A to Z - Alphabet for a Healthy Lifestyle

I – IBS

2010-11-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

More people suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome than you know….the best way to cure the symptons are to find out what is causing them. You might find your body doesn’t agree with dairy products or yeast!

For the immediate relief of IBS here are a few tips:

Eat lots of celery, onions and Jerusalem artichokes as these vegetables contain inulin which is a prebiotic and counteracts the imbalance of bacteria in the gut.

I – Iron

2010-11-02T05:07:00.000-07:00

Now we all know where Popeye the Sailor man got his muscles from – SPINACH!! Iron can be found in meat, especially Venison, chickpeas, lentils, bran cereals, green vegetables and of course spinach.

NOTE: Vitamin C helps your body absorb Iron so next time you are reading through that Chinese Menu don’t hesitate to order that ‘‘Duck a l’orange’’….

As Kiwi fruits have seven times the amount of Vitamin C than Oranges – in these cold winter months I would also make sure your fruit bowl is green in colour!

Remember that Iron is an important part of your diet because it transports oxygen from your lungs to the muscles but also maintains high energy levels and keeps your immune system strong.

So wrap up in your cashmere and warm winter coats and make sure you eat lots of Iron and Vitamin C.

I - Insomnia

2010-11-02T05:06:00.001-07:00

If I was on to N then the definition would be N for Neglect. I have been distracted from my blog but partly because I was in and out of the office last week recovering from back pains. Unfortunately I fell down some stairs – typical that the only sober person at a party gets injured. That’s just the way of the world I suppose. A recent article actually proved that drinking ginger tea relieves muscles soreness. No wonder I recovered quickly with all my hot ginger teas and Chinese beef with ginger and bean sauce!

But sticking with the order of the alphabet my next letter is I –Insomnia. When I was in hospital over night in A&E while the doctors took x-rays on my back I didn’t feel tired at all and I was so surprised that I didn’t crash and burn until that afternoon. How can people manage to survive on little or no sleep is beyond me?

Apparently eating dried fruit, nuts, wholegrain foods, bran, sweetcorn and mushrooms can help relieve insomnia although they should not be consumed with dairy or calcium rich foods.

Try taking a magnesium supplement an hour before bed. The mineral enhances the effect of tryptophan, an amino acid needed to help produce melatonin, the hormone involved in our sleeping and walking cycles.

If that doesn’t work try counting sheep……..

H - Hangover

2010-09-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

I failed….Friday night saw me drinking Tequila shots like they were going out of fashion and on Saturday morning I had a pain in my head to match that in my feet. I blame the high heels and the booze.

So the weekend was a two day session of recovery and yes…Pizza Express Margarita. (Special offer at Sainsbury’s I will have you know). My brother watched in horror as I dunked each slice in Tomato Ketchup – a habit I have to blame on my weekends in Vienna. Somehow it just makes it taste so much better. I think Maryann would agree….

This week I am back to being good! After reading the article in The Daily Mail today about the Dukan Diet I am convinced that one must be allowed a treat every so often, following an 'wicked weekend' with a restricting day to balance out all the bad fats which you have pumped through your body. So ‘Protein Thursday’ is in fact my Monday!

For those of you not familiar with the Dukan Diet, a 'Protein Thursday' means that you eat just meat for the entire day, which gets rid of any cravings and helps you loose that excess weight! So for breakfast I had bacon and eggs, lunch was something Fishy and tonight I think either steak or chicken. (All dependent upon the contents of my fridge and freezer)

To avoid the hangover, I should have drunk my Milk Thistle. Taking a glass of water with drops of Milk Thistle before you start drinking alcohol, and also when you are just about to sleep followed by the morning after is meant to banish any hangover. Drinking will never be punishing again......although perhaps you want to remind youself not to drink so much!

H - Hydration

2010-08-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Don’t get irate in the summer – hydrate!

By consuming raw, whole foods which retain their moisture such as fruit and vegetables, you will feel less thirsty. When food is cooked at high temperatures it loses its moisture and can act as a sponge, hence increasing your thirst.

NOTE: When fluid is drunk during or immediately after eating, this will affect the body’s digestive efficiency and make the system work harder.

