The Sport Scoop

Here’s your challenge, should you choose to accept it….

Whilst we are all adjusting to the idea of getting back into shape by leading a healthy lifestyle in the first month of the year; we came up with a few sports activities for you to consider and pit your skills against!  By taking on new exercise activities you will be more likely to increase mood satisfaction which will in turn help with efficacy levels which if maintained will reduce hunger & and aid weight loss.   So here are some ideas for you to consider…

1. Get on your bike…

If you live in the country this can be a perfect way to get out of the house and get some fresh air.  Cycling is a great calorie burner and whether your charging up hills or negotiating an urban obstacle course it can be as much fun as it is good for the heart & soul.

2. Go for a dip….

Always a good call as an alternative to running and its bound to keep your heart pumping just as much which will increase efficient weight loss.   Set yourself a target of lengths to do in a certain time and then go for it – this will give you a clear objective in the pool!

3. Dust off those runners….

Head out of the house or join the local gym.  Try to find out if your local gym run any affordable classes, this will help to keep your gym sessions interesting & prevent boredom from setting in by doing the same routine over and over again.

4. Anyone for a game of tennis?

With spring just round the corner now’s the perfect time to think about getting some practice on the tennis court so you’ll be in good shape & nick for those summer tennis parties!   Find a local tennis club and ask if they have any special group club nights so that its easier to find a partner to play against.

5. Fancy a kickabout in the Park?

This is a great way to have a casual weekend bit of fun & exercise with friends & family.  All you need is a ball & some grass!  A good 30 minute run around will help burn off those extra weekend drinking calories to get you in fine fickle & ready for a good hearty lunch.

6. Or get those walking shoes on…

Take the opportunity whenever it arises to walk rather than drive, every little bit of exercise will help burn those calories and help to get you back into shape faster.

Superfoods to keep us healthy & youthful…

In an attempt to keep our skin looking youthful, we often focus on enhancing our complexion using a host of topical creams, serums, lotions and potions. More and more people are looking to injectable treatments such as botox and fillers to ’turn back the clock’.  However, in order to achieve a truly youthful complexion, it is vital that we consider what goes on inside our bodies too. A nutritious diet is fundamental in optimising skin health and preventing ageing.  Hundreds of studies have confirmed that we can improve both the length and quality of our lives and our appearance through the food we eat.

Fresh fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, enzymes and antioxidants, all of which are essential for skin health. Antioxidants counteract the effects of free radicals, molecules linked to cell damage which can cause disease and premature ageing. The Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI) rates foods on a basis of nutrient content and so is a good reference in helping you to choose the most nutritious foods.  And remember – five a day is a minimum recommendation!

Pure water. Consuming a minimum of 2l per day (more if you are exercising) keeps your body adequately hydrated. Water ensures the skin retains optimal moisture and volume, helping to keep it supple and preventing premature wrinkling.

Protein rich foods. Collagen fibers and all of the skin’s cells are composed of structural proteins created within your own body. Regular intake of dietary protein is essential for skin health. In addition to quality organic meat, eggs and fish, vegetable protein sources are also important. Consume beans, pulses, unroasted nuts and seeds regularly.

Healthy, essential fats are needed for keeping skin supple and moisturised from the inside. Omega 3s are often lacking in our diets and deficiency can contribute to problems such as dry skin and eczema. Include oily fish, sea foods and unroasted nuts/seeds (especially linseed/flaxseed) in your diet.

Green superfoods. Alfalfa, chlorella, spirulina, barley and wheat grass are potent antioxidants and have an alkalising effect, helping maintain a healthy pH balance and preventing inflammation. These are widely available and can be juiced or taken in supplement form.

Include these foods in your diet regularly and you can be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your appearance youthful, from the inside out.

If only money really did grow on trees…

Its now the middle of January and pay day at the end of the month still seems a long way off!  All our moods can easily be affected by depressing cash flow issues, but don’t despair its time to stay positive & motivated.   If saving money wasn’t part of your New Year’s resolution list, then you haven’t failed or given up yet, so add it to the fridge as it is now!

Here are some easy tips to help you out:

• Grab your shopping bag and slip on some athletic shoes, its time to go shopping like an Anneka Rice Challenge quest!  Push yourself to eat healthily for as economically as possible, see how far you can make your cash stretch.  Can you feed the family on £10?  Its definitely possible, see if you can do it.  And whilst your shopping try to complete your list & get round the supermarket in record timing!
• Use those voucher sites and discount deals, such as Groupon, KGB Deals, Living Social, Keynoir, Wowcher, etc…to their full potential.  You can find special offers for reduced beauty treatments at spas and salons & find healthy eating out options at the same time.  Use the internet to source cheap alternative products, Ebay & Amazon offer really good deals for great products & deliver them straight to your door!  Also websites such as Money saving expert are really helpful, check out this link http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/?gclid=CJGBg5_93q0CFdMifAodYEc_hg
• Try and make lunch at home during the week rather than buy expensive options on the high street during your lunch break.  Cut out all the unnecessary purchases (avoid the Snickers bars, Walkers crisps, cans of Coke & other bad temptations) they all seem inexpensive & minor but add up over the course of a working week and they certainly aren’t part of your diet plan in achieving those weight loss goals!  Don’t give into those cravings, stay in control of those hunger cravings!
• Finding interesting things to do for the whole family can be tricky but help is at hand as there are lots of activities & entertainment options being promoted at this time of year.  Head to the Timeout website http://www.timeout.com/ and enter in your location city and it will bring up all the various exhibitions and special offers for you & your family, including ideas for the children of all ages, however big or small.

There are lots of new films out at the moment but its really expensive to take the whole family to the cinema, so why not sign up to Net Flix who offer unlimited films & new TV episodes online for only £5.99  a month!   Surely a cheaper alternative to the movies & monthly cable subscriptions.  https://signup.netflix.com/?locale=en-GB