In the last blog, I discussed the many benefits exercise has on both our minds and bodies – increased immunity, a healthier heart, stronger lungs and cutting the risk of diabetes – to name but a few. After just a couple of months of regular exercise, a number of other benefits can also be seen. […]
The moment you head out on your run, launch into your Spinning class, or start your Pilates session, the benefits of exercise kick in. Your heart rate increases, and blood is delivered to your muscles. You start burning calories for fuel. And you get an almost immediate mood boost. As little as 30 minutes of […]
Biologically speaking, salt attracts water in the body, so you hold onto that extra weight instead of eliminating it. To counteract the problem you should take two steps to keep bloat at bay: 1. Keep it fresh. Since salt is a preservative, everything that’s packaged or processed will be high in sodium. Plan on making […]
Doing a quick sculpting routine pre-cardio could increase the amount of fat you melt. Exercisers in a study at the University of Tokyo who biked within 20 minutes of lifting weights tapped more of their fat stores than those who rested longer or didn’t tone at all. The firm-then-burn order is also good for your […]
Call it the 20-20 rule: As little as 20 minutes of low-intensity aerobic activity such as walking can give you a 20 percent surge in energy. Many people assume that they’ll get tired from exercise, but the opposite actually happens. It’s unknown as to what the biological mechanism is, but indirect evidence suggests that brain […]
In order to burn the most fat, you should go 12 hours overnight without eating. The reasoning behind it is that during the day your muscles use some of the calories you eat for fuel, the rest is stored as glycogen. Overnight, that glycogen is converted to glucose. Once the glycogen is gone, your liver […]
Getting that desired six-pack is not the only reason to include the plank into your exercise routine. A strong core stabilises your hips and pelvis when you run, enabling you to go faster and further. In a study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, runners who did six weeks of core training had […]
Plain yogurt naturally contains about 16 grams of sugar per cup. But if you eat flavoured yogurt, you could be downing 15 or more additional grams of sugar, which is the equivalent to four extra teaspoonfuls. Choose plain, low-fat yogurt and stir in a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or all-fruit spread for a hint […]
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic procedure that is said to boost oral and overall health by withdrawing toxins. The procedure is pretty straightforward: take any vegetable oil, such as coconut, olive or sunflower, and vigorously swish it around your mouth for 20 minutes, then spit it out. Don’t gargle, don’t swallow. Repeat daily. In […]
Turmeric: A study has shown that older adults in India are 4.4 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than the same demographic in the UK. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory abilities to protect cell erosion and carries antioxidant effects that fight against breakdown in cell membranes. Berries: These sweet fruits are rich in polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, […]