So have that glass of water before a meal or wait until afterwards. If you are eating foods in their raw state you won’t even be thirsty. Who knew that you’re five a day could actually relate to the 8 litres of water you are also meant to consume?

Now that’s what I call a two-in-one….

H - Honey

2010-08-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

Do you have a sweet tooth? If so you probably have a cupboard filled with Honey, especially during the Hayfever months when this carbohydrate is said to relieve symptoms and make you less allergic to pollen.

Did you know that Honey is made up of 80% sugar? Why not try substituting Honey for Agave nectar which is a healthy alternative. (A – Agave Nectar)

The reason for weight gain and cravings is down to the content of sugar. Fructose is the enemy in supermarkets shopping. Avoid any products which contain those words ending in ‘OSE’. This is what causes weight gain because it ends up in the liver in an unbroken state. Compounds such as Fructose disrupt the mechanisms that instruct the body whether to store or burn fat. Just SAY NO to sugar…..

G - Green Tea

2010-08-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

Green Tea – unlimited refills at Wagamama’s and with health benefits, this hot drink is not to be overlooked.

Not only is Green tea a glucose regulator but it also acts as an appetite suppressant. It slows the digestive system so the body absorbs less fat from food consumed. Fancy that, a herbal tea that stops the movement of sugar into fat cells.

Green Tea also contains polyphenols which encourages the body to produce heat that burns off body fat.

Drinking 6 cups a day means you can burn up to an extra 100 calories (700 a week) and will block carb absorption.

G – Glucomannan

2010-08-18T05:59:00.000-07:00

What does every girl need in their handbag…Chanel rose-tinted lipstick, Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin perfum or perhaps Wrigley’s Extra chewing gum for that ‘fresh breath’ emergency? In this 21st century - try Glucomannan tablets.

Derived from Konjac root ‘Glucomannan’ is a fibre that expands in the stomach and absorbs fat. The absorbed fats are then eliminated from the body and do not undergo digestion, thus nullifying the calorific effect.

Glucomannan is also recommended to people with high cholesterol. Just consume 60 minutes before a eating and enjoy a guilt free meal.

F – Fat

2010-08-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know you should eat your steak rare? Research shows that Fat contains collagen fibres that our body finds harder to break down in their raw state so we expand more energy eating it.

NOTE: Chicken can be fattier than lean cut red meat, with the fat content being virtually the same.

Lean sirloin steak – 5g fat per 100g
Chicken thighs – up to 9g fat per 100g

Eating Chilli con Carne once a week will help your body break down stored fat and use for energy instead of carbs. The kidney beans contain an enzyme which assists with the breakdown of fat, while mince boosts your metabolism. So it’s a winner on the menu all-round!

If you are also looking for a low fat cheese then choose Goat’s cheese because it is lower in calories than cheese made from Cow’s milk.

Growing up my Father always used to say ‘drink your milk in the morning.’ My brother and I used to battle it out over who was going to be the first to sneak the glass of milk to the kitchen sink and wash the ‘white stuff’ away without being noticed! Had I known that Skimmed milk contain more calcium and phosphorus than full fat milk which increases fat breakdown in cells, I probably would have drunk more….

Dairy products and red meat contain linoleic acid which helps slow the growth of fat cells, so you will lose 9% more fat over a year. So go on – treat yourself and by a ‘fat’ steak on the way home and wash it down with a glass off milk. No such thing as ‘a minute on your lips, a lifetime on the hips’ with this meal plan.

Exercise – Before and After

2010-08-17T05:23:00.001-07:00

I have Mark Anthony, our Personal Fitness Trainer client to thank for my latest addiction in sports and nutrition. Now as I strut around in the office baring my shiny red soles (Christian Louboutin), I am proud of my ‘runner’s legs.’

Following Mark’s advice I combine core exercise with strength training four sessions a week and finish with 25 minutes of cardio when my body is in the ‘fat burning zone.’

Exercise is the breaking down of body tissue, so the body must react by growing new cells to replace them. Therefore, you must eat a nutrient-rich diet otherwise strenuous exercise will speed up the degeneration of the cells and the ageing process. Nobody wants botox in their teens!

By performing low intensity exercise your body will access fat stores and burn it for energy, improving your body’s ability to use fat as fuel.

