Exercise creates “hope molecules”
You have probably heard: exercise boosts your mood “runners’ high” endorphin rush exercise helps fight depression but WHY? What is it about exercising that makes us feel better? Why is exercise prescribed to help treat depression and trauma recovery? Scientists looking at what happens to our muscles when we move discovered that our muscles can…
Read MoreStress & your weight
Your thoughts matter What you think becomes your reality. If this seems a little woo-woo to you, just take a moment to imagine something that scares you (eg spiders; snakes; small spaces). How did that make you feel?Maybe your stomach clenched or your heart started racing.Maybe you felt anxious or jittery.No matter what you felt,…
Read MoreWhy winter workouts are good for you
Grab your shoes and head outdoors -why a cold winter workout can be so good for your health. Cooler, winter weather often makes us feel lethargic, making the thought of going outside rather unappealing. But before you curl up with a cuppa and your latest book, consider the benefits of getting out and about as…
Read MoreIt’s OK to cheat…
Why you should plan for “treat meals” into your meal planning For most people, eating a healthy, clean diet every day is an unrealistic goal. As you incorporate more fresh, healthy foods into your diet, you’ll find that you’ll have days where you are satisfied with your oats and fresh fruit; nuts and lean protein…
Read MoreAre you wearing a little thin (in the shoe)?
Cold showers save more than energy bills
Cold showers can help boost your immunity and health… I have been trying this (sometimes torturous) technique on and off over the past few years. I don’t really do cold water (I only swim if I’m melting), but the evidence of health benefits is compelling enough to keep me going back. “Most people in Australia…
Read MoreOsteoporosis – are you at risk?
Osteoporosis (brittle bones), affects 1.2 million people across the country and is more common than breast and cervical cancer. It is the cause of 165, 000 bone fractures each year. 4 out of 5 Australians don’t realise they have it – there are no symptoms, until you break a bone. Known as the silent-disease, it…
Read MoreDukkah
Make up a jar of this delicious Middle Eastern spice mix and use it to give your salads some crunch, or as a dip with olive oil and crunchy bread. You can also use it as a crunchy coating for chicken or kebabs and it’s great with fish. Ingredients: 2/3 cup hazelnuts 1/2 cup sesame…
Read MoreHoliday survival tip sheet
Holiday eating tips Holidays tend to be a time of indulgence – morning lie ins, meals out, cocktails etc Whether you are away on holiday or it’s the festive season, avoid coming home with more baggage around your middle with these simple tips: Don’t waste your calories: rate all foods from 1 to 10, ten…
Read MoreDo YOU lift? 8 reasons why you need to pick up your weights to build muscle
Do you lift to build muscle strength? Are you including resistance training (aka using weights) in your workouts? If not, why not? Running, cycling, swimming etc are the best fat-burner workouts! Right? Wrong! Resistance training; aka lifting weights, body weight work, strength work, pumping iron etc is the key to a strong, supple body which…
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