tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84539627945605467502024-02-02T05:41:26.436-08:00Hungry, Healthy, Happy!Healthy recipes, diet myths, and general tales of how I am achieving a healthy body and a healthy attitude to food.Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-75951203198788144232011-06-30T02:35:00.000-07:002011-06-30T02:35:31.905-07:00I HAVE A WEBSITE!!!!Hello people that might come across this!! I have a proper and shiney new website now! Come check it out:<br />
http://www.hungryhealthyhappy.com/<br />
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It has lots of recipes and will have a 3 week diet plan up in the next couple of days, so come take a look. Come like my facebook page too :) https://www.facebook.com/HungryHealthyHappy<br />
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xxImages_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-7802339805221658812011-06-06T15:28:00.000-07:002011-06-06T15:28:53.691-07:0020 minute meal: Miso salmon noodle soupThings are insanely busy for me at the moment, which means I have less time to spend on cooking. I refuse to let my health suffer due to lack of time, so I have been concentrating on creating meals that take less than 20 minutes to prepare and cook.<br />
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I hear so many people use the excuse of "I don't have enough time to cook healthy meals, that is why I am overweight" and I have to say, it is a poor excuse. You can make a healthy meal in the same amount of time it takes for something to cook in the oven. Yes, you will have to look over it and stir a little more, but your health is worth it, and it is ONLY 20 minutes.<br />
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This miso salmon noodle soup is well balanced and full of flavour. You can make it as spicy or unspicy as you like. You could even use chicken breast instead of salmon if you want, although the chicken would take about 5 minutes longer in the oven.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
- Salmon fillet<br />
- Single pack of udon noodle<br />
- 1 bunch of pak choi<br />
- Half a lime<br />
- Coriander<br />
- Half an onion, chopped<br />
- Half a courgette, chopped<br />
- Half a pepper, sliced<br />
- A thumb sized piece of root ginger, finely chopped<br />
- Teaspoon of chopped chili<br />
- 400ml water<br />
- Sachet of miso soup<br />
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1) Cover the salmon fillet with half the chili and ginger, the juice from the lime and some coriander and wrap in foil. Put in the oven for 20 minutes.<br />
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2) Add the chopped onion, pepper, courgette and rest of ginger to a pan with a couple of sprays of fry-lite and cook until softened<br />
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3) Add the water<br />
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4) Add the noodles and the miso sachet. The miso comes in a box like that and can be found in oriental supermarkets and even Asda.<br />
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5) Add the pak choi, rest of chili and some more chopped coriander and cook for 3-4 minutes<br />
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6) Serve into a bowl and top with the salmon fillet<br />
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Enjoy!Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-56485624487648812192011-06-01T10:38:00.000-07:002011-06-01T10:49:13.987-07:00What is 1 lb of fat?Many a time have I heard someone say "I have ONLY lost 1 lb" and they feel like their effort has not paid off or someone has been ill and lost 10 lb thinking it will help their overall weight loss. These are all perfect examples of people who really don't know what a lb of fat is. I am guilty of both of these in the beginning on losing weight. At times the weight came off a lot slower than it wanted to, and sometimes, like when I had flu, I did lose 10lb in 4 days and thought that I would be slimmer because of it.<br />
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The aim for most people when losing weight is to lose fat, as fat is the reason most of us are overweight. So you need to be aware of what fat is, how you can lose it and most big losses in one go are not fat at all.<br />
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At the start of losing weight, say in the first week, you can see results of 7-10lb a week. This is pretty much all water that you are losing. It is pretty impossible to lose 7-10lbs of fat in a week. Yes, you may feel and look 7-10lb smaller, but that is because you are less bloated from the water you were carrying. If you have cut back on salty foods during that week (which cause water retention) and you have drunk more water, you will have a big water loss, which will show a higher weight loss.<br />
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Once your body starts to get used to your new eating and exercise regime, your weight loss will level out to a healthy 1-2lb a week. This can be really difficult to deal with after being used to much higher results in the first couple of weeks, but just remind yourself that every lb or even half lb is still in the right direction. <br />
Your body is also going to naturally fluctuate with weight anyway. Different times of the day, or the month, can have a big effect on your weight. My biggest piece of advice I can give to you is don’t focus too much on each individual lb. Look at the big picture and be really proud if you have lost 8lb in a month. Daily lb loses are not a good way to gauge an actual loss. Look at the change over a month and that will give you a better idea of how much fat you have actually lost, rather than just water.<br />
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Now, time to be aware of what a lb really is. Every time you “only” lose 1 lb, take a look at this picture to remind yourself of what you have actually achieved if the lb you have lost is fat. This is what a lb of fat looks like.<br />
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Apart from the picture being pretty gross, it is pretty cool to see it there, instead of hidden underneath skin. I still can’t get over the fact that I have lost 91 of those chunks of fat. Where were they all hiding? Obviously some of the weight I lost was water, but the majority was definitely fat.<br />
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You should also know that 1lb of fat is equal to 3500 calories. I hear some people say that they think a weight loss of 7lb a week, every week is realistic. It really isn’t, as that would mean that you would need to be burning off 3500 calories every day. Yes, although you burn calories just wandering round the house, that is still a serious gym session that would need to be put in every day. I don’t think these people realise what you have to do in the gym just to burn off 500 calories. An hour of press-ups will burn off 500 calories, just to put it into perspective.<br />
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Realistically, burning off an extra 500-1000 calories a day will mean a weekly loss of 1-2lbs, which is healthy and manageable. If you try to lose more than the recommended 1-2lb a week, then you will most likely be just losing water or lean muscle mass, rather than fat. This will mean that you have less energy which could lead to gaining the weight back.<br />
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Also, when it comes to weight loss and perhaps being disappointed with a small loss, or even a gain, you need to remember that muscle does weigh more than fat. Hopefully you will be exercising alongside your healthy eating and that means you will be building up muscles, which will weigh more than the fat you have lost. So, you may have lost fat, but weigh more than you did before due to building muscle.<br />
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The message of this post is, be proud of only the small losses, now you know what they actually look like, and don't get over excited about the very quick big losses, as they are not what you think they are. Any healthy eating and exercise is going to set you in the right direction, so concentrate on that, not what is on the scale.Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-36311627638589102542011-05-31T02:17:00.000-07:002011-05-31T02:40:58.995-07:00Turkey<div class="MsoNormal"><u>Turkey</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_D60Z90mpiCR6WUqqro7oN7W2AaMfLrhgFiEm4NIn5uay1bwODb3xUDYMsok5bkArHU2X_A0QAz_pJmUqy3tdYRSokR8XT6hId1LU_MWFu60WNvHK9sHo7eLZ6Jvra4OzW7T52tuQQNsB/s1600/TurkeyCartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_D60Z90mpiCR6WUqqro7oN7W2AaMfLrhgFiEm4NIn5uay1bwODb3xUDYMsok5bkArHU2X_A0QAz_pJmUqy3tdYRSokR8XT6hId1LU_MWFu60WNvHK9sHo7eLZ6Jvra4OzW7T52tuQQNsB/s320/TurkeyCartoon.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been well documented on here that I don’t eat meat, just fish and all kinds of vegetarian stuff. However, meat definitely has its benefits (when cooked the right way and choosing the right kind of meat) and I do cook it often for my husband. I refuse to cook things like chicken nuggets or cheap beef patties. You don’t need to eat meat for every meal, every day (that isn’t healthy), so when I do cook meat, I can justify buying better quality meat to make a healthy and tasty meal. Apart from not wanting to subject my husband’s taste buds to frozen, processed, breaded “chicken”, it is not cook for his health and that is something I am always mindful of. I only cook lamb and beef on occasion, because it is not the healthiest, so the meat I cook the most is turkey. I think it is rally versatile as well as being cheap.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the great things about turkey is that it is a good source of protein. As well as being full of vitamin B6 and B12, it is also low in fat, so it can be a good substitute for higher fat meat, like beef. It has been shown to lower cholesterol when replaced for other meats.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Being a low carb food, it can help regulate your blood sugar levels. Served alongside healthy carbs, it is a great meal choice for meat eaters.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most foods seem to contain something that combats cancer recently, and turkey is no different. It contains an amino acid called tryptophan which is needed by the immune system cells (T cells) that kill cancer cells.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Turkeys are not renowned for their happiness, but eating turkey can be a mood enhancer. <i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal;">Turkey</span></i> is one of the best protein foods that increase <i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal;">serotonin</span></i> levels, which can improve your mood.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As always, it goes without saying, the physical health of the turkey before it was slaughtered makes a significant difference in the nutritional content of it. Try to buy organic and free-range.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have come up with a couple of recipes that use turkey as an alternative to beef and lamb. Turkey does not have as much flavour as these other meats, as it has less fat and the majority of the flavour is in the fat. However, you don’t just have to rely on fat to get flavour. Adding some extra herbs and spices is a great way to add flavour without adding to your weight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Turkey meatballs – serves 2</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">You could make these as burgers rather than meatballs if you want, just make them into flat patties rather than balls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ingredients:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- Half a pack of turkey mince</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 20g porridge oats (this might seem strange, but it is a replacement for breadcrumbs which is used to bind the burgers. They are much healthier than breadcrumbs and make no difference to the taste.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 6 slices of jarred jalapeños or a teaspoon of chilli flakes</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- Half an apple, grated</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- Half an onion, finely chopped</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- Pepper to season</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>1) Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixR0J_9NBp_ZIKDGYsSACyBFeX8T0nLKIoy7yGKvyuyycF6YYAS1d6K9cgdadP5F860vhOO-n6nUqERUCbUo6VO9VaNu1vTxXoSJHMkfk2u65FkyFEZJprgMmgifLTPtkHIfUrwBxoW6A/s1600/DSCF8848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixR0J_9NBp_ZIKDGYsSACyBFeX8T0nLKIoy7yGKvyuyycF6YYAS1d6K9cgdadP5F860vhOO-n6nUqERUCbUo6VO9VaNu1vTxXoSJHMkfk2u65FkyFEZJprgMmgifLTPtkHIfUrwBxoW6A/s320/DSCF8848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">2 <span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span>2) Make them into meatball shapes and put in the fridge for 30-60 minutes<br />
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</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><u>Turkey moussaka – serves 2</u></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Whilst most Greek people would have a fit at a recipe for a traditional Greek dish that uses turkey instead of lamb, it makes the dish lower in fat and it is just as tasty. If you want to turn it into a bit more of a treat, you can sprinkle for feta cheese on top, but I think it is creamy enough without it.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Ingredients:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- Half a pack of turkey mince</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- Half aubergine</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- Half a potato, peeled</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 1 onion, chopped</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 6, finely sliced</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 1 tin of tomatoes</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 1 teaspoon of paprika</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped mint</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 300g 0% fat traditional, thick Greek yogurt</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>- 2 eggs</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Slice the aubergine and potato, spray with oil and cook in the over at 200C for 25-30 minutes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBdFP1RkeU44QNoIafyqmqpBzLsVrSQEADaNsJbTelqvqJJC-TPWHFZkWd0BXneJe58yMIDLjPONbJHZOTc-n_S6DR5EKrwXWR687UAUgmQysz3AW6aG95Vw-_nhi63HfYyM3D113PMVe/s1600/DSCF8986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBdFP1RkeU44QNoIafyqmqpBzLsVrSQEADaNsJbTelqvqJJC-TPWHFZkWd0BXneJe58yMIDLjPONbJHZOTc-n_S6DR5EKrwXWR687UAUgmQysz3AW6aG95Vw-_nhi63HfYyM3D113PMVe/s320/DSCF8986.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Meanwhile, heat some fry-light oil in a pan and brown the onion and mushrooms. Add the mince and allow to brown, stirring occasionally.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyokDfS0dsisNJdpZooVmPpX7tSOHUuYhRObs6CHc68CM_zqE5AiRq_f0IAhbJ-3Mtsk586wbf84Q4N1v1qfyklITvzYDzM47PkPUxkQyZl6nmh7fAcMRRCTM-myBdML5-HpEhtzN7XO5U/s1600/DSCF8989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyokDfS0dsisNJdpZooVmPpX7tSOHUuYhRObs6CHc68CM_zqE5AiRq_f0IAhbJ-3Mtsk586wbf84Q4N1v1qfyklITvzYDzM47PkPUxkQyZl6nmh7fAcMRRCTM-myBdML5-HpEhtzN7XO5U/s320/DSCF8989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Add the tin tomatoes, paprika, coriander and mint and stir well. Allow to gently simmer for 10 minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJpdcF_ah_7iHBSenRahJV2wbYgqA1qIt-xzcF7tVznim3-zcTIGI0uMBSBnQZkpvMzMhHVNQaA8o5cfGRnQ_v5a9TJIta79PSao8kM_HLL2aOABXmk26HCcBnD3w3geN94pMcrpQROOl/s1600/DSCF8991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJpdcF_ah_7iHBSenRahJV2wbYgqA1qIt-xzcF7tVznim3-zcTIGI0uMBSBnQZkpvMzMhHVNQaA8o5cfGRnQ_v5a9TJIta79PSao8kM_HLL2aOABXmk26HCcBnD3w3geN94pMcrpQROOl/s320/DSCF8991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">4)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>In a bowl, whisk the eggs and then stir in the yogurt until a smooth sauce has formed.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">5)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>The aubergine and potato should be ready now. Take them out of the oven and put a layer of aubergine at the bottom of an oven dish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh8Kqh3XYx1tY1xUIEpm8UCK4zf5EDakA2sQB88eyQKm3g3_0TBk5B0C1pRw6i-yHq6S59ILckD6Z05wiNMQnsAmwQmHFpEM_7AtjWDIjwyHz4x_MNSv_uj2iRyNzEGT4-WhWd9jRG_qr/s1600/DSCF8992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh8Kqh3XYx1tY1xUIEpm8UCK4zf5EDakA2sQB88eyQKm3g3_0TBk5B0C1pRw6i-yHq6S59ILckD6Z05wiNMQnsAmwQmHFpEM_7AtjWDIjwyHz4x_MNSv_uj2iRyNzEGT4-WhWd9jRG_qr/s320/DSCF8992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">6)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Cover the aubergine with the turkey mixture<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8PMlVL3ktc2RBugDDRXFCwZO6ym3B5sBz_Ju_X3jZnfqXz6oJLUDwd5vsDssSFNbP-WV9AscUoeXUCHLOq9XphUsBxU0tUPTwo2kqEIc6SUq_WP0AWQm01Ck98HGrycYxXqb-4Pp6a_t/s1600/DSCF8993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8PMlVL3ktc2RBugDDRXFCwZO6ym3B5sBz_Ju_X3jZnfqXz6oJLUDwd5vsDssSFNbP-WV9AscUoeXUCHLOq9XphUsBxU0tUPTwo2kqEIc6SUq_WP0AWQm01Ck98HGrycYxXqb-4Pp6a_t/s320/DSCF8993.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">7)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Top the turkey with the remaining aubergine and then layer the potato on top.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQxS6P9K8kB4kRW7fUIaKq-I_ksGifXcbCTPyOG7Y9XNfgxhgCmfgt2YlMWyb-UuKGJRkcpi0wQ6ylac75qWs6VqvthaFLxr_DZlr3IM2QGpCahfNx6PKTrec6A1NGTFlDoS5d376wpne/s1600/DSCF8994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQxS6P9K8kB4kRW7fUIaKq-I_ksGifXcbCTPyOG7Y9XNfgxhgCmfgt2YlMWyb-UuKGJRkcpi0wQ6ylac75qWs6VqvthaFLxr_DZlr3IM2QGpCahfNx6PKTrec6A1NGTFlDoS5d376wpne/s320/DSCF8994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">8)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Cover it all with the egg and yogurt mixture<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mKskALnaYRHxgtKfM4cZpnyHsTFxvQx9GhuZztLr-9DQwp9OsMyYrJOo0oHunFrjXN4M-P1GG3fv_5KlLjvvLykRyUA7Mk6XCt6lG86mmBAF2Dfhfe0-bSTk3ogDap5gyeYaKxXqPDno/s1600/DSCF8996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mKskALnaYRHxgtKfM4cZpnyHsTFxvQx9GhuZztLr-9DQwp9OsMyYrJOo0oHunFrjXN4M-P1GG3fv_5KlLjvvLykRyUA7Mk6XCt6lG86mmBAF2Dfhfe0-bSTk3ogDap5gyeYaKxXqPDno/s320/DSCF8996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">9)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Put the dish in the over at 180C for 30 minutes or until it starts to brown.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">10)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Serve with a big salad and some olives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vj1RSJCduixLuPTIGDZJfLuBDvKjDa3tMtGdr5k1RlTpw0QAn54ldn_9kYGb6t6SAsFNW7ZdEHNCVmAojXdiLOe4qHe6N-jtnBqoUmEW3p7JVUrFK11s341yyAr2dhXcvNA4oLM2j38u/s1600/DSCF8998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vj1RSJCduixLuPTIGDZJfLuBDvKjDa3tMtGdr5k1RlTpw0QAn54ldn_9kYGb6t6SAsFNW7ZdEHNCVmAojXdiLOe4qHe6N-jtnBqoUmEW3p7JVUrFK11s341yyAr2dhXcvNA4oLM2j38u/s320/DSCF8998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-56856564327377126262011-05-29T08:29:00.000-07:002011-05-29T08:33:06.899-07:00How to enjoy a holiday without undoing all your hard work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Hello there!<br />
