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Great skin and a hot body in 30 days

It sounds too good to be true, but go natural and you can do it!

Diet is the quickest way to change your looks. Even minor alterations can have a huge impact on the skin. Are you feeling less than your best as summer celebrations take their toll? Could your skin and body do with a boost? Well, you can do it — and much more quickly than you think.

Australian nutritionist Erica Angyal, author of Gorgeous Skin in 30 Days, has come up with a natural, anti-ageing plan for youthful skin, which will also help you shed kilos.

“I’ve always been really passionate about nutrition,” Erica says.

“And being a woman, I’m particularly interested in natural ways to keep my skin looking as good as possible for as long as possible.

“Few women place much importance on the role that a healthy lifestyle plays in their skin’s appearance. Even fewer women realise the condition of their skin is a direct reflection of their diets and their lifestyle.”

Erica’s book is for anyone interested in slowing down their body clock naturally, improving health and vitality and achieving the best possible skin without expensive skincare or surgery.

Your skin is an organ, like your liver or heart, “so whatever you do for your skin will have a great affect on the health of every single organ in your body”, Erica advises.

“And it’s not just for women either. There are quite a few men in Australia following the program!”

How does it work?

Skin needs to be healthy in order to look its best, according to Erica.

“The Gorgeous Skin program is specifically designed to provide optimum nutrition for the skin. These nutrients come in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with essential fats from fish, nuts, seeds, herbs, wholegrains, olive oil, eggs and low-fat dairy foods.”

As Erica puts it, women can spend all the money in the world on expensive cosmetics, but if they are eating a diet high in refined ingredients, saturated and hydrogenated fats, sugar, preservatives, pesticides and alcohol, caffeine and junk food, they will find it hard to achieve good skin.

“Diet is the quickest way to change your looks,” she explains. “Even minor changes can have a huge impact on the skin.”

Easy slimming

Although the Gorgeous Skin diet is designed to improve your skin, Erica says it will also aid weight loss.

“Losing weight and getting your body in better shape has certainly been a welcome side effect for many people on the program,” she says.

“If you are already overweight and tend to eat a lot of processed food, takeaways, sugar and bad fats and do not exercise, you very likely will lose weight.”

Gorgeous Skin in 30 Days by Erica Angyal, Lothian Books, rrp $29.95.

Super foods

We’ve all heard of “super foods”, but what exactly are they?

“The super foods for gorgeous skin are natural whole foods which supply an abundance of nourishing natural vitamins, as well as minerals, healthy fats, amino acids, plant enzymes and antioxidants,” says nutritionist Erica Angyal.

Add the following super foods to your shopping list

Raw nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, macadamias)

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil

Fish (especially deep-sea varieties, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel)

Whole soy products (soy, miso, tempeh)

Prunes and plums

Dark-green leafy vegies (spinach and cos lettuce)

Brown rice and wholegrains

Legumes (chickpeas, beans and lentils)

Organic eggs

Avocados

Garlic

Herbs

Parsley

Berries

Broccoli

Carrots

Olive oil

Tomatoes

Rockmelon

Citrus fruits

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Barking problem

Question:

My dog has just turned one year old and she has a barking problem. We have tried all sorts of discipline and she still doesn’t learn. She is a very yappy dog, which obviously gets annoying very quickly. What strategies could we use to stop our dog barking?

Amy

Answer:

Firstly you need to work out why she is barking. If there is a specific trigger or it’s due to anxiety or boredom, punishment won’t do anything and could make things worse — remember that barking is perfectly normal for a dog, it is how they communicate! Make sure she is getting enough exercise — walk her at last once a day and play games, give her toys and chews to keep her occupied. Don’t reward the barking with attention. If you feed her or give her attention to shut her up and ignore her when she’s quiet, what do you think she will do? If anxiety could be playing a part, get your vet to assess her — they can give you more ideas on what she might be trying to tell you!

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I nearly set my mum up with my partner!

