ARE YOU A CAFFEINE JUNKY?

How many cups of tea or coffee have you had so far today? Or fizzy pop with caffeine? And how many glasses of water have you drunk? If you've had more caffeine drinks you may like to read on......
CAFFEINE is the most widely used mood altering DRUG in the world! Does that suprise you? It's a stimulant and can be very addictive, giving immediate increased alertness, so that people become dependant on it. Now while some people find this a positive effect, as they need to stay awake, there are downsides.
Large amounts can lead to a state of hyperactivity as caffeine stimulates the nervous system. For this reason it's advisable not to drink in the evenings as it can affect sleep quality. Also high blood pressure is a problem, as is dehydration because caffeine is a diuretic.
Another problem is that DRINKING TOO MUCH CAFFEINE CAN HINDER WEIGHT LOSS! This is because it stimulates the pancreas to overproduce insulin, and insulin is a hormone that causes the body to store fat.
Now I'm not saying give it up altogether, as the withdrawal symptoms can be pretty severe with very bad headaches lasting a few days as your body gets used to not getting it's fix! Yes I repeat, it's a drug!
If you drink a lot, perhaps you could have a glass of water between cups of tea or coffee? Go on, give it a try - you'll feel good!

Bev

BOOT CAMP TRAINING FOR NEPAL!

Everyone loves going on holiday and I'm no exception. Rhodes is a beautiful island and I recommend Lindos as a lovely quiet part, with an amazing ruined Acropolis on the top of a hill. I managed to stick to healthy eating about 50% of the tine (alcohol was the main culprit) and did a few long hill walks. However I still feel a little sluggish so it's time to kick start me!
Sadly my personal trainer has left the gym I go to (Energie at Handforth Dean) so I am starting with a new one this week. But on the bright side, a fresh look at how you train can be a great boost.
It's all very well getting your eating right, but you do have to expend energy to be truly fit and healthy.
Food wise I'm off wheat, dairy, salt, sugar and alcohol. But I am allowing myself 1 proper coffee per day!
I also realised that my volunteer work in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas in Nepal is only 6 months away, so I've signed up for 12 sessions at BOOT CAMP.....I already have the words 'move it you orrible little....' and 'give me 20 push ups' echoing in my head....and visions of Sergeant Major types!

Wish me luck!
Bev