Well, I haven't updated at all during May, but I have been rather busy. I am now married, finally! And it really was the best day of my life. The wedding was my big incentive to look good, but just because it has past, does not mean I am going to go back to my old, unhealthy, ways.<br />
After a wedding follows the honeymoon. We can't go on our real honeymoon until September, but we still felt it was important to have a few days away to spend time together, so we went to Ibiza for a week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA9E7qcO4YUZ68hHPC0Hh24wJcv_tozO8RD8Lb50MVjiSyfSqpynwEH_o05pClQmSPaxq1b7v4bTJGt4ziClc4LqdMIz7xLKtw6RxQWQlFwjHQks7fsnVZCE7bgIiszvUJiNBOsT9bros/s1600/ibiza_sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA9E7qcO4YUZ68hHPC0Hh24wJcv_tozO8RD8Lb50MVjiSyfSqpynwEH_o05pClQmSPaxq1b7v4bTJGt4ziClc4LqdMIz7xLKtw6RxQWQlFwjHQks7fsnVZCE7bgIiszvUJiNBOsT9bros/s1600/ibiza_sunset.jpg" /></a></div><br />
For most people, an upcoming holiday (or vacation if you are an American reading this) is usually a big incentive for eating better and toning up. We work so hard at the gym for weeks and weeks before our holiday so we can look good on the beach, only to undo all our hard work during the week we are there by eating and drinking too much and not moving enough.<br />
With that being said, this is your holiday. This is your time to relax and enjoy yourself. You don't want to force yourself to be in the hotel gym for 2 hours a day and eat salad for every meal. You can still enjoy yourself and indulge, and so you should, just be mindful of what you are eating and drinking, so you don't come home and have to spend months working off one week of gluttony.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH0vaB7NBpgOXRvRcw2NZZZGI2qflkP8ukNXPPEzvyRaKO1RfGyC5MItXSZNUc5bPEJ82FxtiBfms2nd9UpllzbIIGfJVymtYEaLUHK-tCNcM6ONKtZ2nV26WdAxHypkRmBTnnW02HmYy/s1600/travel-graphics-200_429803a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH0vaB7NBpgOXRvRcw2NZZZGI2qflkP8ukNXPPEzvyRaKO1RfGyC5MItXSZNUc5bPEJ82FxtiBfms2nd9UpllzbIIGfJVymtYEaLUHK-tCNcM6ONKtZ2nV26WdAxHypkRmBTnnW02HmYy/s320/travel-graphics-200_429803a.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><br />
With just a few small changes to your usual holiday schedule (beer, ice cream and not moving from your sunbed unless it is for more ice cream) and following the tips below, you can still enjoy the usual holiday treats and come home feeling and looking just as good as your did before you left. Or at least only 1lb heavier, rather than 10lb.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li><b>Eat at home before you get on the plane - </b>Most people start their bad holiday eating habits before they even arrive at their destination. Airports are full of bad choices like fast food and fat filled sandwiches. Either take your own food to the airport, or for shorting flights, you can eat at home before you leave and you won't need to eat again until you arrive. Also pack some healthy snacks like nuts, seeds and fruit in case you get hungry on the flight, so you are not tempted by the overprices and tasteless sandwich or a pot of pringles.Also avoid ordering an in flight meal - they are unhealthy and don't even taste nice.<b> </b></li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Drink lots of water</b> - Chances are, you are going to be having your holiday in a hot country. This means your body will require more water than it would at home in the cold. Your body often confuses hunger for dehydration, so when you start craving yet more food, have a bottle of water and wait 20 minutes to see if the hunger pangs go away. Keeping hydrated will also keep your skin looking great, which will go well with that tan you will be coming home with. </li>
</ul><ul><li> <b>Avoid fizzy drinks as much as possible</b> - Fizzy drinks are full of sugar and are just wasted calories. You will be drinking because you are thirsty, so during the day, stick to water to keep you hydrated and save the fizzy drinks for the mixers to your vodka later that night. Diet drinks are no better either.</li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Sightseeing is a workout too - </b>Grab a guide book, get off that sunbed and go explore the area you have traveled on holiday to. If there is a castle on top of a hill, go hike to the top of it. The view alone will be worth it, and your legs will thank you for it too. Whilst on holiday, try to walk everywhere. You will get to see lots of new places, get some fantastic photo opportunities and you will burn off lots of calories so you can treat yourself a little bit more.</li>
<li><b>Make use of the hotel pool and the sea - </b>Swimming is a fantastic workout and with most hotels abroad having a great pool, you should make the most of it. As well as being a great way to cool down after sitting out in the sun, doing 20 minutes in the pool each day will compensate for that 10th cocktail you had the night before. As well as swimming, buy some inflatables for the pool and have fun. Jumping on and off of an inflatable crocodile and having an inflatable lilo battle with your friends has to burn off some calories!</li>
<li><b>Try new sports</b> - Chances are, there will be lots of opportunities to try new activities whilst on holiday that will definitely help burn off a few calories. Are there water sports available at the beach, like surfing, windsurfing or canoeing? Has the hotel organised volleyball or tennis matches? Get involved!</li>
<li><b>Don't overdo it on the ice creams - </b>The first thing I think of when the weather turns warm (apart from applying lots of sun lotion, of course) is ice cream. Magnums, feasts, basically anything on a stick and covered in chocolate. Whilst you should satisfy that craving on holiday and enjoy a treat, be careful not to overdo it. It is easy for eat 4 or 5 of those a day on holiday, especially if you are all-inclusive. It's hot and you are thirsty and you think an ice cream is the perfect thing to help that. At around 300 calories each, it can soon add up. Water will cool you down much more, but if you really want something cold and sweet, go for a fruit juice based ice lolly instead. You will save so much fat and calories that you won't have to burn off when you get home.</li>
<li><b>Be careful of the buffet</b> - If you have meals included at your hotel, there will most likely be a buffet. Follow the tips from my previous post (http://hungryhealthyandhappy.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-eat-healthily-at-buffet.html) on how to eat healthy at a buffet. Chances are, the food will be a little different to what you are used to eating at home, so the desire to want to try all the new things can be tempting and lead you to eating 7 plates piled with food each meal. There is also the need to "get your moneys worth". This is a false economy for you, as you will just spend more money going to the gym when you get back.</li>
<li><b>Try to maintain your usual routine</b> - If at home you usually have 5 small meals rather than 3 bigger meals each day, try to stick to this. Changing that routine will confuse your body and could lead to it storing fat. You body will also be used to functioning on this eating schedule. Also, if you do 20 minutes of yoga when you wake up, try to fit that is still. It isn't going to majorly cut into your holiday time, and your body will thank you for it when you get home.</li>
<li><b>Be realistic</b> - You will most likely have been really strict in the weeks leading up to your holiday to ensure you will look your best in that bikini and you may think that you will be able to be that strict whilst on holiday, and not indulge in any treats. Loosen up and allow yourself to enjoy a few extra treats, just in moderation. If you convince yourself you can eat exactly the same foods as you do at home whilst you are holiday, you will not be prepared and when faced with all the holiday delights, you could end up eating more than you would have done. Be realistic - it is your holiday and you deserve to eat some of the foods you have been craving.</li>
<li><b>Make the most of all that fresh food</b> - Being in a coastal resort means lots of fresh fish. Make the most of it and enjoy it with a big salad. Also take the opportunity to sample local fruits and vegetables you might not have at home.</li>
<li><b>Hide the mini-bar key</b> - That handy little fridge in your room is not your friend. Apart from being insanely over priced, it is full of tempting chocolate and alcohol you could end up eating, just for the sake of it.</li>
<li><b>Choose your indulgences carefully</b> - You are going to splurge, that is a given, so choose wisely. Make sure what ever you are treating yourself too, is something you really want. There is no point going over your calorie allowance for something you didn't overly enjoy, just because it was there.</li>
<li><b>Limit alcohol intake </b>- This is the one most people find difficult. You are on holiday and that most likely means getting pretty drunk most nights. Again, if you are all-inclusive, you can end up drinking for 12 hours each day. You don't need to do this. Even just have 3 or 4 drinks a day will ensure you get your moneys worth and won't do too much damage to your health. If you are going to drink, as always, try and make healthier choices. Avoid beer or sugary cocktails and go with vodka and fresh fruit juice, or soda water. Enjoy them in moderation.</li>
</ul>The most important thing is to relax and enjoy yourself. Chances are, unless you get ill, you won't lose weight whilst on holiday. But, it is possible to maintain or only put on a couple of lbs. Just make a few healthy changes, don't eat for the sake of it, and stay active with fun activities. Don't beat yourself up if you get home and have gained weight. Just look back at your holiday photos and remind yourself what a good time you had, and then get yourself back into a healthy routine and start preparing for the next holiday.Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-51011501887733053472011-04-20T07:59:00.000-07:002011-04-20T07:59:18.273-07:00Grapefruit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfrtqbW6l047_USIEgJ0Qmr9CtNb_V0A0umvEc7XLYvEEdanXz9nY6dqw0gXQW2XSS_8UOyd0dKK4zReySdtQkZAJ5gDXEa152MF9WQpUzK_K6Umk4-6cWpq9X3fGQgb-dzfD1lKpcvbd/s1600/DSCF8845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfrtqbW6l047_USIEgJ0Qmr9CtNb_V0A0umvEc7XLYvEEdanXz9nY6dqw0gXQW2XSS_8UOyd0dKK4zReySdtQkZAJ5gDXEa152MF9WQpUzK_K6Umk4-6cWpq9X3fGQgb-dzfD1lKpcvbd/s320/DSCF8845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Some people love the sour taste of them, and some people hate them. I love them. Not just for their great taste, but because of all the amazing benefits they have.<br />
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They are a great way to start your day, so have one before breakfast. Just don't cover it in sugar like some people do. They are also good in salads with some nuts or you can make sorbet or marmalade from them.<br />
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They are full of vitamin C which is great for keeping colds at bay. I am currently drinking a pint of vitamin C suppliment every morning to keep me healthy for the wedding.<br />
A surpring, but really healthy, part of the grapefruit (and oranges too) is the albedo. That is the white skin between the peel and the actual fruit you eat. Most people will try and take as much of that off as possible because it is bitter but it is so good for you as it is full of anti-cancer agents.<br />
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One of the famous benefits of grapefruit is its cholesterol reducing benefits. This is because of the levels of pectin it contains. Basically, your arteries will be better off if you eat grapefruit once a day. Red grapefruit is most effective for this.<br />
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Other benefits are sleep promotion, helps digestive disorders, relieves sore throats and they can perk you up at the end of a long day.<br />
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The reason I first starting eating grapefruit is because of their fat-burning enzymes. They also reduce and absorb the sugar and starch in the body. There are fad diets out there that tell you to eat pretty much nothing but grapefruits for a week. This is just stupid as too much of anything is bad for you. Too much grapefruit can make you calcium deficient and cause tooth decay because of all the citrus. There is another, much healthy way to benefit from these fat-burning enzymes. Cut up a grapefruit in the morning into 6 segments and have 2 before each of your meals in the day. They will help burn the fat you are eating.<br />
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The one thing I will say though is that grapefruits high levels of flavoured naringin which will reject pharmaceutical drugs. So, if you are on medication, avoid grapefruit. But your doctor should have told you that already.<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-65998881844645768852011-04-19T13:50:00.000-07:002011-04-19T13:50:36.615-07:00How to treat yourself on a nice sunny dayWhen England gets one of those rare sunny days, ice cream is one of the first things that comes to mind. If you are trying to be healthy, or lose weight, then ice cream is one of the worst things you can have. It is made from cream (full of fat), sugar (pretty much the devil) and egg yolks (the unhealthy part of egg) and that is without it being on a stick and covered in chocolate (more sugar). So, here is a way you can enjoy a cold treat on a hot day, without chasing the ice cream van down the road. It will also ensure you will look better in those shorts you have been dreading wearing this summer.<br />
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Whilst I was backpacking round the U.S. I fell in love with frozen yogurt. In the beginning I am not sure what I loved about it, the taste or the fact I felt more American eating it - I'm a Americanophile! I was also drawn to the fact that it is a low fat alternative to ice cream. Whilst this is true, as they use low fat yogurt instead of cream, they still mix it with piles of sugar which doesn't make it low in calorie. But since coming home and experimenting with recipes, I have fallen in love with the taste.<br />
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So, I have created my own frozen yogurt recipe. Whilst it takes a few hours to make, it is really really simple and can be adapted in so many ways, so have an experiment and have a guilt free treat when the sun is out.<br />
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<u>Ingredients </u><br />
- 1 tub of fat free natural yogurt<br />
- Strawberries<br />
- Blueberries<br />
- Agave or honey<br />
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1) Pour the yogurt into a Tupperware pot and put in the freezer for 2 hours.<br />
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2) Take the pot out of the freezer and squeeze the sides to loosen in. Then mix it to prevent it from crystallising and until it goes soft again. Put it back in the freezer for 40 minutes<br />
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4) Scoop the frozen yogurt out and put in a bowl, drizzle a little agave or honey on it and top with strawberries and blueberries.<br />
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You can top it with loads of different things. Just don't top it with chocolate or golden syrup otherwise it will defeat the point of it. You can also blend fruit with the yogurt before you start the freezing process, then it is all mixed in.<br />
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I'm not going to tell you it tastes exactly like ice cream and you will never crave ice cream again, because it doesn't and you will. But, it is creamy and cold like ice cream and can be sweetened naturally to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Therefore, if you care about your health, then it is a great choice this summer.<br />
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I shall be blogging more cold sweet treats over the summer too :)Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-32973678203756985872011-04-17T14:14:00.000-07:002011-04-17T14:14:16.109-07:00Mid afternoon energy slumpHello there!!!<br />