BEFORE

By consuming simple carbs before exercising they will be used directly for food and go straight to the liver so your body does not have to convert it. ‘Glucose rich foods’ means the body gets fuel before food is digested.
Examples: Bananas, berries, mangoes, dates and figs

However, if you are looking to loose weight then ‘fasting before exercise’ is the best form. When carbs are eaten prior to exercise, this stimulates the release of insulin, which inhabits fatty acid mobilisation and the burning of fat.

So decide…are you exercising for endurance or to loose weight?

AFTER

For a speedy recovery, the body needs simple carbs to enter the bloodstream. 20 minutes after you exercise is the ‘window of opportunity.’ You body will rapidly absorb carbs to provide energy for the next run.

E - Exercise

2010-08-06T04:56:00.001-07:00

So why running? – because I like the feeling of my feet pounding on the pavement when everyone else is still asleep. Strange as it may sound, but nothing cures my hangovers like an early morning run and quick ‘Coconut water’ fix.

With a good playlist on my iPod I could run for ages…. my Personal Trainer Jenny tells me I have a weak ITB band so we have devised a special programme so that I can avoid the pains in my knees. You should have seen me in the gym last night, being prodded and bent in all these awkward positions in an attempt to ‘switch on the muscles in my buttocks.’

6:30am - I am woken up by either the sun streaming in through my window or with Capital FM. I jump out of bed with the same amount of energy that I will exert for my morning run and head straight to put on my ‘running uniform.’ Then its warm up/stretches and out that door with the sound of Lady Gaga and Jason Derulo in my ears. And I am off……

I feel so much stronger and healthier after my pre-breakfast workout, and working out beforehand means I am in my fat-burning zone. Then its bacon and eggs and a short cycle ride to work.

My running routine involves walking for 5 mins to warm up, and then alternating between running and power walking for the length of a song. With Putney High Street in sight, I really push myself to the max and then finish with a cool-down walk, further stretches and foam rolling.

NOTE: Don’t be tempted to rely on carbonated drinks such as Coca Cola because they cause a release of insulin into your bloodstream which makes fat cells more prone to storing fat.

Combining cardio with a twice-weekly weight training session you will start to see a difference in your body shape if you a following a healthy diet because when you add muscle, your resting metabolism rises so even when you are sitting down you could be burning calories!!

D – Deodorising chlorophyll

2010-08-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

Chlorophyll known as ‘the blood of plants’ is what gives plants and vegetables their green pigment such as spinach, broccoli, green beans and olives. Eating these vegetables raw is a great way to cleanse our blood because the Chlorophyll helps to remove toxins deposited by dietary and environmental sources.

NOTE: Chlorophyll also improves oxygen transport in the body and therefore energy levels, so it’s great for athletes.

Wheatgrass juice is an example of a food that contains the green pigment Chlorophyll, and is said to have mildly antiseptic effects while also freshening breathe and deodorising the skin.

D - Dairy Milk Chocolate

2010-07-27T05:00:00.001-07:00

What type of girl would I be if I didn’t at least mention chocolate somewhere on this blog. The culprit of all those ‘fat days’ is no secret….chocolate.

It is a warrior that battles with my self-control ‘‘Should I have that bar of chocolate…perhaps just a square’’ and next thing you know, the empty wrapper is sitting beside you and all the evidence vanished in a munching minute….!

Yesterday I turned 24 years old, so it was celebrations all-round. I thought I would crave the rich chocolate cake with candles, but was far more satisfied with my Lychee martini at dinner! Besides, if I am going to indulge myself I would rather eat a square of Dark organic chocolate as it contains more antioxidants.

Mulu chocolate is my favourite however and because its raw it contains no sugar, dairy or any other ingredients related to common food intolerances. The little packets make it very handy to slide into your side pocket of you ‘Louis Vuitton Speedy 30’ handbag for a quick fix.

Chocolate without the guilt, who thought that existed?

D - Digestion

2010-07-06T02:52:00.000-07:00

D comes straight after C in the alphabet so it is only natural that digestions should be linked with C – cortisol and craving. Without this sounding like a biology lession, your body should have a neutral PH balance. If your body has a very acidic environment this will act as a catalyst for stress causing your cortisol levels to rise, impairing sleep. If the hot summer nights arent bad enough, you don’t want to have to deal with a ‘boiling brain’ at night too!

