Tag Archives: Healthy meals

Heatwave hacks to help you run in the sun

It is easy to lose count of the number of heatwaves we have already been sweltering through this summer as the UK keeps breaking its own records. It wasn’t that long ago that the ‘British summer’ was synonymous with having endless weeks of a rainy, dismal washout. However, now it means literally living in drought conditions with temperatures hot enough to start forest fires. Of course, most people would welcome these same high temperatures if they were on beach holiday, drinking out of straw from a coconut. Even so, it doesn’t make being stuck at home, trying to live and work in such sweaty conditions, any more bearable.  

The prospect of exercising outside and sweating even more is almost unthinkable. But what if you’ve already committed to running in some autumnal event? Working out in an overly air-conditioned gym might be one solution but it might also be an easy recipe for a summer head cold. Though the alternative of stubbornly sticking to your training schedule and running outside in the heat like a desert martyr can be particularly challenging. Luckily, there are some running, hydration and fuelling hacks that are easy to take on which can help you exercise and enjoy the outdoors safely.

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Is fibre the new protein?

I have spent more time lately thinking about fibre than I’d care to admit, but it is not entirely my fault. Because almost as a natural progression to the endorsement of anything gut-related, fibre is the buzzword of the moment. At least among health influencers, nutrition gurus and pretty much anyone with a healthy opinion. It’s as if health experts worldwide hadn’t been recommending eating a high fibre diet for the past 50 years. After all, the evidence has been crystal clear. Eating a diet high in fibre reduces the risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. It also aids digestion, promotes good gut health, helps to manage your weight, lower your cholesterol and keeps your blood sugar stable. So while adults have long been advised to get at least 30g fibre each day, it is suddenly being hailed as the secret to wellness. Better late than never, I guess.  

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Healthy hacks to meet your budget

There’s a sure sign, which I can’t help but notice, that marks the start of another academic year. It is suddenly much easier to get through the maze of supermarket aisles. Not that I am complaining about being rammed by child-sized mini-trollies. Or about one occasion, where I was almost ploughed down by a child bombing down the cereal aisle on a bike. After all, even though my children have grown up, I am still a parent. But all parents, if they’re honest, will readily admit that doing a weekly shop is far easier, less stressful and more efficient sans sprogs. Primarily because you can choose your purchases freely and without the prospect of facing any further negotiations or arguments. Not to mention, because you also have a bit more control over exactly what you spend. Although, with the cost of living crisis hitting most families’ budgets, it is getting more difficult to make any savings when it comes to buying healthy food.

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Does ‘5-a-day’ still keep the doctor away? 

With the constant stream of world events vying for attention in the media, it takes a lot to make it into the headlines these days. Nonetheless, the latest results from the UK’s National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) did just that recently with some depressing news about our dietary habits. It won’t come as any surprise to learn that too many of us are still eating an unhealthy diet and are contributing to the rise in obesity in adults and children. The numbers are even worse for those living in deprivation amidst the rising double burdens of high food and energy costs. However, as someone who likes to take a deep dive into the nutrition numbers, I still found some of the figures startling. Especially when it comes to getting our basic ‘5-a-day’.

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Put a Spring in your step with these recovery tips

After taking part in the recent BMO Vancouver Marathon, I am now firmly in recovery mode. But like many people who have just completed an endurance event this spring, once you cross the finish line it feels like you are entering into unchartered territory. It doesn’t seem to matter if you have just run your first race or you are a seasoned veteran. And it makes no difference whether you ran a marathon, a half or you conquered some other epic feat. Because after spending so many weeks and months laser-focused on training for your event, it can be difficult to know what to do next to fully recover.

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