5 powerful antioxidant foods you should eat

Apr 4, 2014

These foods have powerful antioxidant properties and can help prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

1. Berries
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are rich in antioxidants and can help prevent cancer and heart disease.

2. Green tea
As well as promoting weight-loss, green tea can also prevent high cholesterol.

3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are known to be a powerful antioxidant food.

4. Cranberries
We all know the benefits of cranberries in clearing out our kidneys and keeping them healthy.

5. Garlic
Garlic has so many health properties it is a super food. It can reduce high blood pressure and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is also anti-fungal.

5 ways to ease a migraine naturally

Apr 4, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Migraines can be very debilitating for sufferers as they can be intense.

They can often last up to 72 hours and include sensitivity to light, sound or smell as well as nausea. Very unpleasant!

While there is nothing wrong with using medicinal purposes advised by your doctor to help your migraines, you may find some of these more natural remedies may help ease the pain also.

While none of the following remedies are clinically proven to cure migraines, it is believed they help ease the severity.

1. Acupuncture
The ancient practice is said to ease migraine pain.

2. Ginger
Ginger is known to help ease headaches and migraines are no exception. Drink ginger tea or have it in a smoothie.

3. Butterbur
The root extracts of this plant are said to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.

4. Tiger Balm
This is a herbal formulation that may help ease headaches.

5. Lavender
Lavender has long been famed for it’s soothing and relaxing properties. Try using a lavender pillow or essential oil.

Forget your 5 A Day, you actually need seven!

Apr 3, 2014

by Amber Saunders

We all know the amazing benefits of fruit and vegetable in our diet and we strive to eat our recommended daily dose of five a day – but it isn’t enough, it would seem.

A new study has revealed that the recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day may not be enough – and that we actually need seven or more.

The study which was carried out by the University College London found that people who ate seven or more portions of fruit and veg per day had a 33% reduced risk of dying than those who didn’t.

It was found that people who ate seven or more helpings per day had a reduced risk of dying from cancer by up to 25% and from heart disease by up to 31%.

Dr. Oyinlola Oyebode, the study’s lead author made the message of the research clear: “The clear message here is that the more fruit and vegetables you eat, the less likely you are to die at any age.”

10 things you should do every day to be a happy person

Lifestyle

Apr 2, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Sometimes life can be difficult but there are some things you can do to make it enjoyable and to get the best out of it!

These things will make you a happier person, you’ll see!

1. Have a good breakfast

2. Make a daily checklist for college or work

3. Get some fresh air

4. Pay someone a genuine and nice compliment

5. Get at least 30mins exercise

6. Do something you’ve been putting off for ages

7. Call or meet up with friends

8. Get a cuddle – from your mom, dog, cat or lover, it doesn’t matter!

9. Do something you enjoy; reading, writing, listening to music, watching a movie etc.

10. Have a nice relaxing hot drink before bedtime and just sit.

Eating organic doesn’t reduce women’s cancer risk

Mar 31, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Organic food has been famed for a long time as being better for our health.

However, a recent study shows that eating organic food does’t reduce a cancer risk in women.

Cancer Research UK scientist at Oxford University, Professor Tim Key said about the study: “In this large study of middle-aged women in the UK we found no evidence that a woman’s overall cancer risk was decreased if she generally ate organic food.”

The study was conducted with 600,000 women in the UK over 50 years old who were asked if they ate organically.

Their health was then monitored by researchers for nine years.

The results showed that 16 of the most common cancers were present in 50,000 of the women during the nine year study.

Researchers then compared 180 women who never ate organically with 45,00 who “usually” or “always” ate organically found no significant difference in the risk of cancer.

Scientists have linked the risk of cancer with people’s eating habits however, as Dr Claire Knight says: “Scientists have estimated that over 9% of cancer cases in the UK may be linked to dietary factors, of which 5% are linked to not eating enough fruit and vegetables.”

5 ways you can make walking the ultimate toning workout

Mar 31, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Walking is one of the most enjoyable and easiest forms of exercise you can do.

You don’t need any fancy equipment and it will get you out in the lovely fresh air.

Here are some tips to make walking even more beneficial for toning.

1. Tone your tummy when walking by contracting the muscles in your core area.

2. Choose uphill routes to work your thigh muscles.

3. Correct your posture and stand tall.

4. Carry some weights or put some in a backpack.

5. Invest in a heart rate monitor so you can calculate calories burned and motivate yourself.

5 things never to say to somebody on a diet

Mar 28, 2014

by Amber Saunders

So, you’re trying your best to be good and healthy when your nearest and dearest decide to give their opinion on it.

Thanks, no thanks.

Here are some things people trying to lose weight do NOT want to hear!

