Posts tagged “Lifestyle”

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Diets, diets and more diets

Posted on 13th February 2019 at 08:15

A couple of weeks ago we looked at “Low fat high carb” diets. How much confusion there still seems to be about them AND how this has unwittingly contributed to rising levels of Diabetes and Obesity. However, with the huge number of different diets out there being marketed as “the one” – particularly at this time of year (!) – it’s not surprising that many people are still completely confused about the different options; let alone which is the best one for them.

So, this week, we’re going to have a look at the two most popular types of diets in the last couple of years. Low Carb and Intermittent Fasting. But, don’t be fooled. They both appear in many different guises, each with their own particular programme and celebrity endorsement (!).

The joys of serendipity

Posted on 6th February 2019 at 08:15

We often talk about the joys of serendipity and how life has a way of – almost (!) – magically falling into place IF we allow it to. Letting it unfold in its own way AND at its own pace. Often this happens in ways we never could have anticipated or takes us off in a completely new direction that turns out to be exactly what we wanted.

If you’re not sure what we’re talking about – or it just sounds too good to be true – here’s a great definition of serendipity:

“The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.”

And, for those who love trivia, did you know that it was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754? His inspiration came from “The Three Princes of Serendip”, a fairy tale where the heroes “were always making discoveries, by accident and sagacity, of things they were not in quest of.”

Diabetes and the dangers of the "Low Fat High Carb" diet

Posted on 30th January 2019 at 08:25

Last April – goodness it doesn’t seem that long ago (!) – we wrote about the worrying increase in those being diagnosed with Diabetes Type II Diabetes, also known as “Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes”. Even worse, it’s now being diagnosed in much younger people – those still in their teens and early 20’s – rather than people of middle age, who also tended to be overweight and sedentary. If you missed this post you can find it here .

Sadly, yet again, it’s become clear that this trend is being fuelled by poor lifestyle choices. In other words, poor diet and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Not surprisingly, both of these are also linked to Obesity, a well known risk factor for Diabetes, as well as many other conditions.

This has led to the modern dietary advice of eating a “Low Fat, High Carb” diet being put under the spotlight. Suddenly it doesn’t seem to be such a healthy option, leaving many confused and unsure about exactly what they should be eating. And, just as importantly, what they should be avoiding.

So, this week, we’re going to have a look at what most people understand as a “Low Fat, High Carb” diet and why it isn’t quite what they think it is.

What pushes your buttons?

Posted on 23rd January 2019 at 08:45

We all have things that push our buttons – or get our goat, if you were wondering why on earth we chose this week’s picture (!). And there’s a lovely word to describe them which we only came across recently, tolerations. They drain our energy and are guaranteed to ruin our day. Or sometimes our week…

Some are very small in the overall scheme of things. The bill that needs paying. Vase of flowers that have seen better days. Phone call to be made. Light bulb changed. Those good intentions that we mean to do but don’t quite get round to and annoy us until we do.

Others are much bigger. The annoying neighbour. Overfilled diary. Upcoming family event (!). Money worries. An annoying friend / family member / boss / fill in the blank. We all have things that come into this category – and tolerate – as we just don’t know how to deal with them.

Inspiration versus perspiration

Posted on 9th January 2019 at 08:30

Not surprisingly, we often talk to clients about making changes in their lives, particularly at this time of year.

These range from the small and easily manageable to much larger and more radical. Some are voluntary. Others have been forced on them by circumstances. Or, perhaps, by others whether with the best of motivations or not (!). And, without digressing too far, we all know there is a very fine line between “help” and “interference”….

The question that always comes up is how to make changes more easily. Well, let’s be honest, as painless and quick as possible.

Well, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is that there’s an easy answer to this question. The bad news is that it isn’t necessarily the one the client wants to hear.

Help, the Doctor says I've got blood pressure

Posted on 2nd January 2019 at 11:30

Over the years, we’ve heard this numerous times from clients and our reply is always the same. Thank goodness you have or you wouldn’t be talking to us! And, yes, we know this is probably not the answer they were expecting, but it always prompts a smile and helps puts things into perspective…

Blood pressure – and by that we mean high blood pressure (!) – is becoming an increasing problem worldwide, not just in the West. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure, Hypertension if you want to be more technical. So, this week, let’s find out about high blood pressure and why it’s such a concern.

Isn't it time for a new recipe for a stressfree family gathering?

Posted on 19th December 2018 at 07:45

Not surprisingly, the subject of Christmas – AHHHH!!! – has been coming up with clients over the last few weeks and we thought it was about time to suggest an alternative less stressful approach. And, while we’re focussing on the 25th December, it applies equally to any family gathering ...

Even though you probably don’t want to be reminded of it (!) let’s start with a quick reminder of the traditional recipe for Christmas:

It's ok to feel bad for no reason

Posted on 12th December 2018 at 07:30

Let’s face it, there are some days when we feel below par. Less than our usual – hopefully happy (!) – selves.

Perhaps we wake up with our own little black cloud firmly in place which stays with us for the day. Or, sometimes, a bit longer.

Other times, it’s much more transient. We’re fine one minute, a little down the next and then it’s gone. A small cloud that quickly disappears.

When we feel low – particularly at this time of year, when we’re meant to be full of seasonal cheer – it’s all too easy to go into over analysis mode. Looking for the “why”. But often there isn’t a simple – or obvious – answer for our change of mood. And we end up beating ourselves up for the lack of obvious answers. Talk about being counter productive. Making life more difficult for ourselves.

What's the difference between Bronchitis and Pneumonia?

Posted on 5th December 2018 at 08:15

Over the last few winters, there’s been a marked increase in the number of chest infections, particularly Bronchitis and Pneumonia. While many different causes have been suggested for this – colder, damp winters and changes in the bugs doing the rounds being the most common – as yet there’s no definitive answer.

Like many conditions with similar symptoms – such as Sprains and Strains, Dementia and Alzheimer’s – they’re easy to confuse. However, if you know what to look for, they are quite different. So, this week, let’s take a closer look at them.

Choices, choices, choices...

Posted on 28th November 2018 at 08:00

Life is all about choices.

And, yes, we know this is something of a cliché (!) but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true...

Some are made consciously.

When we stop and look at all the options before deciding which one to choose. Weigh up the pro’s and con’s of each one. Make an informed – or conscious – decision.

Others are made by default.

Perhaps by turning a blind eye to whatever it is until the decision is made for us. Whether by someone else or events making the choice for us.

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