How many times have you rushed up one flight of stairs and arrived at the top feeling breathless? It’s especially embarrassing if you consider yourself fairly fit and then as you arrive huffing and puffing at the top of the stairs you bump into someone you know! You may question your fitness level and decide that you must work out more, or harder if you already consider yourself a gym bunny. Well, rest assured, even…
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Making a decision to commit to a training programme may be one of the best decisions you ever make. Imagine for one moment if exercise were a pill would you take it every day to ensure you remained healthy and fit? I suspect most people would say yes. So how many times do you say to yourself that you are going to go to sign up to a gym or go jogging on Monday and…
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Our brain is a complex organ structured from protein, fats and other molecules. To work efficiently, it needs a constant supply of the molecules that make up its cells together with a a good source of energy. For the brain to function properly, some of the molecules can be produced in the body from components of the food we eat, but others have to come specifically from the food as they can’t be made by…
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In November 2016, a report came out showing the amount of sugar in some of our favourite pack cereals. These are the ones at the top of that list (plus Cornflakes), shown in the SmallerKnickers way. By understanding what nutrients are available in your breakfast, you can chose to eat as part of your healthy eating plans. NOTES: The Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) is sourced from NHS UK and Mydailyintake. NHS: For a balanced diet a man…
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In November 2016, a report was provided showing the calorie and nutritional value of some of the main restaurant chains. Below is that report set up in the SmallerKnickers way! By understanding more about the nutrient and calorie content of meals, you can chose what will help your healthy eating targets. NOTES: The Recommended Daily Intake is sourced from NHS UK and Mydailyintake. NHS: For a balanced diet a man needs about 2,500 and a…
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Whenever I’m discussing this subject with my coaching clients, I demonstrate how our mind works by requesting that they “Do not, Do NOT, Don’t think of a blue elephant”. And, of course, everyone immediately thinks of a blue elephant. Although some people try to change it afterwards, the initial immediate picture is that of a blue elephant! So, what does this have to do with your health? Exchange the words blue elephant to “chocolate”, “pizza”,…
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A couple of years ago Debbie and I decided that we would be spontaneous for the weekend and go to Gatwick airport and get a flight to somewhere, with no pre-determined ideas as to where. For those naturally spontaneous people, that won’t sound particularly strange, but for us very organised types, it was an interesting challenge! The additional goal for the weekend was to say “Yes” to everything (with the exception of a few agreed…
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You breathe approximately 20,000 times per day! Your heart beats approximately 60 to 80 times per minute depending on your fitness level. You inhale and exhale about 15 to 20 times per minute. Your breath is a great teacher. It tells you much about your current physical and psychological state but under most circumstances you may not even be aware of the simple action of breathing. The first thing you do when you come into…
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If we asked you if you loved (or even liked) your body, what would you say? Sadly, most people would say a resounding no, whether they are under-weight, over-weight, or at their natural ideal weight. And, we’ve been guilty of that too! However, negativity about your body (and self-esteem or self-confidence) is likely to trigger anxiety and stress any time you think about changing it. Negativity and anxiety can come about when thinking about going…
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Who doesn’t want to be happy? And often, we think that food is a good source of happiness. However, hunger is either physiological (fuel for survival) or psychological (influenced by sight, smell, stress, social, emotions etc). A number of hormones and neurotransmitters are at play, including appetite boosters, appetite suppressors, fullness and even stress indicators. And the problem is distinguishing between the two. Do you need fuel, or are you acting on an external trigger…
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