My fat loss journey update

Update;  so it is now almost a year since I began this journey, 304 days the fitnesspal app says.  My weight has levelled at 70kg while people are still telling me I look slimmer. Tis true my muscle definition is more pronounced but I am not losing anything now.  I still eat carefully, have the odd cheat day and enjoy it.  I am still keeping up the swimming, weekly if possible, and also started going to aqua aerobics.  Now I always thought it was easy exercise for OAPs but I wanted to give it a try as I felt confident enough in this new body to bare myself in a group of other people. To say I love it would be an understatement; If you put the same energy and commitment into the exercises as you would in a normal group exercise class on dry land (lol) it is a really challenging workout.

The only blip I have to contend with this year will be my hernia operation in April which will mean I wont be able to exercise for at least 2 weeks then be careful for several weeks after that, including no dog walking.  I am fearful that I'll put weight on during this period so will be watching my intake just to ensure it is kept to the minimum.

Update 2;  

It's December 2013, and it feels weird reading the above entry as it seems so long ago yet this year has just flown by when I analyse it.  Mentally, I don't feel like the person who wrote the above, I feel a lot stronger in some aspects of my life, my exercise being one of them.  Rather than try and talk myself out of something by thinking up an excuse why not to do it, I just get on with it now and worry later.  In class, I have finally moved to the front of the class rather than shy away at the back, and I love it, more room, see what's happening better and more of an opportunity to show off lol. It's a confidence I never thought I would achieve.

I am still on the 'diet' with weekly cheats, and I have lost perhaps another 4-5 pounds, but my definition is greater and I can look in the mirror and not feel disgusted with myself, or not bother looking in one at all!!

The operation was a huge success, don't know why I was worried.  I was actually back doing Aqua and Advanced Aerobics by Day 13 of recovery, so determined I was to get back into shape, and I didn't gain a pound.

So as another year ends, I feel fitter and more confident than perhaps I ever have as an adult.  Don't be deterred from pursuing your goals, be they fat loss or something else.  Be determined and more positive and success will ultimately come.  

Below is the link to my original post at the very start of my weight loss journey http://michaelsynergy.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/my-fat-loss-story.html

Natural Remedies for high blood pressure

Once thought of as a middle-aged man's disease, and I reluctantly include myself in this as I too am a sufferer, high blood pressure is increasingly becoming more evident amongst the younger population especially women.

Fatty diets, high intake of salt from processed foods, binge drinking, stress,  smoking and lack of exercise are all factors that can lead to the development of high blood pressure. 

So what is high blood pressure?  Blood is pumped around the body by the heart as we all know.  As blood moves along the arteries, pressure is exerted along the artery wall.  In healthy individuals, these walls are flexible and allow blood to pass through easily.  If your blood pressure is high, this causes the artery walls to be less flexible and cause pressure to build along them.  Severe cases can lead to heart attack or strokes.  High levels of bad cholesterols in the arteries can cause blockages which can also lead to arterial problems and heart complaints.  If you suspect you have high blood pressure, consult your gp before embarking on any exercise regimen or trying any herbal remedies.

A balanced diet, regular exercise can help alleviate the pressures on the artery walls,  but so too can some traditional herbal remedies.  Plant extracts help reduce blood pressure in the following ways; firstly, they can thin the blood allowing it to flow easier through contracted arteries.  Secondly, in conjunction with a healthier diet, they can help reduce cholesterol in the blood, and finally they act as an antioxidant, inhibiting the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Here are the best herbs that are believed to help reduce high blood pressure;

Turmeric;  A bright orange herb commonly used in Indian cuisine, and is a relative of ginger.  Can be found dried or as a tincture.  The herb's active antioxidant lowers blood fats & cholesterol and help prevent blood clot formation.  Also strengthens the arterial walls.

Garlic;  Not only good to fend off vampires, but exellent for your heart too.  Garlic lowers blood pressure, reduces blood stickiness and lowers cholesterol, as well as dissolving blood clots.  Many experts believe the tiny odour free garlic pearls to be less effective in their abilities.

