Posts tagged with "well-being"

Why Is It So Important For Us to Stay Hydrated?

Water is essential for our health and well-being. It fuels so many of our bodily functions, staying hydrated is absolutely vital. During the summer, it is easier to suffer from dehydration if we don’t consume enough water. However, doing so can feel like a chore and how much water is enough? How Much Water is Enough? For most adults, drinking one and a half to two litres of water per day is enough to keep us well hydrated. This will vary depending on levels of physical activity, the temperature as well as the other food and drink we have consumed. For example, food that is high in salt and alcoholic drinks can increase the need for...

What does Crash Dieting do to Your Body?

The summer months are upon us and crash dieting is unfortunately common at this time of year. As the weather becomes warmer and holidays get closer, people can easily become self-conscious. Body confidence is certainly an issue that drives crash dieting and although it might be somewhat effective, it can have a negative impact on your overall health. Here are the different ways crash dieting affects the body: It can lower your metabolic rate One of the best ways to lose weight is to have a high metabolism, but crash dieting can actually lower your metabolic rate. A metabolic rate refers to the number of calories you burn while...

The New Government Crackdown on Childhood Obesity

The government has introduced new proposals to tackle the issue of childhood obesity in the UK. With these new measures, it seems the government is admitting that the previous policy was simply not effective enough. Mandatory calorie labelling on menus and stricter measures on junk food advertising are just some of actions that could be implemented. Childhood Obesity is a Significant Problem Currently, one in three children are overweight or obese when they leave primary school. Obesity across the UK is estimated to cost the NHS £5.1 billion per year, with a cost to the wider economy of £27 billion. Less than two years after the...

Are Cheat Days Actually Effective When Dieting?

There are various methods of losing weight, many of which include cheat days. The idea behind cheat days is simple: dieters spend a week or up to a month closely sticking to their eating regime then have one day where they can indulge. Although cheat days might seem like an effective way of indulging in moderation, they can be problematic. Cheat Days Can be Disruptive Cheat days don’t always stay as just one day. They can turn into weeks or longer because a single day of heavy indulgence can derail an entire diet. This sort of routine can have a negative impact on regular eating habits. Cheat days can make it difficult to find any sort...

6 Useful Tips That Can Help Your Digestion

Issues with digestion are fairly common, with approximately 40% of people having at least one digestive symptom at any given time. The problem with tackling these symptoms, is it is difficult to navigate through certain myths that surround digestion. The following tips aim to help clear common misconceptions around digestion and offer steps that can be taken to help your body. Nevertheless, it is important to know that any issues that are causing concern should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Water Isn’t Always the Answer A standard “fix” for digestion problems is drinking large quantities...

Fast Food Outlets Shouldn't be Near Schools

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have urged the government to take more action in tackling the issue of childhood obesity in the UK. According to child healthcare professionals, fast food outlets should be banned from operating within 400 metres from schools in England. Nationwide Initiative The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has already suggested such measures should be established in the capital. Although The College agrees, it has called for the potential ban to be extended throughout the UK. President of The College Professor Russell Viner, stated that ministers should “take a leap of faith” by introducing the measures...

There’s Nothing Wrong with Eating Out Alone

There are many benefits to enjoying a meal alone. There is ample time for reflection, it allows you to take a break, there’s a chance to meet new people and you have total control of where you go and what you do. However, there is a stigma attached to going out and eating alone. There is a general assumption made that a person dining by themselves is lonely or fallen on hard times. As a result, people who may want to eat by themselves in public refrain from doing so. Nevertheless, there are ways to deal with this. Forget what others might think People will always have their own opinions about everything. You are enjoying a meal...

How Did Social Media Help Veganism Become Mainstream?

Veganism has long been the subject of jokes. However, times have certainly changed as veganism has become an extremely popular lifestyle choice. Over 3.5 million people in Britain alone identify as vegan, so plant-based living has certainly taken the mainstream by storm. Yet, how did a once mocked subculture become such an established industry? An Increasing Trend Since 2012, Google searches for the word “veganism” have steadily increased. This trend appears to coincide with the rise of Instagram. In 2010, the photo sharing app was launched exclusively for iOS. However, after a version for Android was released in 2012, Instagram became...

Tracking Apps Lead to Unhealthy Relationships with Food

Technology has allowed people to gain unique information about their nutrition and fitness. Various tracking apps allow people to view the daily impact of their sleeping patterns, fitness levels and what they eat. Having such information readily available to view anytime is meant to help improve health and fitness. Although it can do such a thing, it also creates an obsession over eating habits and reaching certain weight goals. There is concern that health tracking apps are inciting an unhealthy relationship with food and weight amongst users. Tracking Apps Encourage Obsessive Behaviours Certain tracking apps require a weight input once a...

How to Achieve the Perfect Diet – According to Science

There is no diet that works for each person. It is simply impossible to adhere to every set of varying nutritional needs. Even the word “diet” means something different for each individual. For some it’s just what they eat, for others it may mean restriction because they want to reach a weight goal. Many diets keep people sustained, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are healthy. A perfect diet should consist of the best possible intake of nutrients so that the body can be as healthy as can be. Rather than one universal diet, the following are some principles that should be considered when assessing whether a diet is...

