thinly sliced
1 carrot, cut into thin batons
Half a red capsicum (pepper), sliced
2 cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated (or 1 tsp from a jar)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
1-2 small red chillies, sliced
3 cups coarsely shredded wombok
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 green onions, diagonally sliced
Heat 1 tbsp veg oil or peanut oil over a med-high heat in a wok or heavy bottomed pan. Brown the beef and remove to a plate. Add a little more oil and cook carrot and capsicum for 2-3 mins, then add garlic, ginger and chillies and cook for another couple of mins. Add wombok, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and 2 tbsp water (or stock if you have any) and cook for 1 min. Return beef to pan and stir to warm through. Serve topped with green onions.
Wombok is Chinese cabbage. I haven't had it since I lived at home; Mum used it quite a bit. It is cheap, keeps for ages wrapped in the fridge and you can use it raw in salads. A really good ingredient to have around.
For 2 people
400g rump steak, thinly sliced
1 carrot, cut into thin batons
Half a red capsicum (pepper), sliced
2 cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated (or 1 tsp from a jar)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
1-2 small red chillies, sliced
3 cups coarsely shredded wombok
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 green onions, diagonally sliced
Heat 1 tbsp veg oil or peanut oil over a med-high heat in a wok or heavy bottomed pan. Brown the beef and remove to a plate. Add a little more oil and cook carrot and capsicum for 2-3 mins, then add garlic, ginger and chillies and cook for another couple of mins. Add wombok, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and 2 tbsp water (or stock if you have any) and cook for 1 min. Return beef to pan and stir to warm through. Serve topped with green onions.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
ROSIE - Top 10 Dieting Blunders
This is a bit of a simple blog to write, only in that a lot of it really is common sense. However, I feel that sometimes people are so focussed on a “diet” (not something we advocate on Bingham Girls) that they can actually lose sight of the easiest way to get to a goal of losing weight.
Please don’t ever diet. The below points are a really good checklist, if you’re doing more than 5 out of the 10 then you are definitely are going to FAIL. Healthy eating, healthy living is the best way to lose & maintain weight loss.
Missing meals – a major problem for many people who commonly believe that by missing a meal they are actually reducing their calorific intake. This is often counterproductive; as you may become so hungry that at your next meal you overindulge.
Skipping carbohydrates at meal times – as you think that bread and potatoes are fattening is a big mistake. Starchy foods such as bread, rice, pasta and potatoes are filling foods and should not be avoided – the portion size is what you have to watch.
The belief that you have to eat less when you want to lose weight – a full plate is not possible when you’re on a diet – right? Wrong! Many of us believe that we should be cutting back on food to lose weight whereas we really should be eating more. The most important foods that we should be filling up on are vegetables – so fill your plate with them!
Not increasing your exercise levels – upping your exercise levels will maximise your loss of fat and minimise your loss of lean muscle. It will also help you maintain your weight long-term and prevent weight re-gain. Try to do around 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least four times a week.
‘All or nothing’ – this approach is the downfall of many – don’t make the mistake of thinking you should never have a treat. A pizza is okay, there is nothing wrong with having a pizza – just make sure that you don’t follow it with a large helping of chocolate fudge cake and ice cream!
Make realistic changes to your diet that you can stick to - dieting severely is not advisable in the long term; it may seem boring, but making a few small changes that you can stick to is far more likely to result in a weight loss that can be maintained over the long term.
Buying foods such as crisps and chocolate for the kids could be holding you back - having these types of foods in the house can be a temptation; you are more likely to reach for a chocolate biscuit if it is to hand, whereas if you had to make the effort to go to the shops – you probably wouldn’t bother!
Being influenced by others - are there saboteurs in your house? Are you being held back by your friends or family? It may be uncomfortable to address these issues as family members or friends may not want you to change – think about talking through your plans with them.
Is your routine holding you back? - do you pass Starbucks every day and can’t resist their carrot or chocolate fudge cake? If you were to take another route to work would that help you curb your habit of nipping in to buy something for elevenses?
Planning – this is often where successfully slim people do well; they plan their meals and write their shopping list accordingly each week.
As I said, common sense for the most part, but easily done!
Please don’t ever diet. The below points are a really good checklist, if you’re doing more than 5 out of the 10 then you are definitely are going to FAIL. Healthy eating, healthy living is the best way to lose & maintain weight loss.
Missing meals – a major problem for many people who commonly believe that by missing a meal they are actually reducing their calorific intake. This is often counterproductive; as you may become so hungry that at your next meal you overindulge.
Skipping carbohydrates at meal times – as you think that bread and potatoes are fattening is a big mistake. Starchy foods such as bread, rice, pasta and potatoes are filling foods and should not be avoided – the portion size is what you have to watch.
The belief that you have to eat less when you want to lose weight – a full plate is not possible when you’re on a diet – right? Wrong! Many of us believe that we should be cutting back on food to lose weight whereas we really should be eating more. The most important foods that we should be filling up on are vegetables – so fill your plate with them!
Not increasing your exercise levels – upping your exercise levels will maximise your loss of fat and minimise your loss of lean muscle. It will also help you maintain your weight long-term and prevent weight re-gain. Try to do around 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least four times a week.
‘All or nothing’ – this approach is the downfall of many – don’t make the mistake of thinking you should never have a treat. A pizza is okay, there is nothing wrong with having a pizza – just make sure that you don’t follow it with a large helping of chocolate fudge cake and ice cream!
Make realistic changes to your diet that you can stick to - dieting severely is not advisable in the long term; it may seem boring, but making a few small changes that you can stick to is far more likely to result in a weight loss that can be maintained over the long term.
Buying foods such as crisps and chocolate for the kids could be holding you back - having these types of foods in the house can be a temptation; you are more likely to reach for a chocolate biscuit if it is to hand, whereas if you had to make the effort to go to the shops – you probably wouldn’t bother!
Being influenced by others - are there saboteurs in your house? Are you being held back by your friends or family? It may be uncomfortable to address these issues as family members or friends may not want you to change – think about talking through your plans with them.
Is your routine holding you back? - do you pass Starbucks every day and can’t resist their carrot or chocolate fudge cake? If you were to take another route to work would that help you curb your habit of nipping in to buy something for elevenses?
Planning – this is often where successfully slim people do well; they plan their meals and write their shopping list accordingly each week.
As I said, common sense for the most part, but easily done!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
GEORGIE - Gym Machine Nemesis!!
So I have a Nemesis in my new gym. I am at a loss to describe how in 3 visits I have managed to make myself an enemy of a piece of equipment - but I HAVE!!
