In the news today is the announcement that if you drink half a glass of wine a day, you could live five years longer. Is this good news, I wonder, or is it just going to make us feel guilty if we drink a whole glass or worry if we don’t like wine?
The body has an interesting relationship with alcohol. On the one hand we are told it is good for our health, and on the other, the body treats alcohol as a toxin and works very hard to burn it off. In fact, in the pecking order of how the body burns the food and drink we consume, alcohol goes straight to the top of the queue, followed by carbohydrate and protein. Fat in our diet is the last food group to be used as fuel for energy as it is designed to be stored on our body in case we find ourselves in a famine. Fat provides us with an emergency energy supply and keeps us alive when other food sources run out.
Overall, despite often conflicting reports being published in the press, alcohol in moderation is good news for our health. I include a small amount of alcohol in my diets and I do not want to exclude any food group completely, but it should be treated as a treat and should be measured carefully otherwise you may be very surprised at how little, if any, weight you are losing.
Last year we launched a clever little product called Portion Pots® to help dieters quickly and easily measure their servings of foods such as cereal, rice, pasta and wine. The yellow Portion Pot® is the wine measure – a 125 ml measure. Whilst the food ‘portions’ were commented upon favourable, not so for the wine. ‘Is that it?’ people asked worryingly as they eyed up the size of the yellow pot. Why the surprise? It represents a standard pub measure of wine yet we would not dream of pouring such a measure for a friend or we would be thought we were being mean. With larger wine glasses becoming fashionable, we are used to having a much larger measure.
Like so many other foods we consume, we have become used to eating and drinking larger portions. If we are to look after our body, drinking moderately and eating smaller portions will help our weight and our health. Nobody can make us do it. We have to make the choice ourselves and we have to develop a new habit of moderation if we are going to stay healthy.
If you are interested in our Portion Pots®, just check out our website.
Thursday 30 April 2009
Wednesday 29 April 2009
Are your jeans making you fat?
I love wearing jeans. They are comfortable and fashionable, extremely versatile as they can be dressed up or down to look stunning. And they can be worn at any age with or without a belt, with flat shoes or the highest of heels and, of course, boots. The key is that they suit YOU as a unique individual and that they actually fit! This is where, unfortunately, wearing jeans can go pear-shaped.
Amazingly, some fashion designers are creating jeans with sewn-in mock tops of men's briefs so that they show above the waistband and the low-cut hipster jeans look as though they are falling off, whilst some girls' jeans now can be bought with a sewn-in mock thong top appearing above the jeans!
I am the wrong age to comment on whether this is attractive, acceptable or appropriate but my biggest problem is that, with a growing incidence of obesity, particularly with the young, most teenagers who insist on wearing jeans that are simply too small for them are creating a muffin-top of overhanging flesh. Maybe they like to look like that. Perhaps showing a 'muffin-top' is cool? I am yet to find anyone who thinks it is attractive. But there is a serious side to this fashion habit that probably many folk don’t realise.
When we continually wear an item of clothing that fits or ‘digs-in’ in a certain position, the fat that we all have around our body is squeezed out of the way. To check this out just take off your wedding ring and see the indentation made by your ring on your finger. It is because of this that women have a little fat showing above and below their bra strap and men have ‘love handles’ above where their trousers sit. This is unavoidable as we have to wear clothes that ‘rest’ on certain areas of our body,. If women wear a full brief or pant all the time, (it doesn’t apply if you wear a thong), they will see an indentation on the cheeks of their backside where the elastic around the top of the legs usually digs in a little. As a result they won’t like the shape of their bottom when they see themselves undressed. Wearing a thong will eliminate this over time. So, back to the tight-fitting hipster jeans.
Wearing low-cut jeans will have the effect of pushing abdominal fat upwards. The low-cut style necessitates that the jeans are tight fitting (or they would fall down) and the result is the creation of a muffin-top overhang. Wear this style of jean very regularly, and your accumulation of fat above the hip-band will be there, even when you take them off, and it will reshape your figure and reduce the slimness of your waist and make your stomach fatter. After all, the fat has nowhere else to go.
So what is the answer? Losing some weight will help as if you lose the fat it can’t be squeezed around as much. Vary the style of your underwear and wearing a thong is actually very comfortable once you get used to it – just buy the size bigger than you would wear with a normal pant. If you want to wear hipster jeans, just don’t wear them all the time. Ideally, vary the hip/waist band height with differently fitting jeans. And lastly, regularly undertake some aerobic exercise which will help burn body fat and do some stomach flattening exercises so that you tone up that area.
Check out our website for details of my DVDs or our diet and fitness classes which will help you achieve that.
Amazingly, some fashion designers are creating jeans with sewn-in mock tops of men's briefs so that they show above the waistband and the low-cut hipster jeans look as though they are falling off, whilst some girls' jeans now can be bought with a sewn-in mock thong top appearing above the jeans!
I am the wrong age to comment on whether this is attractive, acceptable or appropriate but my biggest problem is that, with a growing incidence of obesity, particularly with the young, most teenagers who insist on wearing jeans that are simply too small for them are creating a muffin-top of overhanging flesh. Maybe they like to look like that. Perhaps showing a 'muffin-top' is cool? I am yet to find anyone who thinks it is attractive. But there is a serious side to this fashion habit that probably many folk don’t realise.
When we continually wear an item of clothing that fits or ‘digs-in’ in a certain position, the fat that we all have around our body is squeezed out of the way. To check this out just take off your wedding ring and see the indentation made by your ring on your finger. It is because of this that women have a little fat showing above and below their bra strap and men have ‘love handles’ above where their trousers sit. This is unavoidable as we have to wear clothes that ‘rest’ on certain areas of our body,. If women wear a full brief or pant all the time, (it doesn’t apply if you wear a thong), they will see an indentation on the cheeks of their backside where the elastic around the top of the legs usually digs in a little. As a result they won’t like the shape of their bottom when they see themselves undressed. Wearing a thong will eliminate this over time. So, back to the tight-fitting hipster jeans.
Wearing low-cut jeans will have the effect of pushing abdominal fat upwards. The low-cut style necessitates that the jeans are tight fitting (or they would fall down) and the result is the creation of a muffin-top overhang. Wear this style of jean very regularly, and your accumulation of fat above the hip-band will be there, even when you take them off, and it will reshape your figure and reduce the slimness of your waist and make your stomach fatter. After all, the fat has nowhere else to go.
So what is the answer? Losing some weight will help as if you lose the fat it can’t be squeezed around as much. Vary the style of your underwear and wearing a thong is actually very comfortable once you get used to it – just buy the size bigger than you would wear with a normal pant. If you want to wear hipster jeans, just don’t wear them all the time. Ideally, vary the hip/waist band height with differently fitting jeans. And lastly, regularly undertake some aerobic exercise which will help burn body fat and do some stomach flattening exercises so that you tone up that area.
Check out our website for details of my DVDs or our diet and fitness classes which will help you achieve that.
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Fair weather fitness? - get active and beat the cold and rain!
The last couple of weeks of sunshine have lifted our spirits after a long and colder than usual winter. The sun encourages us to get on our bikes, go for a walk, get in the garden and generally get active. But now the sun has gone in and it has turned chilly again and the inclination is to stay in and do less. This is really bad news for our health and our fitness. There is no doubt, activity is a pleasure when you feel the sun on your back.
But activity needs to be regular if we are to see real benefits to our health and fitness and we need to develop a few good habits. They don’t need to be revolutionary. Just small changes that can make a big difference when we add them all up together. For instance, make a rule not to leave things on the bottom step of the stairs – take them up every time. All that stair-walking burns extra calories and tones up your bum. Park your car at the far end of the car park and walk further. If you wear a pedometer you will be amazed how these extra steps mount up and it will really encourage you. Climb the stairs rather than take the lift – even if you can’t manage all of the floors if you are going up a long way, you can always take the lift for the final bit when you’ve gone as far as you can. And rather than send an email to your colleague two desks away, walk over and ask the question.
We all need motivation and a pedometer will help you to find it. Just being conscious that every step you take clocks up on this little gadget so you can see how many steps you have taken in a day is so enlightening. I promise wearing one will make you move more. If you move more, you burn extra calories. When you burn extra calories, you help yourself lose your weight. So, search for that pedometer that you have knocking around in a drawer somewhere or treat yourself to a new one. Choose a simple one as it is off-putting if you have to spend half an hour setting it up. We have a great one that’s dead simple to operate. Just check out our web shop for details.
