Posts tagged “Lifestyle”

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The ticking health time bomb, Aspartame

Posted on 25th May 2016 at 07:45

It’s been a while since the last part of this very occasional series (!), so we thought it was about time to shatter a few more myths about something many people don’t give a second thought to.

Like all the things we’ve covered so far it sounds like such a good idea. Something to make life easier. In this case as part of any weight loss – or management – programme.

So what are we talking about? Aspartame, the grandfather of artificial sweeteners. Or, if you prefer to use one of its many brand names: NutraSweet, Spoonful, Equal Measure.

The tale of aspartame is a fascinating one, with many unexpected twists and turns along the way. So here we go.

Is ignorance really bliss?

Posted on 18th May 2016 at 07:45

From time to time we hear people – friends, family and clients – repeat the old saying that “ignorance is bliss” but is this really true?

Perhaps, in the short term, ignorance may be bliss. It’s certainly the easy option. Whether it’s carrying on oblivious to what we’re doing. Or the deliberate turning of a blind eye.

But how about the longer term?

And it can be very long term. Months, years or decades later. When the chickens come home to roost; the consequences of our actions – or inactions – become apparent.

Hayfever - how to prevent another miserable Summer

Posted on 11th May 2016 at 07:45

To many people the appearance of bright yellow fields – fields of flowering rape – marks the start of Spring. To us – and its many sufferers – it marks something slightly different. The start of the Hayfever season (!).

Hayfever, variously known as a “Seasonal Allergy” or a “Summer Cold”, is only one trigger for what medics call “Allergic Rhinitis”. Other triggers include dust, moulds and animal hair.

Characterised by nasal congestion and a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose; Hayfever may also cause shortness of breath and other asthma like symptoms. The conventional approach relies on antihistamines and steroids which are well known for causing drowsiness, together with a range of other unwanted side effects.

Why do we see making mistakes as bad thing?

Posted on 4th May 2016 at 07:45

It’s always struck us as ironic that so many things we consider to be bad are really good things in disguise.

Perhaps it’s because we can’t immediately see the benefits and so classify them as “bad” without looking any further.

Or maybe it’s down to our old friend, peer pressure, which says that we should all do things in a certain way regardless of how well it works for us.

We call it “backwards thinking” and a great example of this is our attitude to making mistakes, which are automatically seen as a bad thing. As though having things not turn out in quite the way we expected – or wanted – is wrong. Something to be avoided at all costs. And certainly not to be admitted to publically. Unless, that is, we want to look stupid.

Let food be your medicine

Posted on 27th April 2016 at 07:45

You may have heard this truism many times before, but did you know it dates back over 2,000 years to Ancient Greece? And to the Greek Physician, Hippocrates.

Often referred to as the “Founder of Medicine” Hippocrates was the first to separate medicine from superstitions. Rejecting the prevailing view of the times – that disease was caused by evil spirits or disfavour of the gods – he used observation and the study of the body to understand and treat disease.

While his observations may be over 2,000 years old, they are as relevant today as they were at the time. For example, that the body should be treated as a whole and not just a series of parts. Incorporating a good diet, fresh air, cleanliness and rest into all treatments.

There’s so much we can still learn from Hippocrates but, today, let’s focus on the healing power of the food we eat.

How to be happy in an instant

Posted on 20th April 2016 at 07:45

Looking back over the 80 – or more (!) – posts we’ve made in the last couple of years, one subject has come up more than any other. And this reflects how popular a topic it is with clients.

It concerns an emotion – or state of mind, if you prefer – and comes up in many different guises. It also remains one of the most elusive. And well as being priceless.

So what are we talking about?

Happiness.

A spring clean for your body - or detox, if you prefer

Posted on 13th April 2016 at 07:45

Over the years we’ve noticed that New Year isn’t the only time of the year when all sorts of health related resolutions are made. Here in the UK the spring is just as popular. Perhaps it’s to do with the warmer weather and lighter nights, waking people up from their winter hibernation. Or, maybe, the prospect of the annual fortnight in the sun.

Whatever the reason, this time of year is always busy as people decide to kick start their health programme for the warmer months ahead. An easy way to get things moving – literally (!) is the traditional spring clean. Or detox, if you prefer.

Have you been seduced by the "one eyed monster"?

Posted on 6th April 2016 at 08:45

As many of our clients already know, and readers of this blog may have guessed (!), we’re not great fans of mainstream media. And by mainstream media we mean television, cinema and papers.

There are many reasons for this, not least the huge amount of time that can be “lost” to them every day. However our primary concern is the very misleading and negative picture they often portray of this world of ours and the part we each play in it.

While we could talk about mainstream media in general, today we’d like to focus on the “one eyed monster” in the corner of the living room. And now in many other rooms as well. Not to mention on all your favourite electronic gizmos. Phone. Desk top. Lap top. I pad. Tablet.

Are vegetable oils as healthy as you'd like to think?

Posted on 30th March 2016 at 07:45

These days it seems that everywhere we go we’re spoilt for choice. Just look at your weekly food shop with new products appearing every week – many accompanied by glowing health testimonials. It’s no wonder there’s so much confusion about what foods are good for you. And which should be avoided like the plague (!).

One area which has changed out of all recognition are cooking oils. Turn the clock back a few years and the choices were simple. Blended vegetable oils or corn oil, with names such as Mezola or Canola. Or the more traditional dripping, lard or butter.

These days there are a huge choice of cooking oils on the shelf ranging from the well known Olive oil to Sunflower, Rapeseed and Coconut oils. Each comes with its own particular attributes and health claims, making it hard decide which one is best for you.

Are you your own best friend - or worst enemy?

Posted on 23rd March 2016 at 07:45

In this blog we often talk about the monster we all seem to have living in our heads. You know the one we mean.

The one with a very loud, insistent voice. Giving its opinion on whatever is happening in our lives at that particular moment.

More often than not, focussing on the negatives. Downplaying the positives. Magnifying our own unique insecurities, fears and anxieties.

In many ways it’s like having our own personal radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It’s little wonder that life can seem such a struggle at times.

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