Detox

Day 36 – 100 Healthy Days – Keeping Momentum High

Health & Beauty, Journey Back to Health

There is no doubt that it was easier for me to stay healthy whilst in Spain.  The heat, swimming pool and delicious salads made it easier for me to eat healthy and move more everyday.  It’s when I’m home I seem to struggle, especially with sugar and caffeine.  I just get so tired with the kids etc… so it has to be done!

photoI know I said that I wasn’t going to ‘give up’ anything but as things are going quite well and want to keep moving in the right direction I decided to give up processed sugar.  As well as wanting to be healthier I have given up sugar due to the horrible fatigue I have been feeling ever since having cancer as a way to try and help combat that.  I am on day 6 now and it is going well.  Apart from on day 4 when I accidentally had sugar in a drink I didn’t realise it was in (we will come onto hidden sugars in due course) but basically….  I have been making some ‘clean’ desserts as fab alternatives, including these delicious Cocoa Coconut Bites that are also a hit with the children – win win!

Moving wise I have taken the plunge and hired a personal trainer to make sure I keep exercising regularly and get the most out of my workouts.  I will be starting with her on Thursday so in the mean time I keep moving and getting out and about and my Davina DVD’s whenever I can.  Even when it was raining at the weekend, hubby the kids and I all got our wellies on a headed into the woods for a long country walk, heaven!

So 36 days in I would say that one thing that has been interesting is the effect I believe it is having on my children.  They are getting out and about more and their diet has definitely improved as I find healthy or clean alternatives and – if I’m honest – I don’t want to be tempted by them eating something yummy I’m not allowed so I’m not giving them things I would have on occasion before.  All in all I believe it is having a positive impact on the whole family, which is only ever good news in my eyes.

The Re-Energiser Mini One Day Detox

Delicious Healthy Recipes, Health & Beauty, Journey Back to Health

My lovely friend Nikki is a little fountain of knowledge when it comes to leading a gorgeous healthy life.  A while ago she emailed me about a Re-Energising Mini One Day Detox she was planning telling me that she decided to do the detox because she had been feeling really sluggish and tired, she had seriously low energy and just generally felt worn out and run down.  She had also been drinking way to much coffee.

Basically feeling like she needed to press the reset button – think we can all relate to that feeling without really knowing what to do.

So what Nikki was doing on her day….

Firstly she chose a quiet day, when there wouldn’t be too many temptations, and then kept to this plan…

  • Morning
    • Green tea or warm water with lemon juice
    • Coffee enima (optional but think they can be bought on the internet)
    • Green Juice
    • 20 minutes of exercise.  This can be a jog, yoga, running up and down the stairs, just get moving!
  • Lunch
    • Green tea or warm water with lemon juice
    • Green Juice
    • Eat cucumber
  • Afternoon
    • Green Juice
    • Eat some cucumber
    • Do some gentle stretches
    • Relax or do some sorting around the house etc…
  • Dinner
    • Chamomile enima
    • Green Juice
    • Herbal tea
    • A good 8 hours of sleep
  • Drink 1.5 litres of water.  Nikki boiled the water, aded a green tea bag, waited for it to cool then put it back into the bottle to sip throughout the day.

Ever since she emailed me about it I have been dying to know how she got on because I actually think this sounds like quite a cool day.  I finally caught up with her this week and she said

“I felt fantastic, I can’t explain what a difference it made.  We had family staying the week before it had been so busy and I felt so depleted but after that day, I felt so well again and just boosted.  Plus the bloating I was feeling from too much indulging on rich food was gone.  I can’t recommend it enough.”

Well that’s me sold!  This will for perfectly into my 100 Healthy Days so I have actually scheduled my detox day in my diary for 3rd August so I don’t make any other plans and am going to have a quiet Sunday with the family where I can detox and recharge.  Will let you know how I get on but if you are feeling like you need a re-charge, maybe its worth a try?  What do you think?  Any detox tips?

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100 Healthy Days – And So It Begins

Delicious Healthy Recipes, Journey Back to Health

Today is Day 2 of 100 Healthy Days.  If you have read my blog previously you will probably know that I am a total sugar addict, adore carbs and live for cheese.  Anything that your not supposed to eat on a healthy diet, I am totally and irrevocably in love with.  And its true love, the kind that lasts a lifetime.  So how do I break up with this love?  I figure its by loving myself more?!