I was working in a boring, underpaid job as a receptionist. Every day the building manager would come and visit me to chat and to see how things were going on our floor. I would get him free coffee and biscuits and just enjoy his lovely company. The only thing was, he was 52 and I was 27. He was very handsome and fit for his age, and I thought he was very attractive. I decided though, that due to our age gap, a romance with this man was just a pipe dream.

He mentioned one day that he was single and I offered to set him up with my mum, as I thought he would make her very happy as he is such a warm friendly person. They both protested and wouldn’t have a bar of it. I had just recently broken it off with someone I was dating and he offered to take me out for pizza to have a chat and make me feel better. We became pretty good friends; he even offered to teach me to play golf! It was then that I started to realise that if he could be a friend to me, that something more could possibly develop.

So I asked him one day what he was doing on the weekend and he said he was going out for drinks. I asked if I could join him. He looked surprised but said sure. We watched the World Cup for a while at the pub but we left to go to an Italian restaurant at half time. I missed my train home so I ended up sleeping at his place — me in his bed and him, being the gentleman that he is, on the lounge.

After I returned home the next night, I got bold and sent him a text message asking him if he ever thought about kissing me. He eventually admitted he did. Our next date started off with us kissing in the car in rush hour traffic! We are taking it as it comes. But who knows, if my mum had agreed to meet him, I may have ended up falling in love with my stepfather instead!

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Just Walk It

By Annette Campbell

There are lots and lots of things we can all do for our health; splurge out on expensive pills and potions; invest in a gym membership; and purchase all the latest fitness gear and gadgetry.

Or you could just go for a walk.

This simplest, easiest and cheapest of exercises also happens to be one of the most effective, and that’s the message the Heart Foundation is spreading through their national ‘Just Walk It’ program.

Diane Moore is the co-ordinator of the Just Walk It group in Georges Hall, NSW.

“I had heart bypass surgery eight years ago, and then afterwards I went along for walks with a sister from the hospital, who started the whole thing,” Diane explains. “Now I run the program with the Heart Foundation — although it’s not just for cardiac patients, but anyone who wants to come for a walk. My husband comes along and he has no health complaints at all.

“Our group meets at a local reserve and walks for 45-50 minutes, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

“The benefits are not only your health — physical and mental — but you also get to meet nice people. We have social events too, like Christmas parties.”

Diane, 65, is a retired office administrator who’s lived with heart problems for 30-odd years.

“I could have had a bypass in the 1970s, but they were hardly heard of back then, so I opted instead to take medication, until it became necessary in 1998,” she explains. “By then, one artery was 97 percent blocked and I ended up having six bypasses done.

“Now, I feel great … wonderful. I only see my GP now for checks, and take cholesterol-lowering tablets.

“I go square dancing once a week, as well as being part of a ‘Gentle Exercise’ group every Monday, and of course, our twice-weekly walks.

“I’d encourage everyone to walk — get out there instead of sitting around. It costs nothing, and you get so much from it.”

Just Walk It is the largest group walking program in Australia. The Heart Foundation run Just Walk It or similar walking groups in most states and territories. To find out more, contact Heartline: 1300 36 27 87 — or visit the Heart Foundation’s website: www.heartfoundation.com.au

According to the Heart Foundation:

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of:

  • Diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, osteoporosis and colon cancer

  • Obesity

  • Injury

Physical activity has also been shown to:

  • Facilitate better stress management

  • Alleviate depression and anxiety

  • Strengthen self-esteem

  • Enhance mood

  • Boost mental alertness

The Heart Foundation recommends that people enjoy at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week to obtain a health benefit. Examples of moderate physical activities include brisk walking, cycling, swimming and doubles tennis.

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New Year’s resolutions

By Annette Campbell

New Year’s Eve is traditionally the time we reflect on the past 12 months and resolve to make all sorts of changes in the next year. How many times have we promised ourselves that “next year” we’ll quit smoking, lose weight or quit that boring job?

