To meat or not to meat? 8 months in the life of a pescetarian.

So about 8 months ago I decided to give up meat (though I am eating fish so am technically a pescetarian not a vegetarian). I’ve found it really easy, Australia is surprisingly great for non-meaty options contrary to popular belief!

A lot of people are completely misinformed about a meat free diet. Most think you can’t get enough protein- but they are wrong. My lifesavers have been tofu, legumes, eggs, nuts (and fish as I’m not a full vegetarian). Iron deficiency is also another concern people have- but iron is present in tofu, mushrooms, spinach, beans, lentils…etc!

vegetarian pescetarian protein weight fat obese

Not that I’m pro killing innocent animals, but animal rights was not my primary motivator for giving up meat- health was. I definitely feel much healthier since I made the move. Processed meats were previously featuring in my diet.  They have been linked to very bad things for your body including a direct link to bowel cancer. There is nothing unhealthy about good quality meat in your diet but for me I’ve eaten so much better since making the switch. As I can’t take the easy option of grabbing some meaty choice,  I’m planning my meals more and when I do eat out making much healthier choices. So as a bonus my skin is clearer and I’ve lost a few pounds too. Oh and did I mention it’s much cheaper not buying meat?

More

The Importance of Folic Acid

You need 400 mcg of folic acid in your daily diet, according to The National Council on Folic Acid. Getting less can result in a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, cancer, obesity, macular (retina) degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, depression, anemia and rheumatoid arthritis. It’s also vital for expecting mothers as it can help prevent birth defects.

eggs benedict folic acidcereals grains folic acid food

There are plenty of ways boost your daily folic acid intake. Taking a folic acid supplement is the surest (and easiest) way, but eating fortified foods such as sunflower seeds, spinach, eggs, as well as grains, pastas, and cereals also do the trick.

Drew Barrymore on Aging, Plastic Surgery, and Fitness.

Loving Drew Barrymore in February’s InStyle. The cover and photo-spread are gorgeous.  Do you prefer her hair blonde or red?

Drew Barrymore hair plastic surgery fitness

  • On growing up: “I’m pushing 40. I feel like those things that I always aspired to are finally being realised. I used to be afraid to let go of the intensity. I thought the work would suffer. But the lesson is, No, it’s still good, and I’m a lot happier — and less of a nervous kid.” More

Post-Christmas beauty slump? Food and beauty tips to get your skin in shape by New Years

First off- Merry Christmas everyone! I’m sure everyone has eaten, drunk, and been merry. One of the biggest fallouts from the festive season can be your skin. Can the damage be undone in time for that New Years Party? The good news is that with a little work your skin can look better in just a few days.

women bad skin over christmas eating weight mirror

More

SPF 15 is not enough to prevent the risk of skin cancer

If people wish to prevent sunburn and the risk of skin cancer, they should slap on the SPF 30. So says Dr Ike Iheanacho, editor of the  influential Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB).

SPF 30  boots soltan once

The National Institute for Health and  Clinical Excellence (Nice) published  guidance in January saying people should  wear broad spectrum (UVA and UVB)  sunscreens with a minimum SPF 15 . However, this level of SPF is too low and not based on how people actually use sun creams, says an editorial in the DTB.

More

Avocado Please!

I know they look funny, but they are a little ball of wonder for you, inside and out.

avocado health benefits skin vitamins picture

When eaten, avocados do wonders for your skin (amongst other things). They are absolutely jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients important for healthy skin. More

‘Socially Irresponsible’ Bikini Photos banned by The British Advertising Standards Authority

The British Advertising Standards Authority have banned ads from British clothing line Drop Dead, calling them “socially irresponsible” for featuring a model they deem too thin. The model, Amanda Hendrick, has protruding bones and looks extremely malnourished.

I think the images are really shocking- click below to see. More

Keeping those lips luscious with an SPF

Did you know that your lips are just as easy to burn as the rest of your skin? So an SPF is really important to prevent sun damage which can cause blisters, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Here are some yummy lipbalms I’ve used and loved- all really cheap too.    

Blistex Lipbalm Range Review SPF

Blistex
Blistex have an amazing range of lipbalms, most of which have a decent SPF. The Lip Conditioner is a classic, containing aloe vera and cocoa butter and an SPF of 20. I love the Strawberry Lip Balm which tastes gorgeous and has an SPf of 16- its also waterproof for 80 minutes.

More

Some reasons to get your ginger on!

-Snacking on ginger has been proven to improve our moods.

-Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

-In Chinese medicine, ginger tea  is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

ginger health benefits reduce stress

Acai Berries- yummy goodness!

Acai Berries have been touted for some time as a superfood. They are high in antioxidants (up to 10 times more then red grapes and up to 30 times more then red wine). They also have Amino Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated fats and Dietary Fibre.

acai berry benefits  antioxidants weight loss

However, as the berries hail from Brazil it’s pretty difficult to actually get them. A good alternative is acai power to add to smoothies. But make sure to look for acai powders that have been ‘freeze dried’.

In order for the berries to be turned into a powder, they have to be dried. But high temperatures can destroy the antioxidant content. Some manufacturers avoid this issue by incorporating a process called freeze drying. Many companies use a process called spray drying that leaves the powder a bright pink hue that is void of any nutritional benefit. Avoid these!

Black Rice- a new superfood?

Black rice could be one of the greatest superfoods, scientists believe. The rice is low in sugar but packed with healthy fibre and plant compounds that combat heart disease and cancer. It was once known as “forbidden rice” in ancient China because only nobles were allowed to eat it. Today black rice is mainly used in Asia for food decoration, noodles, sushi and desserts.

I had it for the first time today- it turns a funny purply colour when cooked. It tastes a bit nutty. It’s actually really nice, but tastes very different from white or brown rice. Check out some recipe ideas here.

black rice superfood antioxidents lower cancer fibre healthy blog beauty australia

More

Treadmilling? Did you know…

..that the zero incline setting on most machines is actually slightly downhill? A 1.0 incline will simulate flat surfaces and help you burn more calories. Try for slightly higher if you can.

treadmill girl running incline burn calories fat beauty blog

Cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels

Cinnamon is a fantastic ingredient in to sweeten dishes without having to add sugar or honey, for example in oats or cereal. The best bit is that studies have shown that cinnamon actually lowers blood glucose levels.

More

Australian alcohol to contain labels warning of health risks

While a glass of wine has some health benefits, alcohol carries serious health risks. Which is why the Australian alcohol industry have launched a voluntary program to place small warning labels on bottles for the first time ever. DrinkWise Australia, a group funded by the alcohol industry, led the charge and aims to challenge the country’s excessive drinking which is part of the national culture.

alcohol consumption health beauty weight risks

Messages including “Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix,” “It is Safest Not to Drink While Pregnant,” and “Is Your Drinking Harming Yourself or Others?” will gradually appear on 80% of alcoholic products in the next few months.

More

Tips for ‘slow-carbing’ your meals

I’ve been a fan of the food blog  www.thestonesoup.com for a while now and she has some great food ideas. Here are her tips on ‘slow carbing’. Slow-Carb is a term coined by Tim Ferris in his book ‘The 4-Hour Body’. Basically it involves managing your insulin levels by avoiding grains, fruit and sugar and replacing them with vegetables and legumes. Check out more recipes here.

7 ways to slow carb your favourite meals

1. Cauliflower your rice.
A recent discovery, I’m just loving my new slow carb accompaniment to curries and stir fries. And the brilliant thing it that it’s super quick if you get your food processor to do the hard yards. No more gluggy rice to worry about.

More

Previous Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.