There are two bad habits that are common to many people in today’s fast-paced world: the get-me-going caffeine charger, and the wind-me-down after work — or ‘wine o’clock’ — drinks. We all know that everything is fine when alcohol and coffee are enjoyed in moderation, but if you enjoy one too many of either of […]

Water is really the most essential nutrient. It’s the first thing your body demands in times of starvation. While your body can store certain vitamins and minerals while it maintains carbohydrate, protein and fat deposits, the absence of water soon leads to life-threatening dehydration. So, why do we need water? The role of water Around […]

Almost 50 percent of all Australian adults are not getting the recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D needed to maintain healthy bones. For World Osteoporosis Day 2006 (October 20), Osteoporosis Australia asked celebrity chef Luke Mangan to come up with a couple of quick — and, best of all, delicious — recipes to […]

Go ahead and enjoy these three treats. Far from being bad for you, they can actually improve your health. Chocolate Sure, it’s full of calories, but it’s also packed with heart-healthy substances (flavonoids) that support the functioning of the endothelium, a layer of cells in arteries (including those in the heart) that slows plaque build-up […]

There is no magic nutrient — hormone, drug or protein powder — that will effectively increase your muscle mass without exercise. The only way you can increase your muscle size is by stimulating growth at a cellular level. The best way of achieving this is by following an individually tailored weight training program plus a diet that gives you increased energy. By combining diet and weight training you can expect to increase your body mass by about 0.5kg per week.

There is no magic nutrient — hormone, drug or protein powder — that will effectively increase your muscle mass without exercise. The only way you can increase your muscle size is by stimulating growth at a cellular level. The best way of achieving this is by following an individually tailored weight training program plus a […]

After many years of unsuccessful dieting and with 50 looming, I decided to try a drastic measure and had lap banding surgery. I told my friends I had a small op and then as I lost weight they were thrilled for me. I have lost over 35kg and I thought I was on a winner […]

By Judy Davie For further information about food and nutrition, visit Judy Davie’s website at www.thefoodcoach.com.au “I love to bake for the family but know it’s not great for my health or weight. Is oil better to use than butter?” — Cathy I always use either oil or a table spread (called Omega spread) when […]

It’s time to get organised, take charge of your life — and kick-start the new year with The Australian Women’s Health Diary 2007. Busy mums such as the Seven Network’s Sydney news anchor, Chris Bath, know how important it is to stay on top of their daily lives by being organised. And what better way […]

By Annette Campbell Around 100,000 Australians are currently living with the debilitating neurological condition, Parkinson’s. Political legend Don Chipp was one of its most recent casualties. Although it’s commonly perceived as an “old person’s disease”, according to figures from Parkinson’s Australia, one in seven people living with the condition is younger than 40. Here we […]