According to the British Dietetic Society, the average person gains 6 lbs over the festive season! I strongly believe you should kick Christmas back into the end of December and not be tempted by all of the 2 for 1 offers on goodies now.
Having said that I fully understand that some people want to spread the cost and buy items when they are on offer.
So I highly RECOMMEND WRITING A LIST of what you want. DO NOT DEVIATE or you will end up eating Christmas food in January - believe me I've done it!
You do not need to stockpile as though there is a seige - the shops will reopen!
Here are a few ideas for healthier choices:
- filo pastry mince pies approx 90 calories & luxury deep filled are 3 times that.
- 100g rich fruit cake approx 330 calories : double that with marzipan & icing.
- standard Xmas Pud approx 300 calories in 100g - luxury versions will be more.
- brandy butter is about 10 times the calories of fat free greek yoghurt with a little brandy added for flavour!
Worth thinking about?............
Happy Eating,
Bev
Monday, 29 November 2010
Friday, 26 November 2010
GOOD FOOD CHOICES & ALCOHOL DON'T MIX!
IT'S NEARLY PARTY TIME!
Do you go out with all good intentions and end up with a steaming hangover the next day?
ALCOHOL WEAKENS YOUR RESOVE!
You may overindulge at the buffet, make less than good food choices, end up feeling bloated, or worse, head off to the chip shop - which will seem like a wonderful idea at the time!
Here are a few tips if you really want to stay healthy and hangover free!
1. DRINK WATER - 1 glass for every alcoholic drink to help prevent dehydration.
2. Stay off beer and lager - it's full of sugar.
3. As are alcopops, which also have added chemicals and additives!
4. Stick to wine - or spirits, but beware too many sugary mixers.
5. If at a function, only get your glass topped up when it's empty, so you know how much you are drinking.
6. Have organic drinks if available - they have fewer nasties added to them!
7. If friends complain you aren't drinking LOOK LIKE YOU HAVE AN ALCOHOLIC DRINK - sparkling water with ice & lemon resembles G&T.
8 Solve the problem by offering to drive - everyone will love you!
But above all ENJOY YOURSELF!
Bev
Do you go out with all good intentions and end up with a steaming hangover the next day?
ALCOHOL WEAKENS YOUR RESOVE!
You may overindulge at the buffet, make less than good food choices, end up feeling bloated, or worse, head off to the chip shop - which will seem like a wonderful idea at the time!
Here are a few tips if you really want to stay healthy and hangover free!
1. DRINK WATER - 1 glass for every alcoholic drink to help prevent dehydration.
2. Stay off beer and lager - it's full of sugar.
3. As are alcopops, which also have added chemicals and additives!
4. Stick to wine - or spirits, but beware too many sugary mixers.
5. If at a function, only get your glass topped up when it's empty, so you know how much you are drinking.
6. Have organic drinks if available - they have fewer nasties added to them!
7. If friends complain you aren't drinking LOOK LIKE YOU HAVE AN ALCOHOLIC DRINK - sparkling water with ice & lemon resembles G&T.
8 Solve the problem by offering to drive - everyone will love you!
But above all ENJOY YOURSELF!
Bev
Monday, 22 November 2010
DIET DRINKS CAN MAKE YOU FAT!
Many people have sugar cravings and believe that if they switch to artificial sweeteners, such as those used in diet drinks, it will satisfy the craving and help them keep their weight down.
IT WILL NOT!
What actually happens is the sweeteners in diet drinks fool your body into thinking it is taking on sugar for energy.
When this does not happen, you begin to crave sugary sweet food even more because your body is expecting and wanting it.
Eventually, the more diet drink you have, the more your body demands that sugar is eaten - and it is only a question of time before you reach for the biscuits!
Also, apart from water, the only other ingredients in fizzy diet drinks are chemicals - designed to add specific taste and fizz - DO YOU LIKE DRINKING CHEMICALS?
The answer - DRINK WATER. Plain is best as carbonated waters tend to be much higher in sodium. Put lemon or lime slices and ice cubes in plain water if you want added flavour.
Happy drinking!
Bev
IT WILL NOT!
What actually happens is the sweeteners in diet drinks fool your body into thinking it is taking on sugar for energy.
