You may not have come across this quote before so, if you’re wondering what on earth we’re going on about, here’s the full version: 

 

“Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.” E B White. 

 

We were reminded of this truism a few weeks ago, in the aftermath of the stabbing outside Westminster. And the furore surrounding a photo of a woman walking past one of the victims laying on the ground. 

 

So why was there such a furore about this particular woman? 

With the clocks having changed a few of weeks ago – and the annual fortnight in the sun approaching fast – it’s not surprising that many new year’s resolutions are currently being resurrected. Particularly those focussing around looking good. And, as an added bonus, feeling good too (!). 

 

One thing we’re guaranteed to be asked about at this time of year is the dreaded orange peel skin. With so many myths and misunderstandings about it, it’s not surprising that many people succumb to some rather strange – not to mention messy and time consuming (!) – methods that promise to deal with it. Sadly these don’t tend to live up to the hype – and, when you understand what Cellulite is, it’s easy to see why. 

A few weeks ago we wrote about the amazing range of excuses people manage to come up with, particularly children. “The dog ate my homework” is one of our particular favourites and guaranteed to bring brighten any grey day (!). 

 

Since then we’ve had various conversations with clients on a related issue. One that also seems to bring out the creativity in people. And that’s procrastination. Or, as one client so eloquently put it, the Art of Procrastination. As she saw it, there’s a great deal of creativity involved in true procrastination. 

With the chocolate fuelled madness that marks the first bank holiday weekend of the year rapidly approaching (!), we thought this blog post would get your attention. However, as so often is the case, it isn’t quite that simple. 

 

True, cocoa beans do have a myriad of health benefits, as confirmed by many different studies. More on this later. Hurrah!  

 

Unfortunately the majority of these are lost during the manufacturing process to produce the chocolate bars we’re so familiar with. Sorry! 

This time last year we talked about the traditional spring detox, helping to clear away any ill effects of the winter, in preparation for the summer ahead. Perhaps from indulging in a little too much comfort food (!). Or having been cocooned on the sofa under a duvet for days on end… 

 

We extolled the virtues of rediscovering fresh fruit and veg. Even better, eating whatever fruit or veg is in season, so at its best right now. And, by the way, english asparagus is just coming into season and tastes great! 

 

Spending time outside in the fresh air every day. Perhaps even taking some gentle exercise such as a walk, bike ride or swim. 

Maybe even doing a gentle liver detox using Milk Thistle tincture. Or, for the more adventurous, an old fashioned naturopathic liver and gallbladder flush. 

Over the last couple of years we’ve put various words under the spotlight. Want. Hope. Need. 

 

And shown that they don’t quite have the meaning – or effect – most people assume they do. 

 

As an side, “assume” is a great example of another much misunderstood word. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “assume makes an ASS out of U and ME.” Need we say any more?!? 

 

Without taking the time to notice the words we use automatically, it’s all too easy to undermine our best efforts by simply choosing the wrong words. And this applies whether we’re saying them out loud or thinking them. 

 

So, this week, we’d like to highlight two very small words we all use many times each day. Would you like to guess what they are before reading any further? 

A couple of weeks ago we looked at Vitamin C and promised to write about free radicals. The part they play in many chronic degenerative diseases and how the antioxidants found in Vitamin C (as well as in many other nutrients) can help to stop – and even reverse – this process. 

 

While you may not know exactly what free radicals are, you’ve probably heard about them before. Often in connection with the latest “miracle” skin cream which promises to restore youthful looks in a flash. However they are much more than this. 

This week we thought we’d give you a little conundrum, as well as a new perspective on your comfort zone. And, why it isn’t quite as comfortable as you thought it was. 

 

Confused? We thought you may be (!) but, trust us, it’ll all make sense in a minute. 

 

So, without further ado, let’s start by digging out our trusty – online (!) – dictionary which describes a comfort zone as: 

 

“A situation where one feels safe or at ease OR a settled method of working that requires little effort and yields only barely acceptable results.” 

It’s interesting the associations we all seem to have. The winter with Coughs and Colds (!), Vitamin C and a glass of orange juice. But would you associate Vitamin C with a reduced risk of heart disease, ageing or cancer? Probably not. 

 

Of all the vitamins, Vitamin C is the one most people have heard of. And yet seem to know so little about. So, this week, let’s dig a little deeper and find out why it’s important for good health. Not just Coughs and Colds. 

Have you noticed how creative people can be with their excuses, not to mention their little white lies?  

 

And how early this skill starts to be developed, as anyone spending time with children are all too familiar with. “The dog ate my homework.” “My Mum forgot to pack my lunch / sports kit / fill in the blank.”  

 

Not forgetting that old, catch all standby. “I don’t know what happened; it wasn’t anything to do with me (and can’t you see my halo shining brightly, as in our picture below?!?).” 

 

Not surprisingly, by the time adulthood is reached, many people have reached world class status; with a wide range of excuses ready for every eventuality. Little wonder we recently heard it suggested that this skill should really be recognised as an olympic sport (!).