Winter Remedy

Winter is upon us, with this comes sneezing and constant cold… nothing can protect us from the hands of icy cold winds. 

Medical research has shown that we become deficient in certain vital vitamins during winter.

Those of us living in cold climate who do not get regular sun exposures is likely to be deficient in vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is naturally produced in the skin when we are exposed to the sun's ray. 

There has never been a time than now to consume food rich in this vitamin. Our inactive lifestyle (especially during winter) has seen most of us restricted to our couch in front of the TV. Spending less time outdoors limits our exposure to the sun’s ray. 

Vitamin D is important to our overall health for several reason: amongst these are 

• It regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorous
• It facilitates the normal functioning of the immune system. 
• It is important for the normal growth and development of bones and teeth
• It is therefore very important to us to get a sufficient amount of vitamin D as it is also reputed to improved resistance against certain diseases.

Vitamin D deficiency is a global epidemic. An estimated 1 billion people do not have adequate vitamin D levels. And 64% of Americans do not get the sufficient amount of vitamin D to keep all of their tissues operating optimally.

The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 600 IUs (15 mcg), for individuals between the ages of 13 and 70. 

Eating foods with vitamin D will ensure that we have sufficient levels. Below are foods with high vitamin D content. 

Eggs- these are excellent source of protein as well as vitamin D. The benefits of eggs are endless, they help balance our mood, sugar levels, protect against heart disease and support healthy function of nerves. 

Mushrooms- all mushrooms have cleansing properties, in addition they are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D. They are essential to bone health,  hormone balance, immune defence and as cancer preventative 

Oily fish - are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. They are known to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and unhealthy cholesterol levels. 

Breakfast cereals fortified with Vitamin D: regularly consuming cereals fortified with Vitamin D, will ensure that your vitamin D stores is not depleted.  

Orange juice fortified with vitamin D: not only will you benefit from its vitamin C contents. You can also have the added benefit of vitamin D. 

Dairy products-  dairy products are a good source of vitamin d. As well as being a good source of protein and calcium. 

Each of these taken on their own or in combination will ensure that you are in tip top condition all year round not only during summer. 

One way to ensure you have a good store of Vitamin D is to take a vitamin D supplement. It is recommended to take vitamin D supplement if you have been diagnose with Rheumatoid arthritis. I am on this supplement as a sufferer of Rheumatoid and can testify to an improvement in my overall wellbeing. Please consult your Doctor before taking any supplement.

living a healthy active life is one way of ensuring that you have a constant supply of a range of vitamins.
Kick start 2017 today with a decision to go healthy.


Disclaimer:

The writer is not a medical expert, the articles published in this blog are intended for information only and should not be taken to be medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any medical advise.

The Carbohydrates Debate

To eat carbs or not to eat carbs that's the big questions. We have been told so much about carbs even the mere mention of the food group can make one overweight.
So what is it with carbs that food experts advices we eat little or none of it? Many people blame their weight gain and other health problems on carbs, this is the main reason they exclude carbs from their diet.

Well, new research shows that carbs can help control weight as well as reduce a number of other diseases.

In this article we will explore the benefits of Carbs.

Carbs are one of the three nutrients known as macronutrients that our bodies need in relatively large amounts. The other two are Fat and protein.


Type of carbs:

Previously carbs are divided into two groups depending on the sugar they contain

Simple carbs: are carbs found in food such as white rice, flour, sweets, pastries and cakes: These were said to be bad and

Complex carbs: found in wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables were referred to as ‘good carbs’.

Simple facts: Carbs are broken down into sugar, which makes them very important for controlling the level of sugar in our blood. Research has since shown a link  between uncontrolled blood sugar levels with high levels of insulin and insulin resistance. This is linked to diabetes, heart disease and other diseases.

New research: GI Factor: 

New research has enabled Scientists to classify carbs according to their GI factor. I.e. how fast a food group raises the blood sugar levels. This classification is known as the Glycaemic index (GI).

High GI: white rice, bread, pasta, cakes, pastries etc once taken, these food are converted almost immediately to blood sugar and causes it to rise quickly.

Low GI: e.g, berries, some vegetables, legumes, oatmeal tends to be digested more slowlly, causing a slower, gentler rise in blood sugar. Some studies suggest that a diet low in GI  food can help in the management of diabetes.