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During one of the group sessions at work (I volunteer at a drug and alcohol recovery centre) we were discussing times when the clients felt down and would therefore reach for drugs or alcohol. For a lot of people, this happened mid afternoon, around 3pm when they had a lack or energy and they mistook this for needing drugs or a drink. They were all really surprised when I told them that this mid afternoon energy slump was normal, and happened to most people and that they could get through it with healthy eating. They thought they were the only ones that suffered from this, because of their addiction, but why do you think some cultures have a siesta? Because they are naturally tired in the afternoon! The scientific explanation for this is that your core body temperature drops between 2pm and 4pm, which is a signal to your brain to feel sleepy. The same thing happens at night before you go to sleep too. What you need to learn to do, is stay awake through this temperature drop with healthy eating and exercise.<br />
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I think most of us suffer from this, and we usually reach for the coffee or chocolate to cheer us up, and give us an energy boost. This is the worst thing to do as it will initially give you a boost (albeit an unhealthy one), but you will have a massive crash a couple of hours later, leaving you feeling worse than you did before.<br />
If you are not hungry, but you start to feel down, or tired in the afternoon, then a great thing to do is go for a walk. The fresh air will waken you up a bit and the exercise will make you happier.<br />
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There are lots of healthy things you can eat to give you an energy boost.<br />
Firstly, you should be eating a good breakfast to set you up for the day so that the energy slump is not as bad as it could be. Eating something slow releasing like porridge and a banana is best. Sugary cereal will lead to a crash by about 11am. Yes, that "healthy" Special K cereal you are eating is full of sugar and very bad for you. Women should be eating around 300-400 calories for breakfast and men should be eating around 500. Carbs like porridge are a great option for breakfast because your muscles and brain function best when they have carbs to fuel them. Eating protein with carbs can increase concentration levels, so egg on wholewheat bread is also a good option.<br />
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It also goes without saying that an afternoon energy slump can be affected by what you ate for lunch. So avoid white carbs which will make you feel sluggish. If you are trying to lose weight, it might be tempting to just eat a salad for lunch. This isn't a good idea unless it is a protein filled salad (with chicken, beans, fish, egg or tofu) which will keep your energy levels up and stop you reaching for the chocolate later in the day.<br />
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If you want something sweet for an energy fix, then peanut butter on apple slices or celery sticks is a good option. Avoid a lunch that is full of fat, not only is this generally bad for your health, it will take longer to digest and will leave you feeling sluggish for longer.<br />
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So, that is how to prevent the energy slump. But what if it happens anyway. Sometimes it doesn't matter how well you have eaten for breakfast and lunch, you just feel a bit down in the afternoon.<br />
Well, apart from taking a walk, drinking lots of water can help if you don't fancy eating anything. Try adding a slice of lemon if you are bored of normal water.<br />
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If that still doesn't help, then a snack is the way forward. Good options for energy boosting snacks are nuts, seeds, lean protein, low fast dairy and fruit.<br />
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Sunshine can also work wonders. If you have been in the house all day and have not eaten properly, then it is no wonder you are not feeling great. It is found that 20 minutes exposure to sunshine can boost your brain's responses. If you usually feel sleepy at 3pm, then go for a walk at 2.30pm to try and prevent it.<br />
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It can be tempting to take a nap, but this won't help the situation. If you normally take a nap, try to stop doing that. You won't feel the benefits immediately, but after a couple of weeks of no napping and healthy eating, you should feel great.<br />
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All you need to know is that this energy slump is normal. It could be due to an underlying health problem, but you would have other symptoms as well which would have led you to the doctors already. There are lots of things you can do to prevent lack of energy and boost your energy when it is needed. You just need to make sure that you have a healthy diet.Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-70786637567680347762011-03-27T14:45:00.000-07:002011-03-27T15:05:09.925-07:00How to love sprouts!Nearly all of us have pulled a face as a child when we were forced to eat Brussels sprouts, and I was no different. I really didn't like them. But for some reason, that all changed a couple of years ago and now I love them!! I can eat my way through a bag of them a day. And no, there are no "side effects"!<br />
Even as an adult, you might go out of your way to avoid eating them, but you really shouldn't. They have so many health benefits. Firstly, it is really important not to over cook them as they will lose all their nutritional value and they will emit a sulfur smell that makes most of us hate sprouts in the first place. These little mini cabbages are a brilliant source of vitamins C and K and they are also a good way of getting lots of other good stuff into your body like vitamin A, folate, magnesium, riboflavin and potassium. Who knew all of that could be in Britain's most hated vegetable? (There was a poll in 2002). Brussels sprouts are also said to be one of those cancer preventing foods, and more research is being done into it.<br />
If you steam Brussels sprouts, then they can have the benefit of lowering cholesterol. They also provide cardiovascular and digestive support. What is not to love about all that?<br />
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But, you still don't like the taste of Brussels sprouts?? Well, I have come up with a recipe that makes them super tasty. Also, when cooked like this, they are a great snack. You can pick on them whilst watching a film or the TV and they are a much healthier alternative to crisps or chocolate.<br />
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<b>Roasted Brussels Sprouts</b><br />
- 250g Brussels Sprouts, ends trimmer and outer yellowing leaves removed.<br />
- Fry light<br />
- Sea salt, pepper, paprika and coriander<br />
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1. Place the sprouts in a baking dish and spray with fry light and sprinkle over a little salt and some pepper, paprika and coriander. Cut the larger sprouts in half if needed.<br />
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2. Cook at 200C for 30 minutes and then serve<br />
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I haven't forgotten about you all, I have been creating this blog all week.<br />
I thought that it is all well and good telling you all what you should be eating, and saying what I eat all the time, when really I could be eating chips and lard everyday. I'm really not though. So, I took a picture of everything I ate over the week so you can see what I am having each day, including my treats. It wasn't the best week food wise, too much socialising meant not making the best choices!<br />
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<b>Monday</b><br />
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Breakfast: Banana and Agave smoothie<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4SnI5IWDlNlJLva9fLpDW1sILC2QcAvueAcCJMAJl-TSNmwk-SoJS9_wQwkU1IOMzIrPjRk2_41yPU0fKkFxgl3OiVREl6OzIcaP6VOU39a86FsZY4LQEDMS3djD6Gk4mmk9y8zne5Z0/s1600/Monday+Breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4SnI5IWDlNlJLva9fLpDW1sILC2QcAvueAcCJMAJl-TSNmwk-SoJS9_wQwkU1IOMzIrPjRk2_41yPU0fKkFxgl3OiVREl6OzIcaP6VOU39a86FsZY4LQEDMS3djD6Gk4mmk9y8zne5Z0/s320/Monday+Breakfast.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Morning Snack: Trail mix and an apple<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc889u87SqzDpsw3giyPhVv2HEfEdRaj4BoTN-g9xQCqYMGYpbZe2wQKVpvNUfOVu-uC-7sGWFFoh0hVaxVG65jkWtpEE57gGylhB7_Qhq_P1XVbGSmv6n4dmt2fB9fUOotbdFwSWn6pT/s1600/Monday+Snack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc889u87SqzDpsw3giyPhVv2HEfEdRaj4BoTN-g9xQCqYMGYpbZe2wQKVpvNUfOVu-uC-7sGWFFoh0hVaxVG65jkWtpEE57gGylhB7_Qhq_P1XVbGSmv6n4dmt2fB9fUOotbdFwSWn6pT/s320/Monday+Snack.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Lunch: Salmon, Avocado and Bulgar Wheat salad<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBi7axrNJzU3W6wGrj-sjSGDVjmhGAr-T_1yuZHn3XB5KQjDtJoDKGDIFPPabCS1HYv6iJaXYlwjDXibSYRkLYLRtnGQxqFWCfI8rwuYad9ac-7aYfsTOg9egG00rHGxMLK9RskSmSd3t/s1600/Monday+Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBi7axrNJzU3W6wGrj-sjSGDVjmhGAr-T_1yuZHn3XB5KQjDtJoDKGDIFPPabCS1HYv6iJaXYlwjDXibSYRkLYLRtnGQxqFWCfI8rwuYad9ac-7aYfsTOg9egG00rHGxMLK9RskSmSd3t/s320/Monday+Lunch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Dinner: Ginger and Chili cod fillet with broccoli and mushroom, halloumi and tomato kebab<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfwZL-lLwCvmSk3SgGdphETrJm7ymnEXxHXjjvEGW2osfhslkxvG7l0E5o-6WIfkHyWCrfwGYD6UvKem8h-kP1yOAXptLmppTFG54_y7I3WtyDJsCVxqtdQq8D4KQ50W_tE5Ug4S6qvc4/s1600/Monday+Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfwZL-lLwCvmSk3SgGdphETrJm7ymnEXxHXjjvEGW2osfhslkxvG7l0E5o-6WIfkHyWCrfwGYD6UvKem8h-kP1yOAXptLmppTFG54_y7I3WtyDJsCVxqtdQq8D4KQ50W_tE5Ug4S6qvc4/s320/Monday+Dinner.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Dessert:Grapes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5sERj-W5w25MH_SbGUyBw69zywyiqwLlguAgpj-ck6-Epv5gDS7bvy6aHGQ0WoTnL0rX1wAbqb3FwkMwimNxR8q2HrldlvUIwT9V4MtN5plq83v_-ROP05yJFCR8ahW9MDv06zj0QIqf/s1600/Monday+Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5sERj-W5w25MH_SbGUyBw69zywyiqwLlguAgpj-ck6-Epv5gDS7bvy6aHGQ0WoTnL0rX1wAbqb3FwkMwimNxR8q2HrldlvUIwT9V4MtN5plq83v_-ROP05yJFCR8ahW9MDv06zj0QIqf/s320/Monday+Dessert.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Evening Snack: Coffee and Raw choc orange bar<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0QS-XLNa-9xQSnwSpA4bs4yexvju6hRpeCAkmA5dUxIp7thTJHZd0yzQu6f1pwGdzzYJBLa-QuCRAEdZSIayIdQ2a_UNFMgyaHd9AxeJBuekhGVYEx2VJGxyA4uZ-NA6hB0YLVqstcmZ/s1600/Monday+Snack+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0QS-XLNa-9xQSnwSpA4bs4yexvju6hRpeCAkmA5dUxIp7thTJHZd0yzQu6f1pwGdzzYJBLa-QuCRAEdZSIayIdQ2a_UNFMgyaHd9AxeJBuekhGVYEx2VJGxyA4uZ-NA6hB0YLVqstcmZ/s320/Monday+Snack+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Tuesday</b><br />
<br />
Breakfast: Banana, Strawberry and Blueberry smoothie<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f52w1-zYk8JeqRisA1_QGfxfBq3LSRrQ_lYLdUPKjv2zX3mH-mv2tkMJxL0S4YcfkbbEwXG-oIzSyOxtRTW6Z-ThTR23QUt45ZSciFsjc1GbQsCLrMRR5IcRBkASbbSG0skdfuTyk9yU/s1600/Tuesday+Breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f52w1-zYk8JeqRisA1_QGfxfBq3LSRrQ_lYLdUPKjv2zX3mH-mv2tkMJxL0S4YcfkbbEwXG-oIzSyOxtRTW6Z-ThTR23QUt45ZSciFsjc1GbQsCLrMRR5IcRBkASbbSG0skdfuTyk9yU/s320/Tuesday+Breakfast.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Lunch: Mushroom omelette with a 5 bean and avocado salad <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsy6K-UnUWjIYcoh42LZa_wdcykZc5jk8qkCDVrCG39lOXSMtVmPFNAs0hP1r4w_KSz4sHSWy8z9a2Ru2aWOcSlafyEAZI1AkW2YJT9yha52yFz_V3IDBjNwDtcsPNm8xqw_jojYV7wc-/s1600/Tuesday+Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsy6K-UnUWjIYcoh42LZa_wdcykZc5jk8qkCDVrCG39lOXSMtVmPFNAs0hP1r4w_KSz4sHSWy8z9a2Ru2aWOcSlafyEAZI1AkW2YJT9yha52yFz_V3IDBjNwDtcsPNm8xqw_jojYV7wc-/s320/Tuesday+Lunch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Dinner: Salmon stir fry<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKESUQswtZ-5gVfrEiPpcU09NseNJJKYDa6qGNsEIOf33rk3eqo_hGQ5P0bcHnlh5Z7cnLLflN-64HnERWWsanK85kPRhGLBbXWIpoWjXSGkcwcpy82tOufKJks5GdEYVXHcQZqdWkiZjM/s1600/Tuesday+Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKESUQswtZ-5gVfrEiPpcU09NseNJJKYDa6qGNsEIOf33rk3eqo_hGQ5P0bcHnlh5Z7cnLLflN-64HnERWWsanK85kPRhGLBbXWIpoWjXSGkcwcpy82tOufKJks5GdEYVXHcQZqdWkiZjM/s320/Tuesday+Dinner.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Dessert: Pears baked in agave with plain yogurt and cinnamon<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gCiSJSsAVGBz_Px9spZMgiEgg2OB_rA7fvJAbTd38MjjhuNuj_F2A0JkFLH5pWJ-pdauA8me5dy2cFYHH5PN3S6Mi9G4cDF1wLrRBVZReLLdszTBZXzW1AdFHjFJE5FOKDRRxo95D_ue/s1600/Tuesday+Dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gCiSJSsAVGBz_Px9spZMgiEgg2OB_rA7fvJAbTd38MjjhuNuj_F2A0JkFLH5pWJ-pdauA8me5dy2cFYHH5PN3S6Mi9G4cDF1wLrRBVZReLLdszTBZXzW1AdFHjFJE5FOKDRRxo95D_ue/s320/Tuesday+Dessert.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
<b>Wednesday</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Breakfast: Weetabix with skimmed milk, strawberries and blueberries<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiwfDCkAZXV4eTd2BHG6xMAFORvUPz0ep5VwrPikXKag_bw1vQmtAS3H3y-qnNZZbcr94YgfVq5Ew5hZB2a4jN1XBJjOnaOtfvjrcpigsAgzlWF-wjC8czOjbrpVT3XTwSIjjubPQYEPm/s1600/Wednesday+Breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiwfDCkAZXV4eTd2BHG6xMAFORvUPz0ep5VwrPikXKag_bw1vQmtAS3H3y-qnNZZbcr94YgfVq5Ew5hZB2a4jN1XBJjOnaOtfvjrcpigsAgzlWF-wjC8czOjbrpVT3XTwSIjjubPQYEPm/s320/Wednesday+Breakfast.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Lunch: Tuna and avocado on rye bread with a 5 bean salad<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCEKFyDaVJr1N8LLJpKKCFTnQ6jJku4sKVfoYQ7Bb73XB1_b0q54YVYN-dfl26FCE6s0XvHFpY0AeoTnEQOKPS-6KqRaPEEOgmZVB2N5mnqz_K-JACElXBhC_omaG-kPCQGADxIdGplxJ/s1600/Wednesday+Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCEKFyDaVJr1N8LLJpKKCFTnQ6jJku4sKVfoYQ7Bb73XB1_b0q54YVYN-dfl26FCE6s0XvHFpY0AeoTnEQOKPS-6KqRaPEEOgmZVB2N5mnqz_K-JACElXBhC_omaG-kPCQGADxIdGplxJ/s320/Wednesday+Lunch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dinner: Tomato soup and a bowl of carrots and broccoli<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkaLx2eX4OUOnH9lxZqN4HJt-I9nenhaVdjVgM2YxUPXpJaG57GtJrDgzkkxSuPnAniyX3x86HXCcDMRaEgV5k52BAROGpGvXWKiHT8objxDWylS8rMF-5-jZ8eJZmnmDtmmnEiw9sfX7/s1600/Wednesday+Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkaLx2eX4OUOnH9lxZqN4HJt-I9nenhaVdjVgM2YxUPXpJaG57GtJrDgzkkxSuPnAniyX3x86HXCcDMRaEgV5k52BAROGpGvXWKiHT8objxDWylS8rMF-5-jZ8eJZmnmDtmmnEiw9sfX7/s320/Wednesday+Dinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Thursday</b><br />
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Breakfast: Poached egg on rye bread with marmite<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlsGdsp9ZnbkR2qliSO1eRBWi5I29PvkAAvHNclLWxiqzAJuR7bHST8IWebfMgGH9ZqSF9Vtc9OgFxMRfIjU-x6JklKGXwl0YUcyjF_A_cUq-51qSc6I0tZcTXW7gbpc9prdbTONXXNay/s1600/Thursday+Breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlsGdsp9ZnbkR2qliSO1eRBWi5I29PvkAAvHNclLWxiqzAJuR7bHST8IWebfMgGH9ZqSF9Vtc9OgFxMRfIjU-x6JklKGXwl0YUcyjF_A_cUq-51qSc6I0tZcTXW7gbpc9prdbTONXXNay/s320/Thursday+Breakfast.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Snack: Grapes<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqQCIxRBPza-iO_K3wR-VF-uU7UX63XG-FXu6pHco1AHA4aTqqLcx_b5FKgCztmDf1RyrPF30xVJbq99a_h3_M9MK43HDN8aKPZ3WdOslpT2vXyxLCd-vlCzI5N5YOQkAfu8B0XgTTWSO/s1600/Thursday+Snack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqQCIxRBPza-iO_K3wR-VF-uU7UX63XG-FXu6pHco1AHA4aTqqLcx_b5FKgCztmDf1RyrPF30xVJbq99a_h3_M9MK43HDN8aKPZ3WdOslpT2vXyxLCd-vlCzI5N5YOQkAfu8B0XgTTWSO/s320/Thursday+Snack.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Lunch: Tuna and avocado salad<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGRQlUEI53Je2J2F2TOLpH23kCAQRaqHpuE02mVwRLTc_YPBOHcv5L_8vz18SyRkUZDZWmfcYn3M1qoYxGx6IjRbLiLzaG5nAg9VVtXRUni_KaH4ei7rCt_j8yKkpC8_U0pOehjZNuvOA/s1600/Thursday+Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGRQlUEI53Je2J2F2TOLpH23kCAQRaqHpuE02mVwRLTc_YPBOHcv5L_8vz18SyRkUZDZWmfcYn3M1qoYxGx6IjRbLiLzaG5nAg9VVtXRUni_KaH4ei7rCt_j8yKkpC8_U0pOehjZNuvOA/s320/Thursday+Lunch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Snack: Plain yogurt with soumaq and crudites<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xbai-0vSd3Ik1Fo2zS7s2n8EYfCNvigzs0SiJdSy4n2DNPAPGbmqTaWzwz2LPFDcfviPpYxF18SQXbIcLMc6K_TaQRyQINBfV8G4zIDSrDi-FBYKfvAQgPfwyQIIXVcP99ihrkSyg-h4/s1600/Thursday+Snack+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xbai-0vSd3Ik1Fo2zS7s2n8EYfCNvigzs0SiJdSy4n2DNPAPGbmqTaWzwz2LPFDcfviPpYxF18SQXbIcLMc6K_TaQRyQINBfV8G4zIDSrDi-FBYKfvAQgPfwyQIIXVcP99ihrkSyg-h4/s320/Thursday+Snack+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dinner: Veggie hotdogs on rye bread with mange tout (a bit random)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3k7nVdKaYOp1NmjvrAHDyhyZRY_175eEiVP2rYHZ9EWNbGt0mnWQmVmVNOwwszb0czHdkNqXt_bO_JUKl9xKr_6iaEz1mQG9ILI2c1sB2ImLBA9EgIEvIINCHDf3yxt3PAIoA6KbH7b6/s1600/Thursday+Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3k7nVdKaYOp1NmjvrAHDyhyZRY_175eEiVP2rYHZ9EWNbGt0mnWQmVmVNOwwszb0czHdkNqXt_bO_JUKl9xKr_6iaEz1mQG9ILI2c1sB2ImLBA9EgIEvIINCHDf3yxt3PAIoA6KbH7b6/s320/Thursday+Dinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Friday</b><br />
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Breakfast: Pouch egg on rye bread<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFZvjQpcfi8pSd0HQLo6ctpgpNCkUzXH6SRVFRrXD5HXkc9ySSTgRRdz7mzwfgeSRv6aBPTHfJt47fs4QbT41BOi2MnckWuWAwV7dQTbljs1HrnpNzacQlEDtWa_uZ0AuiXzK8_Mp1tfo/s1600/Friday+Breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFZvjQpcfi8pSd0HQLo6ctpgpNCkUzXH6SRVFRrXD5HXkc9ySSTgRRdz7mzwfgeSRv6aBPTHfJt47fs4QbT41BOi2MnckWuWAwV7dQTbljs1HrnpNzacQlEDtWa_uZ0AuiXzK8_Mp1tfo/s320/Friday+Breakfast.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Lunch: Tofu and cabbage on rye bread with a salad<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVMTj3gUZeIeeHXPO7a68P1L_D0nWqRYm80UdFFWmdouOjH-94g2ymvRcUQuhQHM2_PxFmVIrSLDVMohjlr7fnXfhWkNRaJBZzTWpNAGbTj-WTL4om52-8CuGWU-D6XcBR3M0PArdGzHm/s1600/Friday+Lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVMTj3gUZeIeeHXPO7a68P1L_D0nWqRYm80UdFFWmdouOjH-94g2ymvRcUQuhQHM2_PxFmVIrSLDVMohjlr7fnXfhWkNRaJBZzTWpNAGbTj-WTL4om52-8CuGWU-D6XcBR3M0PArdGzHm/s320/Friday+Lunch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dinner: Home-made courgette and pepper pizza on a wheat base with sweet potato wedges<br />
