ARE YOU AN OVEREATER?

Obesity figures are rising. Are we getting greedier? Or is the food we choose to eat to blame? Recent trials at the Scripps Research Institute in Florida showed that junk food (food that has a high sugar, fat & calorie content, with very little nutritional value) may be as addictive as cigarettes or heroin! Unfortunately these foods stimulate the brain to release dopamine - a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure - so we keep eating them because they taste nice & make us feel happy. But that happiness is short lived when clothes feel tighter, energy levels slump or you get run down or ill.
Chocolate & creamy foods have thickening emulsifiers added to produce that 'melt in the mouth' comforting feeling, making you want to eat more & more! Possibly worse though, is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) which dominates the sweetness market as it's really cheap. It's  found in pastries, cereals, baked goods, soups, soft drinks & canned fruits. It impedes the body's ability to use the hormone 'leptin' that controls satiety (know when you are full) so you just go on eating & eating! Also, unlike normal sugar, the liver will actually convert HFCS into fat & cholesterol - not good!
So how do you stop this overeating? The answer is go back to basics for the majority of your eating - think fresh, cook from scratch & have the occasional treat. Our grandparents didn't have this problem because they didn't have junk food readily available - think about it - it's not rocket science!

Happy healthy eating,

Bev

OFF TO THE SUN!

It's holiday time for me again..... off to Cyprus for a week.... this will be my fabulous view!
Now just like you I enjoy good food & wine, but it's important not to overdo it on holiday. I find that if I follow these simple rules I don't come home half a stone heavier - & still manage to enjoy myself!
1. Don't drink alcohol every day. Decide to drink every other day, or 2 days drinking & then 1 day off - it's amazing how many excess calories you consume from alcohol - & of course no nutritional value!
2. Choose to drink water throughout the day, not calorie laden sugary drinks. You'll stay hydrated & your skin will thank you.
3. Don't have a 3 course meal every night - you wouldn't at home, so why overeat while you're away? You'll only feel bloated & uncomfortable.
4. Move! Sitting idly by the pool all the time will not help keep the pounds off. You're on holiday & have free time, so use it wisely... swim, try your hand at water sports, play tennis, walk, play with children, hire a bicycle. Try to something active every day.
5. Treat yourself to non food and drink rewards. Does your hotel offer any treatments – or is there a beauty salon or spa nearby? A little pampering makes you feel fabulous.

If you're off somewhere soon have a great time!
 
Back to the packing now....
 
Bev!