When this does not happen, you begin to crave sugary sweet food even more because your body is expecting and wanting it.
Eventually, the more diet drink you have, the more your body demands that sugar is eaten - and it is only a question of time before you reach for the biscuits!
Also, apart from water, the only other ingredients in fizzy diet drinks are chemicals - designed to add specific taste and fizz - DO YOU LIKE DRINKING CHEMICALS?
The answer - DRINK WATER. Plain is best as carbonated waters tend to be much higher in sodium. Put lemon or lime slices and ice cubes in plain water if you want added flavour.
Happy drinking!
Bev
Thursday, 11 November 2010
CHINESE THOUGHTS
'NEE HOW' (that's hello in Chinese!)
5 years ago I travelled to China and completed a 60 mile walk along the Great Wall for a fantastic cause - Breast Cancer Care. I met some amazing ladies, and sadly, not all are here today.
However some of the friends I made have organised a reunion up in Edinburgh this weekend, and I am really looking forward to catching up and remembering our fantastic adventure!
Not least our visit to 'Snack Street' in Beijing, where a weird and wonderful assortment of food was cooked by the roadside on skewers - only the very brave tasted! To this day we are still not sure what it all was.
If you are thinking of cooking more traditional Chinese food, don't forget the PAK CHOI (chinese cabbage). There are green and white varieties of this leafy vegetable. It's packed full of vitamin C, beta-carotene and folic acid. Pak choi is wonderful added to stir fries, soups and noodle dishes, but add the crisp stalks first as they need a little longer cooking time than the soft leaves.
You can also eat it raw in salads - it has a mild, slightly mustardy taste.
I'm off to do my packing now - 'ZAI JIAN' !
Bev
5 years ago I travelled to China and completed a 60 mile walk along the Great Wall for a fantastic cause - Breast Cancer Care. I met some amazing ladies, and sadly, not all are here today.
However some of the friends I made have organised a reunion up in Edinburgh this weekend, and I am really looking forward to catching up and remembering our fantastic adventure!
Not least our visit to 'Snack Street' in Beijing, where a weird and wonderful assortment of food was cooked by the roadside on skewers - only the very brave tasted! To this day we are still not sure what it all was.
If you are thinking of cooking more traditional Chinese food, don't forget the PAK CHOI (chinese cabbage). There are green and white varieties of this leafy vegetable. It's packed full of vitamin C, beta-carotene and folic acid. Pak choi is wonderful added to stir fries, soups and noodle dishes, but add the crisp stalks first as they need a little longer cooking time than the soft leaves.
You can also eat it raw in salads - it has a mild, slightly mustardy taste.
I'm off to do my packing now - 'ZAI JIAN' !
Bev
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
QUINOA - THE GOLD OF THE INCAS
Pronounced keen-wah, it comes from the seed of a leafy plant related to spinach. It's known as a grain but is technically a fruit, and has been cultivated in the Andes for over 5,000 years.
Quinoa is possibly the perfect food because it has a protein quality better than meat, and is a COMPLETE PROTEIN, meaning it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids. It is also gluten free, high in fibre, essential fatty acids and minerals, and very low in fat.
Studies have been done to show that it can help with migraines, promote better cardiovascular health, protect against breast cancer and prevent gallstones.
Quinoa is cooked like rice, in boiling water for about 20 minutes until light and fluffy. It has a delicate, somewhat nutty flavour. For added flavour try adding some fresh orange juice or stock, herbs and spices to the cooking water. You can add vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs or chopped dried fruit for a tasty meal. It is delicious both hot and cold - sweet or savoury - try it!
Bev
Quinoa is possibly the perfect food because it has a protein quality better than meat, and is a COMPLETE PROTEIN, meaning it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids. It is also gluten free, high in fibre, essential fatty acids and minerals, and very low in fat.
Studies have been done to show that it can help with migraines, promote better cardiovascular health, protect against breast cancer and prevent gallstones.
Quinoa is cooked like rice, in boiling water for about 20 minutes until light and fluffy. It has a delicate, somewhat nutty flavour. For added flavour try adding some fresh orange juice or stock, herbs and spices to the cooking water. You can add vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs or chopped dried fruit for a tasty meal. It is delicious both hot and cold - sweet or savoury - try it!
Bev
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