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<b>Saturday</b><br />
Breakfast: Banana and strawberry smoothie<br />
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Lunch: Tofu strips and cous cous salad<br />
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Party food: Mars bar cake and crudites and dips<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNdXX7UejaCZuemT_bmBzFucR7IfH7Gexow-lLgmBGtO8a0wTOzUAuppAAE88gJHTKyZH1lyAe60J2iuUd9CivDl8znbLDVWaz3Tl7A_wcs25wkGnv-JYYtZ-S4BEZaapse-iAyMyU32e/s1600/Saturday+Party+Food+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNdXX7UejaCZuemT_bmBzFucR7IfH7Gexow-lLgmBGtO8a0wTOzUAuppAAE88gJHTKyZH1lyAe60J2iuUd9CivDl8znbLDVWaz3Tl7A_wcs25wkGnv-JYYtZ-S4BEZaapse-iAyMyU32e/s320/Saturday+Party+Food+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKh66LpA0F5WTdNpI5xzCHUBhlYpRodwHtHJQ7_Kq-9cTW8U7aT3CMMIZVTYvZKLiJJUTJoXQ6gvP0olZzBvpmi-R26jeebQR41giCBNR3ASMXzg5ZoosfL9806o3RbipVdU77h4K-oop/s1600/Saturday+Party+Food+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKh66LpA0F5WTdNpI5xzCHUBhlYpRodwHtHJQ7_Kq-9cTW8U7aT3CMMIZVTYvZKLiJJUTJoXQ6gvP0olZzBvpmi-R26jeebQR41giCBNR3ASMXzg5ZoosfL9806o3RbipVdU77h4K-oop/s320/Saturday+Party+Food+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dinner: Tuna 6inch subway on wheat with lots of salad<br />
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<b>Sunday</b><br />
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Breakfast: Didn't wake up early enough for breakfast. Ooops.<br />
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Lunch: Falafel, green bean and avocado salad<br />
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Dinner: Ginger and chili marinated cod on spinach with asparagus and broccoli<br />
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So, there you have it. Lots of very tasty and healthy food and when the healthier alternatives to not so healthy food.Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-26919587110035874982011-03-13T16:22:00.000-07:002011-03-13T16:44:06.246-07:00It's not necessarily alcohol that's the problem........it's the food you eat when you are drunk and the food you eat to help your hangover!<br />
I'm not perfect when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, no one is. But, as I always say, it is about being good most of the time, and having a treat once in a while.<br />
We went away over the weekend to stay in Nottingham, and whilst I knew I wouldn't be able to eat the balanced diet I normally do, I tried as best as I could. I practiced what I preached when it came to the buffet and treated myself to a bit of dessert. The fruit kebabs dipped in chocolate were definitely worth it. Nottingham being full of hills helped a little to burn it off after.<br />
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A pretty big night out was planned, which I knew meant drinking. I try not to drink too often, and I don't see anything wrong with a couple of social glasses of wine every so often, but that is because I have reached my goal. In my opinion, I know some people will disagree, if you are serious about weight loss, you shouldn't drink at all for a while. When I first started losing weight, I gave up drinking. I didn't drink for 6 months and it was the best decision I made. For a start, I was drinking cider before that and what a huge amount of calories that is. Alcohol doesn't provide any nutrients, just a lot of calories and a lot of pain the next morning. If you have half a bottle of wine, that is 250 empty calories that could have been spent on a meal. I'm not going to go into any detail about all the other negative effects alcohol has, like liver damage, as we know all about that.<br />
But, if you like a drink when you socialise, as long as you eat well during the week, a few drinks at the weekend won't do too much damage. The one thing that I always try to remind myself, is that your body will burn off the alcohol before it will burn off fat supplies. So, if you have a lot to drink, but think going to the gym the next day will still aid your weight loss, it won't. All the effort you put in at the gym after drinking will only burn off the calories you drank, and none of the fat you are trying to shift. This is fine if you are just maintaining your weight, as you drink and then burn off just that the next day. But if you are trying to lose fat, drinking is not going to help that.<br />
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If you are going to drink, choose your drinks wisely. When I did start drinking again, I only drank vodka, soda water and lime. It is the lowest calorie drink. Avoid diet fizzy drinks, because of the artificial sweeteners and just go for soda water. White wine and soda is another good option, although a little higher in calories. It goes without saying, avoid pints of cider and beer. Cocktails are also not a great option. You might think because it has fruit juice in it that it is good for you, but they are massively high in calories. Another good idea, is to drink lots of water at the same time. Have a pint of water in between ever alcoholic drink you have. Not only will it ensure you drink less, it will ease the hangover the next day too, trust me.<br />
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There are many people who think that a little bit of alcohol can have all kinds of health benefits, but I am focusing on it in regards to weight loss, which there is no benefit.<br />
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The reason why I think alcohol should be avoided, if you are serious about losing weight, is because, like the title says, I don't think that alcohol is really the problem, it is what you eat after. This is where my problems was, and still is. For most people, alcohol increases your appetite and when drunk, you are less likely to make good food choices. How many times after drinking, or when hungover have you really craved a salad? You don't. You crave comfort food, and that means loads of calories. If you are going to eat badly, try and make the best choices you can. Our drunken food of choice last night was subway - much better choice (if choosing the right filling) than a dirty kebab or deep fried chips. I made sure to have wheat bread and loads of salad in it, to make it the best choice I possibly could. I skipped on the fizzy drink with it and just had a water.<br />
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That would have been fine, but then we found a Greggs bakery that was open until 4am, and we wanted cake. We shared a muffin and cornflake cake, so it could have been worse. But, when sober, I would never make those food choices in one day. Especially after having been to a buffet at lunch. But, I had eaten well for 2 weeks before that, I had planned for it, and I made the best choices I could.<br />
It's not just the food you eat the night you are drinking, it's the food you eat when hungover. You wake up with a mouth that feels like a carpet and you just want to sit in front of the TV all day and eat junk food. That just isn't going to be good for you. The first thing we did when we woke up was drink lots of water and eat a banana. When you drink alcohol, your bodies potassium levels lower, which is one of the reaons you feel so bad the next day. Bananas are really high in potassium, so although they won't cure the hangover, they will make you feel a lot better. They are also high in potassium, which will help that thumping headache you have woken up with.<br />
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So, one of the points of this blog was to try and give healthier alternatives to the foods we love. When I am hungover, I crave food like burgers and chips. When we got back home today, this is what I made. But I made it as healthy as I possibly can.<br />
Here is my recipe for <b>mushroom and halloumi burgers with sweet potato wedges.</b><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
- 2 sweet potatoes<br />
- Paprika<br />
- Cayenne pepper<br />
- 2 portobello mushrooms<br />
- 4 slices of halloumi cheese<br />
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1) Peel the potatoes<br />
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2) Cut into chips/wedges<br />
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3) Boil the chips for 10 minutes<br />
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4) Drain them and put onto a baking tray, spray with fry-lite and sprinkle with paprika and Cayenne pepper and bake at 220C for 40 minutes.<br />
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5) After they have been in the oven for 25 minutes, grill the portobello mushrooms and halloumi slices for the remaining 15 minutes and then serve with salad.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJeGlssk5jI2XMYh2jVhyphenhyphenzPaQ9Ql6FsoBYoXhh4QzXizwrrO627Cvl-F1YP_XJq8QiPypJ5Uq0euuYdVG5Py4lDBsRy06DJUxmMB1yVhIOxjJZKOtgnEdqkeA_4Ti_q_oZbmQfI_zVVdo/s1600/DSCF8679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJeGlssk5jI2XMYh2jVhyphenhyphenzPaQ9Ql6FsoBYoXhh4QzXizwrrO627Cvl-F1YP_XJq8QiPypJ5Uq0euuYdVG5Py4lDBsRy06DJUxmMB1yVhIOxjJZKOtgnEdqkeA_4Ti_q_oZbmQfI_zVVdo/s320/DSCF8679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If you do drink, try to just have a few, make good food choices, drink a lot of water, and don't walk into anything....I have a bruise all the way up my arm!Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-56070864325735644392011-03-11T14:54:00.000-08:002011-03-11T15:00:52.112-08:00How to eat healthily at a buffet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBufsq_TKT31RiWpJUBeSbhUMmS956fsyqNwLlVohXSHk8pF-avhiBEK45qFpbC2XC5zbmRzm7Os5RBkqdCmor5I2tjb4pmsLSbamU_4xJqpviyEVBolKi4AboKqu11ttr1H8qzAszpQ6-/s1600/buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBufsq_TKT31RiWpJUBeSbhUMmS956fsyqNwLlVohXSHk8pF-avhiBEK45qFpbC2XC5zbmRzm7Os5RBkqdCmor5I2tjb4pmsLSbamU_4xJqpviyEVBolKi4AboKqu11ttr1H8qzAszpQ6-/s320/buffet.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">In times of frugality, all you can eat buffets appeal to a lot of us. Instead of stopping when we are full, we continue to eat until we are bursting. Why? Well....we want our moneys worth. Whilst there is logic to this, it is not going to do your body any good. I have been guilty of doing this many times myself, but I am still going to be paying the same amount of money, regardless of how much of the food I eat, so why stuff myself with too many calories, when I could have a normal sized meal and stay healthy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no reason why you shouldn't go to a buffet. They are great. You get to sample lots of different types of food, so you can have a little bit of everything - and that is how it should be. A <b>little</b> bit of everything. I am going to a buffet tomorrow. It is going to be my "treat", which I have every 2-3 weeks. But that doesn't mean I am going to binge, as that would undo everything. You can eat healthily (or not too badly) at a buffet, and this is how I do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">1) <b>Fill up on salad - </b>You can pretty much guarantee that a buffet will have a salad bar, so make the most of it. This doesn't mean you have to sit there with a big plate of just lettuce leaves whilst everyone around you is eating a deep-fried heart attack. Salad is so much more than lettuce. You will usually find marinated king prawns, sugar-snap peas, broccoli in dressing, mixed bean salad, cheese, cous cous, peppers and loads more tasty, filling and healthy foods. Having this at the beginning of the buffet will help you make better choices the rest of the time, mainly because you will be nearly full. Don't see it as just healthy food. Salad buffets are amazing - just watch the salad dressings. Always go for a simple vinaigrette over a creamy dressing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">2) <b>Skip the bread - </b>There is always bread at buffets. The reason? It's cheap and they know it will fill you up so you don't eat much of the more expensive stuff. The bread is nearly always white bread, which is not good for you, and in my opinion is a total waste of calories. You are most likely going to dip it in something so it doesn't taste like bread. Save yourself for something more substantial, better tasting and generally better for you.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Txux8dITUxDX9zY2hjLo6YBObVL4JLr5cEPtJbU7HVAhD_VCz6DJxBqmKGrqhcHZP7b3KWvrj2AqZ6GTHd7TnCqxPHHwybMRQR8cslkjV7S24iGSIzhDuD51jOPYnZP59X3HiJNZRCR3/s1600/3124305850_4642121c10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Txux8dITUxDX9zY2hjLo6YBObVL4JLr5cEPtJbU7HVAhD_VCz6DJxBqmKGrqhcHZP7b3KWvrj2AqZ6GTHd7TnCqxPHHwybMRQR8cslkjV7S24iGSIzhDuD51jOPYnZP59X3HiJNZRCR3/s320/3124305850_4642121c10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">3) <b>Drink water - </b>You are going to be drinking a lot. The reason for this is because buffets put LOADS of salt in their food so you buy more drinks. Don't fall for it. Just drink water, as again, drinking fizzy drinks (apart from being incredibly bad for you) is wasted calories and will fill you up. You didn't go to a buffet to get filled up on coke did you? Drinking a glass of water before you even hit the buffet will fill you up a bit, so you don't pile your plate so high.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQKAEiijlhAs8BSIZVSuAtGw-rQ85rCE-NbBpK143pw_cicdspvYV0gqhX2xFsmid6t8ytz6QABnak3Sr890J1yNi1zsUnYfKJ-PtO6BxnjGKYabp1zEOmdqHUxjI9Y_v7kyi-sOfV6Ew/s1600/straw+glass+smalll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQKAEiijlhAs8BSIZVSuAtGw-rQ85rCE-NbBpK143pw_cicdspvYV0gqhX2xFsmid6t8ytz6QABnak3Sr890J1yNi1zsUnYfKJ-PtO6BxnjGKYabp1zEOmdqHUxjI9Y_v7kyi-sOfV6Ew/s320/straw+glass+smalll.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">4) <b>Look at everything on offer at the buffet before putting anything on your plate - </b>If you just go to the start and start putting stuff on your plate before you have seen everything that is on offer, by the time you get the the end of the buffet line you will have way too much stuff on your plate. By looking at everything on offer first, you can make a decision on what is your favourite stuff out of it all, and what you really want to eat. Otherwise you will just end up eating everything on your plate just because it is there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">5) <b>Go for protein</b> - protein is filling and good for you, so it is a good choice at the buffet. Choose grilled chicken breast and eggs over high fat items like pizza and chips.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN8mXqwjQj5M45sskPvIitWvu9CY5QuAu7T_XKlH4HRKSaEG9OryeUp2HVpVePFmi18j0fVjtSfqrbxNUgezA-IAZtc0liMtj-1bHWpVC88cnnRFFjJJH9FogC0J60JbMn78XQ55zi9ZZ/s1600/chicken-breast-oh-1904976-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN8mXqwjQj5M45sskPvIitWvu9CY5QuAu7T_XKlH4HRKSaEG9OryeUp2HVpVePFmi18j0fVjtSfqrbxNUgezA-IAZtc0liMtj-1bHWpVC88cnnRFFjJJH9FogC0J60JbMn78XQ55zi9ZZ/s1600/chicken-breast-oh-1904976-l.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">6) <b>Just a little bit - </b>As I always say, you need to eat a little bit of what you fancy. If you don't you will eventually cave and eat too much of it. So, at a buffet, if you fancy some pizza or fried chicken or curry, then have some, but only put a couple of bites of each of those things on your plate. If it is not there, then you won't eat it. Really enjoy each of those bites and savour them. You still get to enjoy the foods you love, but in moderation. My buffet plate always has tiny portions of all the things I love, so I don't miss out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">7)<b> Soup - </b>This can be a really good option at a buffet. Soup is filling and a lot of the time it can be healthy. Make sure you check what soup it is though. Vegetable soup is best, but watch that is doesn't have cream in it. Again - skip the bread. Studies have also shown that people who eat soup before their main course end up eating less in the main.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCpKjcp-XReVMKCu7lItyzMxa0RaVvayfZT2sTQ_gdVuHOMiLaTWp7UllJ4UH3cWfSFqevBpvR_BLYApIWtfuAX09Z1hM0qUIh0nAEXceSV0qD_P466emj-geLguspFnrEDSAMQQ5gVuN/s1600/homemade_soup_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCpKjcp-XReVMKCu7lItyzMxa0RaVvayfZT2sTQ_gdVuHOMiLaTWp7UllJ4UH3cWfSFqevBpvR_BLYApIWtfuAX09Z1hM0qUIh0nAEXceSV0qD_P466emj-geLguspFnrEDSAMQQ5gVuN/s320/homemade_soup_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">8) <b>Eat slowly - </b>It takes your brain 30 minutes to realise it is full, and eating at a buffet can make this even more dangerous. You try to eat as much as you possibly can and you don't realise you are full until it's too late, and you feel ill. Take a pause after every couple of mouthfuls, have a drink of water, talk to the people you are eating with. It will make a difference.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i-NT41xYOy-fJQ3kBeSQ7KqXFuj1iKnaKRBnyOl_0kvrqt2OJcb1zUnjoa0KJI19jmTSzIUTCNZycihN77EspS8btXQay4gBy59Jhw8xzUN_REZEfYx79h5gtBj0F2-9VD3AofZkZHjK/s1600/Fast+Eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i-NT41xYOy-fJQ3kBeSQ7KqXFuj1iKnaKRBnyOl_0kvrqt2OJcb1zUnjoa0KJI19jmTSzIUTCNZycihN77EspS8btXQay4gBy59Jhw8xzUN_REZEfYx79h5gtBj0F2-9VD3AofZkZHjK/s320/Fast+Eating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">9) <b>Avoid anything crispy - </b>Do I really need to explain? Anything that is crunchy or crispy or covered in batter is going to be full of calories and fat. Just don't do it. Wouldn't you much rather have a little bit of cake for dessert?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_TWqxwLMOiX49YZ_LXVD3THeiACBQT7bnFh5n5N7wabGgFqlCRgjhz4P6Ex5gAXeqZeoNpg9d1UkJ29RFjo-Ylt2V_s0O8KdCKC02BWp2MtmDxcmC328H1DWDh-zKjH2xafKp5ONVvLJ/s1600/65327_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_TWqxwLMOiX49YZ_LXVD3THeiACBQT7bnFh5n5N7wabGgFqlCRgjhz4P6Ex5gAXeqZeoNpg9d1UkJ29RFjo-Ylt2V_s0O8KdCKC02BWp2MtmDxcmC328H1DWDh-zKjH2xafKp5ONVvLJ/s320/65327_f520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">10) <b>Go for foods you don't normally eat at home - </b>If you are going to eat something that is a little bit unhealthy, as a treat, then make it something different. What is the point of getting pizza, when you could just eat that at home. Make the most of eating out, and eat new foods.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4ixZWEf06d_ee_VgNK2_SqCCAc6gh2aXnH8HcHPQB1B6x0i8N7WnOUDrqFHtKWUzmRTW_MSxQ-k1tqztzDEiA_HyxegZT32gTzBYuEfknNwYpIU6PLyEO_LcJlhha8o9b5r3qhATE_RL/s1600/buy_beef_back_ribs_from_online_butcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4ixZWEf06d_ee_VgNK2_SqCCAc6gh2aXnH8HcHPQB1B6x0i8N7WnOUDrqFHtKWUzmRTW_MSxQ-k1tqztzDEiA_HyxegZT32gTzBYuEfknNwYpIU6PLyEO_LcJlhha8o9b5r3qhATE_RL/s320/buy_beef_back_ribs_from_online_butcher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">11) <b>Dessert! - </b>This is normally peoples favourite part of a buffet. The opportunity to eat cakes and ice cream makes you feel like a kid again. Once again, eating healthily doesn't mean you can't enjoy a little bit of dessert. Get a small plate for your dessert and cover most of it with fruit. This will give you something sweet without all the calories. Choose which cake you REALLY want, and cut off a small peice. Alternatively, get a plate of cakes for the table, and you can all share.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgV4-_14uPFULRSzZyNbAyJSaTsyJKKPbsgmCr_pBhpIrfdF0qDbFTt6BrTE7aRK8TO51lsv5VrZ-JvDXL6ECaMHUQDpAK8c9jadt0HwNDRUGIYDhhQsodutAOYLvKpBHP5N6lLiqAxLj/s1600/Cake+and+Fruit+Mixed+Platter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgV4-_14uPFULRSzZyNbAyJSaTsyJKKPbsgmCr_pBhpIrfdF0qDbFTt6BrTE7aRK8TO51lsv5VrZ-JvDXL6ECaMHUQDpAK8c9jadt0HwNDRUGIYDhhQsodutAOYLvKpBHP5N6lLiqAxLj/s320/Cake+and+Fruit+Mixed+Platter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Eating out is a luxury, so treat it that way. Enjoy yourself and eat the things you like, but just have little portions of them and enjoy every mouthful. I shall enjoy mine tomorrow, on behalf of you all.</span>Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-36126933541192940852011-03-10T14:52:00.000-08:002011-03-10T14:59:02.422-08:00MotivationIt goes without saying, if you want to lead a healthy lifestyle, you need the motivation to see it through. It's the same with anything. If you want to give up smoking, how are you going to do it if you don't have the motivation to see it through?<br />