I know it’s colder today, but don’t use that as an excuse not to become more active.
But activity needs to be regular if we are to see real benefits to our health and fitness and we need to develop a few good habits. They don’t need to be revolutionary. Just small changes that can make a big difference when we add them all up together. For instance, make a rule not to leave things on the bottom step of the stairs – take them up every time. All that stair-walking burns extra calories and tones up your bum. Park your car at the far end of the car park and walk further. If you wear a pedometer you will be amazed how these extra steps mount up and it will really encourage you. Climb the stairs rather than take the lift – even if you can’t manage all of the floors if you are going up a long way, you can always take the lift for the final bit when you’ve gone as far as you can. And rather than send an email to your colleague two desks away, walk over and ask the question.
We all need motivation and a pedometer will help you to find it. Just being conscious that every step you take clocks up on this little gadget so you can see how many steps you have taken in a day is so enlightening. I promise wearing one will make you move more. If you move more, you burn extra calories. When you burn extra calories, you help yourself lose your weight. So, search for that pedometer that you have knocking around in a drawer somewhere or treat yourself to a new one. Choose a simple one as it is off-putting if you have to spend half an hour setting it up. We have a great one that’s dead simple to operate. Just check out our web shop for details.
I know it’s colder today, but don’t use that as an excuse not to become more active.
Sunday 26 April 2009
Love your work!
Last Friday and Saturday we held our Training Convention at Center Parcs in Nottinghamshire. This is an annual event when all of our franchisees, and their employees, are invited to listen to experts in the field of nutrition and weight management, and workout at Masterclasses taught by some of the UK's most respected fitness professionals. It is an extraordinary gathering of like-minded women, plus a few men, whose job it is to help the nation lose weight and become fitter.
I looked on in awe as these wonderful ambassadors for our organisation exercised their socks off to learn new ideas and exciting choreography - after having taught probably 10 - 12 classes already last week. My, are these folk fit!
Lots of our franchisees are ex-members of our diet and fitness clubs who have lost loads of weight and then decided they wanted to help others to do the same. I love that. There is nothing better than speaking from your own experience and helping members to lose weight with empathy and compassion. I will never forget how I felt when I was overweight, how it affected my self-esteem and how it seemed to completely control my life.
But the overwhelming feeling that came through from the weekend was the total joy we all feel doing the job we do, not only the franchisees and their instructor-employees, but our fabulous staff too. How lucky we are to love every minute of our careers!
As motivational guru, Richard Denny, once said at a previous Convention, 'to be successful you need three elements : 1. Enjoy what you do, 2. have someone to share it with and 3. that what you do makes a difference'. We are very privileged when we say that is exactly what we have. Every single person at our Training Convention absolutely loves their job. How great is that!
I looked on in awe as these wonderful ambassadors for our organisation exercised their socks off to learn new ideas and exciting choreography - after having taught probably 10 - 12 classes already last week. My, are these folk fit!
Lots of our franchisees are ex-members of our diet and fitness clubs who have lost loads of weight and then decided they wanted to help others to do the same. I love that. There is nothing better than speaking from your own experience and helping members to lose weight with empathy and compassion. I will never forget how I felt when I was overweight, how it affected my self-esteem and how it seemed to completely control my life.
But the overwhelming feeling that came through from the weekend was the total joy we all feel doing the job we do, not only the franchisees and their instructor-employees, but our fabulous staff too. How lucky we are to love every minute of our careers!
As motivational guru, Richard Denny, once said at a previous Convention, 'to be successful you need three elements : 1. Enjoy what you do, 2. have someone to share it with and 3. that what you do makes a difference'. We are very privileged when we say that is exactly what we have. Every single person at our Training Convention absolutely loves their job. How great is that!
Saturday 25 April 2009
The London Marathon
Tomorrow is the London Marathon and tens of thousands of people will be setting out on one of the biggest challenges of their life. The pressure to reach the finishing line is enormous and the physical challenge to the body is immense. I am in total awe of anyone who runs a marathon, let alone one with such a high profile and that is televised.
Everybody wants to be fit but finding the motivation to get out there in our running shoes is the hardest thing for most of us. Setting ourselves a goal of physical challenge on a certain date is one of the most effective ways of getting us into action. We have to plan our training over several months so that we don’t let ourselves, or our friends and family, down on the day. Getting to that finishing line is crucial.
In 2000 our Slimmer of the Year, Jeanne Mitheaux, had lost an amazing 12 stone – and then she discovered running. She was a school teacher and her pupils were so proud of her achievement that they wrote to me. Her weight loss was extraordinary.
That year Jeanne ran the London Marathon and I went along to support her. It was an extraordinary experience and the emotion I felt as almost tangible as I watched thousands of exhausted folk, from the really young to the extremely elderly, push themselves to the limit. I was crying as folk who were obviously beyond exhaustion, at the point of collapsing, looked as though they wouldn’t make it to the finishing point twenty yards ahead of them. It was heartbreaking to witness the pain in their faces. The crowd shouted out their names to encourage them for those last few feet to achieve their dream. When they finally swayed and staggered and then literally fell over the line, the cheer from the crowd was deafening. It was a privilege to witness such extreme human determination and perseverance.
When Jeanne ran over the line, still with fuel in her tank, I was proud beyond words. I imagined how different she must have felt when she was carrying around twelve stone of excess weight and here she was, having run 26 miles and feeling fantastic.
Our in-house PR Manager, Linda Parker and her husband Tony are running on Sunday for the first time. They are nervous and excited but after they have completed the event, they will feel that all the hours spent pounding the streets over recent months were worth it. They will have completed a very significant and memorable challenge and raised a lot amount of money for charity. They will feel on top of the world and no doubt they will be looking for their next challenge, after a very long hot bath.
Everybody wants to be fit but finding the motivation to get out there in our running shoes is the hardest thing for most of us. Setting ourselves a goal of physical challenge on a certain date is one of the most effective ways of getting us into action. We have to plan our training over several months so that we don’t let ourselves, or our friends and family, down on the day. Getting to that finishing line is crucial.
In 2000 our Slimmer of the Year, Jeanne Mitheaux, had lost an amazing 12 stone – and then she discovered running. She was a school teacher and her pupils were so proud of her achievement that they wrote to me. Her weight loss was extraordinary.
That year Jeanne ran the London Marathon and I went along to support her. It was an extraordinary experience and the emotion I felt as almost tangible as I watched thousands of exhausted folk, from the really young to the extremely elderly, push themselves to the limit. I was crying as folk who were obviously beyond exhaustion, at the point of collapsing, looked as though they wouldn’t make it to the finishing point twenty yards ahead of them. It was heartbreaking to witness the pain in their faces. The crowd shouted out their names to encourage them for those last few feet to achieve their dream. When they finally swayed and staggered and then literally fell over the line, the cheer from the crowd was deafening. It was a privilege to witness such extreme human determination and perseverance.
When Jeanne ran over the line, still with fuel in her tank, I was proud beyond words. I imagined how different she must have felt when she was carrying around twelve stone of excess weight and here she was, having run 26 miles and feeling fantastic.
Our in-house PR Manager, Linda Parker and her husband Tony are running on Sunday for the first time. They are nervous and excited but after they have completed the event, they will feel that all the hours spent pounding the streets over recent months were worth it. They will have completed a very significant and memorable challenge and raised a lot amount of money for charity. They will feel on top of the world and no doubt they will be looking for their next challenge, after a very long hot bath.
Friday 24 April 2009
When chips are the low fat option.
Well, what a great night we had last night! We were invited to dine in Hell’s Kitchen and to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of Marco Pierre-White.
Hell’s Kitchen is a working kitchen created in a film studio. But once you step on to the red carpet you suddenly walk from an industrial zone to luxury dining and a red velvet curtained bar with a menu of exotic cocktails. How easy it would be to have 1000 calories before you even had your first mouthful of food.
On our table we were joined by Anthony Worrall-Thompson and his lovely wife Jane, and chef Rosemary Shrager who was a delight.
I chose crab as my starter – a low fat option as it was served with a simple but delicious sauce - while Mike selected seagull’s eggs. The crab was the most delicious I have ever tasted. For the main course Mike chose steak tartare whilst I preferred the lamb. My portion was much too large for me and I would have loved to have bagged the portion of lamb I left for our dog but I didn’t have the nerve. (No wonder we have an obesity problem in this country).