My Green Juice - Kale, Cucumber, Avocado, Celery and Pineapple

My Green Juice – Kale, Cucumber, Avocado, Celery and Pineapple

I’m tired, I have put on weight, I had cancer which has strong links to diet.  I go through phases of eating well then eating crap then somewhere in the middle and this is what has led me to 100 Healthy Days.  I have seen the 100 Happy Days on Facebook and 100 Active Days on Twitter, there seem to be many versions of this 100 day campaign going on so I decided to make my own that would suit me.  They say it takes 30 days to make or break a habit so I am hoping after 100, it will become standard behaviour, even to a sugar-freak like me – that’s the plan anyway?!

I have found many versions of healthy eating and exercise, all with varying degrees of strictness so here is what I am going to do – I am not ‘giving up’ anything.  I know me (surprisingly) and if I do that, I will do nothing but think about what I can’t have and be eating chocolate covered ice-cream before you can say Green Juice.  This for me will all be about making better and healthier choices; for me that means;

  • Making fruit and vegetables the bulk of my diet.
  • Drinking at least 2 litres of water a day.
  • Drinking a Green Juice everyday.
  • Switching white for wholemeal grains.
  • Choosing homemade food from fresh and clean ingredients.

That sort of thing.

Book-Cover-2X8lTc1A few websites I have found valuable in deciding how to do this are Deliciously Ella and 100 Days of Real Food (you are allowed wine in this one, result) and Cookbooks wise it’s, Honestly Healthy by Natasha Corrett and Vicki Edgson and Clean and Lean Cookbook by James Duggan.

I don’t believe good health just come’s down to food, it’s exercise too.  For that my mantra will be Move More!  So even if it is just to walk somewhere locally that I would normally drive too, that will be more movement and get me my ‘Move More’ gold star for the day… Ohhh, I may actually make a sticker chart to hang next to the kids,  such a geek, I know!

Sticker charts aside.  My first day went well eating wise and today has gone well moving wise.  Tomorrow I’m hoping for a bit more of a combination of the both.  But I am pleased, all moving in the right direction.  Just knowing I have decided to do this for 100 day’s seems to have made a big difference in my dedication to what I’m doing.

Coincidently, flicking through Good Housekeeping last night I found an article about giving anything up for 100 days and the impact it can have (what are the chances) and the author was specifically referencing the website Give It 100, you can do absolutely anything as long as it’s for 100 days and the site encourages users to post a daily blog charting their progress.  They are inspirational and worth a look even if you aren’t sure about going ahead, or maybe you will be inspired to do 100 of something else.

Clean Banana Breakfast Pancakes Recipe under Delicious Healthy Recipes

Clean Banana Breakfast Pancakes
Recipe under Delicious Healthy Recipes

Needless to say I will be updating my progress intermittently throughout the next 100 day’s, don’t worry you won’t be getting daily updates, but if you don’t already you can follow this blog by popping your email address in the box to the right (on a computer, below on your phone) and clicking follow and get updates straight to your inbox.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter, for in the moment thoughts!

Wish me luck! Nx

Spring Health & Beauty Tip 2

Delicious Healthy Recipes, Health and Beauty Tips

This might sound funny but stick with me…

Spring Health & Beauty Tip 2 – Switch Spaghetti for Courgette’s

Honestly this is so yummy!  I heard about this ages ago but only got around to trying it recently and it was amaze balls.  It is really filling as well.  It honestly is just as good as the pasta but so much better or you!

Switching Pasta for Courgette's

Switching Pasta for Courgette’s

I cut the courgette in half and then use a grater to cut it into wafer thin strips.  You can have it raw, the warm pasta source makes it al dente or steam it for a few minutes it you would like it softer.

Happy eating x

Spring Health & Beauty Tip 1

Health and Beauty Tips

Well its the last month of spring (sort of) and this is the perfect time to continue to give yourself and your life a bit of a spring clean so everyday this month I will be posting a little Spring Health and Beauty tip everyday to help you along the way….

Spring Health and Beauty Tip 1: Drinking Little Bottles of Water

We all know that water helps cleanse the body, detoxify, help our skin and generally be all round fantastic.  People often say to me that drinking 2 litres of water a day is to much, and I sort of agree but a really easy way to make it feel less it to drink from a little bottle.

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There are 4 little bottles of water in a big one which seems hard to imagine but there are.  I think most people can easily drink a little bottle within a couple of hours?!  You have only got to do that 4 times and your done.  Try and get into a habit of refilling your little bottle in the morning, lunch, afternoon and evening.

Happy drinking!

The Joy of Reflexology

Complementary Therapies

Over the years I have trained in a number of treatments but Reflexology always remains a firm favorite of mine.  As well as being the most wonderfully relaxing treatment, it is truly Holistic, which means that it treats the Mind, Body & Soul at the same time.