So, I thought I would write this blog about what motivates me to continue to eat healthy and not just throw it in and eat ALL the things I crave. The most obvious thing that motivates me, is the fact that I want a healthy body and healthy mind. The only way to do that is to eat right and exercise. I am also motivated by how far I have come. To throw it all away now would be a complete waste.<br />
Since starting this blog, I have been more motivated than ever. I have had so many nice messages from people saying that they love reading this blog and that it motivates them too. Some have even said that it is inspirational. To be told your writing is inspirational is definitely a motivator to continue to eat well, so I can blog about it.<br />
But, I thought I would write down more specifics on the things I do to keep motivated.<br />
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1) <b>Photos you hate</b> - nothing stops you going into the fridge for that snack you don't need like a photo of yourself you really hate. Is there a photo you have seen of yourself that made you think "I really need to change what I eat"? Then stick it on your fridge or make it your desktop picture. Every time you want to eat something you know you shouldn't, just look at that picture and tell yourself you don't want to be like that anymore, or you don't want to go back to that.<br />
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2) <b>Photo you love</b> - a photo that you love is equally motivational. Whether it is a picture of yourself at a size you want to get back to, or a picture of someone you want to look like. Whilst I don't overly agree with looking up to celebrities, that is mainly because young girls end up looking up to size 0 women who don't portray a healthy body image. I admire women who have a women's body, and that means curves. Rihanna is gorgeous, and this picture is going to go on my fridge to stop me eating when I am bored.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxiIMeHpaDHMlEpa7O67LYyFWSzYtddTv9ASBe8lwpNmAAbFXo1U0sofkJmjomtiOwWzGBDFQGGGVZSDZMOiMYGWsvaBS22Ep2DOTY6-HPe35EymBkEtCFVZB8SPzlTICp7VBlQVhNKlt/s1600/rihanna-bikini-1-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxiIMeHpaDHMlEpa7O67LYyFWSzYtddTv9ASBe8lwpNmAAbFXo1U0sofkJmjomtiOwWzGBDFQGGGVZSDZMOiMYGWsvaBS22Ep2DOTY6-HPe35EymBkEtCFVZB8SPzlTICp7VBlQVhNKlt/s320/rihanna-bikini-1-07.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
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3) <b>An event you want to look good for</b> - There are a lot of people who change their diet because they want to feel more comfortable with themselves, or look better for a big event. It could be fitting into a new dress for your birthday, a holiday, or in my case......your wedding. Nothing kicks your arse into gear like having an impending wedding dress fitting. Whilst I don't want to lose any weight, I do want to tone up a hell of a lot. My dress is very fitted and will show up a lot of things I don't want it to at the moment. I am getting married to the most amazing guy in 9 weeks time and what with wanting to look good in my dress, there is the honeymoon 4 months after. As it goes, I have just started writing for an awesome American wedding blog. Go check out my post and look round the rest of the website too, it has some great stuff on it:<br />
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<h6 class="uiStreamMessage"><span class="messageBody"><a href="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/3-things-you-didnt-know-about-uk-weddings/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.intimateweddings.co<span class="word_break"></span>m/blog/3-things-you-didnt-know<span class="word_break"></span>-about-uk-weddings/</a></span></h6><br />
It is good to set yourself a target in regards to weight loss, or toning up. Just make sure it is realistic. You are not going to lose 3 stone in 10 weeks. You will lose around 1-2lbs a week, and this is the healthy rate to lose weight as well. Yes, Yes, you may lose 6lbs the first and second week, but TRUST me....it won't carry on like that, and if you have set yourself an unrealistic target, that you won't meet, you will end up being disappointed, which in my experience....leads to binge eating. Not good. So if you have an event coming up that you want to look good for, keep that in mind when making food choices. But remember that it is still okay to have a treat every now and then, it won't ruin anything.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fym-RrnL8TH0dzKyiGQkWjiqm8JMkH-eCDD5U9X0TqEA18dUQMaqX-efGlENn7LBSIqBURBA_HCefObtSbTp5NTBHdxrWuzegXDVnoubwF-zLH3ollWB0Yk2wantp8b6QVY2k44vEfyl/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fym-RrnL8TH0dzKyiGQkWjiqm8JMkH-eCDD5U9X0TqEA18dUQMaqX-efGlENn7LBSIqBURBA_HCefObtSbTp5NTBHdxrWuzegXDVnoubwF-zLH3ollWB0Yk2wantp8b6QVY2k44vEfyl/s1600/wedding.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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4) <b>Motivation from those around you</b> - It is REALLY difficult to make changes to your diet if those around you are not supportive of it, especially those you are living with. I was, and am, very lucky that Dave (my Fiance, who I live with) was, and is, incredibly supportive when it comes to me wanting to eat well. He sees the importance of a healthy diet too, so doesn't sit there eating pizza and cake in front of me. He eats the same stuff as me as he knows how important it is to me and both of our health. When I first changed what I ate, because of heart problems, I found it really difficult. I have an addictive personality and wanted to binge eat so much, despite how ill it made me. Instead of caving in to my demands for take-aways and cakes, he distracted me and helped me through it as he knew it was better for my health. To be honest, I am not sure my own willpower would have been enough to get me through it at the beginning. It sounds like I am talking about crack or something, but I truly believe food is addictive. It's all the crap that goes into processed food, it makes you crave it so much and it is so easy to give in to, especially if you are eating for emotional reasons. If you have someone in your life that is not supportive of you wanting to change what you eat, then tell them how important it is to you. They love you, so they will want what is best for you. Plus, cooking together is fun!<br />
If the people around you are not supportive, then turn to strangers on the Internet. Sometimes strangers are the best listeners. There are loads of great diet support forums on the Internet, full of people that know what you are going through and you can pick up loads of great tips. Try Minimins - that's my favourite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7n26QmdRXip0yjcPl9S9jOXPXzfKymcQeLr37iBl1HyspCMdmOQHimf0WlIITh4RivsSy7j-SDIjF9dz4nqM5eyRaKTvjHRc96iO2mxoN6E3UzKTB69F9EUZe-85-sca7tr9VEbTmSlv/s1600/help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7n26QmdRXip0yjcPl9S9jOXPXzfKymcQeLr37iBl1HyspCMdmOQHimf0WlIITh4RivsSy7j-SDIjF9dz4nqM5eyRaKTvjHRc96iO2mxoN6E3UzKTB69F9EUZe-85-sca7tr9VEbTmSlv/s320/help.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>5) <b>Diamonds</b> - If you have someone rich enough to buy you diamonds when you reach your goal, then I imagine it is a great motivation!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zTt7hKCtvcGbAc43nTLoJLO5FkYf9-JazXLW_Oo6BeBf1UbDzjkb1GGTw_8mbVgD9z-Hpq9qqjLO52CazeKDGXt6QYGGd0Pt00h-nR_Lq9zYrQCXt3RjrMoxWwaZakQPCm2KV_xhAYcn/s1600/diamond_brillanten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zTt7hKCtvcGbAc43nTLoJLO5FkYf9-JazXLW_Oo6BeBf1UbDzjkb1GGTw_8mbVgD9z-Hpq9qqjLO52CazeKDGXt6QYGGd0Pt00h-nR_Lq9zYrQCXt3RjrMoxWwaZakQPCm2KV_xhAYcn/s1600/diamond_brillanten.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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6) <b>Reward yourself</b> - In the beginning of my weight loss, I got into the VERY bad habit of rewarding my weight loss with food. It sounds so stupid, but I know so many people that do it too. it is easy to convince yourself that because you have been so good all week, and lost 2lbs, you can treat yourself to a day of take-away, ice cream, cake etc. Whilst it is important to treat yourself every now and again, rewarding yourself with food links food with emotions too much, and that is not a good road to go down. You should definitely reward yourself though! Changing your eating habits, and losing weight (if you need to) is a massive achievement and you deserve a reward. Instead of a food reward, buy yourself some new shoes, or a trip to the spa. These things will make you feel good, without undoing all your good work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhLqWhs0JyMzJ3iZ8_0b0ZgC0psZF903H9VRnnVjAwIauU_LY_CdZbZH46rJ_btIbtQs3Ddw3DzEjy2tf6MQuvzP8uqz994XGy7ykWpFdI7GZnSoc6r5lKekoA83m8fXG9BjqHH0BteL6/s1600/Christian-Louboutin-shoes-Declic.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhLqWhs0JyMzJ3iZ8_0b0ZgC0psZF903H9VRnnVjAwIauU_LY_CdZbZH46rJ_btIbtQs3Ddw3DzEjy2tf6MQuvzP8uqz994XGy7ykWpFdI7GZnSoc6r5lKekoA83m8fXG9BjqHH0BteL6/s1600/Christian-Louboutin-shoes-Declic.gif" /></a></div><br />
7) <b>Keep a food diary</b> - Write down everything you eat, and when you eat it. You might think you are eating well, until you see it all written down. I didn't realise just how much I was eating. I also think writing down your emotions you felt before and after eating is helpful. It helps you identify why you are eating. This is a great diary to print off and fill in each day:<br />
http://www.personal-nutrition-guide.com/support-files/food_mood_journal.pdf<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZQKQ2YgbbIkrgZXDK90JHbyYbR-yyRtdc-ymOGrN26rDqx6pis3w3YEKUKmr7xcgcFCiH2G_1ZYFzx7V8d9G39TwcA9D6Iy1eXAGW3bkdVM395wd68vK6NnFL6zaDataefAXQYn0lQ9J/s1600/free-printable-food-diary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZQKQ2YgbbIkrgZXDK90JHbyYbR-yyRtdc-ymOGrN26rDqx6pis3w3YEKUKmr7xcgcFCiH2G_1ZYFzx7V8d9G39TwcA9D6Iy1eXAGW3bkdVM395wd68vK6NnFL6zaDataefAXQYn0lQ9J/s320/free-printable-food-diary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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8) <b>Keep one item from your "big clothes"</b> - sometimes (stupidly, I know), I think that I don't look much different from before I changed what I ate. I know I do, I weight 7 stone less, so I damn well should do. But, when I think these things, I go to the back of my cupboard and pull out my size 22 jeans and put them on. I can actually get both my legs into just one of the legs. This is possibly the best motivation to stick at it and not throw it all away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cxYZhqfdlTHPPMoDTRw4dFQf3s9XrCodO9tru_e56YJyUyDWzpMyZTR2xB25JxFTcnC0NV5RNkqbyCJzA9qmTjUQA54g6O_0D881zEF8E7w17IRRj2yQIGyvCwqyPuiuoI9XWhJxFUcQ/s1600/4900020617_d6b12b9393_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cxYZhqfdlTHPPMoDTRw4dFQf3s9XrCodO9tru_e56YJyUyDWzpMyZTR2xB25JxFTcnC0NV5RNkqbyCJzA9qmTjUQA54g6O_0D881zEF8E7w17IRRj2yQIGyvCwqyPuiuoI9XWhJxFUcQ/s320/4900020617_d6b12b9393_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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You need to find whatever motivates you. It's all well and good me saying what motivates me to not binge on cheese, but this might not work for you. Find what works for you, and remind yourself of it. It will make the world of difference.Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-89859189061884298702011-03-08T11:18:00.000-08:002011-03-08T11:26:01.604-08:00Happy Healthy Pancake Day!!!As I am sure you are all well aware, it is pancake day! For those of us that are trying to stay healthy, it either leaves us feeling terribly guilty for eating that huge stack of pancakes covered in sugar, or if you do have the willpower to avoid pancakes, you will be left feeling miserable and disappointed. It doesn't have to be this way. Who wants to feel guilty or miserable about eating? And who wants to miss out on pancakes? Not me, that's for sure. So, being as health conscious as I am, I always try and adapt recipes to make them as healthy as I possibly can and this is exactly what I have done with these pancakes. Here is the thing though....it was never the pancake that was particularly unhealthy in the first place. It is what you top it with that is normally every ones downfall. Whilst chocolate spread, sugar and golden syrup might seem like the perfect pancake topping, all that sugar and processed crap is no good for your health. So why not top it with healthy things, so you can still enjoy pancakes and not feel an ounce of guilt. I am sure some of you are reading this and thinking "but I don't feel guilty about eating normal pancakes with fatty toppings". That may be the case, but I am sure your insides are suffering.<br />
How have I made the pancakes healthier? Well, a traditional pancake recipe will use butter to grease the pan. I have used fry-lite (you might be able to tell, I kind of love this stuff). It also uses all of the egg. Whilst I do love eggs, I managed to figure out how to make pancakes with just egg white. Seeing as all the saturated fat is in the yolk, you are saving loads of fat. I used skimmed milk instead of full-fat and I also used 0% fat yogurt to make them a bit creamier. The main thing that makes them healthier, is I didn't use white flour. I will blog in more detail another time about my hatred of white flour, and how I avoid cooking with it as much as possible. I used wholemeal flour instead, which is much better for you and it still tastes great.<br />
They do taste "healthy", but I don't see that as a bad thing!<br />
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<b>Wholewheat Pancakes - serves 2 (about 4-5 pancakes)</b><br />
Ingredients:<br />
- 125 g wholemeal flour<br />
- 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda<br />
- 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
- 1 tsp Cinnamon (you can leave this out if you don't like it - but I love it!!)<br />
- 150ml skimmed milk<br />
- 1 egg white<br />
- 70ml non fat yogurt<br />
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1) Combine all the dry ingredients together in a bowl<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu74EzRhpNskhuTg-Joxq5mxC50zbswh7oInPLMlKrqwASBunm1UEzDxVcJ_EEr8PdhPouNMnUDrj3CpYzz9UD55RIglAch0eX5MJlpKJ3tSoyui5MxKA2Ahb2Nyn07-dwYN-8yqdhuglq/s1600/DSCF8449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu74EzRhpNskhuTg-Joxq5mxC50zbswh7oInPLMlKrqwASBunm1UEzDxVcJ_EEr8PdhPouNMnUDrj3CpYzz9UD55RIglAch0eX5MJlpKJ3tSoyui5MxKA2Ahb2Nyn07-dwYN-8yqdhuglq/s320/DSCF8449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>2) Combine all the wet ingredients together<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUGzC3uqk9W4-Qp7klAXFkjqZ9URtxGTr5nqC_a5jDVVam8Qa92vrjRrTTHFLJDtVXdUdPfWqgWRuNkL0IY34iwd6DIaLush6dlnF-oo9JDRa6MJGTSGjGmyoNSQaQjIpCZoi6n-aALMa/s1600/DSCF8450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUGzC3uqk9W4-Qp7klAXFkjqZ9URtxGTr5nqC_a5jDVVam8Qa92vrjRrTTHFLJDtVXdUdPfWqgWRuNkL0IY34iwd6DIaLush6dlnF-oo9JDRa6MJGTSGjGmyoNSQaQjIpCZoi6n-aALMa/s320/DSCF8450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>3) Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and whisk until smooth<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsqHzX-KKL5-SdD-V6c4Z3HuolZoWMR6yZhXB8XC8C5pChT_88dX_5XGkKACP3ei4W6cPI4JMnX2J8pq5kzr8O9hKVbT7feYZnxcQmc6wAYmA1z4lHVQScR_lTRgfo5Gd_2jd8HMdUEmr/s1600/DSCF8451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsqHzX-KKL5-SdD-V6c4Z3HuolZoWMR6yZhXB8XC8C5pChT_88dX_5XGkKACP3ei4W6cPI4JMnX2J8pq5kzr8O9hKVbT7feYZnxcQmc6wAYmA1z4lHVQScR_lTRgfo5Gd_2jd8HMdUEmr/s320/DSCF8451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