So why should we eat carbs? We eat carbs for these reasons:

Super mood booster: there is something call tryptophan in the brain, eating carbs helps boost the body’s tryptophan levels. Leading to better mood.

Carbs can help control sugar levels: scientifically carbs are the body's main sources of energy. It is generally recommended that we eat good carbs such as quinoa and oatmeal this is the due to their high level of fibre contained in them which is slowly broken down by the body leaving us fuller for longer hence held control the blood levels. Buzzer: Fibre can’t be broken down into glucose, so they go through the body undigested.

Improves brain function… our brain run on glucose and carbs is needed for effective brain function. This is because muscle cells can burn fat for fuel, but brain cells are entirely dependent on a steady stream of glucose. That’s why we lose concentration if we do not eat enough carbs.

Carbs provides the body's needed energy and it is often referred to as fuel for the body. This is because it gives the cells the same amount of energy in the form of calories as protein. The types of Carbs sugars and starches, these are broken down by the digestive system into glucose or blood sugar, which is our cells preferred source of fuel.

They help us fight disease. Carbs rich in fiber helps fight certain disease. E.g type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is know to also aid in digestion while reducing the risk of. Heart disease
Helps to control weight: moderate consumption of carbs can actually help control weight.carbs rich in fibers are best suited to aid weight loss. These are barley, lentils, quinoa, the amd oatmeal.

So dish the carb fear and indulge yourself in wholemeal pasta, brown rice and fruits and veg…. and fuel your energy levels… hurray to carbs.

Microbeads and Forever Products

Have you heard of plastic microbeads? Maybe you have. 

We’d like to reassure you that Forever products are free from microbeads. The Forever Aloe Scrub and the Aloe Deep-Cleansing Exfoliator both contain natural jojoba beads; these beads provide gentle exfoliation of the skin and no plastic microbeads are present in the products.

Microbeads are solid plastic particles found in a significant number of personal care products. They are a hot topic at the moment and the Environmental Audit Committee is urging the government to ban microbeads in cosmetics. To find out more about microbeads, their impact and to read the Environmental Audit Committee’s reports, please follow the link: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environmental-audit-committee/news-parliament-2015/microplastics-report-published-16-17/. 

Drinks In Benefits

Drink in the benefits…

Not only are these brightly-coloured smoothies bursting with goodness, but each one also packs a distinctive and delicious flavour…

BLUEBERRY BURST

- 240ml almond milk

- 100g frozen blueberries

- 1 banana

- 1⁄2 tsp dried culinary lavender

- 1 tsp lemon zest

Introduce vitamins C and D, and zinc by adding in two tablets of Forever Immublend.

---

INCREDIBLE BULK

-184g frozen pineapple

-240ml coconut water

-1 small handful of kale

-1⁄2 large cucumber, peeled

-1⁄2 avocado, peeled

-1 tsp chia seeds

Make this smoothie even greener by blending in one Fields of Greens supplement

---

FOOL’S GOLD

- 1 ripe mango, cubed

- 1⁄2 ripe banana, peeled

- 120ml milk (we used unsweetened almond milk)

- 122g plain Greek yogurt

- 2 tsp unsweetened matcha powder

- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract

- 0-2 tsp Forever Bee Honey (to taste)

- Handful of ice cubes

---

NUTTY PROTEIN

- 115g low fat cottage cheese

- 1 pitted Medjool date (soak in hot water for 5 minutes)

- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

- 1⁄4 tsp almond extract

- 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon

- 1⁄2 tsp nutmeg

- 1 scoop Forever Lite Ultra (vanilla) 200ml unsweetened almond milk

---

BEETS AND BERRIES

- 1 medium beetroot, peeled and cubed

- 288g strawberries, fresh or frozen

- 3 Medjool dates, pitted

- 175g apple slices (optional)

- 1 scoop Argi+

- 200ml almond milk

---

GINGER NINJA

- 120ml carrot juice

- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, (roughly chopped)

- 1 banana

- 1 scoop Forever Lite Ultra (vanilla)

- 210g ice cubes

Smoothy Smoothy

     

Introducing a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds into your diet is an essential and delicious way to receive the vitamins, minerals and nutrients required to keep your body and mind functioning effectively. If you want to ensure you consume plenty of goodness then try blitzing a mixture of these healthy ingredients in a blender. You’ll make some unique, colourful and wholesome smoothies, and you can even add in Forever supplements – perfect for giving your smoothie that extra punch!