Reflexology is an ancient Chinese therapy that works on the principle that nerve endings and energy pathways all travel down to the feet and present a map of the body on the feet. By massaging and stimulating these areas, Reflexologist are able to assist in treating the body internally and removing any blackages in the body’s energy.  Reflexology is a very individual treatment that is tailored to you and your needs & current health.

reflexology

What Does Reflexology Do?

Reflexology increases movement in the circulatory (delivering blood, oxygen and nutrients to the cells and organs) and lymphatic (removing waste and toxins from the cells and organs) systems on a very physical and cellular level – you are basically flooding your cells with the good stuff and encouraging the removal of the bad stuff. Reflexology is a natural treatment that encourages your bodies own systems to work more effectively. Having said that you need to do your bit to help. Drinking lots of water being step number one to keep flushing the cells clean.

Another effective function of Reflexology is that it balances the endocrine system which is in charge of all your glands, hormones, mood balancers, stress, which can go into overdrive when stressed or run-down. Balancing the glands again, can help with that lethargic and de-motivated feeling and can help to calm you and give you more energy. You will also feel like you have more energy once you body starts to detoxify…. another massive benefit.

As part of the balancing effect on your hormones, Reflexology can be very effective in regulating ladies menstrual cycles, something I have found Reflexology particularly helpful for in my clients.

As Reflexology is primarily a holistic treatment that looks to being about reducing stress and aiding relaxation this can have a wonderful effect on any stress induced conditions in the body such as headaches and sleep problems.

On top of all this Reflexology is a very relaxing treatment that also offers wonderful pampering – heaven! 🙂

reflexology 1

What Can I Expect From a Reflexology Appointment?

On your first appointment, your Reflexologist will take a brief medical history and make sure everything is OK for you to go ahead with the treatment.  You will remove you shoes, socks and pull your trousers up so everything below the knee is exposed then, sit back and get nice and comfortable.  The Reflexologist will apply gentle pressure to the feet, ankles and lower legs.  This pressure shouldn’t be painful, but not so gentle it will tickle either.  I Have the most ticklish feet in the world but I am fine, it is a very different sort of pressure to someone tickling you.

How Will I Feel After My Reflexology Appointment?

You should very relaxed and calm.  Most clients also tell me that they sleep better and their general feeling of well-being is improved after a Reflexology treatment.

Reflexology During Pregnancy

Reflexology is completely safe during pregnancy as long as you have passed the 12 week point (which really is only advised to be an extra precaution) in fact I would go as far to advise it as strongly as is possible!  I had Reflexology religiously through both pregnancies and I couldn’t recommend it enough.  It helps with your energy levels as well as your general well-being.  Towards the end Reflexologyists can start working on reflex points to assist the body in getting ready for labour.

Are There Any Times I Shouldn’t Have Reflexolgy?

  • During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
  • Any contagious skin disease ie. impetigo, scabies, chicken pox, mumps etc.
  • Any untreated severe medical condition, or acute pain (Reflexology may hide a condition which needs medical attention)
  • Severe varicose veins i.e. phlebitis (Reflexology may increase pressure of blood to veins)
  • Any form of infection, disease or fever (can make client feel worse and spread infection to the therapist)
  • Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
  • Cuts, grazes, open skin, rashes, bites, burns, severe eczema or psoriasis, fractures, athletes foot, verrucaes, inflammation or bruising on the feet.
  • Cervical spondylitis
  • Haematoma
  • Epilepsy
  • If you have any condition, disease or illness that you are currently visiting a GP or specialist for, you should get written consent from them that you are able to have Reflexology treatments before you begin.

 

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Treatments are based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, close to the station. To purchase a Gift Certificate please call 07834 789 107 or email nicola.bourne@yahoo.com

New Years Resolutions – How Are You Doing?

Delicious Healthy Recipes, Goals
Leanne

The lovely Leanne Clack

How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions?  Well I have been speaking with the fantastic Leanne Clack who has done amazingly well, completing a 21 day detox in January.  When speaking with Leanne just before she started she said

I was nervous about sticking to it but had been feeling so sluggish and put on weight over Christmas so I was determined to do it.

Leanne’s 21 Day Detox meant that she was only going to be eating pure, clean foods.  Basically vegetables, fruit, whole grains and nuts.  I can’t lie I was horrified at the thought.  I gave up alcohol for January and that was enough.  I’m all for eating well, but no coffee?  Step too far for me!

Leanne didn’t just decide I wanted to do it and start there and then.  She planned it and think’s that it was part of that planning that was key in her success.

I cleared out one kitchen cupboard that was just for me and only had food that I could eat inside it.  So when I was feeling peckish and tempted I could just open that cupboard and know everything in there I could eat and snack from and I made sure that it was full of really yummy things.