Hawthorn;  available as a tincture, this herb regulates blood pressure, both strengthening and balancing the circulation and heart itself.  It dilates blood vessels to help prevent heart disease, especially coronary arteries.

Rosemary;  The oils and flavonoids found in this aromatic herb help inhibit free radical damage to the arterial walls thereby reducing blood pressure.  Circulation is strengthened and improved.  Rosemary tea is a pleasant heart tonic.  The herb is also good for reducing stress & anxiety, a risk factor to high blood pressure.

Shitake;  This oriental mushroom has many therapeutic benefits.  It can lower cholesterol by up to 15%.  It's active antioxidants inhibit the formation of plaque along the arterial walls.

Here is yummy warming soup including ingredients to protect your heart;

Sweet Potato & onion soup

Onions have also been shown to help lower blood pressure

You will need;

• 1kg sweet potatoes
• 2 sliced large onions
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 2 diced carrots
• 1 teaspoon of oil(olive or coconut)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• 225ml natural yoghurt

Gently fry the onions in the oil until they are soft and transluscent, do not burn. Add the chopped sweet potatoes, garlic, turmeric and carrots, and saute for several minutes.

Add the vegetable stock an bring to the boil.

Simmer for 25-30 mins, until the vegetables are nicely tender.

Blend the mixture in a liquidiser or use a hand blender

Bring back to a boil before adding the yoghurt.

Stir well & serve.

How does your body deal with toxins?

With the media constantly informing us of the increasing levels of obesity, chemicals in our food, the dangers of eating too much processed/fast food and drinking excessive amounts of fizzy drinks, it is worth thinking how our bodies deal with all of this. Our internal organs are constantly battling to eliminate harmful toxins from the body, so as to ensure it remains healthy and operates at maximum efficiency.

Everything we eat & drink is broken down to release the bits our body needs while the unwanted by products & toxins are converted into waste so that they can be expelled as urine, faeces, sweat and carbon dioxide.

Ordinarily a healthy body is very efficient at performing these tasks but when it is faced with an onslaught of things it does not like being fed into it, it can be become over burdened with toxins, finds the removal of them harder to complete so the toxins begin to be stored within the body itself.  As the levels of harmful toxins become ever higher, the organs of the body start to function less efficiently, the immune system begins to suppress itself and our overall state of well being drops.

SYMPTOMS OF TOXIC BUILD UP;

• regular headaches
• constant fatigue
• poor complexion, dull hair & eyes
• high levels of catarrh, congested sinuses
• cellulite, water retention, bloatedness
• sluggish digestion, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome
• mood changes, depression and anxiety
• weakened immune system

So let's have a look at the organs that deal with toxin removal and how they can be impaired;

The lymphatic system; basically our toxin removal road network that runs parallel to our veins.  Toxins and waste drain into this network and are transported to specific sites called nodes where they are filtered out.  NB: these toxins are transported only by muscular contractions in our body eg walking etc.  Someone with a very sedentary lifestyle will transport toxins less efficiently than an active person.  When there are high levels of toxins in the body, the lymphatic system slows down leading to toxin build up.

The skin;  every pore in our body eliminates waste be it sweat or sebum (oil). The state of your skin is a mirror of your health, as stress, poor diet, toxin build up in the body manifest as a poor complexion.

The kidneys work together to filter our blood, removing toxins and getting rid of them as urine.  They also  play a role in regulating the amount of fluid in the body and processing any by products from our digestion.  Excessive alcohol and persistent infections from a weakened immune system can cause kidney damage.

The lungs filter out any airborne pollutants such as carbon monoxide enabling oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be removed.  High levels of toxins in the body can lead to recurrent health problems such as catarrh, an indicator of a weakened respiratory system.