---

Awesome ingredients…

Love your body from the inside by fuelling it with fresh and healthy ingredients. All of our smoothies contain an array of vitamin-infused produce, most of which are raw and ready to eat, just as nature intended! Below is a selection of some of the awesome ingredients we love to sink our teeth into:

---

Chia seeds

Chia seeds derive from a flowering plant that is a part of the mint family; they are an ideal source of omega-3 and protein.

---

Lavender

Did you know that lavender is also an edible herb? Not only will including lavender in your beverages make you feel fancy and floral, but this dried purple treat is also a source of vitamin A, calcium and iron.

---

Kale

Dubbed ‘queen of the greens’, this low- calorie leafy veg is high in fibre and absolutely crammed with a wonderful array of vitamins, nutrients and essential fatty acids.

---

Blueberries

These little berries are crammed full of nutrients including folate, vitamin C and B6. Among other benefits, vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function; this means blueberries are brilliant for keeping our minds in check. You may need to eat a fair few handfuls though!

---

Cinnamon

Another delicious spice that is popular in both sweet and savoury dishes.

---

Nutmeg

This warm, delicate spice should be used sparingly but it is still full of nutrients including manganese, magnesium and thiamine.

---

Almond milk

Almond milk is low in fat and cholesterol and it’s full of vitamins, as well as iron, calcium and zinc.

---

Avocado

Avocado is a fruit and a fantastic source of vitamin K, B6, E, C, copper, folate and omega-3.

---

Carrot Juice

This sweet-tasting juice is low in calories and high in vitamin A. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and vision, and to the normal function of the immune system.

---

Bananas

Most people know that bananas are packed full of potassium but did you also know that bananas (that aren’t too ripe) contain a good source of pectin, a fibre that (when enough is consumed) contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. Result!

---

Beetroot

This root vegetable is packed with calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. It is also a good source of folic acid, fibre, manganese and potassium.

---

Matcha powder

This finely-ground powder is actually used to make green tea, a tea praised for its antioxidant properties. Matcha powder also contains fibre, caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine.

---

Argi+

This delicious and nutritious sports drink contains five grams of L-Arginine per serving plus vitamins, including vitamin C – which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue – and vitamin D – which contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.

---

Ginger

Arguably the healthiest spice available, ginger is bursting with nutrients and is therefore a popular ingredient in traditional and alternative medicine.

---

Medjool dates

Medjool dates are low in fat but full of protein and carbohydrates. They are high in fibre, potassium – which assists in balancing the body’s pH – and beta-D-glucan. If you eat enough dates the beta-glucan will contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.

---

Forever Bee Honey

This all-natural, delicious sweetener is loaded with nature’s goodness and is perfect for replacing processed sugar in your diet. It’s easy to digest and packed with fructose, glucose and a large number of micronutrients.

---

Healthy Eating

Kale

“Kale is one example of a superfood that adds up nutritionally,” says Prof Spector. A 100g uncooked portion contains only 33 calories, but large amounts of vitamins A and K as well as 17 times the vitamin C of carrots.

11g of kale provides 5.9mg per 100g of beta-carotene, the same amount of sweet potato with the skin will give you 8.5mg..

Blueberries:

Blueberries are known for their antioxidant content,: “They are a very good source of only a handful of vitamins and minerals, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese.  Die hards fans of blueberries, claim they can help protect against heart disease and some cancers. As well as improve memory. There isn't enough hard evidence on their ability to ward off disease in humans as claimed.

Strawberries:

These are high in antioxidants food, they are also good source of vitamin C, they contain manganese, folate, potassium, B vitamins and flavonoids, Quercetin and kaempferol.

Quinoa

A 200g portion of cooked quinoa contains a high 8gs of protein as well as  B vitamins, iron and zinc. As good as the food group, there is little evidence to support the claims that it can help prevent or manage medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or coeliac disease.”

Coconut water.

I grew up drinking this water, whenever a coconut is cracked, we fight for the right to drink the precious juice contained within. Till date, I still prefer the natural water from fresh coconut than the bottled alternatives we now see on our food shelves.