Having watched the creaminess of the potatoes being prepared over the last few nights I’d figured that having chips would be a lower fat option to accompany my lamb, so, much to everyone’s surprise, that’s what I selected. However, the lamb arrived with creamed mash anyway. I didn’t eat it. Our new table friends Anthony and Rosemary informed me that the mash was 50% butter so I guess this was the first time in my life that chips provided the low fat option!
The evening’s conversation covered many topics, not least the merits of the celebrities in the kitchen. Who would have been fired if Bruce Grobbelaar hadn’t decided to leave? Was Niomi just being weak and pathetic when she couldn’t cream the mash?
Only Marco knows who would he would have fired on Tuesday night but as far as the mash is concerned, you can take it from me that Niomi wasn’t being a weakling. She just wouldn’t have had the physical strength to endlessly beat those potatoes. And this is why:
Our muscles are made up of millions of fibres and when we use our muscles to work extra hard, those fibres are pushed to their limit. A gentle task would challenge the fibres just a little but a massive overload of work, such as beating a pile of potatoes, would cause the muscle fibres to become exhausted. Over time, if we continued to challenge our muscles, they would grow bigger and stronger but that would take months. In addition, women naturally have smaller muscles than men so it stands to reason that a woman would physically not have the power or endurance to cope with such a workload, particularly a woman as slight and young as Niomi. It would be like asking a mini to tow a 30 ft caravan.
But Hell’s Kitchen isn’t about physical strength, it’s about team work, character and determination. Last night, 70 guests were served an exquisite meal efficiently. It was the best meal I have ever had the privilege of eating in any restaurant anywhere in the world and for that I take my hat off to the team of celebrities who worked their socks off – and to Marco who, through his leadership and skill, empowered the team to deliver a superb menu. I say ‘well done’ to all of them. You did a great job and I loved it!
Hell’s Kitchen is a working kitchen created in a film studio. But once you step on to the red carpet you suddenly walk from an industrial zone to luxury dining and a red velvet curtained bar with a menu of exotic cocktails. How easy it would be to have 1000 calories before you even had your first mouthful of food.
On our table we were joined by Anthony Worrall-Thompson and his lovely wife Jane, and chef Rosemary Shrager who was a delight.
I chose crab as my starter – a low fat option as it was served with a simple but delicious sauce - while Mike selected seagull’s eggs. The crab was the most delicious I have ever tasted. For the main course Mike chose steak tartare whilst I preferred the lamb. My portion was much too large for me and I would have loved to have bagged the portion of lamb I left for our dog but I didn’t have the nerve. (No wonder we have an obesity problem in this country).
Having watched the creaminess of the potatoes being prepared over the last few nights I’d figured that having chips would be a lower fat option to accompany my lamb, so, much to everyone’s surprise, that’s what I selected. However, the lamb arrived with creamed mash anyway. I didn’t eat it. Our new table friends Anthony and Rosemary informed me that the mash was 50% butter so I guess this was the first time in my life that chips provided the low fat option!
The evening’s conversation covered many topics, not least the merits of the celebrities in the kitchen. Who would have been fired if Bruce Grobbelaar hadn’t decided to leave? Was Niomi just being weak and pathetic when she couldn’t cream the mash?
Only Marco knows who would he would have fired on Tuesday night but as far as the mash is concerned, you can take it from me that Niomi wasn’t being a weakling. She just wouldn’t have had the physical strength to endlessly beat those potatoes. And this is why:
Our muscles are made up of millions of fibres and when we use our muscles to work extra hard, those fibres are pushed to their limit. A gentle task would challenge the fibres just a little but a massive overload of work, such as beating a pile of potatoes, would cause the muscle fibres to become exhausted. Over time, if we continued to challenge our muscles, they would grow bigger and stronger but that would take months. In addition, women naturally have smaller muscles than men so it stands to reason that a woman would physically not have the power or endurance to cope with such a workload, particularly a woman as slight and young as Niomi. It would be like asking a mini to tow a 30 ft caravan.
But Hell’s Kitchen isn’t about physical strength, it’s about team work, character and determination. Last night, 70 guests were served an exquisite meal efficiently. It was the best meal I have ever had the privilege of eating in any restaurant anywhere in the world and for that I take my hat off to the team of celebrities who worked their socks off – and to Marco who, through his leadership and skill, empowered the team to deliver a superb menu. I say ‘well done’ to all of them. You did a great job and I loved it!
Thursday 23 April 2009
Call for unhealthy sandwiches to be better labelled
Which? magazine has published a report highlighting the fact that pre-packed sandwiches can contain a scary amount of unhealthy salt, fat and sugar. They are calling for more information to be included on the labelling and for the nutritional content to be more easily understood.
Of course it is helpful to know how many calories and how much fat is in a sandwich but there is no doubt that manufacturers will include any ingredients they choose to enhance the flavour and make you want to go back for more tomorrow. And who can blame them?
In this age of credit crunch there has never been a better time to make our own sandwiches with our favourite fillings but in a low fat and healthy way. Pre-packed sandwiches have to have a spread of some kind to seal the bread and prevent leakage from the sandwich content as a pre-packed sandwich obviously has to last at least 24 hours if not longer. If we make our own, it will only be a matter of probably 5 hours before we come to eat it, in which case we don’t need the low-fat spread and we can substitute that with low-fat alternatives such as Branston pickle, HP Fruity sauce, Hellmans 3% fat Extra Light mayo, mustard, Marmite or Horseradish sauce. Whilst Horseradish and mustard are high in fat in themselves, if you have enough to matter, eating a sandwich would blow your head off!
When we’re trying to lose weight, the key to a successful sandwich is bulk. Putting as many salad vegetables into the sandwich such as lettuce, cucumber, tomato, sliced peppers and spring onion, and then adding a small amount of wafer-thin ham or chicken, can give you a substantial meal at significantly fewer calories and less fat than a pre-packed alternative.
Why not try some unusual fillings such as Horseradish with beetroot, cottage cheese and Marmite (if you’ve never tried this, it’s amazing), wafer-thin ham and my low fat cheese (available from Morrisons and Asda), egg, tomato and basil and Philadelphia Extra Light with smoked salmon.
The key to your success is finding a sandwich which you enjoy and which fills you up. For children, why not cut the sandwich into different shapes with the help of a pastry cutter and add carrot sticks to a rabbit shape and some seedless grapes with some star-shaped sandwiches plus a small yoghurt or Fromage Frais. Just use a little imagination and you can turn a healthy lunchbox into something your child is proud to show their friends and their teacher.
Of course it is helpful to know how many calories and how much fat is in a sandwich but there is no doubt that manufacturers will include any ingredients they choose to enhance the flavour and make you want to go back for more tomorrow. And who can blame them?
In this age of credit crunch there has never been a better time to make our own sandwiches with our favourite fillings but in a low fat and healthy way. Pre-packed sandwiches have to have a spread of some kind to seal the bread and prevent leakage from the sandwich content as a pre-packed sandwich obviously has to last at least 24 hours if not longer. If we make our own, it will only be a matter of probably 5 hours before we come to eat it, in which case we don’t need the low-fat spread and we can substitute that with low-fat alternatives such as Branston pickle, HP Fruity sauce, Hellmans 3% fat Extra Light mayo, mustard, Marmite or Horseradish sauce. Whilst Horseradish and mustard are high in fat in themselves, if you have enough to matter, eating a sandwich would blow your head off!
When we’re trying to lose weight, the key to a successful sandwich is bulk. Putting as many salad vegetables into the sandwich such as lettuce, cucumber, tomato, sliced peppers and spring onion, and then adding a small amount of wafer-thin ham or chicken, can give you a substantial meal at significantly fewer calories and less fat than a pre-packed alternative.
Why not try some unusual fillings such as Horseradish with beetroot, cottage cheese and Marmite (if you’ve never tried this, it’s amazing), wafer-thin ham and my low fat cheese (available from Morrisons and Asda), egg, tomato and basil and Philadelphia Extra Light with smoked salmon.
The key to your success is finding a sandwich which you enjoy and which fills you up. For children, why not cut the sandwich into different shapes with the help of a pastry cutter and add carrot sticks to a rabbit shape and some seedless grapes with some star-shaped sandwiches plus a small yoghurt or Fromage Frais. Just use a little imagination and you can turn a healthy lunchbox into something your child is proud to show their friends and their teacher.