Let me explain. After nearly 6 months of exercising at home to avoid a 8 mile drive to the gym (which was expensive) in favour of cycling everywhere and doing DVD workouts at home I have finally got back to London, started my new job and signed up to a local gym. HUGE excitement.
Then, on my first trip around the gym, I came across a new piece of cardio equipment we didn't have in my American gym. The best way I can describe it is cross trainer (elliptical) meets speed skate trainer. It has pads/pedals to put your feet in but instead of cycling, or climbing, your feet push out and back in a skating kind of motion. Its fantastically good exercise, and you can squat as you exercise to work out your buns and quads better, or let go of your hands altogether for a massive and gruelling work out. I love it!
Then I set myself a cross training programme on this funny machine and off I set. Level select? 1-25 so I picked 14. I am not really fit at the moment and killed myself last week when I thought I was so easy does it here - when the machine goes onto a high intensity segment it sets you a target step rate per minute as many machines do - but this was IMPOSSIBLE!!! I ended up laughing at my pathetic attempts to reach my target as I felt like I was either going to fly off the machine (like a jogger who falls off a treadmill) or I was sure steam and smoke was going to start coming off the pedals. I kid you not, what the machine was asking me to do was IMPOSSIBLE and I was only on level 14 out of 25!!!
Nothing like a seemingly impossible task to get my blood flowing...I've been back to that machine EVERY time I have been in the gym - and I guess if nothing else, then in my quest to reach the require leg rate per minute, I might get myself some buns of steel!!
We can but dream! I can however recommend finding a machine that you either hate or grudgingly admire as you aren't able or fit enough to do it justice. A few weeks of patience and I bet you anything you like you'll be fitter!!
Let me explain. After nearly 6 months of exercising at home to avoid a 8 mile drive to the gym (which was expensive) in favour of cycling everywhere and doing DVD workouts at home I have finally got back to London, started my new job and signed up to a local gym. HUGE excitement.
Then, on my first trip around the gym, I came across a new piece of cardio equipment we didn't have in my American gym. The best way I can describe it is cross trainer (elliptical) meets speed skate trainer. It has pads/pedals to put your feet in but instead of cycling, or climbing, your feet push out and back in a skating kind of motion. Its fantastically good exercise, and you can squat as you exercise to work out your buns and quads better, or let go of your hands altogether for a massive and gruelling work out. I love it!
Then I set myself a cross training programme on this funny machine and off I set. Level select? 1-25 so I picked 14. I am not really fit at the moment and killed myself last week when I thought I was so easy does it here - when the machine goes onto a high intensity segment it sets you a target step rate per minute as many machines do - but this was IMPOSSIBLE!!! I ended up laughing at my pathetic attempts to reach my target as I felt like I was either going to fly off the machine (like a jogger who falls off a treadmill) or I was sure steam and smoke was going to start coming off the pedals. I kid you not, what the machine was asking me to do was IMPOSSIBLE and I was only on level 14 out of 25!!!
Nothing like a seemingly impossible task to get my blood flowing...I've been back to that machine EVERY time I have been in the gym - and I guess if nothing else, then in my quest to reach the require leg rate per minute, I might get myself some buns of steel!!
We can but dream! I can however recommend finding a machine that you either hate or grudgingly admire as you aren't able or fit enough to do it justice. A few weeks of patience and I bet you anything you like you'll be fitter!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
ZAR - Transfats
There was a story on 60 Minutes the other night. I didn't watch it but, I saw a clip and caught up with it on their website.
It was about transfat. I'm sure I've heard the word before but really had no idea of the damage that it does.
Transfats are hydrogenised oils, processed in such a way that they form a sticky substance which clogs arteries within our bodies.
It is a scourge within the modern diet. It's used in processed foods and fast food because it gives it an increased shelf life and it's cheap. There are no nutritional benefits of transfat whatsoever. Infact, the increase in cholesterol leads to higher rates of heart disease which is Australia's biggest killer.
Transfat is recognised in the US and Europe as a danger to health. In Australia, it is not considered a danger because the powers that be have judged that we don't consume enough of it. There is no compulsory inclusion of levels of transfat within nutritional labels. The doctors and health experts in the report were of the opinion that any transfat was too much.
It is banned in several states in the US and although this is a contentious issue for civil libertarians who consider it our right to make a choice, the doctor's opinion is that a ban would be a good course of action.
If the other option is for it to be included in food labels then this is one step. You then have to consider how many people read and understand food labels and whether they even know or care what it would do to their health. Also, there are no food labels available when we eat fast food.
Something the doctor in the program said which really concerned me was that the effects of the transfats in clogging arteries can begin in teenage years. This is not something just for the midlifers to worry about. Young people are even less likely to worry about what they put into their bodies - we all believed we were invincible when we were young, and certainly that it would never happen to us.
If there was ever a reason to avoid processed and fast foods, this is it. One quote from the program was "would you rather get your food from a farmer or a chemist?" Cooking from raw, you know what you're feeding yourself and your family.
It was about transfat. I'm sure I've heard the word before but really had no idea of the damage that it does.
Transfats are hydrogenised oils, processed in such a way that they form a sticky substance which clogs arteries within our bodies.
It is a scourge within the modern diet. It's used in processed foods and fast food because it gives it an increased shelf life and it's cheap. There are no nutritional benefits of transfat whatsoever. Infact, the increase in cholesterol leads to higher rates of heart disease which is Australia's biggest killer.
Transfat is recognised in the US and Europe as a danger to health. In Australia, it is not considered a danger because the powers that be have judged that we don't consume enough of it. There is no compulsory inclusion of levels of transfat within nutritional labels. The doctors and health experts in the report were of the opinion that any transfat was too much.
It is banned in several states in the US and although this is a contentious issue for civil libertarians who consider it our right to make a choice, the doctor's opinion is that a ban would be a good course of action.
If the other option is for it to be included in food labels then this is one step. You then have to consider how many people read and understand food labels and whether they even know or care what it would do to their health. Also, there are no food labels available when we eat fast food.
Something the doctor in the program said which really concerned me was that the effects of the transfats in clogging arteries can begin in teenage years. This is not something just for the midlifers to worry about. Young people are even less likely to worry about what they put into their bodies - we all believed we were invincible when we were young, and certainly that it would never happen to us.
If there was ever a reason to avoid processed and fast foods, this is it. One quote from the program was "would you rather get your food from a farmer or a chemist?" Cooking from raw, you know what you're feeding yourself and your family.