Ever wonder why you feel lethargic after a meal? If you eat processed and low nutrient foods then your body has to work harder to break them down and will use up all your energy digesting the food.

NOTE: ‘An energy draw’ creates a stress on the body trying to convert food, hence the benefit of raw food.

Processed, cooked foods exhaust the body’s enzyme-producing glands resulting in poor digestion. If the body had extra energy it would improve your immune function and quicken the restoration of cells damaged by stress. So maybe the key to looking younger is eating raw food! You know what they say…you are what you eat.

If you are running a marathon then trying eat a more nutrient based diet and conserve that energy for that extra mile or two.

C - Cravings

2010-07-05T09:32:00.001-07:00

To banish those cravings try eating foods high in fat which will help diminish certain unwanted feelings. Serotonin, is a chemical found in the brain’s pituitary gland, and low levels can lead to chronic fatigue and clinical depression.

Serotinin is free flowing and plentiful when stress is low. Cravings for sugary and starchy foods are just an attempt by the brain to make it ‘feel better.’ If like ‘moi’ you get a lot of cravings, try eliminating all those sugary treats from the house so you wont be tempted. When my poor brother used to go to bed, I used to turn into the ‘Jaffa cake monster’. My parents would always shop at Costco and by the extra large family value packs because it ‘‘was better value for money.’’ But the more Jaffa cakes in the house, the greater the temptation. Going, going, gone!

A recent study showed that stress and cravings create mental clutter, which end up decreasing the brain’s ability to perform to its full potential. So try going for a run in the morning to release those happy hormones, and start the day how you mean to go on.

C - Cortisol

2010-07-05T09:30:00.001-07:00

Cortisol is the ‘stress hormone’ released due to the onset of stress. The body will presume you are under attack and so you will gain energy and your strength will increase. This is why you shouldn’t starve you body as it will release cortisol and start to store fat to help you fight for survival against the attack your body is predicting.

If cortisol levels remain high then the body shifts fuel sources so you will find you end up craving carbohydrates. Your body will burn carbs in the form of sugar and store the body fat instead of using it for energy.

No wonder ‘stress-free people’ are fat burning machines. So don’t fan the flames….instead try relaxing to lower those cortisol levels. You body will thank you in the long term.

C - Caffeine

2010-07-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

Well I couldn’t very well just post a picture of a hot steaming cup of coffee for caffeine. You might start to think I am losing my touch and this blog is…boring!

If like me then you might be feeling those Monday blues, when you start you realise that the late night on Saturday might not have been such a good idea. So like a trusted devotee, you reach for your morning coffee to give you that boost of energy to get through the first day of what you predict to be a very long week ahead. Perhaps you make an ‘early morning Starbucks trip’ before work for your Soy Chai Tea or Sugar-free Vanilla Latte.

Caffeine actually speeds up your metabolism and even breaks down fat 30% more efficiently when consumed prior to exercise. So next time you decide to go for your early morning run, perhaps reach for your cup of coffee before stretching your hamstrings so that your muscles will use fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.

NOTE: Decaf coffee can actually make you sleepier because the body counteracts the effect of the expected caffeine high.

If you aren’t a fan of the coffee culture, then why not have a cup of green tea which also contains caffeine. Drinking just 6 cups a day means your body can burn an extra 100 calories…perhaps they should put the friendly ‘Green Giant’ on the green tea label instead of those sweetcorn tins!

C - Cherries

2010-06-24T04:50:00.000-07:00

Well I couldn't very well move onto D before finishing with C - because the cherry season is upon us. (Right Maryann?)

I forgot just how delicious these ruby red fruits are...and they have so many different health properties.

Last night I had the most delicious duck with cherry and port sauce, and better still I didn't have to cook it. So without this sounding like a mysinglefriend.com profile, I want to thank Giles for a truly exhilarating meal. Girls this guy can cook!

But more importantly there were the amazing health benefits of the meal....so no one was being a sinner at Giles's heavenly meal! If Giles is a hero in the kitchen, then cherries are the ‘superfruit’ of the supermarket.