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Guests at Hell's Kitchen
Tomorrow, Mike and I have been invited to dine at Hell’s Kitchen in London. I have to admit that this is the first time we have ever attended anything like this as neither of us are huge fans of reality TV programmes. In anticipation of our dining experience we have been watching the series unfold and develop and I have to say it is fascinating to see the true personalities of the celebrities emerging as they experience extreme stress and they become progressively exhausted at the challenges that are presented to them.
Marco Pierre-White is an interesting character and showed his true colours, in my opinion, in the way that he compassionately supported Jody a few days ago as this young man struggled with becoming a team player and the discipline required to run a tight and efficient kitchen to deliver a high quality service in a short period of time to an extremely high level. Jody was given the chance to raise his game but in the end it proved too much and Marco had to fire him in the interests of delivering the standard of cuisine expected of him.
Marco, of course, can appear fierce at times but he comes across as just being firm and in control of the situation and I think everybody respects him for that.
It’s interesting to watch Linda Evans, who with her maturity just gets on with everything, tries her best, never moans and just does whatever she’s asked to do. I hope she comes out as the winner at the end of this series.
What I feel is lacking from the show is educational hints or tips from Marco as to how he produces his amazing creations. I would like to feel that each day as I watch I could learn one tip that I could use in my cooking to make it tastier, easier or more exciting, but maybe that is not what this programme is about. Anyway, fingers crossed for an entertaining evening tomorrow and let’s hope here is something low fat that I can choose off the menu.
Marco Pierre-White is an interesting character and showed his true colours, in my opinion, in the way that he compassionately supported Jody a few days ago as this young man struggled with becoming a team player and the discipline required to run a tight and efficient kitchen to deliver a high quality service in a short period of time to an extremely high level. Jody was given the chance to raise his game but in the end it proved too much and Marco had to fire him in the interests of delivering the standard of cuisine expected of him.
Marco, of course, can appear fierce at times but he comes across as just being firm and in control of the situation and I think everybody respects him for that.
It’s interesting to watch Linda Evans, who with her maturity just gets on with everything, tries her best, never moans and just does whatever she’s asked to do. I hope she comes out as the winner at the end of this series.
What I feel is lacking from the show is educational hints or tips from Marco as to how he produces his amazing creations. I would like to feel that each day as I watch I could learn one tip that I could use in my cooking to make it tastier, easier or more exciting, but maybe that is not what this programme is about. Anyway, fingers crossed for an entertaining evening tomorrow and let’s hope here is something low fat that I can choose off the menu.
Tuesday 21 April 2009
So is Alli the wonder slimming pill?
From tomorrow a new slimming pill will be available over the counter from a chemist near you. The drug, Alli (pronounced 'Ah-lie') is a reduced-strength version of Xenical the weight-loss medication which has been available on prescription for the last 10 years. This is the drug that can cause rather embarrassing side effects unless you stick rigidly to the low-fat eating plan - basically it can cause you to pooh your pants!
That aside, I think the news that a slimming pill that is accessible across the counter will get alot of people excited, thinking that this could be the easy option to their weight loss goals in time for their holidays but they will be disappointed. Apparently the product will only be sold to anyone with a BMI of 28 or more and that will be determined by the pharmacist who will weigh them. For the drug to work the patient must follow a low fat diet and take regular exercise. The low fat diet is crucial to avoid the unfortunate side effects.
The drug isn't cheap either. At £32.95 for two weeks' supply the cost is significant.
Why is it that we all want a quick fix when, unless we change our lifestyle, we will end up just where we were before we embarked on the weightloss programme? That's why we run classes and our online slimming club.
If we want to lose weight we must eat less and do more. We know that getting a significant weight loss early on with a diet is highly motivating and that's exactly why I have included the Fat Attack Fortnight in my Gi Hip and Thigh Diet which is the diet we use in our Clubs and Online. On average, dieters lose 7 lbs in 14 days and that is without any medication, just healthy low fat eating and exercise!
That aside, I think the news that a slimming pill that is accessible across the counter will get alot of people excited, thinking that this could be the easy option to their weight loss goals in time for their holidays but they will be disappointed. Apparently the product will only be sold to anyone with a BMI of 28 or more and that will be determined by the pharmacist who will weigh them. For the drug to work the patient must follow a low fat diet and take regular exercise. The low fat diet is crucial to avoid the unfortunate side effects.
The drug isn't cheap either. At £32.95 for two weeks' supply the cost is significant.
Why is it that we all want a quick fix when, unless we change our lifestyle, we will end up just where we were before we embarked on the weightloss programme? That's why we run classes and our online slimming club.
If we want to lose weight we must eat less and do more. We know that getting a significant weight loss early on with a diet is highly motivating and that's exactly why I have included the Fat Attack Fortnight in my Gi Hip and Thigh Diet which is the diet we use in our Clubs and Online. On average, dieters lose 7 lbs in 14 days and that is without any medication, just healthy low fat eating and exercise!
Monday 20 April 2009
Losing weight and achieving a healthier, fitter, body.
Friday was a fantastic day for us at the Roadshow in Swansea. It was an action packed day filled with enthusiasm and excitement, and total optimism towards achieving a healthier, fitter, body.
At the end of the day more than thirty people stood on the stage having lost varying amounts of weight from 3 stone upwards with several losing as much as seven, eight or nine stone. (This wonderful group did not include our slimmers of the year who had lost 30 stone between them and had come on the stage earlier that day).
Losing weight and getting fitter is 25% knowledge, 25% action, and 50% attitude and motivation. What was generated on Friday was a massive wave of motivation that will stoke up the willpower stores of the wonderful women who attended. I guarantee that those people will lose weight this week and will feel fired up to lose weight for the summer. If you are able to join us, the next Roadshow will be held in Fife on Friday 15th May.
Losing weight for your holidays is not about sticking to a rigid diet for 2 weeks prior to your departure but much more a 3-4 months transition from unhealthy habits to a concerted change in lifestyle towards a healthier and more active regime.
Attending a class such as a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness class is without doubt the most effective option available as we combine diet and fitness in the same class. Having said that, a lady stood on the stage on Friday who had lost 4 stone with our online club, http://www.rosemaryconleyonline.com/. She looked fantastic and will be appearing in our magazine at some point in the future.
So if you want to get in shape for your holiday this year start making some positive decisions to get you on the right track.
We really do have the winning formula and want to help you achieve your goals. You’ll be so glad that you did.
At the end of the day more than thirty people stood on the stage having lost varying amounts of weight from 3 stone upwards with several losing as much as seven, eight or nine stone. (This wonderful group did not include our slimmers of the year who had lost 30 stone between them and had come on the stage earlier that day).
Losing weight and getting fitter is 25% knowledge, 25% action, and 50% attitude and motivation. What was generated on Friday was a massive wave of motivation that will stoke up the willpower stores of the wonderful women who attended. I guarantee that those people will lose weight this week and will feel fired up to lose weight for the summer. If you are able to join us, the next Roadshow will be held in Fife on Friday 15th May.
Losing weight for your holidays is not about sticking to a rigid diet for 2 weeks prior to your departure but much more a 3-4 months transition from unhealthy habits to a concerted change in lifestyle towards a healthier and more active regime.
Attending a class such as a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness class is without doubt the most effective option available as we combine diet and fitness in the same class. Having said that, a lady stood on the stage on Friday who had lost 4 stone with our online club, http://www.rosemaryconleyonline.com/. She looked fantastic and will be appearing in our magazine at some point in the future.
So if you want to get in shape for your holiday this year start making some positive decisions to get you on the right track.
We really do have the winning formula and want to help you achieve your goals. You’ll be so glad that you did.
Saturday 18 April 2009
An investment for the future.
Every Saturday,if I'm not away,I call in for lunch at Mike's mum's. Jeanne is an exceptional lady. She always looks beautifully dressed, with her hair carefully styled, and wearing just the right jewellery to complement her ensemble. In fact it is not unusual for people to approach her in the street and tell her how elegant she looks. She is my role model for someone in the autumn of their life. I hope I will be half as sharp, motivated, energetic and completely able when I am her age.
Jeanne, a widow now, makes her own clothes, bakes her own bread, tidies her garden and cleans her own house. She also delivers the local community paper to the houses in her road.