Some claim coconut water is more hydrating than tap or bottled water after exercise because it is high in natural sugars and electrolytes. But a 2012 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and performed on 12 men, who drank bottled water, pure coconut water, distilled coconut water and an electrolyte-based sports drink after 60-minute bouts on the treadmill, found they were adequately rehydrated by all four drinks – but the ones drinking coconut water reported more bloating. That suggests coconut water may be as good as, but not better than, water at rehydration.

Avocados,

This is another fruit I loved eating growing up, I still love them and never have a salad without avocado. It is contains large amounts of fibre, vitamin C and monounsaturated good fats helpful in controlling cholesterol and diabetes.

for similar article see skin food.

12 Tips To Positivity

1. Write down what you’re thankful for…Doing so will put things in perspective and gratitude will start to become an instinctive reaction.

2. Surround yourself with positive people…Your mood will be lifted and their behaviour will begin to rub off on you.

3. Take care of yourself…Eating well and getting plenty of rest and exercise will help you to feel healthier both physically and mentally.

4. Take responsibility for actions…Instead of playing the role of the victim, try taking control of your life by learning from your mistakes.

5. Reach out to the community…It’s amazing what effect volunteering and helping others can have on the way you think.

6. Compliment others…Doing so regularly (and genuinely) will turn ‘looking for the good’ into an instinctive habit.

7. Read inspirational books and articles…Consuming positive material will have an effect on the way you think, ultimately encouraging positive thinking.

8. Consider the consequences…If you think you’re going to fail at something, the chances are you will. Don’t set yourself up for a fall!

9. Work towards a goal…This will help you to remain focused, giving you the motivation to overcome any obstacles.

10. Identify and replace negativity…Recognise when you’re being negative and replace those thoughts with something more beneficial.

11. Practice makes perfect…The above won’t happen overnight so make sure you persevere with these practical tips.

12. Don’t give up…Keep persisting; you will eventually get there!

Skin Food

Beauty doesn't just come from what you apply on your skin, it also has a much to do with what you put inside your body.
Today's article was written by Liz Earle, skin expert. I have long been a believer in ensuring that we put the right stuff inside of us, which makes this article very interesting.

The following is recommended routine for various skin type


Smoothie skin soother: a juice to help eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
Calming and soothing ingredients such as cucumber and fennel can help to combat skin inflammation. Skin-calming antioxidants and anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids also work well here, so try piercing an evening-primrose- or borage-seed-oil capsule to enrich the juice.
This is one of my all-time favourites: a velvety green, smoothie-style juice.
Makes one large glass
1 large apple
1 large carrot
½ bulb fennel
¼ medium-sized cucumber
½ ripe avocado
1 borage-seed-oil capsule or evening-primrose-oil capsule
Juice the apple, carrot, fennel and cucumber, in their entirety, in a juicer before transferring the combined juices to a blender. Add the avocado flesh and the contents of your chosen oil capsule, then whizz until smooth.

Greenie genie: a juice to help acne or problem skin

Alkalising green juices are especially beneficial for improving acne. Go for ingredients such as asparagus, celery, parsley and watercress, and don't overload on high-fructose fruits. Carrot juice, rich in beta-carotene, is also a useful addition, but try to keep the juices mostly green.
This is a deliciously light juice with a refreshing ginger tang. The grassiness of the green ingredients is slightly sweetened by the apples. Makes one large glass
2 medium apples
2 medium carrots
2cm (1in) cube ginger, unpeeled
4 small asparagus spears
small handful parsley
small handful freshly cut wheatgrass, or 1 level tsp of powdered greens, such as wheatgrass, chlorella or spirulina
Juice together all the ingredients, in their entirety, stirring in your chosen powdered greens (if using) just before serving.

Plumper skin perfecter: a juice for dry and mature skin

To tackle wrinkles, choose blueberries, blackberries, black grapes and dark cherries, all of which are rich in anthocyanidins. (The vitamin C in the fruit is also useful, supporting collagen and elastin fibres.) Blend these, though, as juicing removes their skins, which contain polyphenols and resveratrol (these phytonutrients have been linked to longevity because of their ability to slow down cell oxidisation). You can add essential fatty acids to the mix by piercing an evening-primrose-oil and a natural-source vitamin-E capsule and add the liquid to the juice. Or simply add a dash of cold-pressed flaxseed, rapeseed or olive oil.
This is a fabulously pretty, subtly flavoured juice, and one that you can make if you don't have a juicer, as you can use freshly pressed apple juice from a carton.
Makes one large glass
2 large apples, or 200ml (7fl oz) fresh apple juice
generous handful seedless black grapes, approx 30
generous handful blueberries, blackberries or pitted dark cherries, approx. 30
½ tbsp cold-pressed flaxseed, rapeseed, walnut or olive oil
Juice the apples then transfer to a blender with the grapes and your choice of blueberries, blackberries or cherries. Blitz until smooth. Stir in your chosen plant oil before serving.

visit
lizearlewellbeing.com for the complete article

Tips to maintain you digestive health.