Friday, August 13, 2010
ROSIE - Body Dismorphia
Body dismorphia
Ha ha. I chuckle to myself as I write this as it’s one I’ve been saving for a long, long time. I know this will tickle a LOT of you; if it doesn’t then ya-boo-sucks to you – you’re obviously WAY too comfortable in your own body for my liking.
My husband gets the brunt of my “body dismorphia”; it used to be a standing joke in our family but is now getting overstretched and, to be frank he gets really, REALLY annoyed with it now.
What is body dismorphia? Well, as defined by the lovely Wikipedia, it is a “disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about by a perceived defect in his or her physical features (body)”.
Sounds scary, right? Well, yes, it can be and can really affect someone’s life. I am not dumbing it down at all, all I would like to do is bring it to light and take it to my level of body dismorphia, which I would imagine is similar to a lot of other people’s vision of their body.
So, whilst we’re waiting in traffic (there’s a lot of it in Henley), a popular conversation sounds like this.
Me (looking at some girl walking in the street) – “Am I about the same size as that girl, darling?”
Richard (husband, glancing for a micro second) – “no, you’re far smaller”.
Me – “but you didn’t even look!”.
Richard (taking a longer glance) – “No, really, she’s bigger than you”.
Me – “are you sure, look at her bottom” (then squidging my thighs on the seat and trying to compare). “Make sure you take a proper look”.
Richard – “Rosie. That girl is a size 16. There’s nothing wrong with her being a size 16, but you are not a size 16. You are a size 10. Your bottom is approximately 10 -15 inches smaller than hers. You could almost get both legs into one of her jean legs. You are NOT the same size as her”.
This is the point where I realise he’s getting really really angry and so I stop the conversation. It’s not that I need telling I’m beautiful and gorgeous every day, it’s not even that I need reassurance, it’s just that I genuinely cannot perceive the size of my body (more namely my arse) and so am trying to put it into context of someone else.
This has gone on for some years; of course I don’t have a REAL disorder, in that it doesn’t occupy my mind for any longer than the 20 seconds we have the conversation for, but I think it shows a deeper issue of my body.
So, these days? I try and grow up. It doesn’t matter if my bottom is a size 10 or a size 11. I try and be realistic that I can’t actually put on one stone in the space of 12 hours if I have a bit too much to eat. I try and remind myself that if I wear size 10 jeans, I really AM a size 10, not a size 16. And, above all, I remind myself that my husband would not lie to me if I WERE a size 16 by telling me I was a size 10.
I just thought I’d let you into my little crazy head. I hope some of you CAN relate to this, as if you don’t then this piece won’t actually tickle you at all, you’ll just think I’m crazy….
NB. There really IS nothing wrong with being a size sixteen, it was just something to relate to! Hope I haven’t offended anyone!
Ha ha. I chuckle to myself as I write this as it’s one I’ve been saving for a long, long time. I know this will tickle a LOT of you; if it doesn’t then ya-boo-sucks to you – you’re obviously WAY too comfortable in your own body for my liking.
My husband gets the brunt of my “body dismorphia”; it used to be a standing joke in our family but is now getting overstretched and, to be frank he gets really, REALLY annoyed with it now.
What is body dismorphia? Well, as defined by the lovely Wikipedia, it is a “disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about by a perceived defect in his or her physical features (body)”.
Sounds scary, right? Well, yes, it can be and can really affect someone’s life. I am not dumbing it down at all, all I would like to do is bring it to light and take it to my level of body dismorphia, which I would imagine is similar to a lot of other people’s vision of their body.
So, whilst we’re waiting in traffic (there’s a lot of it in Henley), a popular conversation sounds like this.
Me (looking at some girl walking in the street) – “Am I about the same size as that girl, darling?”
Richard (husband, glancing for a micro second) – “no, you’re far smaller”.
Me – “but you didn’t even look!”.
Richard (taking a longer glance) – “No, really, she’s bigger than you”.
Me – “are you sure, look at her bottom” (then squidging my thighs on the seat and trying to compare). “Make sure you take a proper look”.
Richard – “Rosie. That girl is a size 16. There’s nothing wrong with her being a size 16, but you are not a size 16. You are a size 10. Your bottom is approximately 10 -15 inches smaller than hers. You could almost get both legs into one of her jean legs. You are NOT the same size as her”.
This is the point where I realise he’s getting really really angry and so I stop the conversation. It’s not that I need telling I’m beautiful and gorgeous every day, it’s not even that I need reassurance, it’s just that I genuinely cannot perceive the size of my body (more namely my arse) and so am trying to put it into context of someone else.
This has gone on for some years; of course I don’t have a REAL disorder, in that it doesn’t occupy my mind for any longer than the 20 seconds we have the conversation for, but I think it shows a deeper issue of my body.
So, these days? I try and grow up. It doesn’t matter if my bottom is a size 10 or a size 11. I try and be realistic that I can’t actually put on one stone in the space of 12 hours if I have a bit too much to eat. I try and remind myself that if I wear size 10 jeans, I really AM a size 10, not a size 16. And, above all, I remind myself that my husband would not lie to me if I WERE a size 16 by telling me I was a size 10.
I just thought I’d let you into my little crazy head. I hope some of you CAN relate to this, as if you don’t then this piece won’t actually tickle you at all, you’ll just think I’m crazy….
NB. There really IS nothing wrong with being a size sixteen, it was just something to relate to! Hope I haven’t offended anyone!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
ZAR - Yummy pudding recipe for the weekend!
This is a recipe that is on one of my Weight Watchers "My Week" booklets. Each meeting you attend, you receive a small booklet with tips, short articles and a recipe. I was so thrilled that there was a pudding!! I had to try it out and it was a big success. It's similar to what I know as Lemon Delicious - spongy on top and runny underneath. I'm sure the recipe would work just as well with lemon replacing the orange.
You could serve with strawberries and Greek yoghurt or a spoon of icecream on top if you're feeling rebellious (having a **** it moment!!). This recipe makes 4-5 serves.
40g canola spread
1 tsp grated orange rind
55g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs, separated
50g plain flour
250ml skim milk
2 tbsps orange juice
Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Lightly spray 4 ramekins with oil or brush lightly with a pastry brush dipped in oil.
Beat the canola spread, rind, sugar and vanilla until soft. Beat in the egg yolks and then the flour. On a lower setting mix in the milk and orange juice. In a separate bowl, with clean beaters, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the other mixture.. Pour into the ramekins and put onto a baking tray and into the oven.
Bake for 18-20 mins or until puffed and lightly browned. Check at 15 mins. Serve immediately.