It also gave me time to go online and hunt out some delicious recipes such as the Mango ‘Ice Cream’ so I still felt like I was having treats.

Tomato and Basil Soup
Delicious Snacks
Hot Water and Lemon

I am terrible that if I know I am starting a diet or healthy eating plan, I use the time to binge on all the items I am planning on giving up as it will be my last chance to eat them, I have always considered this a fantastic argument but Leanne used to the time to start trying to get used to a healthier way and lower her sugar and caffeine intakes so it wasn’t a complete shock to her body when she cut them out altogether.  When you think about this for longer than a nano-second, clearly makes a lot more sense than my way.

Once on the detox a typical day for Leanne was;

  • Porridge made with water or rice milk with blueberries for breakfast
  • Homemade vegetable soup for lunch
  • Vegetable stir-fry with wholegrain rice for dinner
  • Snacks included fruit, peanut butter (as long as it is 100% natural) and nuts.

I also made sure that I ate plenty of quinoa, humous and nuts for protein.

It wasn’t all plain-sailing though.  I saw Leanne 3 days in and all was not so well.  Complaining of headaches, tiredness and feeling hungry I am sure that this is the point that I would have given in, but Leanne stayed strong and soon really started to feel the benefits.  According to Leanne, that was the hardest part and once she had got through it, the feeling of hunger and cravings for sugar and caffeine based products started to fade.

I was surprised on how quickly the cravings went and after the first few days it got easier and easier as the days went on.

Mango ‘Ice Cream’
Green Juice
Blueberry and Banana Porridge

After successfully completing her 21 day Detox, I was desperate to know how she felt, was it worth it and would she be sticking to it at all?

I have lost all the Christmas weight which is great, but more than that, I just feel so much better.  Not so sluggish, much more energy and I am not finding I miss sugar or caffeine now.

I am planning on keeping large parts of the plan because I just feel so much better, but I have introduced chicken, eggs and yogurt.  I really missed eggs and yogurt!

Leanne looks brilliant, she is looking noticeably slimmer but even more than that, she looks SO well.  The white of her eyes looks so white and clear, her skin is glowing and she is radiating health.  I must say I am feeling very inspired.  I have even replaced a couple of morning coffees with hot water and Lemon (which I love and for more information on the benefit of Hot Water and Lemon, click here) and I am cleaning out a cupboard all ready for me.

Easy Quick Healthy Tip 25

Health and Beauty Tips

An Apple a Day…

Easy Quick Healthy Tip 25 – Eat Apples

One of lifes natural cleansers, apples help balance acidic body wastes and clean out your system, great when you are detoxing.

Apples are also high in Flavonoids which can help prevent heart-disease and are high in anti-oxidents and we already know from older posts how truly amazing anti-oxidents are.

Apples are also a superfood when it comes to fighting cancer.  They are known to help with a number of cancers as well including Bowel Cancer and Breast Cancer (two of the most common ones).

They are quite high in sugar so don’t go crazy and only eat apples from here on in, but they have a serious amout of goodness in them too so eat away!!

 

Easy Quick Healthy Tip 22

Delicious Healthy Recipes, Health and Beauty Tips

Healthy and yummy?!

Easy Quick Healthy Tip 22 – Mango Ice Cream (healthy natural cheat version)

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Mango ‘Ice Cream’

I have stolen this from my lovely friend.  Quite possibly the easiest tastiest naturalist treat – that’s not even a treat, its fruit and rice milk and that’s it!

Frozen Mango in small chunks and rice milk, in a blender = Mango Ice Cream – healthy natural cheat version.

YUM xx

Easy Quick Healthy Tip 21

Delicious Healthy Recipes, Health and Beauty Tips

Slice of Lemon

Easy Quick Healthy Tip 21 – Hot Water & Lemon

The best time to have this is in the morning before you have anything else and there are some awesome reasons why….

  • The juice from the Lemon is detoxifying and helps clear out the body.
  • Supports the liver and aids digestion.
  • The digestive qualities in the juice from Lemon eases bloating.
  • Lemon’s increase the rate of urination which helps flush out unwanted materials quickly and also helps keep your urinary tract healthy.
  • Lemon’s are high in Vitamin C which we chatted about how fantabulous that is in my earlier blog – Vitamin C
  • It is well known to Aromatherapists that the smell of Lemon’s can brighten your mood, clear your mind, reduce anxiety and depression – also love because they smell like a Mediterranean holiday.
  • Supports the Immune System.
  • Warm water and Lemon replace fluids lost by your body which can help you feel stimulated, energised, concentrate and sleep better, that has to be good right?!
Hot Water & Lemon

Hot Water & Lemon