New initiative uncovers misconceptions about the healthiness of pre-ordered food Australia’s top nutritionist says consumers have been left in the dark with the lack of nutritional information available for takeaway. With our busy lifestyles leaving us little time to analyse our food choices, is it any wonder we’re unsure as to whether or not we’re eating healthily when ordering in? Dr Joanna, internationally known for her wholefood, low GI approach to eating and developed the Dr Joanna Plate – a healthy guide to meals that has helped thousands of Australians – says, “It is compulsory for restaurants with more than 20 outlets to release nutritional analyses of their menus to the public, and much of our packaged food comes with nutritional analyses. When it comes to ordering in from small restaurants, however, there is nothing available to us.” To help solve the challenge in takeaway, Menulog has launched Healthy+ on its web platform to help Aussies choose the healthier options on takeaway menus. Guidelines developed by Dr Joanna and Menulog specifically for takeaway have been used to analyse the dishes, initially, of 18 restaurants across Australia. Surprisingly, 40 per cent of dishes normally perceived as unhealthy have made it into the program. Major food misconceptions uncovered Dr Joanna explains why: “The initial rollout of Healthy+ across restaurants has uncovered some surprising results, and will demystify many misconceptions Australians have about takeaway. The eight cuisines that have so far made the Healthy+ program among participating restaurants are Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, African, Modern Australian, Italian, Japanese and Thai. “Factors that have made particular dishes on menus stand out have been healthy cooking methods, inclusion of lean meats or seafood, plenty of vegetables or good oils. The abundant use of antioxidant-rich herbs and spices are also major brownie points for many cuisines,” Dr Joanna says. Dr Joanna says the guidelines are important, as a recent survey by Menulog found that takeaway is here to stay, with 47 per cent of Aussies likely to cook from home at least three times a week, but 55 per cent feel that ordering in has been more affordable. The research also showed 72 per cent of us like to order in at least once a week. Dr Joanna’s top 8 healthy dishes around Australia that people may perceive as unhealthy: Of the 133 dishes that have so far been certified as Healthy+, 55 that could normally be perceived as unhealthy by Aussies have made the cut. Menulog lists 8 of these dishes from around the country – Dr Joanna says to simply team the mains with a green salad or steamed veggies for a winning meal. Her thoughts on the following dishes may surprise you. Garlic prawns – Red Rock Noodle, Brisbane“Prawns are often thought to be high in cholesterol, dietary cholesterol has very little influence on blood cholesterol levels: if you eat more cholesterol your liver simply makes less. Prawns are in fact a terrific protein-rich food that provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, several nutrients including the antioxidant mineral selenium and iron. In Red Rock Noodle’s recipe, they are teamed with egg noodles, which tend to have a lower GI than rice, and plenty of veggies. Overall it’s one of the lowest kilojoule dishes on the menu with only 1705kJ per regular serve, is high in protein, and low in fat, while meeting the targets for both sugar and salt.” Pad Thai – Oriental Healthy, Sydney“Noodles tend to have a lower GI than most white rice, so combined with the protein-rich meat, prawns and eggs, all fried in my favourite oil, extra virgin olive oil, this dish is a Healthy+ winner.” Beef and black bean sauce – Red Rock Noodle, Brisbane“This dish contains lean beef so that the saturated fat content is only 1.2g per serve, plenty of veggies and with just under 2000kJ per serve it's a good choice. Black bean sauce is made from fermented black beans which have terrific benefits for the gut,” Dr Joanna says. Beef Masala – Saffron Indian, PerthLean ingredients and the cooking method are key to this dish. “This Beef Masala is slow-cooked on the stove, and it’s fairly lean with little oil used and no cream added, as with some curries. Onions are the base of the sauce and these contain a number of sulphur antioxidants that have particular benefits in protecting us from cancer,” Dr Joanna says. Rogan Josh from Indimex, Greenslopes, Brisbane“This dish makes the cut as it uses lean meat or seafood, delivering plenty of protein, has added veggies and the spices are antioxidant rich. They also use mustard oil, a high monounsaturated fat, instead of the more usual ghee, boosting the health profile of the dish.” Lamb Kofta – Dine In, Melbourne Fried meat? “This dish made the cut as the kofta are pan fried, not deep fried, and in extra virgin olive oil. It's a myth that you can't cook with this. The yoghurt based sauce accompaniment adds protein and calcium to the meal,” Dr Joanna says. Penne