Cherries contain the highest level of disease fighting antioxidants as well as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron and fibre. The ‘melatonin’ in the fruit helps regulate sleep patterns, aid jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay ageing. So we can all save money on anti-ageing creams!

Did you also know that a cherry enriched diet lowers total body fat, in particular belly fat and cholesterol, which are all risk factors associated with heart disease?

C - Cellulite

2010-06-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

Don’t you just hate cellulite…it is one of those things that you just can’t seem to avoid.

I was walking down Oxford Street the other day looking in awe at all the young girls showing of their tanned and toned legs in their hot pants. Little did I know, lurking below their pert bottoms…signs of orange peel.

Do they not know that your diet can help repair collagen and elastin to reduce the appearance of cellulite? Here is a list of fat busting foods;

Apples
Spinach
Cauliflower
Lean Meat
Soy
Eggs

What you might not know is that Calcium is vital for muscle contractions and fuels your metabolism. Lack of Calcium in your diet can trigger the release of Calcitrol, a hormone that causes you to store fat.

So to help the break down of fat go to France, eat cheese, reach for Rachel’s Organic Bio-Yoghurt and nibble on those sesame seeds.

C - Carrots

2010-06-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

Carrots contain beta-carotene which helps create a healthy glow as it builds up colour in the outer layer of skin. Other foods which contain Beta-carotene, an antioxidant also thought to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays are sweet potato, red peppers, pumpkin, spinach, mango and melon.

So instead of reaching for your St Tropez tan in a bottle…eat a carrot. Then you will build up a more natural tan, and able to glow and see in the dark!

Another interesting fact is that when cooked, the damage to the cells in carrots mean three times more beta-carotene is released. So put the kettle on and cook those carrots…….

C - Coconut

2010-06-01T04:24:00.000-07:00

I look at all those skinny girls walking down the street. Long gone are their womanly curves and in there place skin and bones.

As I said to my mum the other day "not eating is cheating." Instead one should just eat healthy and exercise more. Where is the fun in counting calories anyway?

I went to The Wolseley last weekend with a couple of friends. My meal was delicious and I was still able to eat healthy without counting the calories. Maybe it was due to my running routine and the biking to and from work each day that I now have a fast metabolism.

I am able to run each day because I drink coconut water which hydrates you quicker than water, and promises to keep you looking younger without visiting Dr Botox! The coconut water contains the compound Kinetin which helps keep coconuts young and healthy, and works the same for humans. So next time want a healthy glow, try reaching for the coconut water. The taste takes some getting used to, but it is a miracle worker.

As for me, I am off to Sex and the City 2 tonight to sneak in my flapjacks made with coconut oil. The coconut oil is a healthy substitute for butter, and mixed with oat groats and sultanas you can make a very tasty but healthy RAW snack. One minute on the lips, but not a lifetime on the hips....no guilt involved.

B - Beetroot juice

2010-05-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Apparently research shows that drinking this juice makes muscles more efficient in both high and low intensity workouts.

Hopefully by drinking this magic potion after my 5 mile run and then 45 minute cycle to work, I will eliminate the aches and pains that occur while sat at my desk.

Beetroot juice increases physical endurance by making muscles more fuel efficient, doubles the amount of nitrate in the blood and reduces the rate at which muscles use the main source of energy.

Who knew drinking beetroot juice could be so rewarding and it also counts towards your 5 a day. So drink up!

B - Breakfast...the most important meal of the day

2010-05-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Breakfast - 'Locks up hunger, til lunchtime'. Just as they say in the Shreddies advert. But be warned, stay away from cereals as the amount of sugar they contain won't be healthy for you or your heart.

What you have for breakfast sets up your metabolism for the day. If you have a Carb breakfast, it means your body will only break down Carbs leaving fat reserves untouched.
However, if you have a Fat meal such as bacon and eggs, it encourages your body to break down both Fat and Carbs during the rest of the day. You could even have sausages, just as long as they are good quality meat and from a well respected butcher. (I still dream one day of being able to afford to shop at the Parson's Nose Butcher in Fulham.) Perhaps one weekend instead of buying my brother one of his favourite Pain au Chocolat from the Riverside Bakery, he might surprise me with 'real' bacon in bed.