Recently she was a little unwell and she came to stay with us for a week as a bit of a holiday. We worked hard in building up her strength with regular meals plus lots of healthy snacks but we told her we wouldn't want to let he go back to her own house until she was physically fitter. We didn't need to tell her again. Within half a hour she was in training! She walked slowly up and down our stairs, initially twice, then increasing the repetitions each day so that by day eight she could do seven ascents and descents in one go! She was fit enough to go home.
Jeanne will be 87 next month but the fact that she is slim and fit means that she can hold on to her independence for longer. So if you're wondering whether you can be bothered to stick to healthy eating or to do a bit of physical activity today, look at it as an investment into the future.
Exercise is like a savings account, the more that you invest, the greater the dividends.
Jeanne, a widow now, makes her own clothes, bakes her own bread, tidies her garden and cleans her own house. She also delivers the local community paper to the houses in her road.
Recently she was a little unwell and she came to stay with us for a week as a bit of a holiday. We worked hard in building up her strength with regular meals plus lots of healthy snacks but we told her we wouldn't want to let he go back to her own house until she was physically fitter. We didn't need to tell her again. Within half a hour she was in training! She walked slowly up and down our stairs, initially twice, then increasing the repetitions each day so that by day eight she could do seven ascents and descents in one go! She was fit enough to go home.
Jeanne will be 87 next month but the fact that she is slim and fit means that she can hold on to her independence for longer. So if you're wondering whether you can be bothered to stick to healthy eating or to do a bit of physical activity today, look at it as an investment into the future.
Exercise is like a savings account, the more that you invest, the greater the dividends.
Friday 17 April 2009
Roadshow in Swansea
Today I am in Swansea at one of our Roadshows with 275 women who have travelled from all over the South West and across Wales to find extra motivation to lose weight and get fitter. Apart from listening to talks from myself and my fitness colleague Mary Morris, they will do a couple of workouts and have a low calorie, low fat lunch. The highlight of the day so far has been the fact that they have met our three female slimmer of the year finalists – Gillian, Ginny (pictured above, before joining our classes and below, as she is today) and Glenda who, between them, have lost over 30 stone.
Few people had as much weight to lose as these three wonderful women. But on one day in their lives they decided that losing weight was worth the effort. They decided to join their local Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness class, face the music on the scales and face up to the fact that they were morbidly obese and needed help.
Their weight did not go on overnight – it was a lifetime’s work – yet they all lost their weight within a couple of years of joining the classes and now their lives are transformed. Ginny Jones attends classes here in Swansea and received a rapturous response from everyone present today.
Few people had as much weight to lose as these three wonderful women. But on one day in their lives they decided that losing weight was worth the effort. They decided to join their local Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness class, face the music on the scales and face up to the fact that they were morbidly obese and needed help.
Their weight did not go on overnight – it was a lifetime’s work – yet they all lost their weight within a couple of years of joining the classes and now their lives are transformed. Ginny Jones attends classes here in Swansea and received a rapturous response from everyone present today.
Two years ago Ginny could walk only with the help of a stick and was about to order her mobility scooter because she couldn’t walk more than 100 yards. Now, 11st 5 lbs lighter, Ginny attends 5 of our diet and fitness classes a week plus an additional belly dancing class to keep her trim and fit and to help maintain her new figure. Next birthday Ginny will be able to draw her pension for the first time but instead of heading towards retirement in potentially a wheelchair, she has decided to make choices that have given her back her life and now she is living it to the full. A true inspiration to all of us!
Thursday 16 April 2009
Launch of Kids 2 – fitness classes for parents and children
Today sees the press launch of a fantastic initiative which we have undertaken to help educate children towards healthier eating and greater activity.
This initiative called Kids 2 involves a child and an adult (usually a parent) attending a course of 6 classes over a 6-week period. The pair will participate in fun activities which offer physical and nutritional games and quizzes along with practical and motivational advice, and learn about healthy meal planning and preparation. The emphasis is on everyone having lots of fun.
The classes will be run by Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs qualified franchisees who have attended a bespoke course to teach children between the ages of 10-14 alongside their parents the benefits of healthy eating and increased activity.
So successful have the pilot courses been that we have franchisees queuing up to go on the next available courses.
The initiative has been trialled for the last couple of years by a Rosemary Conley franchisee in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The parents and children who have already attended the pilot think it is fantastic fun and often come back for a second course with another child.
This is not a slimming club for children in fact it is purely about helping families to learn how to change their lifestyles to become healthier and fitter just by making a few simple changes.
This initiative called Kids 2 involves a child and an adult (usually a parent) attending a course of 6 classes over a 6-week period. The pair will participate in fun activities which offer physical and nutritional games and quizzes along with practical and motivational advice, and learn about healthy meal planning and preparation. The emphasis is on everyone having lots of fun.
The classes will be run by Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs qualified franchisees who have attended a bespoke course to teach children between the ages of 10-14 alongside their parents the benefits of healthy eating and increased activity.
So successful have the pilot courses been that we have franchisees queuing up to go on the next available courses.
The initiative has been trialled for the last couple of years by a Rosemary Conley franchisee in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The parents and children who have already attended the pilot think it is fantastic fun and often come back for a second course with another child.
This is not a slimming club for children in fact it is purely about helping families to learn how to change their lifestyles to become healthier and fitter just by making a few simple changes.
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Men don't do queuing!
Today we fly home and I'm bracing myself for the 'airport experience'. Mike doesn't like airports or queuing. We don't arrive too early, so that we don't have to queue for long to check-in. We will be the last ones to stand up to join the queue to board the aircraft - which actually is quite a shrewd move as the last on the coach to the plane is first off when you get there. we will probably be the last ones to get off the plane and then we will have to queue for Passport Control at East Midlands. Let's hope there is a full complement of Passport Control Officers on duty today.
Mike isn't unusual - all men hate queuing. And that is exactly why men won't attend 'men only' slimming classes even though the majority of the male population would find attending a class a very effective way of shedding their excess baggage.
Men prefer to attend a gym because they can select whichever piece of apparatus that is available, chat to their mates and make their own decisions about what activity they want to do that day. Sometimes they will attend classes there but often find this difficult because men are not as naturally co-ordinated as women and they are reluctant to potentially embarrass themselves. This is a shame, because with practise they can be great movers.
Often it has been suggested to me that we open our classes specifically for men and twice we have tried and failed. We even had one instructor who was a retired professional footballer but still, it didn't work.
The good news is that , with the growing obesity problem, more and more men seem to be happy to come along to our predominantly female classes because we do fitness as well as weight-loss. Some come with their wives and others brave it on their own. Last October we had no less that four male Regional Slimmers of the Year along with the twelve women who had lost massive amounts of weight. One of them Neil Davies is featured in the current issue of my magazine. Neil, a traffic cop, has lost almost seven stone and now feels he is a new man. He feels fighting fit and life is a whole new experience for him now.
Neil explained that exercising in the class initially was hard but the women were always encouraging and enthusiastic about his achievements. Men make great slimmers and often take on the challenge of losing weight as a new competitive sport - seeing how many Slimmer of the Week certificates they can win. Once they get over that threshold into the class, there's no stopping them, even if they do have to queue to get on the scales!
Mike isn't unusual - all men hate queuing. And that is exactly why men won't attend 'men only' slimming classes even though the majority of the male population would find attending a class a very effective way of shedding their excess baggage.
Men prefer to attend a gym because they can select whichever piece of apparatus that is available, chat to their mates and make their own decisions about what activity they want to do that day. Sometimes they will attend classes there but often find this difficult because men are not as naturally co-ordinated as women and they are reluctant to potentially embarrass themselves. This is a shame, because with practise they can be great movers.
Often it has been suggested to me that we open our classes specifically for men and twice we have tried and failed. We even had one instructor who was a retired professional footballer but still, it didn't work.
The good news is that , with the growing obesity problem, more and more men seem to be happy to come along to our predominantly female classes because we do fitness as well as weight-loss. Some come with their wives and others brave it on their own. Last October we had no less that four male Regional Slimmers of the Year along with the twelve women who had lost massive amounts of weight. One of them Neil Davies is featured in the current issue of my magazine. Neil, a traffic cop, has lost almost seven stone and now feels he is a new man. He feels fighting fit and life is a whole new experience for him now.
Neil explained that exercising in the class initially was hard but the women were always encouraging and enthusiastic about his achievements. Men make great slimmers and often take on the challenge of losing weight as a new competitive sport - seeing how many Slimmer of the Week certificates they can win. Once they get over that threshold into the class, there's no stopping them, even if they do have to queue to get on the scales!