The liver processes everything that enters our body.  It has many functions including the removal of toxins from the bloodstream.  Harmful substances are neutralised by the organ, turned into bile and sent to the intestines where they are expelled as faeces.  If the liver becomes overworked, rather than neutralise toxins, it begins to store them.  This can lead to problems and can be the cause of diseases such as diabetes, hepatitis & liver cirrhosis

Digestion; as food passes through our body, all the nutrients are absorbed whilst any waste & toxins are expelled when we go to the toilet.  Helpful bacteria in our guts are important to the absorption of nutrients.  If these become depleted due to poor diet, toxin overload, antibiotics, then food remains in the intestines, half digested.  This can lead to a number of conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel, and painful wind.  

As you can see, this is the kind of damage a poor diet can wreak on our body and demonstrates all the more the importance of a well balanced healthy diet whilst avoiding highly processed foods.  Small changes now, can lead to big health benefits in all our futures.

What are we putting on our faces?

With all the current media furore over horse meat in processed foods making us re-examine how and what we eat, I thought it a good idea to also question what we also put onto our skin.  Much has been said over the years about the types & numbers of potentially harmful chemicals included in skin care products and cosmetics, some of it conflicting it is true, but if you only take away one thing from reading this post, is to stop and question what you are using and maybe educate yourself and then be able to make an informed decision as to the products you are using.

Skin is our largest bodily organ for removing waste, and acting as our first line of defence against infection.  What we put on it that can be absorbed internally can affect our health & well being in both positive and negative ways.  Many products on the commercial market contain products derived from petroleum (yes that stuff that goes in the car) which can weaken the natural functions of the skin, making it prone to infection and not allowing toxins to escape thereby polluting the body from within.

Each day we use products that we believe to be totally safe when in effect we could slowly be poisoning our bodies over time.  In some instances, chemicals used in products have not been tested to monitor the effects of long term use on the bodies of humans.  In a typical day, we may be exposed to over 2000 different chemicals, which could potentially be cancer causing, and also be playing havoc with our hormones.  So let's have a look at some of the more common chemicals found in skincare products.

alcohol, isopropyl (SD-40)
An irritant, dehydrating solvent that strips the skin of it's natural oils and diminishes our resistance to infection.  A petroleum derivative widely used in soaps, shampoos, fragrances etc.  It is also found in antifreeze for your car!  It may promote brown spotting of the skin and  premature ageing of the skin. Studies have shown that this ingredient may be the cause of depression, headaches, vomitting, bouts of dizziness.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine)
Thought to be instrumental in disrupting our hormones causing the creation of cancer causing nitrates.  Due to this carcinogenic effect, their use is restricted in Europe but products imported from the USA may still contain them.

DMDM hydantion & urea (imidazolidinyl)
Preservatives that often release formaldehyde which can cause joint pain, skin irritations, allergies, depression, chest pain, chronic fatigue & insomnia.  Exposure can also affect the respiratory system, cause asthma, heart palpitations.  Other possible side effects include weakening the immune system and creation of cancer.

FD&C colour pigments

Made from coal tar, these synthetic colours that contain heavy metal salts, deposit irritating 7 sensitizing agents into the skin.  Absorption of some colours affects the body's ability to use oxygen.  Studies using animals show that these colours are cancer causing.

Fragrances

Synthetic substances that can be made up of up to 4000 ingredients, some of which could be cancer causing.  Can lead to skin irritations, rashes, skin discolouration in the first instance. May also cause depression, irritability, hyperactivity, due to their effects on the nervous system.

Mineral Oil

A petroleum by-product that coats the skin causing blockages in pores, and undermines the skin's ability to eliminate toxins. Can cause premature ageing.  Used in many baby products such as baby oil which is 100% mineral oil.

Polyethelene Glycol (PEG)

Petroleum by-product that is potentially carcinogenic which upsets the skin's natural moisture levels. Could lead to signs of premature ageing & leaving the skin open to bacteria. Used in oven cleaners to dissolve grease.