You could serve with strawberries and Greek yoghurt or a spoon of icecream on top if you're feeling rebellious (having a **** it moment!!). This recipe makes 4-5 serves.
40g canola spread
1 tsp grated orange rind
55g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs, separated
50g plain flour
250ml skim milk
2 tbsps orange juice
Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Lightly spray 4 ramekins with oil or brush lightly with a pastry brush dipped in oil.
Beat the canola spread, rind, sugar and vanilla until soft. Beat in the egg yolks and then the flour. On a lower setting mix in the milk and orange juice. In a separate bowl, with clean beaters, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the other mixture.. Pour into the ramekins and put onto a baking tray and into the oven.
Bake for 18-20 mins or until puffed and lightly browned. Check at 15 mins. Serve immediately.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Georgie - Oooowwww
Just a quickie tonight as I am heading for bed after a day of rehearsals for my new job and in the midst of 'homework' for tomorrow -
Rejoined a gym - hoorah!! LOVED IT and worked out until I dropped. Great, except for one thing..... I AM CRIPPLED!!! I am not sure i will be able to go more then twice a week the state I am in... a few hundred sit ups and squats (quite normal under my regime in CT but quite neglected in the last few months) and I CANNOT MOVE...
Going down stairs or lowering myself onto the loo seat is AGONY...
NO PAIN NO GAIN they say - but I am on day 3 and it is only now starting to ease...
WHEN WILL I LEARN NOT TO FEAST OR FAMINE IT?!
Rejoined a gym - hoorah!! LOVED IT and worked out until I dropped. Great, except for one thing..... I AM CRIPPLED!!! I am not sure i will be able to go more then twice a week the state I am in... a few hundred sit ups and squats (quite normal under my regime in CT but quite neglected in the last few months) and I CANNOT MOVE...
Going down stairs or lowering myself onto the loo seat is AGONY...
NO PAIN NO GAIN they say - but I am on day 3 and it is only now starting to ease...
WHEN WILL I LEARN NOT TO FEAST OR FAMINE IT?!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
ROSIE - Holidays!!
Okay, okay, so I’m way way behind on this one as probably a lot of you have already been on holiday this year. But yipppppeeee I haven’t and I’m going on Thursday!!! Nowhere exotic (holiday budget since arrival of child = £0), Cornwall, but still, it’s a holiday to me who hasn’t been away for 2 years (sad, I know).
But, needless to say, much as I LOVE holidays, I absolutely HATE the fact that there seems to be some devil pig which comes out in me the minute I set foot in the car. Sweets & a hot choccie at the garage on route? Well, it’s a 5 hour journey, I might need the energy. Various pre- and post- dinner drinks? Well of course, why not? 3 courses every night? But I deserve it, don’t I? Fish and chips at lunchtime? We are by the coast, the fish is really, really fresh….
All these ridiculous justifications I make to myself that I deserve all this really piggy food. And, of course, I will lie in, not exercise and generally slop around like a slug. I beat myself up about it because I have done it more times then I care to think about over the last 12 years.
So, this year I have several tricks up my sleeve. The first one is called Jack, my not so baby baby-boy who is travelling around at the rate of a thousand knots and who is not satisfied with staying still for more than 0.5 seconds. So lounging around is not really an option. The second; will-power. That old chestnut. It’s not that I DON’T deserve treats and a rest; of course, we all do, but I am NOT GOING TO OVER DO IT THIS YEAR. Otherwise I spend a lovely piggy week away.. and then the first 2 weeks that I get home beating myself up about how tight my jeans are; I may as well not go on flipping holiday in the first place.
So; have a rest, enjoy myself, take some exercise – there’s some lovely walks (and hills) in Cornwall, and we are taking the dog, after all, have some delicious healthy fish (not covered in batter and dipped in lard) and generally enjoy. A pound or so doesn’t hurt – half a stone bloody well does.
Will report on my return!
But, needless to say, much as I LOVE holidays, I absolutely HATE the fact that there seems to be some devil pig which comes out in me the minute I set foot in the car. Sweets & a hot choccie at the garage on route? Well, it’s a 5 hour journey, I might need the energy. Various pre- and post- dinner drinks? Well of course, why not? 3 courses every night? But I deserve it, don’t I? Fish and chips at lunchtime? We are by the coast, the fish is really, really fresh….
All these ridiculous justifications I make to myself that I deserve all this really piggy food. And, of course, I will lie in, not exercise and generally slop around like a slug. I beat myself up about it because I have done it more times then I care to think about over the last 12 years.
So, this year I have several tricks up my sleeve. The first one is called Jack, my not so baby baby-boy who is travelling around at the rate of a thousand knots and who is not satisfied with staying still for more than 0.5 seconds. So lounging around is not really an option. The second; will-power. That old chestnut. It’s not that I DON’T deserve treats and a rest; of course, we all do, but I am NOT GOING TO OVER DO IT THIS YEAR. Otherwise I spend a lovely piggy week away.. and then the first 2 weeks that I get home beating myself up about how tight my jeans are; I may as well not go on flipping holiday in the first place.
So; have a rest, enjoy myself, take some exercise – there’s some lovely walks (and hills) in Cornwall, and we are taking the dog, after all, have some delicious healthy fish (not covered in batter and dipped in lard) and generally enjoy. A pound or so doesn’t hurt – half a stone bloody well does.
Will report on my return!
Monday, August 9, 2010
ZAR - Faddy Diets
Following on from my blog last week about Green Coffee 800, the "wonder" beverage which will make you look like a supermodel in 14 days, complete with boob and face lift (sarcasm) ......I read an article in one of my fave Sunday supplements, Body and Soul. It was about celebrity diet dangers. There have been reports that Gwyneth Paltrow had been diagnosed with osteopenia which can lead to osteoporosis in later life. Gwyneth has eaten a macrobiotic diet for 11 years - this high in fibre and low in fat and limits or avoids animal foods.
I very much get on my high horse about gossip mags and refuse to waste my money on them but I'm the first to wrestle one from a pensioner's claws in the doctor's waiting room! More often than not there'll be a story about some poor individual's weight or what the latest trend in Hollywood is for remaining a size zero.
The article I read mentioned the Zone diet, Lemon detox diet, Five Factor diet, Baby Food diet, Meal replacement diets, Raw Food diet, Cabbage Soup diet and Gwyneth's macrobiotic diet.
These diets range from, in my opinion, dangerous to obsessive. (I could be guilty of being obsessive sometimes). The dangers mentioned include iron deficiency, constipation (delightful), nutrient deficiency, fatigue, osteoporosis, stomach cramps and putting on weight in the long term.