Each year we’re introduced to a number of dietary trends that suggest we omit/include a number of foods in our daily diets.

Is it dairy or non-dairy – gluten or gluten free? It’s becoming hard to keep up!

Despite constant debate on which foods we should eat, the fact remains…no matter the advancements in dietary research, our digestive systems have remained the same. As we navigate through the adventures of healthy eating, it’s important to keep in mind the significance of your digestive health. Here are a few fun facts to remember, to help as you make the best decisions for your body!

‘Good’ bacteria can help you: Many foods we eat consist of living organisms—also known as probiotics. Balancing the number of healthy micros in our system means a natural, healthier balanced digestive system. Probiotics can be found in a number of foods like yogurt, milk, soft cheeses, sourdough bread and even chocolate.

Proper digestion and weight-loss go hand-in-hand: Slow and steady wins the race! Detoxifying or cleansing the body can aid in the process of improving your digestive health and long-term weight loss. Our bodies need the occasional re-boot to perform at their peak.

Food can promote healthy digestion: Your digestive system is designed to turn food into energy and extract vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal function. Supporting your digestive system with a balanced diet helps enhance nutrient absorption and utilization. Green vegetables keep cells in your gut working properly while foods such as garlic and ginger help fight infection, bad bacteria and viruses.

Why is fibre so important? As you consume and digest food, fibre helps move waste through our digestive tract. Lowering the amount of waste in your body means the elimination of harmful toxins, which may lower the risk of developing digestive diseases.

Hot drinks help promote digestion: There’s a reason why servers offer warm beverages after your meal in a restaurant.

Whether before you eat or after a meal, hot water and tea are excellent ways to build digestive strength. Herbs that encourage healthy digestion and make perfect herbal teas are chamomile, peppermint and cinnamon.

Need a good probiotic: why not try this Forever Active Probiotics read more about it here

Forever Active Probiotic

Promotes a healthy digestive system

Enhances nutrient absorption and immune function

Unique combination of 6 beneficial strains of microbes

No refrigeration needed

Microbes are live microorganisms that exist in our bodies and play a role in our general health and well being. While some microbes are bad, the majority are beneficial. These “good bacteria” are called “probiotic,” meaning “for life” in Greek. Forever Living Products® recognizes the important role that beneficial microbes play in human health and the need for probiotic supplementation. Designed to promote a healthy digestive system, Forever Active Probiotic® is a small, easy-to-swallow beadlet that helps overcome imbalances created by our food and lifestyle choices, which can inadvertently lead to a reduction in the amount of naturally occurring probiotics. Forever Active Probiotic® works primarily in the intestines where it assists with the process of food digestion, helping to release nutrients for absorption, and contributes positively to normal human growth and development by helping to maintain a balanced and healthy system.

As probiotics themselves are quite fragile, Forever Active Probiotic® uses an exclusive, patented encapsulation technology that protects the probiotics then releases a unique combination of six beneficial strains of microbes only after they reach the desired destination of the intestines. The probiotics in Forever Active Probiotic® are derived from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera; the species are:

Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Bifidobacterium Longum
Bifidobacterium Lactis
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
Lactobacillus Plantarum

Forever Active Probiotic® is the only shelf-stable, 6-strain probiotic on the market today that requires no refrigeration. And what’s great about Forever Active Probiotic® is that it works in tandem with our patented Aloe Vera. Aloe acts as a “prebiotic,” which fosters the growth of and provides the ideal environment for the probiotic to function. So whether your goal is to promote a healthy digestive system or enhance nutrient absorption and immune function, add Forever Active Probiotic® to your daily supplement program.

Aloe Vera Gelly

Aloe Vera Gelly

Historically, a major use of Aloe Vera was to aid in soothing minor skin irritations. Many households kept a live aloe, or “burn plant” for first-aid use.