4) Add a couple of sprays of fry-lite into a pan and pour in some mixture. Spread it round to desired consistency.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUoLmtUExXKqFLkxtoMZKOZQvRSiV7zTG_weHV8TSSMHhwmhc1fS7BZXiXkhjQWJkpnFLRqzuMUgmDbxaTawNP4c7seK3rlgIBoHxdSOKHxQEziOmhUIZDC4FJWONqrcBsuwUvtQeqjr6/s1600/DSCF8452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUoLmtUExXKqFLkxtoMZKOZQvRSiV7zTG_weHV8TSSMHhwmhc1fS7BZXiXkhjQWJkpnFLRqzuMUgmDbxaTawNP4c7seK3rlgIBoHxdSOKHxQEziOmhUIZDC4FJWONqrcBsuwUvtQeqjr6/s320/DSCF8452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>5) Once the mixture starts to bubble (1 minute), flip the pancake over. Use a spatula if you are scared ;) I prefer to throw it in the air!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtPD7rNL-a-EKdMfp9e9qRKSgT4y4fXN_EBC865z28fbF_YXKtk_DSvgsWlRk6Ar7ZTEWiUu4ZpIiiQftIfbOig2tRW4myKtRK8lkeSzWD2C0zYJaU2uO7j_TFCptlGJ9OC5HaXhPTrua/s1600/DSCF8453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtPD7rNL-a-EKdMfp9e9qRKSgT4y4fXN_EBC865z28fbF_YXKtk_DSvgsWlRk6Ar7ZTEWiUu4ZpIiiQftIfbOig2tRW4myKtRK8lkeSzWD2C0zYJaU2uO7j_TFCptlGJ9OC5HaXhPTrua/s320/DSCF8453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>6) Put onto a plate<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPFOqF_QF5s00Fc4ZHSI-Vja6TCE-uqFD-rCziywsJK2nu66zJPSQjUJQxZOpIOBkSn_L_hKPafKYAA6SUaKtlrMu0d7wFRI_dUHCMMbENKQQoveQFl3NTZ5UTPsf1ziD-Qr32C8i578p/s1600/DSCF8455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPFOqF_QF5s00Fc4ZHSI-Vja6TCE-uqFD-rCziywsJK2nu66zJPSQjUJQxZOpIOBkSn_L_hKPafKYAA6SUaKtlrMu0d7wFRI_dUHCMMbENKQQoveQFl3NTZ5UTPsf1ziD-Qr32C8i578p/s320/DSCF8455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>7) Add toppings and EAT!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooOFC0PiHRspr2K2MOhlpfJGHaFnr5kIaOLLZSwusgfHn28dlNmLQRjpczheY86kug1hJWDSsAthziQy1AS8yqSoVa9qpA9uQYVEUbCzA26_KICmaDd5YkWddk3oTgsBrEDOsjiMtxCQs/s1600/DSCF8458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooOFC0PiHRspr2K2MOhlpfJGHaFnr5kIaOLLZSwusgfHn28dlNmLQRjpczheY86kug1hJWDSsAthziQy1AS8yqSoVa9qpA9uQYVEUbCzA26_KICmaDd5YkWddk3oTgsBrEDOsjiMtxCQs/s320/DSCF8458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I topped mine with natural peanut butter (it is just peanuts, nothing added to it), lemon juice and strawberries.<br />
Other healthy topping choices are:<br />
- Any fruit. Warm a banana in the oven and mash it into the pancake. Also, any berry or stewed apples work well.<br />
- Honey or agave (will blog about agave another day)<br />
- Light coconut milk<br />
- Raisins<br />
- Nuts<br />
- Coconut flakes<br />
- Fruit puree (kind of like jam, but just pure pureed fruit)<br />
- Chopped nuts<br />
- Yogurt<br />
If you do want chocolate, buy 85% dark chocolate, melt it and drizzle a little over the pancakes and add loads of fruit.<br />
Once again, everything in moderation. Just because these pancakes are a healthy alternative to traditional recipes, doesn't mean you can eat 10 of them and it not negatively affect you. But, if you have a couple, with healthy toppings, then they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.<br />
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Enjoy<br />
xxImages_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-16446337791655161122011-03-06T12:23:00.000-08:002011-03-06T12:23:45.670-08:00Courgettes! (Recipe)Whether you call them courgettes or Zucchini, they are a pretty awesome fruit and can be used in so many savoury dishes. Once again, the health benefits are huge! They are really low in calories and fat and are about 90% water. They are full of vitamin C, A, folate and potassium. They also do not contain any cholesterol.<br />
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<span class="tl">There is so much you can do with them. From the traditional ratatouille or roasted vegetables, to a topping on cous cous and salads, or in pasta dishes. You can even make chips out of them. However, what I love to do with them, is use them as a replacement for pasta in a lasagna. It's not because I think carbs are bad and I avoid pasta (I will post about my love of carbs another time), but, pasta does tend to bloat me, and if I can easily substitute it in a dish, then I am going to. Plus, I love courgettes and any place I can use them, I will. This recipe for lasagna is a little different than most, as it does not use mince. It is a salmon and prawn lasagna. It does sound a bit odd, and it was a total experiment. But, trust me! It really does taste good. I'm not going to lie, it does take a long time to make (about and hour and a half in total), but it is totally worth it, and it makes about 6 portions, so you can freeze some and it gives you a quick and easy meal in the week. The most unhealthy thing in this recipe is the cheese and the roux (white sauce), but I used reduced fat cheese and skimmed milk, so you can feel less guilty. I have no idea of the calories in each portion, but if I had to guess, I would say it is about 400 calories per portion. Serve it with a massive salad and you have yourself a very filling meal. So, here goes....it's a pretty long recipe.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="tl"><b>Prawn and Salmon Lasagna (made with courgette instead of pasta)</b></span><br />
<span class="tl">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span class="tl"><b> </b>- 6 courgettes (but this will vary depending on the dish you are using)</span><br />
<span class="tl">- 2 salmon fillets</span><br />
<span class="tl">- 1 pack of fresh prawns</span><br />
<span class="tl">- 1 bag of spinach</span><br />
<span class="tl">- 500g mushrooms, sliced</span><br />
<span class="tl">- 1 large onion, diced</span><br />
<span class="tl">- 4 garlic cloves, crushed</span><br />
<span class="tl">- 1 box of passata</span><br />
<span class="tl"><b> </b>- 40g plain flour</span><br />
<span class="tl">- 40g butter</span><br />
<span class="tl">- 290ml skimmed milk</span><br />
<span class="tl">- Reduced fat mozzarella cheese</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="tl">1) Cook salmon and cut up into flakes</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYg2Xchkwl1knDjYUFn0c9HqAm-TKKavCXJ-ptrqUQiTwr33qIei8xrKNsGUpk4pFp1y7gbPtBPREIEFPUTglQXYHS6mFu1Vcfhv2eXQtVmZ9_4NoTgE6SRdk8QmB3SHgDgjlez1065Qb/s1600/DSCF8366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYg2Xchkwl1knDjYUFn0c9HqAm-TKKavCXJ-ptrqUQiTwr33qIei8xrKNsGUpk4pFp1y7gbPtBPREIEFPUTglQXYHS6mFu1Vcfhv2eXQtVmZ9_4NoTgE6SRdk8QmB3SHgDgjlez1065Qb/s320/DSCF8366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="tl">2) Cut the courgettes into slices length ways. You should be able to get about 4 slices out of 1 courgette. Grill the slices. I did mine on a George Foreman, but it would work the same under a grill. On the George Foreman, the slices only took a couple of minute to cook. Once all cooked, set aside.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N7ZGKJFWOHfejaYB8jdZjq1dm6YH6t52psF9WioYEH7eTwVPFabi_FkJeM3HMDYbkrte4nMvifnGwHN60lDOuZYyHr7P63VUG04QZ_HfnuTkkzEcgMAnUxo1DMpG1QCyfQJIlkRO9GNo/s1600/DSCF8360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N7ZGKJFWOHfejaYB8jdZjq1dm6YH6t52psF9WioYEH7eTwVPFabi_FkJeM3HMDYbkrte4nMvifnGwHN60lDOuZYyHr7P63VUG04QZ_HfnuTkkzEcgMAnUxo1DMpG1QCyfQJIlkRO9GNo/s320/DSCF8360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl">3) Cook spinach in boiling water for around 3 minutes, drain and then put aside. I doesn't matter that you are cooking things and letting them cool down, as you will be heating them up again in the oven when the lasagna is assembled.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftVsqsJliy2HWBkSlKhYrvureQMOhBZfAw19fVWXhNz9CkM-nAd8bFjicYMw9ulmp22o2ao84Pvpv6EV060eUCaeqWs8z3wWUPD_0ocKDhhw7B1bP9S9tQaOjFuEbbyXCjmVoHTzbfzCQ/s1600/DSCF8361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftVsqsJliy2HWBkSlKhYrvureQMOhBZfAw19fVWXhNz9CkM-nAd8bFjicYMw9ulmp22o2ao84Pvpv6EV060eUCaeqWs8z3wWUPD_0ocKDhhw7B1bP9S9tQaOjFuEbbyXCjmVoHTzbfzCQ/s320/DSCF8361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl"></span><br />
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<span class="tl">4) Next, fry the onion, mushrooms and garlic in a couple of sprays of fry-lite for around 5 minutes, or until the onions and mushrooms have softened.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY0NlqXUDo7NbIZRoDS-QXSIePcMLc5rnXWtvTYbhPghWA5Dnzv2Ivh-1A5RJq65UqxG8MIyV9No9HM7GOIw9dxMLfJOUXOUlpbN2eMDOfzlVIVSF2MJOotvq0hYa-PGqd2jYGPQc1jVW/s1600/DSCF8362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY0NlqXUDo7NbIZRoDS-QXSIePcMLc5rnXWtvTYbhPghWA5Dnzv2Ivh-1A5RJq65UqxG8MIyV9No9HM7GOIw9dxMLfJOUXOUlpbN2eMDOfzlVIVSF2MJOotvq0hYa-PGqd2jYGPQc1jVW/s320/DSCF8362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl"></span><br />
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<span class="tl">5) Add the passata to the mushroom mixture and then stir in the drained spinach, flaked salmon and prawns. I know it doesn't look very appetising.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn8Bx0eqZnk9zEPJOJdiRLOzEq4wTU6Y11n8DYPJV28dRrtBwBWc-x5LwOjVCYlbixJI6882Cc1FZnmABFgZJQTWoi_1XJ9-mlSPyCw7TkxHwfGWyirI5DCMdW5p2RnHuQuvKRQ7Js2CT/s1600/DSCF8367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn8Bx0eqZnk9zEPJOJdiRLOzEq4wTU6Y11n8DYPJV28dRrtBwBWc-x5LwOjVCYlbixJI6882Cc1FZnmABFgZJQTWoi_1XJ9-mlSPyCw7TkxHwfGWyirI5DCMdW5p2RnHuQuvKRQ7Js2CT/s320/DSCF8367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl">6) Whilst that is cooking, you need to start making your roux. This can be a bit difficult if you have not made one from scratch before, as you have to constantly look after it, but it is pretty simple. You can buy packets of roux/white sauce, but it should only have 3 ingredients and those packet mixes have about 7 extra things in there that will not do you any good. So try and make it yourself :)</span><br />
<span class="tl">Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the flour. Stir until it forms a smooth paste and cook for about 2 minutes. It might look like it's not working, but it will. Pour half the milk in and allow to boil without stirring.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8q1yai2jMUl3bzSQrqAtQAgFyWdo1sZNtlIN7L6GHBlZHnFRbWllQrw0Sj7LgueVaFGsAhg7JVB-1w6KkafQxEK5hb2cR3q8VMMFg-iLPMki-WN21WTbITyowuzIYB9uNsFrzXfgG9WX/s1600/DSCF8369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8q1yai2jMUl3bzSQrqAtQAgFyWdo1sZNtlIN7L6GHBlZHnFRbWllQrw0Sj7LgueVaFGsAhg7JVB-1w6KkafQxEK5hb2cR3q8VMMFg-iLPMki-WN21WTbITyowuzIYB9uNsFrzXfgG9WX/s320/DSCF8369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl"></span><br />
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<span class="tl">Stir the mix until it blends into a smooth paste</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYph3QRQPRbDtj0CMnFr3FIp3DiBnnB0r6iSVTRpzMVr0xqotIZk6bwNkk1gweNtzY8rtQEOvVTB033UwIkDQmXN3NlfJNBHtme4_vsBKKN8sKi0EH0KUQ6E_Nkx11hfMnySuHRRZSiMBs/s1600/DSCF8370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYph3QRQPRbDtj0CMnFr3FIp3DiBnnB0r6iSVTRpzMVr0xqotIZk6bwNkk1gweNtzY8rtQEOvVTB033UwIkDQmXN3NlfJNBHtme4_vsBKKN8sKi0EH0KUQ6E_Nkx11hfMnySuHRRZSiMBs/s320/DSCF8370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl"></span><br />
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<span class="tl">Beat it well and add the remaining milk, beating it well after each bit you add. Cook on a simmer for a further 3-4 minutes, making sure you constantly stir it. It is best to use a non stick pan for this, otherwise it will burn the bottom of your pan.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub0E-xGo6TLFWxbgHJyQHILMqDUJe9qWcHKqbcLJWcijkfdWNsz76XsQrW7VA56vhiH9R4s7g5xeTWoNpNd8UHDpQnn1trnvj5sL-9x4Gygp46dY-g_LpXptQx21Uy1regS5VmRLqN1UD/s1600/DSCF8373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub0E-xGo6TLFWxbgHJyQHILMqDUJe9qWcHKqbcLJWcijkfdWNsz76XsQrW7VA56vhiH9R4s7g5xeTWoNpNd8UHDpQnn1trnvj5sL-9x4Gygp46dY-g_LpXptQx21Uy1regS5VmRLqN1UD/s320/DSCF8373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl"></span><br />
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<span class="tl">7) Whilst the roux is simmering, you can start assembling the lasagna. Pour half of the prawn and salmon mixture into the bottom of the dish you are using.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYNPhQjRXXkVAjKPrQ3NypuoWQpY0EXjOWse6pBUqw1gbOspGnBQfcbrFxn1VUREjglddifUTdsmYSETP25QxDaoGJWW3evrnHeiEabha5UPM8_wf49uWFX95pc6xCUv0plC2iqePJZZQ/s1600/DSCF8371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYNPhQjRXXkVAjKPrQ3NypuoWQpY0EXjOWse6pBUqw1gbOspGnBQfcbrFxn1VUREjglddifUTdsmYSETP25QxDaoGJWW3evrnHeiEabha5UPM8_wf49uWFX95pc6xCUv0plC2iqePJZZQ/s320/DSCF8371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl"></span><br />
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<span class="tl">8) Layer half of the courgette slices over the mixture.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWACGjqZwIofCdFgkVx2aS4pqjYz4Qkm7AuftBDVpdY6yGPQjOuDUwXFyRNvmohF2QawjK91pkYpr8wqGtgZNhH6wIZL9Qs4N_AbER9H8Z-2XZp87YSKpO_SivHsgdikEfeYjdcm41Gl0s/s1600/DSCF8374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWACGjqZwIofCdFgkVx2aS4pqjYz4Qkm7AuftBDVpdY6yGPQjOuDUwXFyRNvmohF2QawjK91pkYpr8wqGtgZNhH6wIZL9Qs4N_AbER9H8Z-2XZp87YSKpO_SivHsgdikEfeYjdcm41Gl0s/s320/DSCF8374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl"></span><br />
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<span class="tl">9) Pour the remaining prawn and salmon mixture over the courgettes.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKvIKddlmCz52QPNzkokJu6RrQN7kqTSg7d-wf1sQ8RIvCJW6EI1LKZSWVbUqnAyXJiRaOJh-M4U3Nn3jBMHKOr75_jBZotlYWQI5x1VDex7zMY4DZH2adLKbizquQWCL2G8WFoUCBt6c/s1600/DSCF8375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKvIKddlmCz52QPNzkokJu6RrQN7kqTSg7d-wf1sQ8RIvCJW6EI1LKZSWVbUqnAyXJiRaOJh-M4U3Nn3jBMHKOr75_jBZotlYWQI5x1VDex7zMY4DZH2adLKbizquQWCL2G8WFoUCBt6c/s320/DSCF8375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="tl"></span><br />
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<span class="tl">10) Layer the remaining courgettes over the mixture.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tBYXbuypxujgdqrz2bnT47tWiC-CnN5km8kkJfUym2lnCAe88ZoJszCi_AY8t1bSfYYmGD1NVkWY-YaZWMVME6UNWdpoARz2MXjAfSOhTzDYqzAZjhOh-V7_uvpbG8-2Oz4oUaFxzR1N/s1600/DSCF8376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tBYXbuypxujgdqrz2bnT47tWiC-CnN5km8kkJfUym2lnCAe88ZoJszCi_AY8t1bSfYYmGD1NVkWY-YaZWMVME6UNWdpoARz2MXjAfSOhTzDYqzAZjhOh-V7_uvpbG8-2Oz4oUaFxzR1N/s320/DSCF8376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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11) Pour the roux over the top layer of courgettes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv2F9MYN0oDAc7S15MQwcEGUqtJ1WG-tGoH6hlSidXcYS5ZKtbz7J57NXi3qLy-xvw4VDfGgNPQzIrOAnOJsoCmk6fNUu-fzK_Lf-ZGOBHoUCTDIqS015FTvqmJer5eKMTo_9FeBq2QCl/s1600/DSCF8377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv2F9MYN0oDAc7S15MQwcEGUqtJ1WG-tGoH6hlSidXcYS5ZKtbz7J57NXi3qLy-xvw4VDfGgNPQzIrOAnOJsoCmk6fNUu-fzK_Lf-ZGOBHoUCTDIqS015FTvqmJer5eKMTo_9FeBq2QCl/s320/DSCF8377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
12) Top with slices of mozzarella.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuqjk1UsFwLLM3vnOeU9m4-HtMtBcazFDuP0lqCdTWJBr0z_eu0EBJ-qOCoC2LTMV9_mzZ8Rg5TjP0kp0U5wDPLh7MLvMbjnCHRFQ-x1K7f77gO3QPEsYZWAvFZL_YyHXhm9KsQF19OWN/s1600/DSCF8378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuqjk1UsFwLLM3vnOeU9m4-HtMtBcazFDuP0lqCdTWJBr0z_eu0EBJ-qOCoC2LTMV9_mzZ8Rg5TjP0kp0U5wDPLh7MLvMbjnCHRFQ-x1K7f77gO3QPEsYZWAvFZL_YyHXhm9KsQF19OWN/s320/DSCF8378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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13) It should now look a little something like this....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rOreK34xdQ73ao2mzcuU8i66zYGneQ80hLiQlW5hyROolTncv8m7A1iRGuS1IWSqjvRwilgOvRisAr4x0C-siNLkP7FEiQ4m_x4csfyc11ecPzjuSItxIAjg3kdPjkmHsGcLFnPL5VlT/s1600/DSCF8379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rOreK34xdQ73ao2mzcuU8i66zYGneQ80hLiQlW5hyROolTncv8m7A1iRGuS1IWSqjvRwilgOvRisAr4x0C-siNLkP7FEiQ4m_x4csfyc11ecPzjuSItxIAjg3kdPjkmHsGcLFnPL5VlT/s320/DSCF8379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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14) Put the dish in the oven at 200 C for about 30 minutes, or until it starts to brown on top. It will come out the oven looking like this<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimonC2eX59-jmuycEf3wNwZwhh8QmZBvIq_V_UrCO3T_DYthsR-Ujw940wdyvDfb4QRwITQ32LYWt3fNqTCG8-v_WqUd67aGlmoZZycKUSR4syUGgYrZJCWOATX4eNWySoJyzR5tIUsD5s/s1600/DSCF8380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimonC2eX59-jmuycEf3wNwZwhh8QmZBvIq_V_UrCO3T_DYthsR-Ujw940wdyvDfb4QRwITQ32LYWt3fNqTCG8-v_WqUd67aGlmoZZycKUSR4syUGgYrZJCWOATX4eNWySoJyzR5tIUsD5s/s320/DSCF8380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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15) And finally.....serve!<br />
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<span class="tl"><b> </b></span>Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-47291244700092444062011-03-03T14:12:00.000-08:002011-03-03T14:13:17.609-08:00Get some manners or go swim somewhere else!!!This is more of a rant than anything constructive, or anything that will help you be more healthy. But, it is valid all the same!<br />
I really love swimming, you probably guessed that from one of my previous posts, but, I get REALLY annoyed when I am there sometimes and get so stressed that it completely defeats the object of going.<br />
Some people just have no manners and are disgusting. In the space of a week, I saw several disturbing things. A guy spat into one of the vents at the side of the pool, why is there any need to even do that? I have also seen several people take a big gulp of water into their mouth, and then spit it out each stroke they do. WHY??? Just breathe normally! Fish manage it, so why can't you?<br />
What also really annoys me is people swimming the in the wrong direction, or taking up 2 lanes and swimming into other people. It's not complicated, there are even signs to direct you if you didn't pick it up by watching what other people are doing! How do these people manage to even stay afloat when they act like complete idiots!<br />
