What is Glycemic Load, and how is it different to Glycemic Index?
We’ve all heard a lot about the Glycemic Index (GI) – an index that ranks carbohydrates according to their immediate effect on your blood sugar levels. But what about the term “Glycemic Load”? What is it? How is it different to GI? And which one am I supposed to refer to?
All very good questions. Read on, and all will be revealed… Continue reading »
Hot tip for dieting chocoholics!
I have a confession to make.
I am… a chocoholic!
Marks & Spencer’s mini rolls, Galaxy, Lindt, and my new favourite, Green & Blacks (because it’s so organic, it’s practically good for me) – the list of my favourite chocolate things is endless.
But this little addition frequently collides with my desire to have a healthy, balanced diet. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of guilt that comes after devouring an entire block/ bag / packet of my favourite treat. So when I came across this tip the other day, I knew it would revolutionise my diet. Continue reading »
What are sports drinks, and how do I choose the right one for me?
Powerade, Lucozade, Gatorade… with such a variety of sports drinks on the market it’s easy to feel like you should be drinking one every time you exercise. Not only that, but trying to understand the different ingredients, and whether those ingredients are actually important, is a bit like a chemistry lesson!
Thankfully, the basic principles of hydrating during exercise are pretty simple – it all depends on how long your exercise session lasts and how hard you’re exercising. Continue reading »
Whole grain hints
I know you’ve been waiting with baited breath, so here are some hints on how to get more whole grain in your life!
At least 5 servings a day are recommended from this food group, which comprises bread, cereal, rice, pasta and potatoes. Each whole grain alternative below counts as 1 serving. Continue reading »
Is white bread really that bad?
So, is white bread ready that bad for you? Unfortunately, there’s just no beating around the bush… the answer is a resounding yes.
Bread, rice, pasta and potatoes are important sources of starchy carbohydrates that our bodies store as sources of energy and dietary fibre. The Food Standards Agency recommends a third of the food we eat comes from starchy (or complex) carbohydrates to form the basis of a healthy diet. But, and this is the important bit, not all starchy foods are created equal. Continue reading »
A trip down memory lane…
Aah technology. When it works, life gets so much easier. When it fails, well, i don’t really have to elaborate. I’m sure you know the pain well!
So for now, please enjoy the trip down memory lane as Apples & Peanut Butter gradually comes back up to date.
All the best!
Do you have a picky eater?
If there’s a picky eater in your family, especially a little one, this is a great personal account with suggestions on how you can help their transition to grown-up dining!
“Kids in the kitchen”
The Times Online, September 12, 2009
Simple ways to boost your metabolism
Your “metabolic rate” refers to the amount of energy that your body needs just to stay alive. That is, to keep your heart beating, lungs breathing, blood circulating, etc.
A higher metabolic rate means that these processes happen faster and that they use more energy – in fact, up to 70% of your daily calorie intake! There plenty of simple ways to boost your metabolism today: Continue reading »
Can changing my diet help prevent a UTI?
According to the NHS, around 50% of British women will need treatment for at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) during their lifetime.* But for many women, UTIs occur much more frequently.
A UTI develops when part of your urinary system – that’s your bladder, urethra, kidneys and ureters – becomes infected. Bacteria enter through the urethra or bloodstream (this is less common) and then multiply in the urine. While there’s usually no obvious reason for the infection, some women find they develop after sex. Continue reading »
Boost your B-vitamin intake
Following my earlier post about the importance of B-Vitamins for anyone who exercises regularly, there are lots of quick and simple ways to boost your intake. Try one of these today!