There is no magic wand that you can wave and suddenly all the weight you want to lose will disappear. Certainly, different eating plans suit different individuals. As Pose said in her blog last week - some of us will never be a size 8 but look great as a size 12. Be realistic. Eat sensibly, combining a wide variety of food - meat, red and white, fruit, vegies, grains etc. Drink plenty of water and get enough sleep (if our kids allow it!) Limit alcohol and as I love to say, MOVE YOUR BODY!! I beg you not to partake in any diet that promises something too good to be true - it probably is.
I very much get on my high horse about gossip mags and refuse to waste my money on them but I'm the first to wrestle one from a pensioner's claws in the doctor's waiting room! More often than not there'll be a story about some poor individual's weight or what the latest trend in Hollywood is for remaining a size zero.
The article I read mentioned the Zone diet, Lemon detox diet, Five Factor diet, Baby Food diet, Meal replacement diets, Raw Food diet, Cabbage Soup diet and Gwyneth's macrobiotic diet.
These diets range from, in my opinion, dangerous to obsessive. (I could be guilty of being obsessive sometimes). The dangers mentioned include iron deficiency, constipation (delightful), nutrient deficiency, fatigue, osteoporosis, stomach cramps and putting on weight in the long term.
There is no magic wand that you can wave and suddenly all the weight you want to lose will disappear. Certainly, different eating plans suit different individuals. As Pose said in her blog last week - some of us will never be a size 8 but look great as a size 12. Be realistic. Eat sensibly, combining a wide variety of food - meat, red and white, fruit, vegies, grains etc. Drink plenty of water and get enough sleep (if our kids allow it!) Limit alcohol and as I love to say, MOVE YOUR BODY!! I beg you not to partake in any diet that promises something too good to be true - it probably is.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
GEORGIE - D Day and priorities!!
So D-day came a little earlier for me then expected when I got called into my new work (gulp) today. Holy Crap!! So we have not launched on the new channel I am working on - but we are rehearsing and it is as if it is all up and running. I do have another 6 days until we go live during which time I will be a health 'nun' to keep going on what I have started!
10 days then was all I got really to get myself up to scratch and I have to say that with the help of Mummy Bingham, it's been relatively pain free. I had forgotten how much better I feel when I cut down on Alcohol, bread and sugar and, as usual I am sad I didn't find this self discipline sooner.
Why do we always leave things until the last moment? Like revising for a full 20 hours before sitting an exam it seems pressure is the best and sometimes only way to get things done. Not necessarily the best I might add.
Human behaviour says that a sense of denial about a big event makes us put off thinking about it and when we do, panic spurs us into action. I wish it wasn't so, but even since school I've worked best under pressure and that's been the case throughout my career too. It is great however to be back under the pressure to look good and peform well and I am looking forward to that discipline and routine. The question I guess I should be asking myself is why I do this for television and not for myself generally?
I thought about this a lot today, and the answer, is simple. It's not all about TV. It is all about balance - and this applies to everything I do. I have to prioritise. Sometimes its about being work motivated, sometimes, I need to be more relaxed and concentrate on enjoying my friends and family (and food and drink).
As I head into this new chapter in my work life I hope to find a balance. and as you head into this new week I hope you can find balance in whatever is taking up your time and energy - be it needing to be more patient with someone, or finding time for yourself a little more!!
10 days then was all I got really to get myself up to scratch and I have to say that with the help of Mummy Bingham, it's been relatively pain free. I had forgotten how much better I feel when I cut down on Alcohol, bread and sugar and, as usual I am sad I didn't find this self discipline sooner.
Why do we always leave things until the last moment? Like revising for a full 20 hours before sitting an exam it seems pressure is the best and sometimes only way to get things done. Not necessarily the best I might add.
Human behaviour says that a sense of denial about a big event makes us put off thinking about it and when we do, panic spurs us into action. I wish it wasn't so, but even since school I've worked best under pressure and that's been the case throughout my career too. It is great however to be back under the pressure to look good and peform well and I am looking forward to that discipline and routine. The question I guess I should be asking myself is why I do this for television and not for myself generally?
I thought about this a lot today, and the answer, is simple. It's not all about TV. It is all about balance - and this applies to everything I do. I have to prioritise. Sometimes its about being work motivated, sometimes, I need to be more relaxed and concentrate on enjoying my friends and family (and food and drink).
As I head into this new chapter in my work life I hope to find a balance. and as you head into this new week I hope you can find balance in whatever is taking up your time and energy - be it needing to be more patient with someone, or finding time for yourself a little more!!
Friday, August 6, 2010
ROSIE - Something different
Well, you'll be thrilled to know that this is only a short one, I know my blogs do drag on a bit...
Just to share a little experience with you from my weekend. Well for those of you who have young children, you do know that, god bless 'em, life can be a LITTLE monotonous. We do TEND to do the same things week in, week out, particularly when Richard is back at school and I am working. I don't mind admitting that since starting work again, my exercise routine is stuck in a rut; I do the same things week in week out and it's BORING.
So, this weekend is a revelation as I did things I haven't done for YEARS. Talk about ringing the changes with my exercise...
So, I went on a hen do on Saturday. Guess what we did? Cycled the Thames path. Not tour de France stylee, more ladies cycling to church speed, but, after 3 hours, I was pretty flipping knackered. Sunday morning? Stiff as a board. We probably only did 15 miles, but for that duration, it was tiring stuff! And we well deserved the picnic afterwards.
And on Sunday? Richard and I took Jack and canoed down the River Thames from where we live. Only for an hour, but I can tell you that on Monday morning my arms were feeling like I'd rowed the Atlantic.
So, for someone like me who does keep fit and works out 4-5 times a week, it was a revelation to do something that's not unusual but done in a different way to really really make me ache!
Try it! If you cycle in the gym, perhaps try cycling outside, if you can, get in a canoe and I can guarantee that on Monday you will really feel your work!
Just to share a little experience with you from my weekend. Well for those of you who have young children, you do know that, god bless 'em, life can be a LITTLE monotonous. We do TEND to do the same things week in, week out, particularly when Richard is back at school and I am working. I don't mind admitting that since starting work again, my exercise routine is stuck in a rut; I do the same things week in week out and it's BORING.
So, this weekend is a revelation as I did things I haven't done for YEARS. Talk about ringing the changes with my exercise...
So, I went on a hen do on Saturday. Guess what we did? Cycled the Thames path. Not tour de France stylee, more ladies cycling to church speed, but, after 3 hours, I was pretty flipping knackered. Sunday morning? Stiff as a board. We probably only did 15 miles, but for that duration, it was tiring stuff! And we well deserved the picnic afterwards.