Tuesday 14 April 2009
After Easter - a good time to slim.
Anyone wanting to lose weight will find their greatest motivation to start on their diet after a festival where they have eaten lots. That's why the New Year, after the Christmas binge, is the number one recruiting time for members to slimming clubs and gyms and Easter, after the indulgence of Easter eggs, is the second. Would-be slimmers feel they have had their treat and they are fired up ready for action to lose weight in time for the summer. Today is a key day for dieters.
Yesterday's story in The Sun newspaper was reporting the story of a 15 year old Welsh girl who had managed to shed an impressive 12 stone in nine months at a Fat Camp in America. At 33 stone she held the unenviable title of Britain's Fattest Teenager. Thank heaven she was given a scholarship to attend the Camp where she has been following a low fat diet and taking exercise. Most importantly, she has changed the way she thinks about food. Good luck to her! I really hope she will continue to reduce her weight and enjoy living the sort of life she should be for someone of her tender years. I so hope everyone will support her once she comes home and that she will keep up her new healthy habits.
For most of us we don't have anywhere near that sort of weight to lose. It doesn't matter whether we have ten pounds or ten stone to lose, it MATTERS to us and we need to find the motivation to take that first step to a changing lifestyle so we can lose some weight.
Unlike other slimming clubs, we have always incorporated diet AND exercise in our classes because if you want to lose weight faster and tone up your skin and body, exercise is a must.
If you fancy coming along to one of our classes, check out our website for details of classes near you. All of our instructors are professionally qualified to teach safe and effective exercise to people of all abilities and fitness levels and they are very caring and special people. No-one is made to feel embarrassed and everyone is made exceptionally welcome. Good luck!
Yesterday's story in The Sun newspaper was reporting the story of a 15 year old Welsh girl who had managed to shed an impressive 12 stone in nine months at a Fat Camp in America. At 33 stone she held the unenviable title of Britain's Fattest Teenager. Thank heaven she was given a scholarship to attend the Camp where she has been following a low fat diet and taking exercise. Most importantly, she has changed the way she thinks about food. Good luck to her! I really hope she will continue to reduce her weight and enjoy living the sort of life she should be for someone of her tender years. I so hope everyone will support her once she comes home and that she will keep up her new healthy habits.
For most of us we don't have anywhere near that sort of weight to lose. It doesn't matter whether we have ten pounds or ten stone to lose, it MATTERS to us and we need to find the motivation to take that first step to a changing lifestyle so we can lose some weight.
Unlike other slimming clubs, we have always incorporated diet AND exercise in our classes because if you want to lose weight faster and tone up your skin and body, exercise is a must.
If you fancy coming along to one of our classes, check out our website for details of classes near you. All of our instructors are professionally qualified to teach safe and effective exercise to people of all abilities and fitness levels and they are very caring and special people. No-one is made to feel embarrassed and everyone is made exceptionally welcome. Good luck!
Saturday 11 April 2009
Gary Player
If ever we needed convincing that staying fit and eating healthily keeps us young, veteran golfer and three times US Masters champion Gary Player's extraodinary achievement to have completed at a record breaking 52 US Masters proves the point. At 73 years of age he has finally retired after an incredible 162 tour wins and last night celebrated his remarkable career with a braii — a South African barbecue — for over 200 friends in Augusta.
Apparently Gary Player does 1000 stomach crunches a day! He must have the strongest stomach muscles in the world too! He is meticulous about what he eats and only eats natural food.
I remember applying for a job as a catering manager at the Gary Player Golf Range in Leicester some 39 years ago. Gary Player was at the height of his career before I had even started mine! I didn't get the job (not surprisingly as I had no actual experience as a catering manager). Instead I got a job as a secretary.
So, this puts into context the length of the amazing career of Gary Player. He has been at the top of his game for over half a century and he has achieved his dreams by having talent, perseverance, dedication and discipline - and putting a healthy diet and staying super-fit as a priority. He would not have achieved what he has without it. Well Done Gary! You are an inspiration to us all! A true sporting hero.
Friday 10 April 2009
Easter Eggs
It's Good Friday and across the nations most of the world is on holiday for the Easter weekend. And lots of folk are looking forward to eating their Easter Eggs and spending time with their family. Let's hope that if you are trying to lose weight, your loved ones gave you something other than chocolate to celebrate this most important weekend in the Christian calender.
The problem with chocolate is that it is incredibly more-ish and I find that if I once get the taste of it, I just want to eat more, so, rather selfishly, we don't have Easter Eggs in our household!
I'm not against Easter Eggs but I do think it is a great idea to involve some activity to balance the indulgence. Many families engage in egg-based activities such as Easter egg hunts around the garden, egg painting and egg-and-spoon races with an Easter Egg as the prize for the winner. I'm all for finding any excuse to help children get moving around and if we can make Easter Eggs an added bonus after activity, that has to be good.
If you haven't bought your Easter Eggs yet and are planning to buy them tomorrow, check out my latest magazine to see which ones offer the least calories, and therefore the least fat, so you can still have a treat but without doing too much damage to your weight loss progress. Then, when you've eaten it, go for a long, long walk!
The problem with chocolate is that it is incredibly more-ish and I find that if I once get the taste of it, I just want to eat more, so, rather selfishly, we don't have Easter Eggs in our household!
I'm not against Easter Eggs but I do think it is a great idea to involve some activity to balance the indulgence. Many families engage in egg-based activities such as Easter egg hunts around the garden, egg painting and egg-and-spoon races with an Easter Egg as the prize for the winner. I'm all for finding any excuse to help children get moving around and if we can make Easter Eggs an added bonus after activity, that has to be good.
If you haven't bought your Easter Eggs yet and are planning to buy them tomorrow, check out my latest magazine to see which ones offer the least calories, and therefore the least fat, so you can still have a treat but without doing too much damage to your weight loss progress. Then, when you've eaten it, go for a long, long walk!
Thursday 9 April 2009
The increasing cost of obesity
So the NHS are having to invest in super-sized beds, super-strong operating tables and lifting equipment to cope with an ever increasing size of patient. We have known for years that the cost of obesity to the NHS is astronomical and unless we turn the trend of the nation becoming fatter, potentially, obesity will break the NHS bank! It is no surprise then that the latest report from the government is highlighting this point in another attempt to encourage us to take action to change our lifestyles and become slimmer and fitter.
We are very fortunate in the UK that if we become ill a doctor will see us and a hospital will admit us for treatment if necessary, free of charge, in an attempt to make us better. But there are so many illnesses - heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers as well as painful joint problems - that could be prevented, or at least greatly reduce the risk of developing, if only we were to feed ourselves healthily, reduce our weight to a healthy level and do more physical activity as part of our lifestyle.
Interestingly, research has proven that if we reduce our weight by just 10% we can significantly reduce the risk of all of these conditions. Why not visit http://www.obesityawareness.co.uk/ to check out your health/weight rating.
Within our organisation we have every resource, every support and service to help anyone to lose weight and become healthier. Check out our website if you need help.
We are very fortunate in the UK that if we become ill a doctor will see us and a hospital will admit us for treatment if necessary, free of charge, in an attempt to make us better. But there are so many illnesses - heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers as well as painful joint problems - that could be prevented, or at least greatly reduce the risk of developing, if only we were to feed ourselves healthily, reduce our weight to a healthy level and do more physical activity as part of our lifestyle.
Interestingly, research has proven that if we reduce our weight by just 10% we can significantly reduce the risk of all of these conditions. Why not visit http://www.obesityawareness.co.uk/ to check out your health/weight rating.
Within our organisation we have every resource, every support and service to help anyone to lose weight and become healthier. Check out our website if you need help.
Wednesday 8 April 2009
Home cooking
As reported on TV this morning, there's a trend away from buying ready-made meals and towards preparing meals at home to save money. Excellent! This is one of the upsides of a recession - people become more resourceful and push back the boundaries of habit.
In recent years chefs cooking on television has attracted huge audiences and, not surprisingly, as we Brits seem to have an obsession with food. Whilst watching celebrity chefs concocting some exotic and exquisite dish can be inspiring, unfortunately it can have a negative affect on our confidence to cook at home - we don't have the skills, ingredients, panache and well, confidence, to try something that exciting to present to our families just in case it is beyond our capability and they don't like it. TV chefs tend to use copious amounts of oil, butter and cream - not exactly helpful when we are trying to lose weight.