pasta dishes (Napoli and Pollo) – Pasta Fiesta, Perth.Pasta as an unhealthy choice is a common misconception. “Pasta is low GI and much higher in protein than rice, so provided you watch your portion size it's actually a great choice. These dishes are also tomato-based, use extra virgin olive oil with their antioxidants and also boost the uptake of lycopene from the tomatoes. Thai Fish Cakes – Oriental Healthy, Sydney “These fish cakes are an aromatic mix of minced fish with spices and although fried, the restaurant uses canola oil - an oil that is primarily healthy monounsaturated fats.” Menulog.com.au is Australia’s number one for online and mobile takeaway. With more than 5500 participating restaurants offering more than 130 different cuisines and over 16,000 special offers at any given time, Menulog also offers Australia’s most comprehensive range of meal options on a single platform. About Dr Joanna McMillan Dr Joanna is one of the best-known nutrition and wellbeing experts in Australia and director of Dr Joanna and Get Lean. She has authored a number of books including the internationally published The Low GI Diet, The Low GI Diet Cookbook (Hachette Livre) and Star Foods. In 2010 she won Best Health, Nutrition or Diet Related Book at the Food Media Awards for Inner Health Outer Beauty.
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The last decade was filled with different food trends and wonder-promising diets. We’ve witnessed that many of them were just marketing tricks or unhealthy and inefficient. Now is the ideal time to return to all-natural food if we care about our health. As Michael Palin stated in the Monty Python's Flying Circus: ‘All you should want from your food is that it doesn’t harm you.’ Organic food won’t harm you, but bring you a lot of benefits. With more nutrients than processed and chemically treated food, it can prolong your life and prevent diseases. Don’t expect miracle weight loss, though. The effects may come slower, but they’ll come and stay. Nature’s Gifts With organic food, nature brought us more nutrients. On average, organic food contains significantly higher concentration of antioxidants than conventionally grown food. It is food that is grown according to certain standards and processed with specific methods. All of this makes organic food the perfect choice for someone who wants to improve their health and lose weight. Making healthy diet choices means that you will avoid chemicals. Some studies find that pesticides can influence weight gain, while others claim that the amount is so small that it doesn’t have any impact. We don’t know about you, but we wouldn’t like to take this risk. It’s not all About the Greens… … there is a little something about meat, too. Often there are misconceptions that organic food is linked only with fruits and vegetables. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to make healthy food choices. When eating meat, you should check the way the animal was grown and fed. If we compared organically raised chickens and chickens made to fulfill competitive market standards, we would notice that the former have less fat, leaner meat and are thinner and healthier. Conventionally grown chickens are being fed foodstuff with the purpose of growing as large as possible and it results in too much fat. It is the same with other animals too. Eat Your (Organic) Veggies and Fruits The genetically engineered approach to the production of fruits and vegetables results in more pesticides in the products. The food grown using organic methods contains more vitamins and minerals, and it is healthier. Higher levels of nutrients provide your body with more energy and better functionality, which further influences easier fat burning, digestion and easier removal of excess fat deposits. Eating healthy naturally-grown food may not help you lose weight directly, but indirectly it has a high impact on your organism’s willingness to process food into energy, and use that energy to lose weight. We would say it is worthwhile, wouldn’t you? Organic Meals You can opt for an exclusively raw food diet, which is a whole different way of preparing your food. Your meals would be based on such dishes as smoked fish, raw and dried fruit or vegetables, raw soups, smoothies, shakes, etc. You can find various recipes, including protein shake recipes, which will make a great addition to your diet. One more way to go is paleo diet, based on eating real unprocessed foods. You can also eat the way you’ve always eaten, with the change of eating organic instead of conventionally produced food. In the long-term, this will also have positive effects. When making organic meals the possibilities for delicious results are endless. Still, we’ll give you one treat to make your taste buds explode. Organic black beans Ingredients:
Preparation: Presoak the beans overnight. Add fresh water (5-6 cups) in the sauce pan and pour the beans. Simmer over gentle heat and stir occasionally. In separate saucepan fry the garlic. After 1 hour, mix in the seasonings and add the mixture to the beans. In the end, add the tomatoes and simmer for about 30 minutes more. It is possible to enjoy food, be healthy and reach optimal weight. All it takes is some consideration regarding the way the food comes to your table and what you do with it later. Bon appétit! This post has been contributed by Peter Minkoff We need to make sure we look after our eyes because we only get one set. But, more and more people are failing to take action. In fact, studies have shown that up to 36 percent of people leave it months before getting their eyes seen to. And this is even after they have noticed issues. Your sight is so important to how you live your life. So you need to make sure you look after it as much as possible. There are things you can do to help you maintain healthy and good eyesight. Have a look at these suggestions, and try to use as many of them as you can. Go to the Optician Step one should be taking regular trips to the local opticians. You need to take eye tests on a regular basis, so you know you have strong, healthy eyesight. Your optician will be able to tell you if you have any problems. They can suggest techniques and procedures that might help your vision. And they'll be able to tell you whether or not you need laser eye treatment or glasses. It’s essential that you get your eyes looked at as often as you can. This way you can help keep them in good condition, and address any issues as soon as they happen. Look After Your Eyes It seems like an obvious point to state, but you really do need to look after your eyes. And this means doing things in your life that are going to benefit and nurture your eyes. And this includes doing all the basic health stuff you already know about. So you need to make sure you have a healthy diet, and that you exercise. Believe it or not, these can have a big bearing on helping your eyes, and reducing the likelihood of sight loss. Also, make sure you quit smoking, and only drink in moderation. All the things you’d normally do to look after your body will help with the eyes too. You should also try to treat your eyes using eye drops and spray regularly. This will help keep them healthy and strong. Get Glasses as Soon as You Need Them You can’t mess around when it comes to your vision. And that’s why you’ve got to take action as soon as you feel something is wrong. Don’t wait around, or ignore the problem and hope it goes away. If you need to get glasses, you need to do it as soon as you need them. The longer you leave this sort of thing the worse it’s going to be on your eyes. Don’t hesitate, and don’t be scared. Make sure you get glasses (or contacts) as soon as you can, and you’ll help look after your eyes for longer. Eat the Right Sorts of Foods Did you know that there are certain foods you can eat that will help improve your vision? No, not carrots! But there are genuinely foods that will boost your eyesight, and help you to maintain healthy eyes for longer. A couple of the best foods you could eat to help with this are blackcurrant, and kale. They both contain plenty of lutein and zeaxanthin, and these are known to help and boost eyesight. Image Source As you can see, there is plenty you can do to try to boost, and look after, your vision. Make sure you treat your eyes with the care and respect they deserve. You’ll be grateful you did when you get older. This post has been contributed by Laura
Irrespective of whether you want to lose weight, live a healthier life or get in a better shape, regular consumption of a healthy diet comes with many benefits. Sneaking food recipes that are packed with nutrients into your diet will make you more productive while keeping common and chronic illnesses at bay. It will also help in maintaining a healthy weight and improved the quality of your life among other health benefits. Here are 11 all-time food recipes you should never miss in your regular diet:
1 Onions Onions are flavorful bulbs that are loaded with nutrients. According to Victoria Jarzabkowski, a nutritionist at the University of Texas in Austin, onion is a super-healthy recipe that contains flavonoids and phytochemicals that commonly occur in fruits and vegetables. These ingredients react with your body to trigger healthy reactions. Researches have shown that onions can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. 2 Garlic Garlic contains a compound referred to as Allchin, which is renowned for its medicinal properties. It is also loaded with helpful minerals and vitamins, including manganese, selenium, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, vitamin B6, vitamin C. It is suggested that garlic contain a little bit of nearly everything that your body requires. It can help in combating illnesses, including the common cold, high blood pressure and heart disease. Its antioxidants can help to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 3 Fish Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout and sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. According to Rachel Johnson, Ph.D., RD, Bickford Professor of Nutrition at the University of Vermont, omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-clotting effect that ensures improved flow of blood. Also, omega3s help in reducing the risk of heart disease. Get at least two 3.5 ounces servings of oily fish every week, recommends the American Heart Association. 