And on Sunday? Richard and I took Jack and canoed down the River Thames from where we live. Only for an hour, but I can tell you that on Monday morning my arms were feeling like I'd rowed the Atlantic.
So, for someone like me who does keep fit and works out 4-5 times a week, it was a revelation to do something that's not unusual but done in a different way to really really make me ache!
Try it! If you cycle in the gym, perhaps try cycling outside, if you can, get in a canoe and I can guarantee that on Monday you will really feel your work!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
ZAR - Something for the weekend - Malaysian Chicken Skewers - YUM!!
This marinade is delicious - soft, sweet and fragrant. It makes quite alot so I've used about half and kept the rest for a later date.
For the chicken, use 1 kg chicken thighs cut into strips or chicken tenderloins. Once the chicken has been marinated, thread onto skewers and cook on a hot BBQ or grill pan. If possible, refrigerate and marinade the chicken overnight or at least a few hours.
I made this in a liquidiser but make sure it's pretty tough as the galangal is really hard and it takes a while to become a paste. Disclaimer: I will not take responsibility for any ruined food processor's! The original recipe from Poh's Kitchen is made using a mortar and pestle.
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp coriander seeds
4 lemongrass stems (pale inner core only), thinly sliced
1 red onion, roughly chopped
5 cm piece galangal, peeled and sliced
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup sunflower or peanut oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
Wedges of lime to serve
Toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry frypan over a medium high heat for a few minutes until beginning to smoke.
Transfer to mortar and pestle and pound to a powder. A little at a time, add the lemongrass, onion, galangal and garlic and pound to a paste. Stir in turmeric, soy, oil and sugar and 1/2 tsp salt.
Transfer the marinade to a bowl with the chicken and toss to combine. Refrigerate for as long as possible. Soak 12 skewers (maybe a few more) in water for 30 mins. Thread the chicken onto the skewers. Cook on hot BBQ or grill pan. Serve with lime wedges.
For the chicken, use 1 kg chicken thighs cut into strips or chicken tenderloins. Once the chicken has been marinated, thread onto skewers and cook on a hot BBQ or grill pan. If possible, refrigerate and marinade the chicken overnight or at least a few hours.
I made this in a liquidiser but make sure it's pretty tough as the galangal is really hard and it takes a while to become a paste. Disclaimer: I will not take responsibility for any ruined food processor's! The original recipe from Poh's Kitchen is made using a mortar and pestle.
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp coriander seeds
4 lemongrass stems (pale inner core only), thinly sliced
1 red onion, roughly chopped
5 cm piece galangal, peeled and sliced
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup sunflower or peanut oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
Wedges of lime to serve
Toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry frypan over a medium high heat for a few minutes until beginning to smoke.
Transfer to mortar and pestle and pound to a powder. A little at a time, add the lemongrass, onion, galangal and garlic and pound to a paste. Stir in turmeric, soy, oil and sugar and 1/2 tsp salt.
Transfer the marinade to a bowl with the chicken and toss to combine. Refrigerate for as long as possible. Soak 12 skewers (maybe a few more) in water for 30 mins. Thread the chicken onto the skewers. Cook on hot BBQ or grill pan. Serve with lime wedges.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
GEORGIE - new ways to stop my pig gene rearing it's head....
This article caught my attention this week: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1299780/Eat-feel-How-shed-pounds-playing-tricks-brain.html
PLaying tricks on the brain to make you feel less hungry eh? This is where I have been going wrong all along. If I tell myself I am not hungry then almost immediately all I can think about is eating - my tummy starts to rumble and I become like a salivating dog. Until I eat, there will be no peace. Very annoying. Wouldn't I just love to train my brain.
However, many of the ideas put forward here resonate with me - the ideas that certain tactics we can adopt can stop us from over eating or make us feel fuller earlier. When I am very hungry I admit that sometimes a cigarette works. But there aren't good for you so I shan't recommend that. What I can recommend is a few glasses of water before a meal (although some nutritionists don't advise that as it can slow digestion apparently) but I have never tried fruit - I shall try it tomorrow and report back. A plum or an apple 20 minutes before lunch - well that makes sense - to take the edge of your hunger. Quite frankly if I could find ANYTHING that would slow my eating down I am sure I could conquer my need to HOOVER the food off my plate and I wouldn't ever find I struggled with my weight.
What the article does address is that these habits can form as young as three years old!! Parents insistence their children finish everything on the plate can lead to a child over eating and not stopping when full. Well I was made to eat everything on my plate and although I turned out a complete pig (I was a bloody fussy eater when I was younger) the only thing I would say is that if my mother hadn't so fiercely insisted I eat everything I am pretty sure I would have had her around my little finger in every aspect of our life and that would have made her life even more hell then I did when I was small (as you can imagine, those who know me, yes I was hyperactive, loud, and a royal pain up the ass).
Finally - what I do like about this article is that all the little snacks recommended before a meal are healthy. I am such a fan of natural sugar and fibre foods - give me a biscuit and sugar lasts just a few minutes before I go into a low sugar crash and feel worse then I did before!!
So, I am off to try this one - a bit of fruit before a meal. Chewing my food. Putting my fork down between mouthfuls.
Oh and 5 days to go before my new job.
PLaying tricks on the brain to make you feel less hungry eh? This is where I have been going wrong all along. If I tell myself I am not hungry then almost immediately all I can think about is eating - my tummy starts to rumble and I become like a salivating dog. Until I eat, there will be no peace. Very annoying. Wouldn't I just love to train my brain.
However, many of the ideas put forward here resonate with me - the ideas that certain tactics we can adopt can stop us from over eating or make us feel fuller earlier. When I am very hungry I admit that sometimes a cigarette works. But there aren't good for you so I shan't recommend that. What I can recommend is a few glasses of water before a meal (although some nutritionists don't advise that as it can slow digestion apparently) but I have never tried fruit - I shall try it tomorrow and report back. A plum or an apple 20 minutes before lunch - well that makes sense - to take the edge of your hunger. Quite frankly if I could find ANYTHING that would slow my eating down I am sure I could conquer my need to HOOVER the food off my plate and I wouldn't ever find I struggled with my weight.
What the article does address is that these habits can form as young as three years old!! Parents insistence their children finish everything on the plate can lead to a child over eating and not stopping when full. Well I was made to eat everything on my plate and although I turned out a complete pig (I was a bloody fussy eater when I was younger) the only thing I would say is that if my mother hadn't so fiercely insisted I eat everything I am pretty sure I would have had her around my little finger in every aspect of our life and that would have made her life even more hell then I did when I was small (as you can imagine, those who know me, yes I was hyperactive, loud, and a royal pain up the ass).