Weight Watchers Makes Controversial Offer for Teenagers

In an attempt to aid ever-increasing obesity levels, Weight Watchers has launched a scheme in the USA which gives teenagers an opportunity to join for free. Although the company may have had good intentions, critics have slammed the move. A Well-Intentioned Incentive for Teenagers The new incentive will allow teenagers aged 13 to 17 to sign up. Currently, children need to be a minimum age of 13 and accompanied by a parent or guardian to join. The target weight for any child wanting to join should be should be issued by a doctor. Furthermore,  this should reviewed this every six to nine months. Not Everyone Agrees Body image campaigners...

Ultra-Processed Foods Could be Linked to Cancer

Foods that are ultra-processed are factory made and include various ingredients many people might not know of. They include items such as: instant noodles, ready meals, cakes and confectionery. These foods account for half of all food bought and consumed by families in the UK. They contained various additives, preservatives, flavourings and colourings. High levels of sugar, fat and salt are also included in ultra-processed foods. According to a significant, ground-breaking study, ultra-processed foods may be linked to cancer. New Findings Indicate a Cancer Link Paris based researchers studied the medical records and eating habits of...

Weight Watchers to Abolish ‘Before and After’ Pictures

For anyone who is trying to lose weight, they are often faced with many ‘before and after’ pictures. These are often used as undeniable proof that a certain diet and exercise regime has worked. Additionally, it acts as an indicator of progress a person has made. Weight Watchers was the pioneer of the before and after picture. However, the company now plans to phase out the trend. A New, Modern Outlook During a conference in the US to relaunch the brand, it was made clear that such photographs were outdated and not in keeping with current personal values. Rather than being a motivator, it is now thought that such pictures don’t help...

The Confusion Behind the Trend of Clean Eating

Anyone who is present on social media (Instagram in particular) has most likely heard about clean eating. It’s a fashionable food trend loved by fitness advocates and the social media elite. A clean diet usually consists of plenty of organic fruit and vegetables, no carbohydrates or refined sugars. Though clean eating has widespread supporters, critics have damned the trend as another bad relationship with food and encouraging unhealthy habits that are ultimately damaging. What is Clean Eating? The concept of clean eating is that food is as close to nature as possible. As a result, such a diet would mainly include a lot of whole and...

Brits Reduce Food Spending Following Inflation

During the Christmas period, the British public collectively spent a large amount of money on indulgent food. Following this splurge, January spending is a complete contrast. The average household spent £1.6bn less on food in January compared to December. Cut-price retailers like Aldi and Lidl increased in popularity as food-price inflation stayed at a four-year high at 3.6%. Mindful About Health and Money Along with being more aware of their spending, Brits are also much more health-conscious with their food purchases; with many choosing meat-free meals and purchasing more fresh produce. Both Aldi and Lidl increased their sales by 16%...

White Van Drivers Are Making Healthier Choices

There is a certain image that has surrounded white van drivers for a long time. They are traditionally viewed as people who prefer to eat unhealthy food and detest exercise. However, many are choosing to improve their health and ditch their unhealthy habits. Making Healthier Choices Van drivers are now more likely to actively choose healthy food options and regularly attend the gym. On average, they will exercise twice a week. More than one in ten use the gym at least five times per week. Additionally, one in seven van drivers will make their own packed lunch rather than grabbing fast food on the go. This includes diets rich in fruit and...

Less Focus on Weight-Loss, More Focus on Healthy Habits

The mass media is often filled with messages about the importance of losing weight. It is particularly frightening for those who may be above the “normal” range of the body mass index. The public are faced with phrases like “get lean” and “eat clean” all with the same message that losing weight is the ultimate answer to everything. Both the mass media and health professionals alike also cite weight-loss as the cure for health issues like diabetes, heart disease and untimely death. Overall Health Should Always be Considered However, some experts are stating that focusing on weight-loss as the only goal is the wrong thing to do....

TV Advertising Increasing Junk Food Cravings in Teenagers

Today, obesity levels are on the increase with young people at risk. According to NHS data from 2016/17, 20% of children are already obese by ages 10 and 11. Even if children manage to remain a healthy weight, they are still vulnerable to dangerous weight gain as teenagers. According to a recent study, TV advertising is a likely problem. Advertising Could Be Fuelling the Obesity Crisis A new report conducted by Cancer Research UK indicates that junk food consumption amongst teenagers directly links to advertising. According to the report, teenagers who watch over three hours of commercial TV daily are likely to increase their junk food...

Why Detox Diets Should be Reconsidered

January is usually the month where the public are dealing with an aftermath of indulgence. Following the festive period, the diet industry is in full throttle. One of the most popular dieting trends that will appear at the beginning of the new year will be the detox. What is Detoxing? Detoxing itself is a natural, biological process whereby the body excretes toxins. Natural detoxing is carried out by the liver, kidneys, skin and lungs. Any harmful toxins are cleared out of the body. The toxins that the body can expel include things such as alcohol or air pollution; as well as toxins inside the body that are part of natural processes. For...

Mindful Eating for 2018

Mindful eating may sound like another diet fad, especially around the New Year. Really, it’s a way of changing eating habits and focusing on eating without distraction. Although it sounds simple it can have a significant impact. Practising mindful eating correctly can help weight loss and improve digestion. Additionally, mindful eating can also benefit dining experiences by enriching them. How to Practice Mindful Eating It may be obvious, but sitting down to eat is very important. During busy days, people will often rely on convenient, on-the-go food. Today, there’s so much variety that almost any type of food can be takeaway....
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