4 Low-fat Yogurt or Milk According to Johnson, dairy products are rich in potassium and may be effective in lowering blood pressure. Consuming fat-free or low-fat dairy products will give you no saturated fat that can raise your cholesterol levels. You can also find potassium from other sources like fruits and vegetables. 5 Vegetables Just like fruits, vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. All that are green, yellow or orange in color contain magnesium, Iron, calcium, beta-carotene and vitamins B complex, A, C, and K. By incorporating vegetables in your daily diet, you are less likely to develop chronic illnesses like stroke, cancer, and type-2 diabetes. Vegetables are also rich in fiber that helps in digestion and weight loss. Some of the good options include spinach, kales, carrots, broccoli, and tomatoes among others. Depending on the amount of calories you need, consume one to four cups of vegetables on a daily basis. 6 Fruits Fruits are recognized due to their vitamins and minerals contents. Fruits contain essential nutrients like potassium, folate, and vitamin C among many more. They are also loaded with phytochemicals that can reduce the risks of chronic illnesses, including bone loss, kidney stones, heart disease and cancer. Some of the fruits you can incorporate in your daily diet include strawberries, citrus fruit, blueberries, pineapples, avocados, bananas, etc. consume two and half cups of fruits everyday depending on your caloric requirements. You can have them as juices, snacks or include them in food salads. 7 Olive Oil Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) that are considered a healthy dietary fat. Studies have shown that people who regularly consume MUFAs are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. Also, such oils help to normalize blood clotting. However, since all oils are rich in calories, they should be used in moderation. Instead of going for fatty foods, choose MUFA-rich foods and stick with margarine. Also, note that you can’t make processed foods healthy by adding olive oil to them. 8 Water Water is no food, but it is very essential in any healthy diet. It helps in digestion and aids metabolic reactions in the body. You can prepare healthy soups by boiling certain recipes in water. As health professionals recommend, aim to drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water in a day. However, you may require more water if you engage in physical activities that make you sweat. 9 Green Tea Whether spiced or not, green tea happens to be among the best fat-burning foods you can find around. It can boost metabolism, thanks to a compound called EGCG. Studies have shown that drinking up to four cups in a day helps in weight loss. You can add spices to green tea to improve the taste of this amazing beverage. Best spices include lemon, agave nectar, and cayenne. 10 Honey Instead of adding sugar to your beverages, you can use honey because it is renowned to have many health benefits. Honey is a natural sweetener that comes with many health benefits, such as alleviating allergies, boosting energy levels, improves cognitive function, suppresses coughs and improves sleep among others. 11 Salt Salt is a basic element through which your body is made. Without salt in your body, most functions would become compromised. It helps in stabilizing heartbeats, regulates blood pressure, extracts excessive acidity in your body and balances sugar levels in your blood among many other functions. However, excessive use of salt can contribute to serious medical conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. It should thus be consumed in moderation. Conclusion All these 11 recipes play a significant role in improving your overall heath. They should make part of your healthy diet enhance the quality of your life. It is important to consult a nutritionist or a doctor before making significant changes to your diet. Eat well and you will live longer! References https://www.glozine.com/travel/world-travel/6-foods-that-give-you-the-true-taste-of-the-caribbean.html Author Bio Willo Conner has been a freelance writer since 2006 who enjoys writing and reading about beauty and health. He is assisting people with health, beauty, food and fitness issues. He writes passionately on anything that involves the human body and loves to dispense unbiased advice through his writing. Follow him here - Facebook, Twitter, Google+ The average Australian visits their doctor seven times every year, and with our latest life expectancy exceeding 82 years, that’s an enormous 574 doctors appointments in our lifetime.