Finally - what I do like about this article is that all the little snacks recommended before a meal are healthy. I am such a fan of natural sugar and fibre foods - give me a biscuit and sugar lasts just a few minutes before I go into a low sugar crash and feel worse then I did before!!
So, I am off to try this one - a bit of fruit before a meal. Chewing my food. Putting my fork down between mouthfuls.
Oh and 5 days to go before my new job.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
ROSIE - Your stable weight!
This follows vaguely on from a blog I did last week about "a woman's body" and is really on the subject of finding your perfect shape.
Different people have different perceptions about how one "should" look and how they do actually look.
I don't know if you want to look like a size zero super model... if you do, fine, but personally I don't. I can't say I'm totally satisfied with my body; naturally there are a few things I'd like to change, wobbly bottom, flabby thighs, love handles etc etc but these are things I have come to accept and most of them, needless to say, are since Jack has been born, and really, at the end of the day, he's worth it.
However, I have come across people in my life, and mostly these are women, who want to look like something they are NEVER, EVER, in their lifetime going to look like.
So, someone who is "naturally" a size 14, is NEVER going to be a size 8. I say never in the long term sense... as scientists have proved that everyone has a "stable weight".
I'm going to take the jargon out of it and try and keep it simple. Everyone has fat cells in their body, necessary for various physiological functions and generally to keep us alive. We all have a particular number of fat cells, this is predominately determined in childhood, which is why childhood obesity is worrying. By the time you reach your teens, the number of fat cells is pretty much set for life. So, apart from a few exceptions, it's difficult to change the AMOUNT of fat cells, only the size - ie they can decrease and increase in size. Which explains the "natural" fluctuations in weight over your life time. I have been as heavy as 12 stone and as light as 9 and a half stone. My "natural" weight is about 9 st 10lbs and in the last 7 years (ever since I stopped drinking beer and eating chips at uni!, and obviously being pregnant), this has only varied by about 3lbs either way.
This is because I am leading a healthy, natural, stable way of life. I will never, ever be able to (nor would I want to) be lighter than 9 stone, leading the life I do now. I could starve myself every day for the next 3 months and get there; the minute I eat normally again, I would be back at 9 stone 10ish.
My fat cells would have shrunk in size but not decreased in number. Same as when I put on weight; they increase in size but not number. This only applies, as I said, when I am eating the correct (ish) amount for my weight & body size. I do not have the frame to be a size 8, neither to be a size 14; that's just the way I am.
I think so many people try and be something their not, not only physiologically but emotionally as well. Something that is really really hard to achieve (like trying to be a size 8 when you are clearly not meant to be) is just not sustainable for YOUR body. If you have to diet excessively to get to the size you want to be, you're never going to remain that way!
However, this is not an excuse to eat crap, lie on the sofa and be overweight. If this IS you, you CAN do something about it, but remember to be realistic and you can only be the size your body is predetermined to be. If you want to be a size 8 but are naturally a size 14, it's the hard truth and something you're going to have to accept; love those curves if you have them!
Different people have different perceptions about how one "should" look and how they do actually look.
I don't know if you want to look like a size zero super model... if you do, fine, but personally I don't. I can't say I'm totally satisfied with my body; naturally there are a few things I'd like to change, wobbly bottom, flabby thighs, love handles etc etc but these are things I have come to accept and most of them, needless to say, are since Jack has been born, and really, at the end of the day, he's worth it.
However, I have come across people in my life, and mostly these are women, who want to look like something they are NEVER, EVER, in their lifetime going to look like.
So, someone who is "naturally" a size 14, is NEVER going to be a size 8. I say never in the long term sense... as scientists have proved that everyone has a "stable weight".
I'm going to take the jargon out of it and try and keep it simple. Everyone has fat cells in their body, necessary for various physiological functions and generally to keep us alive. We all have a particular number of fat cells, this is predominately determined in childhood, which is why childhood obesity is worrying. By the time you reach your teens, the number of fat cells is pretty much set for life. So, apart from a few exceptions, it's difficult to change the AMOUNT of fat cells, only the size - ie they can decrease and increase in size. Which explains the "natural" fluctuations in weight over your life time. I have been as heavy as 12 stone and as light as 9 and a half stone. My "natural" weight is about 9 st 10lbs and in the last 7 years (ever since I stopped drinking beer and eating chips at uni!, and obviously being pregnant), this has only varied by about 3lbs either way.
This is because I am leading a healthy, natural, stable way of life. I will never, ever be able to (nor would I want to) be lighter than 9 stone, leading the life I do now. I could starve myself every day for the next 3 months and get there; the minute I eat normally again, I would be back at 9 stone 10ish.
My fat cells would have shrunk in size but not decreased in number. Same as when I put on weight; they increase in size but not number. This only applies, as I said, when I am eating the correct (ish) amount for my weight & body size. I do not have the frame to be a size 8, neither to be a size 14; that's just the way I am.
I think so many people try and be something their not, not only physiologically but emotionally as well. Something that is really really hard to achieve (like trying to be a size 8 when you are clearly not meant to be) is just not sustainable for YOUR body. If you have to diet excessively to get to the size you want to be, you're never going to remain that way!
However, this is not an excuse to eat crap, lie on the sofa and be overweight. If this IS you, you CAN do something about it, but remember to be realistic and you can only be the size your body is predetermined to be. If you want to be a size 8 but are naturally a size 14, it's the hard truth and something you're going to have to accept; love those curves if you have them!
Monday, August 2, 2010
ZAR -Scary Scary Stuff!
I was watching 'A Current Affair' (a daily news and consumer show) the other evening and saw a report on a product called Green Coffee 800. There were several individuals raving about this product and the fact that they had lost alot of weight without exercising or adopting a sensible eating plan.
This product is basically a cup of coffee drunk in the morning. It speeds up the metabolism, which burns fat BUT what rang the alarm bells for me was the fact that it's an appetite suppressant. There is not doubt that a product like this will help you shift weight. The devotees were telling of amazing numbers - one lady lost 10 kg's in 18 days.
The major problem with using something like this, as the nutritionist who was commenting on Green Tea 800 said, is that in the long term, once the user goes back to normal life, they will pile back on more weight than they lost.
This is the problem with "diets". People say, "I've tried all the diets under the sun and while I lose a little weight initially, I put it all back on again plus extra". This is why it's commonly known that the only way to successfully lose and maintain weight loss it to adopt a sensible eating and exercise plan and make it a part of your life forever.