But cooking at home doesn't need to be complicated and we don't have to use any ingredients that could be classed as remotely exotic or difficult to find in our local supermarket. Anyone who has made recipes from my magazine or my low-fat cookbooks will testify to that. I work with a chef, Dean Simpole-Clarke, who is happy to work to those parameters, designing recipes that are uncomplicated, low in fat and delicious as well as easily do-able. Check out our website for details of the books available and if you are a complete novice, try my Step-by-Step Low Fat Cookbook which will teach you how to cook.
I am going to cook a chicken stir-fry here in Portugal tonight for Mike and our friends who are staying with us. I will cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and dry fry them in our non-stick wok without any oil or fat. When the chicken is almost cooked I will add chopped red and green peppers, crushed garlic, chopped celery, red onion, sliced mushrooms and when almost cooked I will add some grated fresh ginger and fresh coriander. I will add a ready-made stir-fry sauce I have in our store-cupboard and then I'll serve it on a bed of boiled basmati rice. It is Mike's favourite dinner and I love cooking it because it is so easy. My only tips for this dish is to make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are not over cooked and soggy. They need to be crisp.
In recent years chefs cooking on television has attracted huge audiences and, not surprisingly, as we Brits seem to have an obsession with food. Whilst watching celebrity chefs concocting some exotic and exquisite dish can be inspiring, unfortunately it can have a negative affect on our confidence to cook at home - we don't have the skills, ingredients, panache and well, confidence, to try something that exciting to present to our families just in case it is beyond our capability and they don't like it. TV chefs tend to use copious amounts of oil, butter and cream - not exactly helpful when we are trying to lose weight.
But cooking at home doesn't need to be complicated and we don't have to use any ingredients that could be classed as remotely exotic or difficult to find in our local supermarket. Anyone who has made recipes from my magazine or my low-fat cookbooks will testify to that. I work with a chef, Dean Simpole-Clarke, who is happy to work to those parameters, designing recipes that are uncomplicated, low in fat and delicious as well as easily do-able. Check out our website for details of the books available and if you are a complete novice, try my Step-by-Step Low Fat Cookbook which will teach you how to cook.
I am going to cook a chicken stir-fry here in Portugal tonight for Mike and our friends who are staying with us. I will cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and dry fry them in our non-stick wok without any oil or fat. When the chicken is almost cooked I will add chopped red and green peppers, crushed garlic, chopped celery, red onion, sliced mushrooms and when almost cooked I will add some grated fresh ginger and fresh coriander. I will add a ready-made stir-fry sauce I have in our store-cupboard and then I'll serve it on a bed of boiled basmati rice. It is Mike's favourite dinner and I love cooking it because it is so easy. My only tips for this dish is to make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are not over cooked and soggy. They need to be crisp.
Tuesday 7 April 2009
Views of the recent Vitality Show at Earls Court, London
Some views of our Stand at the recent Vitality Show held at Earls Court, London. A great time was had by all who attended and it was a pleasure to meet so many of you there! We are now looking forward to next year's event.
Fight depression with activity.
Today there is a report on the alarming rise in the number of folk being prescribed anti-depressants and the economic climate is being blamed for their low mood. And not surprisingly. With job insecurity, house values falling and uncertainty prevailing in so many areas of people's lives it's not surprising that lots of folk are getting worried and feeling down.
But we can help ourselves become less depressed without it costing us a bean. Exercise has been proven to release endorphins which are 'happy hormones'. They make us feel better and are known to lift depression. Going for a brisk walk, or a run if you can, will effectively lift your mood and the great thing is that at the same time you will be burning extra calories which will also help you to lose a few pounds while you become fitter.
In times of stress many folk turn to food for comfort and that is the worst thing we can do. As we gain extra weight our energy levels sap. Our clothes become tighter and we lose self esteem - the very last thing needed at the moment. So turn to exercise rather than food or anti-depressants to lift your mood and help turn yourself into a lean and fit happier person ready to fight the challenges that life throws at you.
But we can help ourselves become less depressed without it costing us a bean. Exercise has been proven to release endorphins which are 'happy hormones'. They make us feel better and are known to lift depression. Going for a brisk walk, or a run if you can, will effectively lift your mood and the great thing is that at the same time you will be burning extra calories which will also help you to lose a few pounds while you become fitter.
In times of stress many folk turn to food for comfort and that is the worst thing we can do. As we gain extra weight our energy levels sap. Our clothes become tighter and we lose self esteem - the very last thing needed at the moment. So turn to exercise rather than food or anti-depressants to lift your mood and help turn yourself into a lean and fit happier person ready to fight the challenges that life throws at you.
Monday 6 April 2009
Informed choices when eating out.
Brilliant! The Food Standards Agency are recommending to restaurants that they include the calorie content of individual dishes on their menus so that customers can make informed choices and many of the fast food chains are happy to comply.
Previously, you had to log on to Pizza Hut's websites to investigate the calorie content of their menu which was helpful for folk like us who needed the information when putting together articles for my magazine that highlighted the best and worst choices to make when dining out. But putting the calorie content alongside each item is terrific. At a glance we can make the choice between two equally appealing items and, if we are watching our weight, select the one with fewer calories. Let's hope all restaurants follow suit.
I have always believed that following a calorie controlled diet is the only guaranteed way of losing weight. Yes, I suggest we eat low fat because that reduces the number of calories you eat dramatically without necessarily eating less quantity. Fat contains twice as many calories compared with carbohydrate or protein so not frying things and not adding fat to food knocks off hundreds of daily calories without even noticing. It doesn't take long to get used to your food not dripping in fat.
And just in case someone is reading this blog who is not really into understanding weight loss and calories.... to keep our weight constant women should consume between 1800 - 2000 calories a day whilst men should have around 2200 - 2500 a day to maintain their weight. As we get older we need fewer calories and if we are very physically active we will need more. To lose weight we need to cut those figures by around 500 calories a day. Combine this with regular exercise and physical activity and you will lose weight to the tune of around 2 lbs a week which is considered a very healthy rate of loss.
If you want a calorie controlled diet that works incredibly effectively, look out for my Gi Hip and Thigh Diet which is available via our website if you do not have a book store locally, plus you will always find a diet in my magazine which is sold in supermarkets or from our website
Previously, you had to log on to Pizza Hut's websites to investigate the calorie content of their menu which was helpful for folk like us who needed the information when putting together articles for my magazine that highlighted the best and worst choices to make when dining out. But putting the calorie content alongside each item is terrific. At a glance we can make the choice between two equally appealing items and, if we are watching our weight, select the one with fewer calories. Let's hope all restaurants follow suit.
I have always believed that following a calorie controlled diet is the only guaranteed way of losing weight. Yes, I suggest we eat low fat because that reduces the number of calories you eat dramatically without necessarily eating less quantity. Fat contains twice as many calories compared with carbohydrate or protein so not frying things and not adding fat to food knocks off hundreds of daily calories without even noticing. It doesn't take long to get used to your food not dripping in fat.
And just in case someone is reading this blog who is not really into understanding weight loss and calories.... to keep our weight constant women should consume between 1800 - 2000 calories a day whilst men should have around 2200 - 2500 a day to maintain their weight. As we get older we need fewer calories and if we are very physically active we will need more. To lose weight we need to cut those figures by around 500 calories a day. Combine this with regular exercise and physical activity and you will lose weight to the tune of around 2 lbs a week which is considered a very healthy rate of loss.
If you want a calorie controlled diet that works incredibly effectively, look out for my Gi Hip and Thigh Diet which is available via our website if you do not have a book store locally, plus you will always find a diet in my magazine which is sold in supermarkets or from our website
Sunday 5 April 2009
Keeping fit helps keeping you feeling young.
Last evening we attended a delightful Golden Wedding party to celebrate the fifty year marriage of a wonderful couple. The bride is in her eighties and the groom is in his seventies and inevitably there were many of the other guests who were in their advanced years too - some who live here in Portugal on a golfing resort and others who had flown over from around the world. It was a superb occasion with delicious food and some excellent speeches from the couple's two children and their fifteen year old grandson, and lots of dancing into the early hours.
But what struck me was the gulf that existed between the retired folk who were living over here, playing golf three, four or five times a week, some playing tennis too, and the ones who didn't. The golfers and tennis players were fit and vibrant, dancing and having fun. They are enjoying every moment of their lives, whereas some of the sedentary retired folk looked quiet and even resigned to just getting old.