But Jo Lamble — a Sydney-based clinical psychologist — says that New Year’s resolutions are generally a bad idea that can set us up for failure.

“They’re usually based on wishful thinking rather than commitment,” she explains. “If you’re committed to getting fit, being healthy, changing your job … start today.”

Jo says we tend to feel pressure to make such resolutions at this time of year because we’re thinking ahead — and things seem more possible when they’re in the future.

“It’s when you reflect on the year that’s gone, and also when you’re starting a new year,” she says. “So during the holidays it’s not a bad idea to think about some goals and changes you might need to make — maybe regarding work, the house, kids. It’s a good chance to reassess and set realistic goals, but don’t feel pressure to make any big decisions on New Year’s Eve itself.”

Jo says the most common New Year’s resolutions are to quit smoking, and lose weight.

“And they both take a lot of commitment. If you’re going to do these ‘big’ things, you need to plan it — how’s it going to happen? What’s your support system? These are lifestyle decisions that shouldn’t be treated flippantly. Smoking and weight loss are very serious health issues that need to be taken seriously and have your full commitment — and a plan.”

Jo believes that the best New Year’s resolutions to make are smaller, more achievable ones.

“Normally the big ones are wishful thinking and people hope they’ll happen because they’ve made a wish,” she says. “You might as well add to your list that you’ll make a million dollars.

“Better resolutions would be something like saving an extra $20 or $50 a week, or exercising once or twice a week, being more tolerant, or catching up with friends. But people don’t do that — instead they say things like ‘I’ll get skinny’ or ‘I’ll stop smoking’. And that’s just setting yourself up for failure.

“And maybe the best resolution is just to have a good night!”

Repeat offenders

So what about those of us who make the same resolutions year after year … after year?

“That can really cause some damage,” Jo explains. “Your confidence level would be going down every year and you can become resigned to the situation. Stop thinking about things relative to New Year’s Eve, and just do it now.

“But remember that changes take planning and life-changing big decisions must be informed to minimise the chance of regret.

“You might want to resign from your job, but if you haven’t worked out where you’re going or what you’ll be doing next, it can cause a collapse of confidence.

“So plan carefully and consider the steps you need to take. And talk things through with someone — friends, family or a professional such as a psychologist or counsellor, for an objective opinion.”

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Vegetarian option meal plan

Judy Davie

I am extremely keen to follow your weekly diet plan to help get in shape for summer, yet I am a vegetarian. I was wondering if you have a vegetarian option for that plan or could give me some good food ideas to substitute for the meat recipes? I don’t eat seafood or eggs so this makes things a bit tricky! A mistake with a lot of vegetarians is not eating healthily but I would love somewhere to start. Help!

Hannah, 19 WA

Dear Hanna,

You are quite right, many vegetarians eat very badly. Their diet tends to include too much fat and carbohydrate from convenience foods like pasta, toast, cakes and cheese (for dairy-eating vegetarians) and not enough protein. As protein is essential for repairing and replacing body cells and many of the nutrients found in meat help supply iron for energy, zinc for wound repair and B vitamins for nervous function, it’s really important you get these nutrients elsewhere. Even with a great diet, a non-meat/fish eater would still benefit from a broad spectrum multivitamin.

Whole grain cereals are carbohydrates and contain more B vitamins and iron than their white counterparts, so always choose wholegrain breakfast cereals like muesli, whole grain bread and wholemeal pasta. Try out some of the less common but nutritionally superb other grains, like bulgar, freekeh, barley, quinoa and millet.

Legumes, like chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils and baked beans, when served with one of these wholegrain carbohydrates form a complete protein. They are also very high in fibre, low in saturated fat and are indeed true superfoods. Lentil burgers, chickpea falafels, hummus dip and chili beans are all delicious and wonderful protein foods. Look for them in health food stores or the health section of the supermarket.

One of the best plant proteins is tofu — bland in taste, but when flavoured well it provides a fabulous low-fat protein and is excellent added to stir fries or made into burgers.