There are no quick fixes. It is a matter of willpower (yikes), sweat, hardwork and dedication. It's facing the fact that to be a healthy person at a healthy weight you have to live a healthy life. Eating real food and moving your body.
Shake it people!!
This product is basically a cup of coffee drunk in the morning. It speeds up the metabolism, which burns fat BUT what rang the alarm bells for me was the fact that it's an appetite suppressant. There is not doubt that a product like this will help you shift weight. The devotees were telling of amazing numbers - one lady lost 10 kg's in 18 days.
The major problem with using something like this, as the nutritionist who was commenting on Green Tea 800 said, is that in the long term, once the user goes back to normal life, they will pile back on more weight than they lost.
This is the problem with "diets". People say, "I've tried all the diets under the sun and while I lose a little weight initially, I put it all back on again plus extra". This is why it's commonly known that the only way to successfully lose and maintain weight loss it to adopt a sensible eating and exercise plan and make it a part of your life forever.
There are no quick fixes. It is a matter of willpower (yikes), sweat, hardwork and dedication. It's facing the fact that to be a healthy person at a healthy weight you have to live a healthy life. Eating real food and moving your body.
Shake it people!!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
GEORGIE - ARGHH 11 days and counting!!
I know you all find my feast/famine lifestyle quite amusing - I've never professed to being someone who can stick to something for very long. Healthy I am, but the pig gene always prevails and it's never a long straight and narrow road.
So here I am with a new job starting in a week and an on air date of 11 days time. It's panic time. I don't feel telly ready!! To much of Mummy Bingham's cooking, not enough exercise and a few months of Suffolk living and I am DYING to get back to a routine of gym and work. But I also need to feel ready to look my best and that's where there's a LEETLE tiny problem. I don't have the time!!
In the past I would simply have crash dieted. Experience tells me that isn't such a hot idea. Sure I might look good for a few days but then normally my skin cracks up, my hair gets mega greasy and my body rebels against being starved. So I'm being sensible and here's how:
I'm back down to 1300 calories a day. This may seem very low to some of you but with the lower calorie count comes a return to the very low carbohydrate diet that I know works for me. I find that cutting out bread and sugar helps with my yeast intolerance and leaving out pasta's rice and potato which I generally try to stick to anyway really helps. I tend eat Ryvita and oatcakes if I need anything substantial and get my sugars from fruit and that's plenty. There's good carbohydrates in many vegetables and that's quite enough for me and 1300 calories a day of protein and vegetables etc works a treat. It's a mild form of detox too.
No more booze for me for a while. Always the easiest way for me to lose weight and clear my head. In my case, boozing really shows on my face - I get a bit puffy cheeked and jowly chinned if I party too much and I always feel more rested if I abstain because I sleep better.
Water Water and more water. Drinking and then refilling a large Evian bottle everyday means I drink a minimum of 3 litres which helps flush it all out
Sleep! 8 to 9 Hours a night and on the advice of Mummy Bingham, at least two hours before midnight. Mum is obsessed with getting to bed at a good hour and read once that hours slept before midnight are twice as valuable as hours slept after midnight. Being a good girl I always follow that advice.
Meditation - OK - I lie- not meditation - but down time. 20 minutes of it before sleep. I take a bath, turn of my mobile and laptop, and sit in bed. I'm not good at emptying my mind - having a flitty fly brain means I dot from one thought to another. So I am not ambitious about this - I simply take time to lower my heart rate and relax. If you close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing then over time you can breathe slower and bring your heart rate down. While you are concentrating on breathing you can manage to free your mind of all the things that might stop you sleeping well. (in this case pre new job anxiety). Try it once...
Sun and fresh air - before I head back to the big smoke I might as well get as much of it as I can in Suffolk. I'll spend a few hours a day this week running and cycling and getting up a sweat that works so well for my skin.
Finally - I am back on the vitamins. Just the basics, a multivit,hair skin and nails formula and fibre powder. Kick start the system into action!!
Wish my luck I'll report back in a few days.
So here I am with a new job starting in a week and an on air date of 11 days time. It's panic time. I don't feel telly ready!! To much of Mummy Bingham's cooking, not enough exercise and a few months of Suffolk living and I am DYING to get back to a routine of gym and work. But I also need to feel ready to look my best and that's where there's a LEETLE tiny problem. I don't have the time!!
In the past I would simply have crash dieted. Experience tells me that isn't such a hot idea. Sure I might look good for a few days but then normally my skin cracks up, my hair gets mega greasy and my body rebels against being starved. So I'm being sensible and here's how:
I'm back down to 1300 calories a day. This may seem very low to some of you but with the lower calorie count comes a return to the very low carbohydrate diet that I know works for me. I find that cutting out bread and sugar helps with my yeast intolerance and leaving out pasta's rice and potato which I generally try to stick to anyway really helps. I tend eat Ryvita and oatcakes if I need anything substantial and get my sugars from fruit and that's plenty. There's good carbohydrates in many vegetables and that's quite enough for me and 1300 calories a day of protein and vegetables etc works a treat. It's a mild form of detox too.
No more booze for me for a while. Always the easiest way for me to lose weight and clear my head. In my case, boozing really shows on my face - I get a bit puffy cheeked and jowly chinned if I party too much and I always feel more rested if I abstain because I sleep better.
Water Water and more water. Drinking and then refilling a large Evian bottle everyday means I drink a minimum of 3 litres which helps flush it all out
Sleep! 8 to 9 Hours a night and on the advice of Mummy Bingham, at least two hours before midnight. Mum is obsessed with getting to bed at a good hour and read once that hours slept before midnight are twice as valuable as hours slept after midnight. Being a good girl I always follow that advice.
Meditation - OK - I lie- not meditation - but down time. 20 minutes of it before sleep. I take a bath, turn of my mobile and laptop, and sit in bed. I'm not good at emptying my mind - having a flitty fly brain means I dot from one thought to another. So I am not ambitious about this - I simply take time to lower my heart rate and relax. If you close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing then over time you can breathe slower and bring your heart rate down. While you are concentrating on breathing you can manage to free your mind of all the things that might stop you sleeping well. (in this case pre new job anxiety). Try it once...
Sun and fresh air - before I head back to the big smoke I might as well get as much of it as I can in Suffolk. I'll spend a few hours a day this week running and cycling and getting up a sweat that works so well for my skin.
Finally - I am back on the vitamins. Just the basics, a multivit,hair skin and nails formula and fibre powder. Kick start the system into action!!
Wish my luck I'll report back in a few days.
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