27 Oct 2011

Slow & steady wins that Waist!


Hi folks,


You may have our eating habits under scrutiny in the news recently. Only yesterday I was sat eating my dinner & someone across the cafĂ© was scoffing their meal so fast it almost looked speeded-up!  Now I know in today’s hectic world not many of us take all of our lunch break or even eat at the desk, but the latest research says that this could be contributing towards obesity.

Here’s a few tips on how to enjoy your food & your waistline:

1)      Cut sandwiches or wraps in to smaller sections

2)      Chew each mouthful 30+ times rather than the usual 10. You may consume up to 15% less (that’s up to 375 less calories per day!).

3)      Slow the pace down by having a conversation, watching TV, or reading a magazine.

4)      The 20min rule: Eat 2/3rds of your meal, wait 20min & if your still hungry then have a little more. Why – the body takes time to register that its full.

5)      Eat breakfast & healthy snacks! People who don’t eat regularly tend to reach for the ‘bad’ foods & larger portions when they do eat as they are starving.

*further information on ‘conscious eating’ at:


Statistics show that people in the UK are getting fatter which may in-turn have a negative affect on their job. So encourage your workforce to use their break allowances, be social & take their time. To learnt more on how to use nutrition & other aspects to get more from your workforce contact me at www.occupational-fitness.com


Enjoy Halloween & savour the festive treats!

James

20 Oct 2011

Pluck a hair for health!


   
Hi folks,

A short while ago I blogged about looking for signs of nutrient deficiencies in our bodies. If we have any deficiencies they may be through an ‘incomplete’ diet, a higher than average requirement (activity levels, hormone levels), or perhaps our body can’t process them properly. Either way our body would not be functioning to its best, physically or mentally, at home or at work!


One easy way to test our nutrient & mineral status is by analysing a hair sample. Each strand of our hair stores information on our nutrient, mineral, & toxicity balance. By checking these levels, scientists can see if your body’s endocrine glands are being stimulated or inhibited. These glands are responsible for nutrient absorption, utilization, & excretion which in-turn relates to digestive health, viral infections, & your metabolic rate.


Here is a link to a company who provide the service, however I must stress that I do not endorse them as I have not used them or any similar service….yet.

If you want to do it another way, you can test mineral deficiency / over consumption by taste! Here’s the link.


So, why not take this simple test to check that your body’s in optimal health and therefore working at its best for longer!  I will let you know about my results when I get them so please let me know if you have had yours tested too.

Thanks


James.

14 Oct 2011

Hydrating food!


Hi folks,

Just in case you wondered, im not going to be talking about pumping water in to pineapples......although some manufactures do that with chicken! You may remember a blog way back in August 2010 expressing the importance of hydration. Research has revealed that certain foods can hydrate you better that plain old water! How? – They contain just the right balance of vitamins & minerals that help our bodies make use of their water content (similar to isotonic drinks). So now I’m going to let you in on these foods that may help you get the recommended 2.5ltrs per day.


The top 5 foods with high water content:


  1. Water melon

  1. Bell peppers

  1. Grapefruit

  1. Aubergine

  1. Kiwi fruit

Add these foods to your weekly shopping list if you want to improve / maintain concentration levels, energy levels, fluid regulation, waste removal, plus a whole host of other bodily processes. Remember we lose fluids through sweat & breath vapour every day so if your occupation or hobbies involve being active then these foods may be especially valuable.


If you would like to know more about hydration / energy strategies & their benefits for your workforce then contact me through our website at www.occupational-fitness.com.

Thanks

James


6 Oct 2011

Get your share of Sunny-D!



Hi Folks, (nope it's not a free drinks voucher)


You may have heard in the news this week that studies have shown that people with fair skin may be lacking in vitamin D. Sometimes news articles can be sketchy so here’s the low-down:

When our skin is exposed to the sun’s ultra violet (UV) light, it causes vitamin D to be produced. Vitamin D is known to at least be important for healthy bones & teeth, & therefore in preventing associated diseases such as osteoporosis.

It seems that due to the tendency of fair skin to burn easily, their behaviour is that they do not spend enough time in the sun light & so may be low in vitamin D. Similarly neither may elderly people who cover up or those wearing full body religious clothing.


Researches more conclusive evidence is needed before recommending supplements, however a 0.01mg daily supplement won’t do the vast majority of us any harm. A supplement is already recommended for people of dark / black skin.   

My personal advice is as always – get if from your food:  

         Mackerel
         Sardines
         Tuna (canned in oil)
         Eggs
         Dairy products

These are all packed full of other nutrients too so get chomping!

James