When I attended my cousin's wedding in Belgium, I was introduced by one guest to the Thrive Diet. (You know who you are if you are reading this!) So my breakfast consists of Blueberry Buckwheat pancakes. They are amazing and keep me full right up until I have my 'Raw' lunch. But that is a whole other letter.

B -Biotin

2010-05-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Biotin is found in oats and egg yolks. It is particulary important as it helps convert carbs, fat and protein into energy.

For you ladies, it also keeps hair and skin looking healthy. But if you need an extra helping hand try:

1. Duri Rejuvacote for your nails. I discovered this while working at Ralph Lauren, as the ''Dragon Lady'' Head of Marketing recommended it. I used to sit at my PR Manager's desk applying layer after layer to help her nails grow faster before her hot date after work. They did….and now I am always tap tapping away at my keyboard with strong and healthy looking nails.

2. If you are having a 'bad hair day' try Phyto hair care products which are made from organic plant extracts. Find a hairdresser who stocks the products so you can design a special Hair care regime for you - bye bye dry and damaged hair…hello healthy looking locks.
'Because you're worth it'

http://www.phyto.com/en/

B - Booja Booja

2010-05-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

This ice-cream is so irresistible it needed its own letter. This 'stuff in a tub' comes in a range of flavours from Feisty Winjin Ginger Dessert, Hunky Punky Chocolate, Pompompous Maple and Pecan, and my all time favourite Vanilla M'Gorilla.

It is made with just 4 ingredients:

1. Pure water from reverse osmosis,
2. Agave (diabetic friendly syrup from the agave cactus. Contains 74% fructose with low GI. Raw)
3. Cashew nuts
4. Vanilla Oil 0.1% (fine bourbon vanilla from Uganda - home to the endangered mountain gorilla)

Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Organic, Soya Free, Vegan, Wheat Free, Yeast Free

The best news is that because Booja Booja is made with all pure and natural ingredients, they are diabetic friendly and wont give you any sugar cravings.

So grab a spoon and dip in…..

They also make delightful little raw chocolate truffles in a perfect handbag sized box.

Stockists:

Whole Foods
Here Organic supermarket, Chelsea
www.goodnessdirect.co.uk

B - Bananas

2010-05-05T04:33:00.000-07:00

Bananas are a carbohydrate and are a great snack after exercising because they contain the nutrients iron, which produces energy and fights fatigue, as well as potassium to keep the muscles working properly.

The 'window of opportunity' is within 20 minutes of exercising and this is when muscles will rapidly absorb carbs to repair the damage done to your muscles and provide energy for your next run.

Bananas provide a quick boost from fructose as well as sustaining energy from fibre, so you are less likely to have a blood sugar spike. Try to avoid overripe bananas, because the starch would have already turned to sugar which could play havoc with your insulin levels.

If like me you are a big fan of Banoffie Pie, but want the healthy option with no added sugar, try the following:

1. 'Peter rabbit organics apple cookies' for the base, as they have no added sugar.
2. Then slice a banana (not too ripe of course!) and add low fat natural yoghurt.
3. If you want to go a little further, you can try adding Agave Nectar, which can act as a caramel substitute.
4. There you have it, one carbohydrate pudding without sugar and just as delicious. 'A sweet and healthy treat'.

Make a mental note:

Agave Nectar
-carries a GI index between 25 and 50 so is diabetic friendly and will not cause a glucose surge in your blood. (NB: Honey has a very high GI of 83 and glucose 137)
-agave nectar also contains oligosaccharides, molecules which help with the absorption of calcium and magnesium. (i.e. Yoghurt)
-it will not feed Candida yeast so is 'Harcombe Diet' friendly.

A - Ayurveda

2010-05-04T04:47:00.000-07:00

It was my mother that introduced me to 'Ayurveda' - the science of life.

“It is called ayurveda because it tells us which substances, qualities and actions are life enhancing, and which are not.”

We are said to have body-mind types (Dosha) which consist of vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosha has certain attributes and describes our individual characteristics, inherited traits, our likes and dislikes and our tendencies. Generally we are a combination of dosha but one will usually dominate. If a dosha becomes out of balance, which can happen for a number of reasons, it can effect how we behave and even our health.