Essentially identical to the aloe vera’s inner leaf, Forever Living 100% stabilized aloe vera gel lubricates sensitive tissue safely. Specially prepared for topical application to moisturize, soothe and condition.

Aloe Vera Gelly is a thick, translucent gel containing humectants and moisturizers. Readily absorbed by the skin, it soothes without staining clothes. Aloe Vera Gelly also provides temporary relief from minor skin irritations.      

Other Important Uses:

• Readily absorbed by the skin,
• it soothes without staining clothes. A
• provides temporary relief from minor skin irritations.
• It can also be used on the skin prior to ultrasonic treatment, or after electrolysis. Hairdressers use the Gelly around the hairline to protect the skin before perming and colouring.
• Ideal for any first-aid kit

From your bathroom cabinet to your first-aid kit, and from the kitchen to the campsite – Aloe Vera Gelly is an ideal companion for skin that needs a little extra care.

                              

6 Tips For Beautiful Summer

Summer Essentials

While there are benefits to soaking up the sun’s rays (We LOVE Vitamin D!), it is more important than ever to take proper care to protect your skin from the potentially harmful effects of the sun.

Here are 6 important ways to care for your skin before, during and after fun in the sun!

All Over Protection

Before spending time outdoors, apply sunscreen with full-spectrum UVA and UVB Protection. Facial skin is particularly sensitive so take advantage of facial moisturizers or foundations with SPF that can give you an added layer of protection.

Don’t Forget the Lips

The sun’s rays can be especially drying to the tissues of your lips. Make sure to apply a lip balm with SPF to protect lips from drying, peeling and cracking. Preventative care is important! Planning effectively can help keep you from having to treat an uncomfortable or painful burn, or rough, chapped lips.

Hello, Hydration

There are so many benefits to drinking 8 glasses of water a day. Being well hydrated helps curb cravings, fight infections, flush toxins from the body and support healthy skin. Skin contains water, and when it is dehydrated the skin is more susceptible to appearing dry and wrinkled. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty – by then you’re already on your way to dehydration. Instead, make drinking water part of your outdoor summer routine!

Say Ahhhhh

Even with all of our best intentions, sometimes sunburns happen. Apply Aloe Vera to the skin to sooth, cool and rehydrate red and irritated skin. Keeping the skin moisturized can help burns heal faster and delay or prevent painful peeling. Tip: keep your Aloe Vera in the fridge for a cool sensation to instantly take the sting out of burns!AloeByNature

Deep Clean

After spending time in the sun, skin can be oily and dirty. As soon as you get home, cleanse your face thoroughly to clear pores and minimize the possibility of breakouts before applying a light moisturizer. To keep your summer glow going strong, moisturizing

is key! Dry skin can peel or shed faster and appear dull vs. well-hydrated skin that has a natural, healthy tone. I recommend the Sonya Skin Care Range by Forever Living.

Get Even

Uneven skin tone can happen after pregnancy, time in the sun or as we age. Thankfully, these spots don’t need to be permanent! Apply a spot-evening formula to brighten the complexion and improve the appearance of dark spots. Regular exfoliation can also help to keep your skin tone bright and even. (Recommended Epiblanc by Forever Living: item #236)

Following these simple steps can help keep your skin beautiful all year long!

Did you know?

SPF (which stands for Sun Protection Factor) indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun without protection. For example, SPF 30 allows you to stay in the sun 30 times longer without burning than you could without sun protection! Still, make sure to reapply sunscreen often.

So now you know what to do, share with your friends and do let us know if you have found this informative.

Forever Ultra Lite

Forever Lite Ultra with Aminotein is the perfect addition to your healthy Forever Living lifestyle. Forever Lite Ultra with Aminotein integrates new thinking with new technologies to help you maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Two servings a day of Forever Lite Ultra , prepared with skim milk as directed, supply a full 100% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for the vitamins and minerals shown in the Nutrition Facts section. Forever Lite Ultra supplies the 18 important amino acids, including essential, non-essential and the branched-chain amino acids.

For me, this is the perfect start to my day, as it keeps me fuller longer. I usually have it hot in the morning and cold at night. you can mix the vanilla with your favourite berries for a burst of colour or other seasonal fruits

Forever Lite Ultra is also an integral part of Forever’s Clean 9 and FIT programs. It will help you take charge of your health and put you on the path to effective and sustained weight management!