According to Shelia Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, leading producer of high quality supplements, “Nobody enjoys getting sick, and whether it happens during summer or winter, it’s still something everyone wants to avoid. Many people believe that getting sick is just a part of life, which often it is, however there are numerous things you can do to throughout the year to stay illness free.“ 1. Take them off. It might sound trivial, but shoes can be the cause of many sicknesses. They often carry harmful residues, such as chemical pesticides, so when they are worn or brought inside they can expose us to damaging toxins. So just by kicking your shoes off at the door you could be saving yourself from getting sick. 2. Laugh. Having a giggle is one of the best things you can do when it comes to staying healthy. Laughing alone boosts immunity, strengthens the heart, and improves lung function – along with numerous other healthy benefits! On a more long term scale, laughter actually releases neuropeptides which help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses, so the more you laugh the better. 3. Pick your defense. We all know what we eat plays a huge part in our health, but there are numerous products we consume that impact our levels of wellbeing. Supplements, such as Vitamin D, are simple and effective ways to ensure our immune system is able to ward off illnesses, and when consumed with a balanced diet, they make for a winning combination. 4. Try it cold. Exposure to cold water is known to increases metabolic rate. Once cold water hits your skin, it stimulates certain brain activities. Brief cold shower reduces production of serotonin and felling of fatigue. It also stimulatea sympathetic nervous system and increase endorphin level, therefore may help boosting your feel-good mood. 5. Be different. Changing up your workout routine is a great way to keep both your body and mind functioning at its best. Many people make the mistake of getting stuck in a particular exercise pattern, but varying what you do each session strengthens different muscles groups, , boost performance, prevents boredom, and keep you more focused. 6. Put your hand up. If intensive exercise routines aren’t for you, never fear, stretching also goes a long way in keeping you safe from sickness. Not only does stretching prevent injury by lengthening your muscles and tendons, but it also improves your circulation, releases tension and increases energy levels. 7. Get cracking. Visiting a chiropractor can be a great preventative measure in maintaining your health as it inhibits spinal degeneration, restores normal nerve supply, improves immunity, allows better sleep, whilst also slowing the aging process down. Alternative medicine practices, such as acupuncture, can also be effective ways to maintain sustainable physical health and increase mental clarity. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com. USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 in the United States by microbiologist and immunologist, Dr Myron Wentz. The products are backed by an accredited team of scientific experts and USANA has been awarded a 5-star rating for its nutritional products – the highest of any available in Australia in the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (4th Ed) by Lyle McWilliam, an independent Canadian biochemist. There is no doubt that Australians love to travel. Last year alone Australians went on over nine million international holidays. For many of us though, a holiday unfortunately means unwanted weight gain, with the average Australian gaining around 1.5kg every time they travel. According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, leading producer of high quality supplements, “Often when people go on holidays they throw their healthy lifestyle out the window, bingeing on excessive amounts of calories and alcohol, and doing very little exercise. Even if you only do this a few times a year, it all adds up! Luckily there are simple ways to maintain your health while on holidays, without giving up too many of your favourite travelling treats.” To help you, Ms. Zhou shares her expert tips for staying healthy while travelling: 1. Swap your shoes. It’s impossible to fully appreciate new places from the backseat of a taxi, so swap your dress shoes for sneakers and explore on foot instead! Simply by making the switch you are burning hundreds more calories, plus you get a better view from up close and personal – a win win!
2. Pack light. Nobody wants to be carrying around excess baggage while they’re travelling, so often people opt for unhealthy snacks like chocolate bars and chips because they perceive them to be compact and convenient. Swapping these calorie laden snacks for nutritious options like USANA’s Berry Nutty bars, for example, means you can still enjoy a healthy snack without the hassle. 3. Nap away. Between jetlag and jam packed days it’s easy to wear yourself out when you’re travelling. Rather than cramming dozens of activities into each day, where possible try to factor in a nap – especially in the first few days of arriving at your destination. This down time will allow your body to recuperate from the jetlag faster, and let you get the most out of your holiday. 