Nuts are a great source of protein but high in fat (albeit good fat). Use them in your daily intake but restrict the quantity as they are high in kilojoules.

You don’t say whether you eat cheese or not. Dairy foods are great for calcium but can also be high in fat or kilojoules. Fat-free yoghurt, sweetened naturally with fruit, is a good way to boost calcium requirements and protein without loading up on kilojoules. If you do eat cheese, restrict the portion size to 30 grams (a small piece about the size of a small matchbox). For non-dairy eaters, there are many soy alternatives available.

Soy milks are usually made with added sugar and vegetable oil, so compare brands and choose the one with fewer kilojoules per serve, preferably fortified with added nutrients. These have added calcium and iron and are useful to help boost these daily required nutrients.

Vegetarian or not, the same rule of five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit still applies.

At 19, you are in the classic age group where snacking and eating on the run is commonplace, so minimise snacking by sitting down to eat three meals a day and one snack mid-afternoon and never eat on the run.

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Vegetarian weekly meal plan

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Getting fit

By Annette Campbell

Okay … so you’ve decided it’s time to get fit.

Whether it’s your first foray into the world of exercise or you’re determined to reclaim your past fitness level, there’s a few things you should keep in mind to avoid injury and keep motivated.

Meg Derbidge — a personal trainer from Sydney’s Hyde Park Club — says the key to starting, or re-starting, a fitness routine, is being consistent and taking things slowly.

“Ease yourself into it,” she says. “It takes a long while to get out of shape, so don’t expect things to happen straight away. Instead start afresh — forget about the past and get on with new things.

“Also, don’t let too big a gap creep in between your workouts. Once you’ve begun exercising, be consistent rather than starting and stopping all the time.

“Hopefully you’ll soon start feeling and looking better and become motivated by that.”

Here are more of Meg’s top tips …

See your G.P. for a check-up. Even if you don’t think you have any health risks, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to have things like blood pressure checked before you launch into your exercise routine.

Go shoe shopping! Your old joggers might still be okay, but if they no longer offer any support, you get blisters or they’re just not comfortable any more, invest in a new pair. You don’t want anything getting in the way of your good intentions.

Most people can walk so that’s a great starting point. At first you might find 10 minutes hard, but it’s a start to build up from. And remember that doing something is always better than doing nothing.

Consider your goals … if you just want to be a bit healthier, you can do 30 minutes a day at least three times a week (but preferably more). But if you want to lose weight, you’ll need to exercise for longer periods of time.

Set small goals. Aiming too big can make it all too hard and you’ll risk burning out. If you really do want to get back into jogging, start with a walk and build-up gradually. If you go from doing nothing to a 30 minute run, you’ll be very sore the next day.

Set aside a definite time of day to work out. You really need to say: “This is my time regardless of what else happens today”. Even write it into your diary and think of it as an appointment. If you keep thinking you’ll do it later, you’re not making a commitment.

Eat well. You’re asking your body to do more now, so cut down on junk food and fuel yourself with fresh vegetables, fruit, lean meat and seafood. And don’t give yourself food rewards! Sneaking a chocolate after a session at the gym defeats the purpose. Remember you’re trying to get a kilojoule deficit happening.

Do something you enjoy and don’t be afraid to try something new and different. Think about kayaking, golf or cycling. When you’re learning a new sport you’ll actually expend more energy trying to learn it!

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Sue Williams’ writing tips

Sue Williams

Here are author Sue Williams’ top four writing tips:

1. Start

The hardest thing is getting started. I’m a great believer in just picking up a pen, or firing up the computer, and making a start. Get yourself going, and write a couple of thousand words quickly to warm up. You can always go back and redraft and refine; but once you have some words under your belt, it’ll always be easier. You’ve begun, so you might as well finish!

2. Practise

Practise really does make perfect, in writing as well as in anything else. The more you write, the better you’ll become. The words and phrases will come easier, the plotlines will unfurl more naturally, and your characters will live and breathe more convincingly. So don’t worry if your first efforts are disappointing. Your next effort will be better, and the next one better still. Don’t forget how many world-famous authors there are who still have rejected first manuscripts in their bottom drawer!