£19,72 -Order yours here 

The Fat Debate

The bell toll and drums rolled when a report by the leading obesity charity advised the Nation to eat more fat and less carbohydrate we were also advised to stop worrying about cholesterol.

This goes against 30 years of Public Health Advice which is we should less fat and less carbohydrate.  The nation was left confused and the question was asked,
What Should we eat? The advice on what we should eat changes constantly, this recent report does very little to help.

This blog post will provide information on food types, and their benefits to enable you make an informed decision.

Firstly the 3 main nutrients we need are  know as macronutrients, these are fat, protein and carbohydrates

Protein:
Protein Is found in every cell in the body. It accounts for 16% of our body weight.


Benefits: Protein helps slow down the digestion of carbohydrates foods and informs the brain that we have eaten enough.
Protein speeds up the metabolism.

Protein rich foods are
Red meat, chicken, turkey, duck, eggs, soya, tofu, milk, pulses, (lentils), nuts and seeds,

carbohydrates
These are the body’s main source of energy, they play a major role in keeping us healthy.
There are many different carbs, such as bread, beans, milk, potatoes, biscuits, pasta, cakes and cereals. The most common are sugars, fibres and starches.

Benefits:
Carbs are a source of nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, calcium and fibre.
Carbs are known as brain food, glucose is needed for brain power. This is because the brain cells depend on a steady stream of glucose to function. This explains the loss of concentration if we do not eat enough carbs.
A diet high in fiber helps with bowel movement.
Eating a diet low in carbohydrate helps control weight, as well as controlling type two diabetes

Starchy food contain more sugar than protein, hence the suggestion is to reduce our intake of this food group. The Public Health advice is to base our meals around bread, pasta and rice. However some experts have challenged this advice, arguing that food high in carbs raises blood sugar, and increases the risk of diabetes.

Every study shows that sugar damages our health, the official guidance recommends 25g or 6 teaspoons a day. The British Nutrition Foundation advice is to eat the right amount of carbs, brown Rice, whole grains, flour, fruits and vegetables as well as whole grain cereals. These are filling and can contribute to long term weight loss. Which is sustainable.
Bottom line is carbs is good for us. Bad carbs are those found in food such as white rice, flour, sweets, pastries and cakes, classed as high GI. These causes the blood sugar to go up quickly, while low GI carbs (brown rice), causes a slower rise in blood sugar.

Fat.
Fat have always had a bad reputation, however not all fats are bad, some are good.

Fats have incredible anti aging powers and makes food tasty. Eating the right fats in the right amounts is the key to getting the most out of fats.

Bad fats:
These are classed as trans fats and saturated fats. Trans fats are found in a variety of products like cakes, biscuits, cereals bars, and some ready made meals. Trans fats can clog up the arteries which reduces the flow of blood and oxgyen around the body. Blockade can result in ageing of the arteries with an increased risk of heart diseases and stroke.

Saturated fats.
These fats comes from animal source, and can be found in full fats milk, sausages, burgers, pies, butter, pastries, biscuits.
These type of fats can raise the cholesterol  in the blood which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Good fats
Fats also comes from plant and fish, these are classed as good fats. They provide the essential fatty acid needed by the body. The two main types are Omaega -6 and Omega-3 oils.

Good fats keeps the skin hydrated
Needed to keep the brain Ellis active
Increases energy, lack of this fat may make you feel low and depressed

Sources; these fats are found in a variety of food such as
Olive oils, nuts, (almond and walnuts), sesame seeds, salmon, mackerel sardines , fresh tuna and a host of other food groups.

It is important to note that fats are high in calories, and should be eaten in moderation.

Moderation is the key here. While we may be told to avoid certain food groups, the bottom line is that  they are needed.

Conclusion
We need the major food groups simply because they have different functions in our body. Eat the right food groups, do not exclude any as your body will turn on its reserve for what it needs. The more you avoid a food group the more you crave it. Protein, carbs and fats are all good for you.
Excessive consumption of any of food group will lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Please leave a comment and let us know if you have found this useful.

Other interesting article:
Understanding weight loss and weight gain
Lose 5Kg in 9 days

Sources; Public Health Advice. NHS, The British Nutrition Foundation.

Hay Fever: What you should know

While we enjoy the clean fresh air of Spring, spare a thought for those who dread this time of the year due to allergic reaction to pollen. The thought of summer may not be so sunny for them.