Research has proven that we all can improve our fitness no matter what our age and it is never too late to start. In a trial conducted some years ago a group of folk in the 20's and a group in their 80's were put on a fitness training programme. The results proved that both groups improved their fitness levels by the same percentage illustrating that, no matter what our age, we can all improve our physical condition to our enormous benefit.
The saying 'if you don't use it, you'll lose it' is completely true of our physical condition. Why not take yourself out for a walk today, dig out one of my old fitness DVD's or resolve to join one of our classes. Check out our website for details if you need help.
But what struck me was the gulf that existed between the retired folk who were living over here, playing golf three, four or five times a week, some playing tennis too, and the ones who didn't. The golfers and tennis players were fit and vibrant, dancing and having fun. They are enjoying every moment of their lives, whereas some of the sedentary retired folk looked quiet and even resigned to just getting old.
Research has proven that we all can improve our fitness no matter what our age and it is never too late to start. In a trial conducted some years ago a group of folk in the 20's and a group in their 80's were put on a fitness training programme. The results proved that both groups improved their fitness levels by the same percentage illustrating that, no matter what our age, we can all improve our physical condition to our enormous benefit.
The saying 'if you don't use it, you'll lose it' is completely true of our physical condition. Why not take yourself out for a walk today, dig out one of my old fitness DVD's or resolve to join one of our classes. Check out our website for details if you need help.
Saturday 4 April 2009
The joys of Spring weather
As we're sitting in the sunshine here in Portugal with some friends who have just flown in this morning, they have been saying how lovely and sunny it has been over the last week or so in England where they live in the south. I love the feeling of the sun on my back and realise how the animals who live outside throughout the cold winters in England must be feeling now that the spring grass is growing and the sun is shining on their backs.
Sunshine makes us feel better and it inspires us to stick to our diets and get active. Even washing the car or sweeping the patio becomes enjoyable rather than a chore. If you have some jobs to do today that involve physical activity, instead of thinking they are a pain, see it as a great way to burn some extra calories, tone yourself up and lose a few pounds ready for the summer when you will want to bare your flesh in strappy tops and shorts. It's April now so getting our act together in plenty of time for summer really is the answer.
The latest issue of my magazine is just out. Look out for it in the supermarket and find the diet and exercises that will really help you to get slim and fit for summer. There's also the sliding scale of Easter Eggs which will show you that the calories in them vary from 2,500 -450! If you're serious about healthy eating and weight loss, check it out before you get tempted! Click here to view further information about latest issue and subscribe to my diet and fitness magazine.
Sunshine makes us feel better and it inspires us to stick to our diets and get active. Even washing the car or sweeping the patio becomes enjoyable rather than a chore. If you have some jobs to do today that involve physical activity, instead of thinking they are a pain, see it as a great way to burn some extra calories, tone yourself up and lose a few pounds ready for the summer when you will want to bare your flesh in strappy tops and shorts. It's April now so getting our act together in plenty of time for summer really is the answer.
The latest issue of my magazine is just out. Look out for it in the supermarket and find the diet and exercises that will really help you to get slim and fit for summer. There's also the sliding scale of Easter Eggs which will show you that the calories in them vary from 2,500 -450! If you're serious about healthy eating and weight loss, check it out before you get tempted! Click here to view further information about latest issue and subscribe to my diet and fitness magazine.
Friday 3 April 2009
Hope and belief in Alan Shearer
So Alan Shearer has accepted the job as Manager of Newcastle United and the fans are thrilled. His appointment has brought hope and belief to a football club that has been suffering in uncertainty for months but now the fans believe that Shearer can instill in to the players the power of confidence - the belief that they CAN win!
No one knows how Saturday's game against Chelsea will turn out but one thing is for sure, there will be a bucket load of determination, hard work and positive attitude that will be playing that day because Shearer and the fans believe in them.
When we embark on a diet and fitness regime we need support and belief from those around us too. Belief that we can do it. Encouragement and acknowledgement of our hard work and determination. Just as in a football club, the force of a group of people behind you is awesome, and time and time again I hear of the support of the members of our classes, particulary to slimmers who are on a long journey to lose weight and tone up - people who have massive amounts of weight to lose. With the support and belief of the class instructor and the power of the encouragement of the other members, extraordinary successes are achieved and lives changed. If you have some weight to lose why not think about joining yourself? If we don't have an RCDFC class near you, you can also try our Online Club. Check out http://www.rosemaryconley.com/ or my magazine for details.
No one knows how Saturday's game against Chelsea will turn out but one thing is for sure, there will be a bucket load of determination, hard work and positive attitude that will be playing that day because Shearer and the fans believe in them.
When we embark on a diet and fitness regime we need support and belief from those around us too. Belief that we can do it. Encouragement and acknowledgement of our hard work and determination. Just as in a football club, the force of a group of people behind you is awesome, and time and time again I hear of the support of the members of our classes, particulary to slimmers who are on a long journey to lose weight and tone up - people who have massive amounts of weight to lose. With the support and belief of the class instructor and the power of the encouragement of the other members, extraordinary successes are achieved and lives changed. If you have some weight to lose why not think about joining yourself? If we don't have an RCDFC class near you, you can also try our Online Club. Check out http://www.rosemaryconley.com/ or my magazine for details.
Thursday 2 April 2009
May issue of Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness magazine published today
As I’m sitting here in the sunshine it makes me realise that Summer’s around the corner and lots of women across the UK will be preparing to run the Race for Life. Training for such an event gives us the motivation we need to be more active and there’s nothing better to motivate us to lose those winter pounds and get fit. This year we thought it would be really helpful to create a safe and effective training programme for anyone walking or running the 2009 Race for Life to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Mary Morris is a fitness guru who has worked with me for the last 14 years choreographing my last 15 DVDs as well as heading up our training department for Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs. Mary has designed a training chart and fitness programme especially for my magazine and it comes as a free gift with the latest issue of Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness magazine, which is published today. You should be able to get it at any supermarket, at any of our classes, or you can order a subscription online (we have a 25% off offer at the moment).
We pride ourselves on the excellent content of the magazine and I read every word that goes in it – proof reading it is the only job I do while I am away on holiday! I care passionately what is written and included as I want it to be informative and accurate, and inspirational to our readers. I love it when readers tell me they read it from cover to cover and then read it again!
We pride ourselves on the excellent content of the magazine and I read every word that goes in it – proof reading it is the only job I do while I am away on holiday! I care passionately what is written and included as I want it to be informative and accurate, and inspirational to our readers. I love it when readers tell me they read it from cover to cover and then read it again!
Wednesday 1 April 2009
Airline seats are not designed for the overweight.
Today I flew out to Portugal from East Midlands Airport. All went well, the plane was full and on time. Well done Easyjet. But I really feel for anyone who is dramatically overweight. Flying must be one of the most uncomfortable and stressful experiences.
I find low-cost air travel to be brilliant and I'm happy with the 'no frills' policy. The space between the seats is fine for a small person like me who is 5' 2" and weighs 8 stone but imagine if I weighed 16 stone. How on earth would I cope? How would I get in the loo cubicle?
Last week Slimmer of the Year Gill Butcher spoke at the Vitality Show about how she dreaded flying when she weighed 20st 12 lbs. I can understand what a relief it must be to have lost 10 stone and for Gill to now enjoy the experience. Losing weight is truly life changing in so many ways and we sometimes forget the everyday experiences that can cause us stress. If you are going away this year, there's no time like the present to make a start to becoming a smaller you for a more comfortable flight! If you need any help, go to our web site www.rosemaryconley.com
I find low-cost air travel to be brilliant and I'm happy with the 'no frills' policy. The space between the seats is fine for a small person like me who is 5' 2" and weighs 8 stone but imagine if I weighed 16 stone. How on earth would I cope? How would I get in the loo cubicle?
Last week Slimmer of the Year Gill Butcher spoke at the Vitality Show about how she dreaded flying when she weighed 20st 12 lbs. I can understand what a relief it must be to have lost 10 stone and for Gill to now enjoy the experience. Losing weight is truly life changing in so many ways and we sometimes forget the everyday experiences that can cause us stress. If you are going away this year, there's no time like the present to make a start to becoming a smaller you for a more comfortable flight! If you need any help, go to our web site www.rosemaryconley.com
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