4. Don’t forget your vitamins. The last thing you want while you’re travelling is to get sick. By taking vitamins, such as USANA’s Probiotic capsules, before and during your travels means you’ll keep your immune system functioning at its best and avoid getting any pesky illnesses that could ruin your trip. 5. Stand up. At the end of the day you’re on holidays, and you’ll likely want to have at least one blow out when it comes to eating and drinking. But even just by standing up at a bar or cafe you are burning nine times more calories, plus sitting for long periods of time has been found to be as bad for your health as smoking[4], so standing means you’re not only burning calories, you’re helping your heart too. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com. [4] Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Screen-based entertainment time, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular events: Population-based study with ongoing mortality and hospital events follow-up. When it comes to weight loss many believe snacking between meals is the answer. New research however, reveals that the average person unknowingly consumes 800 calories every day [1] a as a result of snacking. According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, leading producer of high quality supplements, the issue lies with the type of snacks we are eating. Ms. Zhou explains, “Often when we graze between meals we make the mistake of opting for calorie laden foods, rather than making nutritious choices. Not only does this hinder our body’s ability to properly process the food; it often also results in weight gain from the additional calorie consumption. Thankfully, there are alternatives that not only keep your energy levels up but also help you to shed those unwanted kilos.” Ms. Zhou shares her expert tips on which foods will help you snack yourself skinny: 1. Think fishy. If you are looking for a food that will keep you feeling full between meals and provide you with loads of nutrients, tuna is the perfect option. Not only is it stacked with protein and omega-3 essential fatty acids, its ability to curb your craving leads to a flatter stomach. 2. Play it cool. Frozen foods often get a bad rap when it comes to healthy eating, but snap frozen vegetables such as peas and corn are actually an excellent source of nutrients. The combination of low calorie density and high levels of fibre means they are both a filling and satisfying snack. 3. Go nutty. Nuts are a great snack if you are conscious about your weight as they’re rich in a variety of vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and potassium. They are also a significant source of protein and fibre while being naturally low in sugar. Nut bars such as USANA’s all-new Berry Nutty™ Nutrition Bar are great options, as they are both nutritious and convenient. 4. Pull the udder one. When it comes to sustaining energy and hunger levels, with minimal carbohydrates, milk is the perfect answer. Not only is it loaded with calcium and vitamin D, its high protein content means you stay full for longer than most other drinks. 5. Pop it. At only 20 calories per cup, natural popcorn is an underrated and reasonably healthy snack. As they are made out of whole grains they are low in glycaemic Index. Plus, the fibre from whole grains help you to feel full on fewer calories, meaning you consume less food overall. Ms. Zhou also recommends the following products to help you snack smarter: Your snacks can be a significant source of calories. So, choosing low GI, nutritious snacks can help you to feel fuller for longer and will also help you enjoy activities without feeling desperate for a sugary snack. And, while fruit is a great go-to, it’s not always convenient to carry around. Try one of USANA’s all new Berry Nutty Nutrition Bar– it’s a great source of protein and fibre, non-GMO, and low GI. Plus, it's free from soy, and dairy. Have you ever been tempted to reach for a not-so-healthy snack, only to hesitate when you consider your weight? Introducing USANA’s delicious protein snacks, Peanutty BlissTM, and Fudge DeliteTM bars. These delectable snacks will give you all the indulgence you crave with some extra benefits. Each of them is Low GI and packed with protein so they’ll fill you up for longer without spiking your blood sugar. They’re nutritious alternatives to high sugar, high calorie snacks. Also, both of USANA’s delicious protein snacks are formulated without gluten, which makes them a good option if you are gluten intolerant. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com.
USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 in the United States by microbiologist and immunologist, Dr Myron Wentz. The products are backed by an accredited team of scientific experts and USANA has been awarded a 5-star rating for its nutritional products – the highest of any available in Australia in the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (4th Ed) by Lyle McWilliam, an independent Canadian biochemist. [1] Introduction to the US Food System: Public Health, Environment, and Equity edited by Roni Neff Leading Australian Naturopath, President of the ACMA (Australian Complementary Medicine Association) and Iridologist, Will Shannon, has shared his insights into how to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and get flawless skin at any age. "We seem to be on an endless search for skin perfection. What few Australian women realise is that flawless, wrinkle free skin is achievable without the need to blast your face with chemicals," Will says. 1. Use Jojoba Oil. Jojoba Oil is golden with little odour as it comes from the Jojoba Seed which makes up about 50% of the content. It can be used as a makeup remover, a lip balm and occasionally as a hair treatment. Massage in Jojoba Oil into any dry spots for some extra hydration. 