Propylene Glycol/Burylene Glycol

Synthetic surfectants (attract moisture to the skin) which penetrate the skin and cause damage and weakening to proteins in the structure of the skin. Possible cause of anti ageing.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate

Detergents and surfectants  also commonly used in car washers & engine degreasers.  Used in skincare products that require them to foam up.  Can cause skin irritation, eye damage ( due to their effect of dissolving proteins), depression, impaired immune system leading to skin inflammation.  When combined with some other chemicals, can lead to formation of nitrosamines which are potent cancer causing substances.  Is retained in the body for up to 5 days, leading the body to slowly build up a residual amount, primarily in the heart, liver, lungs & brain.

So definitely something to be aware of when purchasing skin/hair/body products and toothpastes.  There are available alternatives to these products that do not contain one or more of the above, though not always the cheapest  option to consider, especially in the current financial climate when cash is tight.  As always the choice is up to the individual, armed now with knowledge as to what our products may be doing to our bodies both short & long term.

Foods for Love

Ok, so here's a Valentine's inspired blog post.....

Throughout the millenia, different cultures have believed in the power of aphrodisiacs to stimulate the senses inspire feelings of desire.

The word aphrodisiac is Greek in origin, derived from the name of the goddess of love, Aphrodite.  Some ancient aphrodisiacs include rhino horn, arsenic and hemlock!

While there is no scientific evidence to show a link between certain foods being a pre cursor to a night of mad passionate sex, there are some substances in food that make you think you are feeling more sensuous;  zinc in oysters, Vitamin C in oranges, phenylethylamine found in varying degrees in chocolate & alcohol, and asparagus contains Vitamin E.  Want to heat things up a bit more? Ironically fire hot chilli pepper is believed to do just that, by releasing feel good endorphins into the brain!

Cocoa was popular with the Mayan & Aztec cultures, used in religious ceremonies to induce euphoria to ahem, greater heights amongst it's participants.  This chemical is found in chocolate today, more plentiful in the darker, more concentrated varieties rather than your bog standard milk chocolate variety.

High in Vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous which induce good moods, Asparagus was considered a staple diet for a groom before his wedding night in 19th century France.  I shall ignore any references to the shape of Asparagus :)

Moving onto perhaps the most well known aphrodisiac;oysters.  They have been linked to Aphrodite since ancient times, as she is said to have risen out of the sea in an oyster shell.  Oysters contain high levels of Zinc, which if deficient in men, can lead to a lack of libido.

Honey is used in the Karma Sutra, mixed with milk as a drink prior to sex, as it is said to get the lovers in the mood.

Want to know what the literal translation of the Aztec word for Avocado is? Testicle!!  It is said to increase masculine desires, and in the Aztec culture, all nubile maidens were forbidden to go outside whilst the men folk harvested them.  On a side note it is great too to achieve a smooth skin if used internally and topically.

So there you have it, a brief run down on some foods thought to instill a flaming desire in your loins.  Play safe people!

The benefits of Garlic

Garlic is such a wonderfully versatile food and is part of a family of foods that include onions, shallots & leeks.

It is widely recognised now the health benefits of garlic in promoting the well being of the immune system, the heart, and its antioxidant properties in maintaining a good circulatory system.  Garlic also stimulates our natural immune system by enhancing the cells vital to fighting infection & disease.  Studies also suggest that garlic can help lower our levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Garlic contains geranium, known as an anti cancer agent, and has been shown to retard the growth of tumors  in human test subjects.  If you suffer with high or low blood pressure, Garlic can help balance out these extremes. In addition, it stimulates the production of substances in the arterial walls of blood vessels, that causes them to relax, which helps prevent arteriosclerosis so reducing the risk of heart attacks & strokes.  Prevention of this condition can also help males suffering with erectile dysfunction & impotence due to the improved level of blood circulation through the body.

Garlic also helps regulate blood sugar levels and is ideal for ridding the body of parasites in the gut.  Garlic is also packed with protein, potassium, Vitamin A, B, B2, C, calcium & zinc.  Garlic aids in the process of removal of harmful free radicals in the body and also increases the production of bile to help reduce fats in the liver.