Typcial characteristics of each dosha type:

Vata types tend to be visionary, imaginative and full of creative energy but when they are out of balance they can be forgetful, spaced out, anxious and uptight. Typical vata problems are erractic digestion, bloating, anxiety or joint disorders.

Pitta types are confident, passionate leaders, organised and perfectionists but excess pitta can make them fiery, snappy and irritable. Pitta people have a tendency to suffer from skin irritations, overheating, heartburn and ulcers.

Kapha types tend to be loyal, kind-hearted, calm and full of love, but a kapha overload can make them lethargic, lacking in energy and a little overindulgent. Kapha types are prone to congestion, excess weight and sluggish digestion.

Rules:

1. Rise and eat breakfast at 7am
2. Lunch should be the biggest meal because it is when the Sun is strongest
3. Supper should be the lightest meal. Avoid eating late at night so that you are fasting between 7pm-7am.
5. Go to bed at 10pm without TV

This process supports your metabolism, prevents accumulation of toxins and normalises weight while combating imbalances between body and mind.

Pukka herbal teas are particularly delicious - I am a big fan of 'Love' tea - and enjoy serving it to my friends after a supper party. Anyway, it’s a bit more interesting than just plain builder's tea.

Discover your Ayurvedic body-mind type:

http://www.pukkaherbs.com/file/18493d0dce9126383774a3dc1327277e/discover-your-ayurvedic-type.html

Try it and see!

If like me and you are Pitta - good foods are cool/warm, bitter/sweet.
Drink plenty of mint tea, and avoid alcohol and red meat as it heats the body.

Cure for aggravated Pitta - 2 tsp of ghee in a glass of warm milk

A- Alginate - something smells fishy……..

2010-04-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

Found in Sea kelp, this fibre is said to prevent the body absorbing fat, cutting absorption by 75%. So take this supplement when you are eating a 'Fat' meal (meat/diary/cheese) to help you loose weight.

It has also been suggested that it helps your hair grow quicker.

A - Anti-ageing superfoods

2010-04-20T03:50:00.000-07:00

We all want to try and ignore the inevitable - but if Madonna can look great in her 50s then we all can. Here is a list of superfoods to try:

Fruit: Berries, oranges, apples
Vegetables: Lentils, Kidney beans, broccoli, asparagus
Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa)
Cinnamon
Pistachios
Red wine

Otherwise - I recommend 'De Tuinen - Snail Face Gel' which you can buy from Holland and Barrett stores. Sourced from the slime of Chilean snails, it may well help support the skin's elasticity because the snail ‘secretion' is used by the snail to repair it's own shell.

The Gel contains a combination of Glycolic Acid, Allantoine, Elastane, Vitamins and Collagen. Although like me, it might take a while to get over the fact that you are putting slime on your face. Beauty first, age after!

An introduction to my 'Alphabet lifestyle'

2010-04-20T01:09:00.000-07:00

I got bored of always feeling guilty for over indulging, and having those weekend mornings when I used to fantasize about lying in bed with my Vogue and a box of 'Quality Streets.' I love my friends, but chocolate was so sacred to me and I don’t like sharing my food - that if one of them asked for my last 'Rolo' - I think I would have said 'no'.

I have always had problems with my knees since I can remember. Even at school, I always used to come last at Sport's Day. It probably didn’t help that I used to run on my tiptoes - someone should have told me I was to run over the line - not hop, skip or dance!

Then I discovered Pilates and worked with my personal trainer to improve my core muscles and stability. Now I wake up every morning and go for a 6 mile run. Next year, I hope to run the 100th Bay to Breakers run in San Francisco.

I love discovering a new health shop and the latest sugar free Mulu chocolate or Raw Seed butter to spread on my sprouted wheat bread. My friends and family must think I am fussy; I like to think I am just being healthy. Although, mum still rings me on the odd occasion to ask advice about the Harcombe Diet we are following - even after Sushi she thought she had been so good. I didn’t want to tell her about the rice that counted as a 'carb' with her hoisin duck rolls (aka. Fat meal!!)