I also get annoyed with people swimming the wrong speed in the wrong lane. If you are doing 1 length of front crawl in about 10 seconds, and having to overtake little old ladies (or me when I am having a slow/hungover day), then you probably shouldn't be in the slowest lane. Go join the real athletes in the lanes at the other end of the pool!<br />
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As if all that isn't bad enough! During half-term I have to share the pool with screaming children. Or as a friend said...screaming children with floats. It's even worse. I guess there is not much I can do about that, they are off school and want to have fun...but do they have to be so noisy about it.<br />
Also, I pay for a monthly pass, to use it unlimited. Sometimes I like to go twice a day, if I am feeling really stressed, but sometimes I can't even get in once a day because some world championship swim-a-thon has taken over the pool.<br />
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Well, I feel much better for venting all of that at you! I do love swimming really, it's just all the other swimmers I don't like. I need my own pool.<br />
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There will be a recipe up tomorrow<br />
xImages_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-25926960231321561622011-02-27T11:01:00.000-08:002011-02-27T11:08:06.603-08:00Eggcellent!Eggs are probably the one food that has caused the most debate. A few years ago, everyone was avoiding eggs as scientists said they were detrimental to your health. You know what I say to that? It's crap!! And i'm not the only one who thinks that. Researchers have now said eating eggs is not bad for you and they have many benefits.<br />
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The health benefits of eggs are huge! Although, sadly, these benefits don't count if the eggs are chocolate Easter eggs. They are a great source of protein and amino acids. They are actually one of the only food groups that contain naturally occurring vitamin D and because of their high sulphur count and being full of vitamins and minerals, they are said to give you healthy hair and nails. They are also fairly low in calories, with one medium egg having about 68 calories in it.<br />
The reason I praise eggs so much, is because of how much they help aid weight loss. Eating eggs for breakfast (rather than toast or cereal) will help you lose weigh as you will stay fuller for longer and that means less snacking throughout the day. Even if the eggs you have for breakfast are the same calories as the cereal or toast you would have, the eggs are still going to help you lose weight. Remember, it's not all about calorie content. Of course, there are many other benefits of eggs. Including helping improve your eyesight. And they say carrots make you see in the dark!<br />
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Most of the negativity around eggs was their cholesterol levels. Although eggs do contain cholesterol, it really isn't a significant amount. Obviously, if you have massively high cholesterol levels, you should not be eating 30 eggs a week, but 5 or 6 a week is not going to do you any damage, as long as you are not frying them that is!<br />
It is the same with everything. Everything in moderation.<br />
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These same researchers have also said that foods high in cholesterol are not responsible for raising blood cholesterol. What is said to have a much greater effect on your blood cholesterol levels, is saturated fat. That is what we should all be cutting back on. It is true that high cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease, but only a third of the cholesterol in our body comes from our diet. It's things like being over-weight and smoking that increase cholesterol levels. So, instead of avoiding eggs, avoid cakes and embrace an omelette! <br />
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It is also really important to be aware that the quality of the egg is important too. The health of the chicken responsible for the egg will have an effect on the egg you are eating. You should always try and spend a couple of pence extra to get free-range and organic eggs. Think of those happier chickens and think of your body.<br />
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So, what should you do with the eggs? Well, pretty much anything you like. As long as you are not preparing them in an unhealthy way. If you are going to fry them, use fry-lite. You can have poached eggs on whole-wheat toast for breakfast, make a fritatta, or my personal favourite - make an omelette. The great thing about an omelette is there are so many different, and healthy, fillings you can put in them, that it will never get boring. Just try and limit, or eliminate completely, the cheese. It goes without saying that will make it less healthy. If you do use cheese, go for extra light cream cheese - it melts really nicely too. Some of my favourite things to put in an omelette include: mushrooms, leeks, onions, prawns, flaked salmon and tomato's. Not necessarily all at the same time though. I presume most of you reading this will know how to make an omlette, but you would be surprised how many people don't. So, I have included a recipe and some pictures to motivate you!<br />
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Serves 1<br />
Ingredients:<br />
- 2 eggs<br />
- Splash of milk<br />
- Mushrooms (or what ever filling you want to include)<br />
- Teaspoon of extra light cream cheese <br />
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1) First, take the eggs out of the fridge. You shouldn't cook with really cold eggs<br />
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2) If your filling needs to be cooked first, like the mushrooms do, cook them.<br />
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3) Next, heat some fry-lite in a frying pan. Crack 2 eggs into a bowl and whisk. Add the milk and some pepper and whisk again. Poor this mixture into the pan<br />
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4) Leave to cook for a few minutes. If there is lots of excess liquid on the top, lift the omlette up at the corners and let the liquid underneath to cook. Once the egg is cooked, spread the cream cheese onto one half and top with mushrooms.<br />
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5) Fold the other half on top of the topping and cook for a couple of minutes. Then serve with a big pile of vegetables.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xx</div>Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-8703164719369605522011-02-24T14:42:00.000-08:002011-02-24T16:04:06.616-08:00Exercise: SwimmingAfter all this talk of eating, I guess it is about time I spoke about how I burn off all the food I eat. I won't put all the different aspects of my work-out routine into one blog, as there is quite a lot to it. Instead, I will do a different post for each different exercise I do in my daily routine. <br />
At the moment, my work-out routine is pretty intense. Probably about 3 hours a day I spend working out, everyday. This is only because of the wedding being 11 weeks away. I will take it down to 4 days a week after the wedding or honeymoon. My routine is all about toning up, not loosing weight. But, for any of you looking to loose weight, the routine would work well for that as well, and tone you up at the same time. When I first started loosing weight, I made the MASSIVE mistake of not exercising anywhere near enough. I did some stupid diets that saw a lot of weight loss in a short space of time, and no toning to go along with it. That is very hard to fix. To fix the damage that I did, I have to work really hard. So, if you take anything from this blog......TONE! Don't just change your diet. They go hand in hand.<br />
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So, about an hour and a half of my routine is cardio and yoga/pilates and the other hour and a half is weights, sit-ups and press-up.<br />
My cardio is what I will talk about in this blog post. Due to my heart problems, I can't do intense cardio. I would LOVE more than anything to be able to go running. Or do an aerobics class. But I can't. It messes my heart up for days. And yes, I have tried easing myself into it, it doesn't work. It is a medical thing, not a "I am really unfit" thing. Instead, I go swimming. I absolutely love swimming. I hate the swimming pool, but that will be a rant for another post.<br />
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Everyday, I swim for 45 minutes. In between every 10 lengths, I do leg exercises in the water for a couple of minutes. The resistance from the water really helps.<br />
So, the benefits of swimming. Well, what isn't it good for? It works your whole body! As well as toning you up, it works your heart and lungs. If you are trying to lose weight, then swimming is a great way to help you achieve that. 30 minutes of swimming will burn around 300 calories and is equivalent to a 45 minute "on land" workout. You don't have to just swim at the pool. Try running in the water or water aerobics. Any kind of movement is going to be a good thing.<br />
Swimming is also low impact, so it won't put any pressure on your joints. Running can give you problems with your knees and ankles, as it is high impact, but you won't have this problem with swimming.<br />
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At the end of the day, you have to find an exercise you enjoy doing, otherwise you won't stick to it. I can praise swimming all I want, but if you don't like swimming, or you can't swim, then it just won't be suitable for you. Like I say, I love swimming. I don't dread going everyday, in fact I really look forward to it. I come out feeling so much better and my head is clearer. Of course I do miss days, when we have people to visit I let up on my routine, but I can definitely notice the difference in how I feel when I don't exercise.<br />
Some people have told me that I am crazy for spending 3 hours of my day exercising, but I do actually enjoy it, so I think it is a good use of my time.<br />
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So, time.....I can almost hear some of you saying "if only I had time to work out 3 hours a day". Most of the time I am lucky that I can fit it into my day, as I have been unemployed. But, if you are dedicated to it, you can find the time. Now, this isn't meant to boast, more to show that it can be done, but during my final year of my degree, I was attending 15 hours of classes a week, writing a dissertation, working 25 hours a week and planning a wedding and I still fit in 3 hours of exercise a day. Don't get me wrong, it was really tough and I would sometimes be doing yoga at midnight, but I personally think it is worth it.<br />
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I really can't stress enough how important it is to exercise. Not only for your body, but for your mind. I still have a prescription for Prozac that I refused to take and instead decided to exercise to clear my head. It 100% worked. If only the doctors gave out gym passes before pharmaceuticals.<br />
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Find an exercise you love and get moving!!Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-77082878513193617602011-02-22T14:14:00.000-08:002011-02-22T14:26:56.816-08:00Mushrooms!!Being a pescitarian, I eat a lot of vegetables. For some dishes, you need one of the more meayt vegetables to fill it out and that is where I use mushrooms. Although, technically not a vegetable, but a fungus. You could of course use meat substitute like Quorn, but I like to avoid that as much as possible.<br />
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Mushrooms are great, especially if you are trying to watch your weight. A study done by the mushroom bureau (how funny would that company look on your CV) showed that when people swapped mushrooms for meat in at least 4 meals during the week, they lost an average of 12 pounds over 5 weeks. Some people in the study even shed a stone and a half! This is of course if you are following a balanced diet.<br />
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So, what's so good about mushrooms? Well, apart from being virtually fat free and containing only a trace of salt and sugar, they are a great source of fibre and B vitamins (which is important for vegetarians and vegans). They are very low in calories, with only 13 calories per 100g. They are also full of potassium, which helps lower elevated blood pressure and reduces the risk of a stroke. In regards to men's health, mushrooms are a fantastic source of selenium which protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. In a recent study, men who consumed double the daily reccommended daily allowance of selenium cut their risk of prostate cancer by 65%. If that is not an insentive for you guys, I don't know what is.<br />
Mushrooms have recently been given the title of a "super food" as they are one of the highest antioxidant vegetables. And don't think that swapping meat for mushrooms will leave you feeling hungry, because it won't. Mushrooms will help keep you fuller for longer, which means less snacking.<br />
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There are over 3,000 types of edible mushroom, and they all have such unique flaours that you can do so much with them. You can put them in soups, stir-frys, rissottos, omelettes, stews and so much more. I will include some great mushroom recipes in the future, as I cook with them so often, but the one I will be posting today is for mushroom stroganoff. I have kept it fairly low fat as well, but I would personally consider it a bit of a "treat" meal, as it is higher in fat than most of the meals I eat, just because of the creme fraiche.<br />
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Serves 2<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
- 25 mushrooms, chopped<br />
- 4 shallots, chopped<br />
- 3 gloves of garlic, crushed<br />
- Small pot of reduced fat creme fraiche<br />
- 50ml skimmed milk <br />
- 2 tsp whole-grain mustard<br />
- 1 tsp paprika<br />
- Brown rice.<br />
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1) Cook brown rice for 25 minutes <br />
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2) After rice has been cooking for 15 minutes, chop mushrooms, shallots and garlic<br />
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3) Add to a wok/frying pan and fry in fry-lite for around 5 minutes<br />
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4) Add creme fraiche, milk, mustard and paprika and cook for 5 minutes<br />
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5) Serve on a bed of brown rice.<br />
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For those of you that do want to add some meat to the dish, you can bake a skin-less chicken breast and add some chopped pieces into the dish. Here is a photo with some chicken added in it. Added it to Dave's as he is eating a lot of chicken, as he needs to protein for working out.<br />
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<br />
Hope you enjoy<br />
xxImages_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-735984338826312602011-02-20T07:32:00.000-08:002011-02-20T07:32:30.862-08:00Nuts!!!!Now, I know a lot of people avoid eating nuts because they are calorie counting, and they are high in calories and fat, but they are good calories and good polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that have many health benefits and should definitely not be avoided. Unless you have a nut allergy of course.<br />
<br />
They are full of fats that are good for your heart, as well as protein, antioxidants, fiber and so many vitamins and minerals. Most importantly, they reduce your risk of coronary heart disease and lower cholesterol. Nuts also contain nearly as much protein as lean meat, so they are great for vegetarians, or for those unhealthy meat eaters who say they can't give up meat because of all the protein they get from it.<br />
<br />
As with everything, it is all about moderation. If you ate bags and bags of nuts daily as a snack, you would put on weight, but 15 - 20 nuts as a snack will give you an energy boost, as well as benefit your health.<br />
<br />
They are my snack of choice, and anyone that is trying to look after their health should make it their snack of choice too. Ever find yourself reaching for chocolate, or biscuits, or anything sugary in the afternoon to give you a bit of a pick-me-up? Well, reach for some nuts instead! (No sexual pun intended haha). They will give you an even better energy boost, that doesn't come with a sugar crash and hour later and is a whole lot better for you as well, as they are naturally cholesterol free and have only traces of sodium in them. It is important to eat a snack that has both protein and carbohydrates in to keep you satisfied until your next meal.<br />
<br />
Obviously, not all nuts are the same, and some are better for you than others. But, if you are just at the beginning of making better snack choices, then you should not worry too much about the type of nuts yet. But, it goes without saying, eating sugar roasted pecans, or salt covered peanuts is not the kind of nut snack I am talking about. The best nuts to eat are almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts and walnuts as they are full of iron and vitamin E. Vitamin E has been found to keep Alzheimer's at bay and old people who have the highest amount of this vitamin in their blood stream are found to be half as likely to develop this awful disease. Seeing as Alzheimer's affects 400,00 Britons and 500 new cases are diagnosed everyday, there is even more reason to be boosting your vitamin E intake.<br />
<br />
You don't just have to snack on nuts by themselves to get the benefits of them. Other ideas are sprinkling them over cereal or salads (walnuts on salad is great), make some wholewheat muffins with nuts in, use as a topping on yogurt, or mix into stir-frys. What I like to do with them is to make my own trail-mix. I mix nuts, seeds, dried fruit and wheat free cereal together and keep an a handy package with me at all times in case I want a snack. I have included pictures of the nuts I buy and then my home-made trail mix at the end.<br />
