Category: Healthy Living

1. Cookbooks I Just Could Not Live Without

   Posted on 10:28am Wednesday 21st Oct 2015

   When I visit my family we spend most of our time in the kitchen cooking, that’s how we catch up on what is going on in our lives. Our conversations are mingled with interceptions of how much sugar to pour in, how to better slice the runner beans, how many times one should soak and rinse the rice before cooking (3 times is the correct answer) and a whole load of food related comments that come up as we prepare, cook and bake.

   This is all very lovely but I find myself at a slight disadvantage... my sister is a Chef who had her own restaurant for over 15 years and my mum’s cooking is so legendary that wedding planners have asked for her recipes. Even my brother’s girlfriend Veronica is an accomplished cook, despite being a strict vegetarian she knows how to gut fish and make a good chicken soup for her daughter. I try my best to impress them but despite my best efforts I don’t quite cut the mustard!

   Instead of envying their amazing cooking skills I’m trying to learn from them, so I always take my notepad when I visit. Over the years have put together a nice selection of dishes and techniques, I usually adapt the recipes to better suit my style of eating, such as substituting flours with starch free versions and some potatoes with other root vegetables.

   Instead of relying on cook books I rather learn those who’s food I like the taste of. However there are a couple of books I just could not live with:

   

   The Art of Eating Well by Hemsley & Hemsley – My number one book for inspiration, this new way of eating has really improved my health and changed the way I look at many different kinds of foods. For example, I would never now eat nuts without pre-soaking them so that they are easily digested.

   

   Jamie Oliver – The Return of Naked Chef - I’m not a good baker at all, so when it comes to desserts for a dinner party I know I can trust Jamie’s recipes.... because they ALWAYS work!

   

   Deliciously Ella – Really cute and easy recipes... I also use this mainly for inspiration.

2. Dance Works

   Posted on 11:36am Monday 1st Jun 2015

   I attended my very first Street Dance class at DanceWorks. It was probably the most fun I had in a very long time. Although I’m not very coordinated I was able to follow the routine enough to really enjoy it. I must have burned over 1000 calories but in a really fun way, afterwards I felt a great sense of achievement...I’m going back next week! Check out Hannah & Ryan’s Class at DanceWorks.

   

   "Since 1982, Danceworks has been providing a friendly and inclusive environment for all forms of dance and fitness of the highest quality. Now one of Europe’s leading studios, we offer an incredible variety of accessible dance, fitness, yoga, Pilates, martial arts and singing classes. Whatever your style or ability we have a class for you. Our Victorian building opposite Selfridges holds seven great, multi-purpose studios, men’s and women’s changing facilities with showers, plus a snack bar and member’s lounge area with internet access. Danceworks staff are passionate about the arts and this reflects in our customer service. Our staff are always pleased to help you to find classes to suit your needs, whether you are looking for a strenuous workout, trying to develop your technique, or simply wanting to learn something new."

   http://danceworks.net

3. Produce More Brown Fat

   Posted on 12:57pm Tuesday 21st Apr 2015

   We are all born with brown fat; as we grow older we produce white fat through the foods we eat. White fat is the unhealthy fat that can cause health problems such as heart disease or diabetes. Brown fat, however, is considered healthy as it burns calories and white fat. Recent research has shown that we can create brown fat. Here are my tips for doing so:

   Have a normal hot shower, do a salt & oil scrub to activate the circulation or dry brush before showering. At the end of the shower, slowly turn the water to warm for 30 seconds. Then slowly turn to cold for another 30 seconds of longer. The more you do this the more you will get used to it and start to tolerate it better.  Repeat twice a day for a couple of weeks and enjoy the results.

   

   Image Credit: Valerie's Voice: For the Health of It