THE last thing you want as winter rolls in is a nasty cold or flu. It's bad enough that the weather is colder, the days are shorter and it's all around gloomy... a nasty bug makes it so much worse. So you're probably wondering what you need to do to boost your immune system? There are several things you can do, like getting plenty of sleep, stressing a bit less and taking time to relax and exercising to keep yourself fit. But, let's face it, between balancing work, family and a social life there barely seems enough time for shut eye, let alone stressing less! Luckily, you can eat your way to a better immune system to prevent any pesky bugs. Flu season tends to start in mid-November then peaks in mid-January to March, so now is the time to start eating all the right foods. Your best protection against the nasty bug is the flu vaccine, but eating the right foods can also help protect you and your family. "Having an all-round balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health and a healthy … [Read more...] about From strawberries to fish and sweet potato… the foods to boost your immune system as flu season looms
Good diet foods to eat
The best foods to eat for a good night’s sleep
Dietician Sophie Medlin recommends her top foods for a peaceful sleep.Sleep has become widely recognised as playing a really important role in our overall health and wellness – alongside diet, stress management and exercise.Recently, researchers have been learning more about how poor sleep influences our dietary choices, as well as how diet influences sleep quality. Not sleeping for long enough or poor quality sleep are associated with increased food intake, a less healthy diet and weight gain. Lack of sleep also leads to increased snacking and overeating. And it causes us to want to eat foods high in fat and carbohydrates – with increased chemical rewards to the brain when we do eat these foods. Essentially, poor sleep drives your body to find high energy foods to keep you awake which makes fighting the cravings for unhealthy foods very difficult to resist. But, on the other hand, when we have slept well our appetite hormones are at a normal level. We don’t crave … [Read more...] about The best foods to eat for a good night’s sleep
From rice crackers to salad…the most POINTLESS foods to eat if you want to lose weight
WHEN it comes to losing weight, the key is keeping hunger at bay. We all know that when we eat properly satisfying meals, we're less likely to overeat or snack afterwards. Some grub, however, is more filling than others - and even "healthy" foods can leave you wanting more. Kathleen Alleaume is a nutrition and exercise scientist, and she said that if you're trying to curb your excess and cut down on cravings, here are the foods to avoid: Salty snacks Sodium-rich snacks like crisps and nuts are incredibly moreish and tend to be highly refined and highly calorific. Not only do they offer little in the way of nutrients, but research has shown that added salt makes people eat more food - regardless of how much fat was in the meal. Salt also makes us thirsty. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, tricking our bodies into wanting to eat more instead of simply grabbing a glass of water. Salads Sure, salads can be packed with vitamins and minerals while being low-calorie, but if all you're … [Read more...] about From rice crackers to salad…the most POINTLESS foods to eat if you want to lose weight
The foods to eat and to avoid to increase chances of getting pregnant
While some couples conceive without a problem, others try for years before getting pregnant. There are a lot of myths around what both men and women should and shouldn’t do if they want to increase their chances of conception, but a study has found just how much what you eat can have an effect. Harvard University researchers conducted the review, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, by assessing existing data linking nutrition and fertility. Six healthy breakfast recipes - in pictures + show all Six healthy breakfast recipes - in pictures 1/6 You will need: 1 onion, 1 red pepper, 1 stick of celery, 1 cup of mushrooms, 4 to 6 eggs, 1 habanero chilli (optional), 1 tablespoon of oil, 25g of grated low-fat cheese, 150 ml of skimmed milk, 50g of turkey breast. Add some spinach for an extra boost. Method: 1) Cook your turkey breast so that it’s ready to add to the mix later on. Best to grill it and then chop it up as it’s … [Read more...] about The foods to eat and to avoid to increase chances of getting pregnant
5:2 diet: How to burn 1lb of fat EVERY week with intermittent fasting
THE 5:2 diet is one of the most popular intermittent fasting diets. Here is everything you need to know. By Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz / Published 3rd April 2018 GETTY - STOCK 5:2 DIET: You will eat normally for five days, and do intermittent fasting for two The good news for people thinking about embarking on the 5:2 diet is that you eat normally for five days, and then for two days you consume less calories.For many, the fact that it is only two days you are depriving yourself makes it easier.In short, it is an easier way to losing weight than depriving yourself every day, and you only need to restrict your calories on two days. Celeb weight loss transformations Amazingly, these reality TV stars have lost more than 40st between them... all thanks to healthy eating and exercise 1 / 24 Getty/Instagram Kerry Katona shocks fans as she shows off two stone weight loss What is the 5:2 diet?The diet was made popular by British doctor and journalist Michael … [Read more...] about 5:2 diet: How to burn 1lb of fat EVERY week with intermittent fasting