1. You’re dieting again?
Oh good, bring up past failures.

2. You just need to be more disciplined.
That’s how it works, huh?

3. One piece of cake won’t hurt
Why are you trying to spoil our efforts?!

4. Aren’t you on a diet?
Please, one piece of cake won’t hurt.

5. You have such a pretty face.
If there was ever a definition of a backhanded compliment, this is it.

Want a body like Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie and Rosie HW?

Mar 27, 2014

by Amber Saunders

If you’ve ever dreamed of a body like Taylor Swift, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley or Margot Robbie’s then we have the answer.

All three women are fans of Ballet Bodies, a fitness studio in L.A. that uses the basic fundamentals of Pilates with elements of ballet to give a lean and toned figure.

Taylor is regularly seen attending classes at Ballet Bodies and it could be to thank for her fabulous lean and toned figure that allows her to wear her favourite short shorts!

Margot and Rosie are also evidently fans of the fitness craze as both have uploaded photos to their Instagram accounts of some very complex manoeuvres!

We can only imagine what would happen if we attempted these. On thing is for sure – we wouldn’t look as graceful as these ladies!

6 best foods to eat if you are trying to lose weight

Mar 26, 2014

by Amber Saunders

It’s no lie that the secret to a lean body is in the kitchen.

These foods are exceptionally good for those who are trying to lose weight and burn fat.

They will also promote clear skin, glossy hair and strong nails.

1. Super greens
Kale, broccoli and cabbage among many others, eat them all for healthy skin and hair.

2. Lemons and grapefruits
Lemons are renowned for their detoxing effects while grapefruits are known to burn fat.

3. Spices
Cinnamon, cayenne and chilli are all great to add to your diet if you are trying to lose weight. Not only do they aid the process but they make great substitutes for sugar and salt to flavour a dish.

4. Green tea
For centuries, the amazing health benefits of green tea have been celebrated. Adding one cup to your day will boost your weight-loss and have amazing antioxidant effects.

5. Oats
A bowl of porridge for breakfast will fill you right up till lunchtime. Oats are also a fantastic source of fibre.

5 effective exercises for toned abs – without sit-ups!

Mar 25, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Summer is only a season away and you know what that means – bikinis! Eek.

But don’t panic, those abs are just a few weeks away if you follow these exercises. And there are no sit-ups, because they are the worst, yay!

1. The Leg Pull-ups
Lying on your back on a matt, lift your legs up straight. Now as you go to lower them (slowly) you should feel it in your abs. Do about 10-12 reps with some pulsing in between.

2.The Plank
Yes we know it’s awful, but it’s effective! Lie on your front and lift yourself up on your feet and palms and hold for as long as you can. Try to increase your time each rep. It will get easier!

3. Squat and Twist
Sit into a squat and on the way back up twist to the side. You will feel this in your waist. Repeat 20-30 times each side.

4. Butterfly Kicks
Lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of you. Lift your head and legs up and “flutter kick” your legs. Do it for about 30seconds begin because it will be difficult but you can slowly increase this time.

5. The Cobra
The cobra is more of a stretch, but it is still effective for your abs. Lie on your front, face down with your palms on the ground beside your head. Slowly, lift yourself half-way up and hold. Repeat 5-10 times. This is also an effective back stretch.

Water, water everywhere – so let’s drink up

Mar 24, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Most of us are guilty of not drinking enough water. We either don’t like the taste, can’t be bothered or just forget to keep topping up the water bottle

But drinking water is so important for your health. and it’s recommended we drink around eight glasses a day

Here are five reasons to make sure you’re drinking enough water every day.

1. Drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids
Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, creation of saliva and maintenance of body temperature.

2. Water can help control calories.
While water doesn’t have any magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher calorie drinks can certainly help.

3. Water helps energise muscles.
Cells that don’t maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. Drinking enough fluids is extra important when exercising.

4. Water helps keep skin looking good.
Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss.

5. Water helps your kidneys.
Body fluids transport waste products in and out of cells. Your kidneys do an amazing job of cleansing and ridding your body of toxins as long as your intake of fluids is adequate

10 easy ways to cut extra calories during the day

Mar 24, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Losing weight does’t have to be all boiled chicken and steamed broccoli.

Here are some easy tips to cut extra calories without even noticing.

1. Take the stairs
At every opportunity!

2. Skip the public transport
Get the walking shoes on

3. Eat off smaller plates
You’ll still get full

4. Don’t drink your calories
Stick with water

5. Eat at the dinner table
Avoid mindlessly eating more than you need

6. Instead of going for a drink with your friend, go for a walk
Much healthier!

7. Bring snacks in your bag
Such as nuts, oat cakes etc. to avoid sneaking into the siopa

8. Drink a glass of water before each meal
It will fill you up slightly before you even start! You’ll be surprised by how much of your hunger is actually thirst.

9. Homemade is best.
Be it popcorn, chocolate treats or granola bars. Get creative in the kitchen!

10. Eat a larger, substantial meal for lunch and a smaller lighter meal for dinner
You’ll feel less bloated in the morning.