2. Take Magnesium. Magnesium is a muscle relaxant, sometimes used to relive constipation and also in cases of people suffering depression. It will help release the muscles holding chronic states of tension, which in the face, will reduce the signs of wrinkles. 3. Drink Water. Although an easy one, you must drink at least 2 litres of water a day. We breathe out half a litre of moisture a day, and our bowels need 1.5L of water just to function properly each day. 4. Take Circulatory Supplements. Cayenne pepper, ginger & garlic are all good for the skin as they drive circulation around the body help to prevent cold hands & feet. Use such supplements to boost your memory, as it is difficult for the heart to drive blood (against gravity) to the brain, and are very good for the skin. Nervous states shut down peripheral circulation which will ultimately have an effect on your skin. 5. Avoid Botox. My advice would be to avoid Botox as it is the most deadliest poison for the skin. Your body needs to eliminate the poisons via the blood stream which can potentially cause more health challenges. Botulinum toxin is from a bacteria that used to grow in rancid meat. It inhibits nerve function, and hence the nerves that control that muscle can't fire. Botox dampens the muscles that fire in the face to produce emotion, hence you feel, and look, less emotional. 6. Get Rest/Stress Less. Meditate, enjoy your time with friends and family and get proper amounts of rest. Resting and stressing less relax the nervous system which in turn allows the body to get into deeper states of relaxation to heal itself - letting your skin bounce back quicker each day. 7. Take Horsetail. Forget inorganic silica, take horsetail herb which is full of copious amounts of horsetail making the skin, hair and nails very bright. Horsetail has traditionally been used by herbalists and it's great for the kidneys and for flushing excess oedema (fluid retention) away safely and naturally. Even if you don't have fluid retention take it for a safe, and naturally healthy glow. 8. Use a Dry Skin Brush. The skin is sometimes called the third kidney and has to eliminate 1 billion skin cells a day. Brush the dead skin away to reveal a cleaner layer underneath. Brush towards the heart every day in the bath or shower to give your skin a helping hand. 9. Avoid Soft Drinks and Alcohol Although repeated to us often, it is best to avoid these drinks as they dehydrate the skin, clog up and strain the kidneys and hence put a toxic load on the skin. For more information or to book an appointment with Will Shannon visit www.willshannon.com Image: Some rights reserved by mihhailov Have a sweet tooth? Most people do. While many tend to blame myriad woes—everything from weight gain to tooth decay—on having a sweet tooth, though, there isn’t actually anything intrinsically wrong with liking sweets. In fact, many types of sweets can be good for you. The troubles only really start pouring in once lack of moderation and a failure to pick “the good kind” of sweets enter the picture. The former is all up to you and your self-discipline, of course. As for the second, here are some healthy sweet alternatives to all that processed candy you’ve been shoving down your throat. 1. Try healthy substitutes for dairy. A lot of sweet treats, from ice cream to pudding, use a lot of dairy products like milk and cream. You don’t have to cut down completely on these—dairy too is good for you—but you can replace some portion of the dairy with a healthier alternative. Yoghurt is a good option. You can actually whip up a great parfait with it, some fresh fruit, and a few chopped nuts. For something even more unusual, you can try kefir, which tastes much the same as yoghurt but may have even more health benefits. There are actually kefir recipes for making treats like cheesecake and ice cream. Who’s to say it can’t be used to make pudding too? 2. Replace sugar with honey. Both of them pack caloric energy, yes, but honey has more nutrients to go with its calories. It has proteins and amino acids, and is also known as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial substance. Replace sugar in dessert recipes with honey where possible. You can also drizzle it on whole wheat bread for a sweet snack or set aside a spoonful or two as a dip for crackers, fruit slices, or vegetable sticks. This way, you satisfy your sweet tooth while also answering (the equally-common) craving for crunch. 3. Spice things up with cinnamon. Cinnamon is actually an excellent substitute for sugar in a lot of beverages. If you find yourself craving sweet coffee or tea in the morning, skip that sugar cube and throw a stick of cinnamon in the pot instead. Cinnamon also imparts a savory, gentle heat that many grow to love, besides being great at cutting bitterness. It also has myriad health benefits, from regulation of blood sugar to reducing IBS symptoms. If you still want to add a bit of sweetener, put a dollop of honey in there instead of sugar. 4. Go for healthier chocolate or healthier alternatives. Different types of chocolate have different health benefits. Generally, you want to go with something that has more cacao in it and less sugar, so that you can take advantage of all the flavanols found in cacao: dark chocolates are best, especially those not made with the “dutching" method. Alternatively, you can try a chocolate substitute known as carob, which is naturally sweeter than chocolate. Not everyone likes it, mind you, but a lot of people do find it a suitable substitute for chocolate in many recipes. Image: Some rights reserved by Jeanny Schmidt Image: Some rights reserved by Bionicgrrrl |
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