Here’s how to kill off unhealthy cravings whenever they hit… Problem – missed breakfast. When you leave it too long before eating in the morning, your body and brain will be desperate for fuel and you’re likely to grab something unhealthy. Solution – have a milky drink. Hold off on the pastry and drink a […]
9:00am – Coffee Why do you crave a kick-start cup of coffee in the morning? It’s because the caffeine releases adrenaline – the hormone that makes you feel more alert – into your bloodstream. It also boosts blood circulation to your brain, helping improve concentration. Just make sure you eat breakfast first, as drinking it on […]
The verdict: keep eating. New research found that when mice had the flu, feeding them up helped them to recover. Your immune system needs fuel to fight viruses, so give it some TLC and eat little and often. Think antioxidant-rich, fruit and veg packed smoothies and soups.
Diet is the first port of call in the fight to stay healthy, and prevention is better than cure. Here are my top tips to keeping your immune system strong throughout the cold season: Fill up on a rainbow of fresh fruit and veggies so you’re getting all the vitamins you need. Immune-boosting vitamin C […]
With doctors fearing the return of rickets due to low levels of the sunshine vitamin, how can we sun-starved Brits get enough this winter? How to get more sunshine Although it’s important to protect yourself in the sun, you need to build up your vitamin D levels with bursts of unprotected sun between April and […]
Portion control is key to weight control. But how much is too much? The answer is in the palm of your hand. The best way to judge how much you need of each the food groups is by measuring it in your hand. Fruit = cupped palms Small fruit such as berries and grapes can […]
Scientists have recently discovered that the hormone Irisin circulates in the body when you exercise. It’s important because it switches on genes that convert white fat – the type that gets packed around your middle and releases dangerous inflammatory chemicals – into brown fat, which helps you burn calories. The more you work out, the […]
25% The increase in distance you’ll walk if you use a pedometer, according to a US study.
The verdict: Guacamole The reason: If you’re just looking to curb your calories, then guacamole is your best dip, boasting 64 calories in 4 tbsp (compared to 100 for houmous). Both are high in nutritional value though, with vitamin C and heart-protecting niacin in guacamole, and folate and zinc in houmous.
When light levels drop in the evening, the pineal gland switches on the production of the sleep-inducing hormone Melatonin. It’s then released through the night, keeping you asleep until the morning, when levels drop again. The blue light from smartphones and other technology can suppress Melatonin, disrupting your sleep-wake cycle. Turn off two hours before […]