3. Take note

Take a notebook with you everywhere, even to bed. You never know when a good idea might strike you – and it could disappear forever if you don’t capture it there and then. Make a habit of jotting down interesting people you meet, interesting conversations you have, or interesting things that happen to you or others. You can draw on them all later to colour your book.

4. Become a voyeur

Take a good look at passers-by and practise describing them in words. See how they dress. Watch for distinctive gestures. Listen to how they speak. Take note of how they relate to each other. But try not to let them see you’ve been spying on them. It could be embarrassing!

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Regain your vitality

cherries

It’s that time of year again where we feel that we have shopped till we dropped, celebrated till we could no more and let’s face it indulged in too much alcohol, too much fat and too much sugar for too long!

So how do we re-energise ourselves and regain that lost vitality and get back into shape? Here are a few tips to get you started in the new year:

1. Cool off and hit the pool

Whether it’s lap swimming, water aerobics, or just splashing about, you’ll feel refreshed and your body will start to come alive again as well as utilising some of those recently gained fat stores. The perfect antidote to overindulgence.

2. Luscious summer fruits

Be tempted by luscious summer fruit, low in kilojoules and bursting with vitamins, minerals and other phyto nutrients. Serve platters of mangoes, melons, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries and kiwi fruit. Blend with fat-free fruit yogurt for a summer sorbet treat, or add milk or soy and whiz for an icy cold drink. Chunks of fresh fruit on skewers, lightly barbecued, make a delicious dessert.

3. Keep it light and bite size

Don’t eat large meals or high fat snacks like chips. Serve bite size nibbles like smoked salmon slices rolled up with a little Greek style yogurt on top of sliced cucumber. Circles of pumpernickel rye bread topped with prawns and avocado or freshly shucked oysters with a squeeze of lemon.

4. Focus on salads at night

Dine on salads in the evenings so you’re not sleeping on an overfull stomach. Try an array of different lettuce varieties, slices of turkey breast (low in fat, but tender), lightly steamed asparagus, spring onions, avocado and mango slices or baby spinach leaves topped with cherry tomatoes, snow peas, cucumber chunks, thin slices of super lean beef, tossed with a little chilli, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

5. Think healthy BBQ seafood meals

Spark up the barbie and cook some delicious prawn skewers. Or try salmon or blue eye cutlets (cook on Glad Bake or wrap as parcels. This results in no added fat, seafood that doesn’t stick, and individual meals can be made to suit different tastes – like no chilli for the kids. If cooked on a naked flame, wrap the paper parcel in foil.

6. In the raw

Too hot to cook? Raw vegetables are crisp and crunchy in a salad, with a fruit yogurt dip or on the side with canned tuna or salmon mixed with natural yogurt and a squeeze of lime juice with freshly ground pepper.

7. Alcohol-free days

Have a few alcohol-free days each week, or if you’ve really overindulged, make the entire week alcohol-free. Get into anti-oxidant rich lycopene charged, tomato juice with all the condiments or a cranberry spritzer (cranberry juice and sparkling mineral water) to help flush toxins through.

8. Start counting

How many different foods do you eat each day? Definitely not enough! Variety will give your body the array of vitamins and minerals and other anti-oxidants it craves. Aim to at least double your choices.

9. Go grains

Whether you start the day with a healthy wholegrain cereal, make a wholegrain wrap sandwich for lunch or serve a grain-based salad such as tabouli or brown rice and corn with dinner, grain foods help your body stay healthy, energised and ward off major diseases.

10. Do drink the water

In summer heat, you need plenty of water to help your body flush out all the waste products and keep you well hydrated. Make sure you’re drinking enough.

11. Keep food clean

Try to eat foods that have not been adulterated with too many preservatives, colourings, artificial flavours and other additives. Prepare as much as you can yourself using the freshest of ingredients.

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