Our immune system is suppose to protect us from harmful substance. But sometimes our body thinks something harmless is harmful and react to it. An allergen causes this reaction.

Living with an allergy has a huge impact on one's health. There are many types of allergy, but hay fever is closely associated with Spring. It is recorded that more than 10 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever. According to Allergy UK.
This article provides information on common allergy triggers and how to control them.

Why We Suffer?

In spring flowers begin to bloom this is due to the pollination of trees, this pollination is a trigger for for those who are allergic to pollen.

Symptoms:

We experience symptoms such as, Itchy nose, Itchy and streaming eyes, sneezing and constant running nose as well as, lack of sleep which results in being tired all the time.

Triggers and Time

The Hay fever season can be as early as March and last throughout the summer .
The appearance of pollen on Birch trees in March,  can mark the beginning of the allergic reaction for some.
While for others, grass pollen which appears in May, will trigger their reaction.
However, Hay fever is not limited to spring and Summer, it is known that mould spores and pollen from mugwort and chrysanthemum can trigger the allergy for others during the autumn season. Emission from cars may also trigger an allergic reaction

If you are a sufferer of Hayfever, you may have tried several remedies which may have worked or not. Here are some simple steps you can take to help you fight back.

Refine your diet. According to Allergy UK, the immune system sees some proteins in some food as similar to proteins in pollen. E.g an allergy to Birch pollen may be made worse by eating apples.  WHAT TO DO? Get tested for your triggers to identify what causes your reaction, this will enable you follow an exclusion diet to avoid those food groups.

Limit Exercise Outside: During the pollen season we may be inhaling more pollen and airborne spores . when we exercise outdoors we breath in deeply and inhale more air than we normally do. WHAT TO DO? Do not exercise outdoors during the hay fever season. If you must, avoid going outside between 7.00am to 9.00am and 3.00pm to 7.00pm, these are peak pollen periods.

Pollens attach themselves to our bodies, hair, clothing and shoes. Change as soon as you get in and take a good shower. .

House plants: if you keep houseplants you may be amongst the 75% of hay fever sufferers who suffer as a result of houseplant. According to a Belgian study. Allergen in the plant sap diffuse into the air can trigger a reaction. WHAT TO DO? Get rid of any house plant during the hay fever season or reduce them and watch if there's any change in your symptoms.

Good Ventilation in cars and indoors is necessary to reduce indoor allergen. Open windows, to let in fresh air. This may not be a good idea early in the morning and evening when the pollen count are high.

Avoid Exposure to Pollen: the above suggestions all centres on avoiding pollen as much as possible. In summary Other suggested actions include:

• wear wraparound sunglasses to protect the eyes, to reducing itching and tears
• Stay away from parks, gardens and fields, difficult to do when the Weather is great, but this will help you greatly.
• Using Alternate medicine: there are several other ways to control and reduce your symptoms. Below are a few suggestions:

Soothe it: it is widely known that Aloe Vera gel around the nostrils and eyelids helps soothes itchiness and reduces redness. This is because Aloe contains natural antihistamine.  Use the pure aloe Vera Gelly which you can get here:Aloe Vera Gelly

Have a spoonful of honey: Raw honey is removed from the hive when bottled directly, will contain trace amounts of yeast, wax and pollen. Consuming local raw honey is believed to help with seasonal allergies due to repeated exposure to the pollen in the area. You can get the forever living honey here, manufactured and bottled by forever living

Regularly splash cold water on your face to get rid of any pollen and allergen.

Use essential oils: put a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus in water to provide some relief from itchy nose, dap a little onto tissue and inhale to relieve stuffy nose.

Supplement it: vitamins places a great part in how we react to pollen, one of the recommended supplement according to Food Matters is Bee Pollen.

according to an article on their website Bee Pollen reduces the presence of histamine, ameliorating many allergies. Dr. Leo Conway, M.D of Denver Colorado, reported that 94 percent of his patients were completely free from allergy symptoms once treated with oral feeding of pollen. Everything from asthma to allergies to sinus problems were cleared, confirming that bee pollen is wonderfully effective against a wide range of respiratory diseases.


Hay Fever is not a friendly discomfort, but a dreaded inconvenience, making a few suggested changes above may be all you need to enjoy a tear free summer.

Have you found this helpful, let us know by commenting below.
Sources:
Allergy UK
Good Food Guide