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<br />
Just as a reference, even though I don't really like calorie counting, I know some of your reading this do, here is a guideline for the nutritional value of nuts.<br />
<br />
<b>Almond</b> <b>(20-24 nuts):</b> 161 cals, 14g fat, 1g sat fat, 6g protein<br />
<b>Brazil Nut (6-8 nuts):</b> 183 cals, 19g fat, 4g sat fat, 4g protein<br />
<b>Cashew (16-18 nuts):</b> 160 cals, 13g fat, 3g sat fat, 4g protein<br />
<b>Hazelnut (18-20 nuts):</b> 180 cals, 17g fat, 1g sat fat, 4g protein<br />
<b>Macadamia (10-12 nuts):</b> 201 cals, 21g fat, 3g sat fat, 2g protein<br />
<b>Peanut </b><b>(28 nuts):</b> 166 cals, 14g fat, 2g sat fat, 7g protein<br />
<b>Pecan (18-20 halves):</b> 198 cals, 21g fat, 2g sat fat, 3g protein<br />
<b>Pine nut (150-157 nuts):</b> 188 cals, 19g fat, 1g sat fat, 4g protein<br />
<b>Pistachio (45-47 nuts):</b> 159 cals, 13g fat, 2g sat fat, 6g protein<br />
<b>Walnut</b><b> (14 halves):</b> 183 cals, 18g fat, 2g sat fat, 4g protein<br />
<br />
For those of you that are allergic to nuts, which Dave is, make a nut free trail mix - which is what Dave snacks on. Mix seeds, dried fruit and wheat free cereal together and it is still a low sugar and healthy snack. <br />
<br />
Enjoy your nuts<br />
xxImages_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-84144125311351901152011-02-18T04:57:00.000-08:002011-02-18T04:57:39.707-08:00Butternut Squash<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">This is without doubt, my favourite oddly shaped vegetable. Or is it a fruit? It has seeds, so I guess it would be. Regardless, it tastes great and is so versatile. In case you don’t know what one is (I had never heard of one up until about a year ago), it is from the cucurbit family, just like the courgette, pumpkin and cucumber.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, why should you eat it? Well, it is a great source of Vitamin A & C, dietary fibre, potassium, iron, folate, manganese, omega 3 fatty acids, as well as B Vitamins 1,3,5 & 6. For those of you who like to keep track of your calories, 100g of butternut squash has only 38 calories in it and it is very low in fat. Yes, it is mostly carbohydrates, but don’t hate on carbs, they are your friend! Eat the right ones, and let them give you fuel to exercise. More on this another time though. One a side note, butternut squash is in season in September, October and November.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It has a really sweet flavour and although it is a complete hassle to peel, it is great simply roasted or made into chips, or added to pasta dishes, risottos and soups. You can even stuff it like you would an aubergine. My favourite thing to do with it is to make soup. There are tons of recipes online, but I found them all overly complicated, and so I made up my own recipe (like all the recipes I will be posting on here, they are 100% my own). It is a variation of Sopa de Calabaza, which is a spicy Cuban soup. In our house, we like our food pretty spicy, but just add less chilli if it is too much for you. It’s all about adapting recipes so they suit your tastes. This makes a nutritious, low fat and calorie meal, that will certainly keep you warm until spring finally arrives.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ingredients:</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed.</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 onion, diced</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ bunch of coriander</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 tsp chilli flakes</div><div class="MsoNormal">Water</div><div class="MsoNormal">0% fat Greek yogurt (optional)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1)Heat up some frylite (oil alternative. Use a tsp of oil if you don’t have this, but it will add more calories) in a large saucepan and add the butternut squash and onion. Cook until slightly browned, about 4 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2Yxt19JXk6PPU5EBiBtTaSpnMGU1dRZL-IufRAELE9ylmw2u7soXk41wekr_xb027HycCyQJD7Q2DbzSve2TweLUfEvlNU6shhGvjfGHddM25oNVpEzW57gxPC21pz4oLyweQUHYM6nz/s1600/DSCF8310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2Yxt19JXk6PPU5EBiBtTaSpnMGU1dRZL-IufRAELE9ylmw2u7soXk41wekr_xb027HycCyQJD7Q2DbzSve2TweLUfEvlNU6shhGvjfGHddM25oNVpEzW57gxPC21pz4oLyweQUHYM6nz/s320/DSCF8310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">2) Add enough boiling water to cover the vegetables, and then add a little extra.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">3) Add the chilli and coriander.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYlwGPvs5rAmu4jaCb_Im0RuuWk_2Ats1lk15tvy3UKF2tfa3C2IB7cDaIZUAGPIYoRjfWnRFUD429i8t8AxSVP_fCEDjp07eLGhkIUEiNujFPRVcoEf0nfcsPvVUwKwJaG8nhPtLIMo9/s1600/DSCF8311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYlwGPvs5rAmu4jaCb_Im0RuuWk_2Ats1lk15tvy3UKF2tfa3C2IB7cDaIZUAGPIYoRjfWnRFUD429i8t8AxSVP_fCEDjp07eLGhkIUEiNujFPRVcoEf0nfcsPvVUwKwJaG8nhPtLIMo9/s320/DSCF8311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">4) Bring to the boil</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">5) Put a lid on the pan and simmer for 30 minutes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">6) Blend the soup until smooth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjc-QRjso1aa_mlXbOjbm7z_lqSjKeOvQyvs7XFLN43Qo3CuMU2k0biEN2lgdBnk8fhvyECZ_45qI0mVSG441RwUR4TggdRQblYMo7kiKj1HmtZ1AmIs91cBQFsDkQ46bnIphEKYEhpg2/s1600/DSCF8312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjc-QRjso1aa_mlXbOjbm7z_lqSjKeOvQyvs7XFLN43Qo3CuMU2k0biEN2lgdBnk8fhvyECZ_45qI0mVSG441RwUR4TggdRQblYMo7kiKj1HmtZ1AmIs91cBQFsDkQ46bnIphEKYEhpg2/s320/DSCF8312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">7) Transfer to bowls and stir in a tbsp of 0% fat Greek yogurt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyznebhBhaQo19lbPDPTOd_0v_UnEs2B_Kp2OJH7nrTPZFUDRCbHh5Cy5ypmcpggNwq_aWjzWlp6_YN8gFE1gicINeXiQNUjgYFKR3UEYcegRmWU0lUlgIR_qspltpSWCT6618-hRi2cbm/s1600/DSCF8314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyznebhBhaQo19lbPDPTOd_0v_UnEs2B_Kp2OJH7nrTPZFUDRCbHh5Cy5ypmcpggNwq_aWjzWlp6_YN8gFE1gicINeXiQNUjgYFKR3UEYcegRmWU0lUlgIR_qspltpSWCT6618-hRi2cbm/s320/DSCF8314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy!</div><div class="MsoNormal">xx<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"></span></div>Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-13298233873525388232011-02-17T06:07:00.000-08:002011-02-17T07:06:46.245-08:00How did I get there and why did I turn my back on cake?<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiGHADTF5i-fCCl9D7sr2mUwRPvQXbfL8PL-5ILKumTyp5z1PoTZO7WOX-KxytWnNGnCMYX6sCzxiWTMSz2twx3IvOFtpZBjBYRgqfbqOFJPj4DWzecHTsUwjujjWbBmd424pBG-Orh-V/s1600/S6300110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiGHADTF5i-fCCl9D7sr2mUwRPvQXbfL8PL-5ILKumTyp5z1PoTZO7WOX-KxytWnNGnCMYX6sCzxiWTMSz2twx3IvOFtpZBjBYRgqfbqOFJPj4DWzecHTsUwjujjWbBmd424pBG-Orh-V/s320/S6300110.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf6lUlthD6Su0eej22vPWYNJ2ik7gMrl7wv3ABQlk_kAtH7Q1jkxgy7mxOq8XWrNl9lJ9bTBTI-C6K4CUzNMBKRUdY19VRxMxzq4Sv_78FM1VLjDPCvxlWmhrR8DnO73PeaD9u1jGEvG7/s1600/DSCF0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf6lUlthD6Su0eej22vPWYNJ2ik7gMrl7wv3ABQlk_kAtH7Q1jkxgy7mxOq8XWrNl9lJ9bTBTI-C6K4CUzNMBKRUdY19VRxMxzq4Sv_78FM1VLjDPCvxlWmhrR8DnO73PeaD9u1jGEvG7/s320/DSCF0127.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the middle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQp_bJHqxwEoGM81PjNXJC6lOp9F4lHm7z78cEg5I5orWXe58bXAFNzc6ukYc5TjI3ujzp0aAJZedbIIAIioExjG_JmFmT03cHoWnSYUEe-RbKWf7y2Cj0TW2hvC4hbP48hHG_YuVNh4F/s1600/DSC00070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQp_bJHqxwEoGM81PjNXJC6lOp9F4lHm7z78cEg5I5orWXe58bXAFNzc6ukYc5TjI3ujzp0aAJZedbIIAIioExjG_JmFmT03cHoWnSYUEe-RbKWf7y2Cj0TW2hvC4hbP48hHG_YuVNh4F/s320/DSC00070.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I could sit here and try and tell you that I was extremely overweight because of genetics, or I had medical problems, but whilst that is true for some people, for me it was not. I was overweight because I ate too much and didn’t exercise enough. I was an emotional eater. Well, I still am, I just make better choices now. Whether I was celebrating or dealing with stress – I was eating.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was much, much younger (like 8), I was actually pretty thin and I always remember being fairly active. Coming from a continental European family, good, healthy food was always promoted. I thank my family for my love of salads and soups. But as you get older, and you start making food choices for yourself, it is easier to just eat crap. Convenience food out of the freezer, McDonalds late at night after work and pre-packed sandwiches all contributed to weight gain that I chose to ignore. Any problem, or difficult time I encountered, I dealt with by eating. Once I moved out of home, it only got worse. I didn’t bother cooking any “proper” food and then once at Uni it went even more downhill. Uni was such a busy time. Meeting new people, actually going into classes, socialising, helping to run a student society, all meant even less time to cook decent meals. Well, that’s what I told myself then. In reality, it’s crap. You can always make time to make a healthy meal (that will be a blog for another time). Breakfast was skipped, lunch was noodles and/or a sandwich and dinner was a takeaway, and in-between was a whole lot of snacking to give me energy. Nights out drinking certainly took their toll as well. Every Monday we would go to The Ritz (we went out other nights too, this was just the “worst/best” night) and on average I would drink 6 pints of cider and countless shots of this creamy spirit thing. As if putting all that into my body wasn’t bad enough, we would then go get a takeaway, where I would have pretty much a whole pizza and a massive box full of cheesy chips covered in mayo. Of course, feeling so crap the next morning meant eating more junk food. Various challenging times I faced whilst at Uni meant always turning to food to make myself feel better, not knowing that I was actually making myself feel so much worse. So much so that I just ignored the problem and hoped everyone else would too. I was treated differently because I was “fat” and I did get horrible abuse from strangers because of my size, but that just made me want to eat more. There are so many other people who experience this, and they think that are alone. Sadly they are not. Strangers think that just because someone is overweight and vulnerable, it means you can talk to them like they have no feelings. They are not helping the situation, they just make it worse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is coming across a lot more “please feel sorry for me” than I had intended. Don’t feel too bad, during those couple of years at Uni that I was abusing my body, I had a blast! I met some awesome people, had some of the most memorable nights of my life, and have the scars to prove it! But, in the end, I could still have had just a good time without filling my body with junk. So, what made me turn my back on the comfort eating, late night snacking and my generally calorific life?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, without going into too much detail, in the winter of 2008, I had a massive health scare. 4 weeks of tests and uncertainty left me feeling so scared and so guilty that if I did get bad news, that I had possibly brought it on myself through an unhealthy lifestyle, that I vowed to change my lifestyle completely. I am thankful everyday that the news was good, and it was just a scare. Although it was an awful experience, I am grateful that it happened, as it really gave me the kick I needed to change my eating habits, start moving more and generally sorting myself out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I told Dave what I wanted to do, and he was fully supportive, and has been ever since. Well, he benefits from it as well. A week after I got the results, we went to Gran Canaria on an all inclusive holiday where I was unable to eat. I think I was scared to put crap in my body. I ate some salad and some fruit, but that was about it. That wasn’t the healthiest way to start, but it was a kick start. That was also the holiday where Dave proposed <3. So not only did I have the incentive of improving my health, but I was going to be a bride, and I was determined not to be a fat one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, a couple of months later, I started having heart problems. After having loads of tests for that and finding out what it was, I had even more of a push to sort myself out and that really was the start of my weight loss “journey”. Over the coming blogs, I will talk about how I actually lost the weight in more details; I know a few of you have said you wanted some tips. But basically, I completely changed my diet, started swimming and doing yoga every day, cut-out takeaways and made everything from scratch. I also gave up drinking for about 6 months. I truly believe that if you have a lot of weight to lose, you can’t do it whilst drinking. It might work for some, but you are making it so much more difficult for yourself. I will blog about that at some point too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think most people who decide that they need to lose weight are pushed by a health scare or a negative comment from someone. But you don’t have to wait until that happens, be motivated by a success story, or by how good you feel after eating a healthy meal. You also don’t have to wait till a Monday to start your lifestyle change, it is going to be just as hard on a Wednesday as it will be on a Monday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is difficult seeing all these “celebrities” on the covers of magazines looking all toned and thinking it is unattainable. They have personal trainers and their own chefs to help them look good. But, know that it is attainable for you as well. It might take a bit longer, and it WILL be a challenge, but it will be the best and most rewarding challenge. This is not just aimed at people who need to lose weight. I know some people who have fantastic figures, yet have appalling diets. Everyone should eat well. It’s not just what you look like on the outside you should worry about, think about your insides too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And on that note, I am going to post this before my lunch break is over. I still have my cous cous salad to eat.</div><div class="MsoNormal">xx</div>Images_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8453962794560546750.post-86243467383236730832011-02-16T04:34:00.000-08:002011-02-16T04:34:25.925-08:00Death of the Diet.<b>It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change!</b> The moment I actually accepted this and stopped "dieting", was the moment I not only started to lose weight for good, but became healthier and happier too.<br />
I decided to start a blog about healthy eating, exercise and general health so I could share with as many people as I could, all that I have learnt over the past 2 years. I have been asked a handful of times how I lost weight and what I do to keep it off (that hardest part in my opinion), so I thought it would be good to have a space where I could tell people how I did it, and how I will continue to do it.<br />
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So, what qualifies me to be able to tell you what you should be eating and how you should be exercising? Nothing. Everyone is different, and everyone has their own way of dealing with things. However, over the past 2 years, I have fallen into all the "diet" traps and tried just about everything going and to be honest, I think I slowed the whole process down and damaged my body in the process. If I can save someone time, effort and their health by sharing my failures and success, then this will not be in vain. It's also nice to have written down what has been one of the best things I have ever done.<br />
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I guess, if anything qualifies me to tell you what you should be eating, it is the fact that just over 2 years ago (December 2008), I weighed 16 stone 7lbs. I am not sure if that is the heaviest I have ever been, but that was the first time I had weighed my self in years. Now I weigh, well, that I am not entirely sure - I chucked the scales away. Scales are evil, evil things - but more about that in another post. The last time I weighed myself, I was bang on 9 stone 7. For my 5ft 9in height, that put my BMI at 19.6 (the healthy range being 18.5–24.9). I went from a size 22 at my biggest, to now a size 8. I still have my "big" jeans, just for a boost. I still fit in the same size (although, depending on the shop, but I will moan about that another time), so I know I have not lost or gained a significant amount of weight. But, I most likely have gained weight, as I exercise every day and we all know muscle weighs more than fat. Again, something I will talk about more, but the number on the scales and what the NHS thinks my BMI is does not bother me. What bothers me, is that I am eating right, exercising and that I am finally gaining a healthy attitude towards food and this is what I will be posting about here.<br />
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I hope you keep checking back here to see what I have been posting. My next post will be about how I got to that weight in the first place, and what gave me the push I needed to become healthier and thinner. I will be blogging my favourite recipes (with pictures) that have kept me going, all the healthy alternatives to my favourite foods and desserts that I have created, my views on particular "diets", information on super foods, my favourite exercises and everything in between.<br />
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Dannii<br />
xxImages_wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682435037977929025noreply@blogger.com0