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You’ve got to move it, move it

Whether you want to lose a little or a lot of weight, there are three essential components for weight loss success: a healthy relationship with food, an active lifestyle and a balanced approach to living.
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Whether you want to lose a little or a lot of weight, there are three essential components for weight loss success: a healthy relationship with food, an active lifestyle and a balanced approach to living.

So it’s surprising to find that so many people overlook the need to move it to lose it. Most of us know that regular physical activity is important for health, but we struggle to translate that knowledge into daily practice and motivation.

Make it personal

Many people fail when they start an exercise kick. Why? Well, there are a whole host of reasons, but time and time again it comes back to a balanced approach to living. If you work in a high pressured office, an hour and a half for a lunchtime gym class, shower and time to munch down a sandwich, just isn’t going to happen. And if it’s been a while since your body was in lycra, starting with a 60min cardio pump class, may be pushing things to far. The key is to find those activities you enjoy, at the right times of your week, so that physical activity becomes as routine as brushing your teeth.

The power of three

Keep your focus on a variety of the three types of physical activity – cardio respiratory, resistance and stretching activities. A balanced workout includes cardio or aerobic activities to burn kilojoules and strengthen the heart; resistance activities to tone the muscles, maintain metabolism and bone health; and stretching activities to maintain flexibility.

Top tips

  • When it comes to burning more kilojoules, if you’re intimidated by the word “Exercise”, focus on increasing your everyday “Activity”, and remember every move you make counts! Try wearing a pedometer and aim to gradually increase your steps-per-day.

  • If lack of time is challenging, try breaking it up into multiple small bouts. Three 10-minute sessions are just as effective as one 30-minute session.

  • For many people starting out with exercise, especially those overweight, home is where the heart is. Motivating audio cassettes, DVD’s and videos, plus yoga mats and cross trainer weights, can get you going with in-home walking and activity programs.

  • Instead of watching TV after dinner, take a family walk or bike ride around the block to burn kilojoules and spend quality time together.

  • Plan a family weekend trip to the zoo – the kids will love learning about the animals, and everyone will benefit from physical activity in the process.How do you kep your exercise routine interesting? Tell us below…

How do you kep your exercise routine interesting? Tell us below…

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Trends with the battle of the bulge

New research is indicating that many people need to carefully consider their weight loss approach in order to be successful.
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For many Australians 2008 will be the year to get into shape. However new research is indicating that many people need to carefully consider their weight loss approach in order to be successful.

Of those who went on a weight loss plan at the start of 2007, a staggering 68 percent were back to their old ways within six months.

Ambitions run high Based on last year’s track record, only 14 percent of those who made a resolution to shed kilos were completely successful. Additionally, while our intentions are good, Australians have extremely ambitious weight loss targets – particularly women. Most (5 million Australians or 69 percent) want to shed a minimum of 10 kilograms. Almost half of Australian women, who resolve to lose weight, want to lose more than 10 kilograms. The good news is that most (96 percent) of those who want to lose more than 10 kilograms have a high Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2. However, the bad news is the majority (55 percent) want a quick fix.

Choose wisely “It’s encouraging to see so many Australians motivated to lose weight,” said Professor Lesley Campbell, Director of Diabetes Services and Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at University of New South Wales. Whilst we are more aware of our obesity crisis and want to take action, I’m concerned that we are destined to follow the same path as last year if people don’t choose sound weight loss methods. “It’s also very concerning that so many people are still looking for quick fixes which only provide short-term results,” said Professor Campbell.

Surprisingly, men are more likely than women to say they will consult their doctor about weight loss options (42 vs 32 percent) and men are more likely to want to lose weight because of medical reasons (44 vs 27 percent).

Weight loss methods Topping the list of intended methods is exercise (93 percent), followed by going on a diet (72 percent), consulting a GP/doctor (36 percent) and joining a gym (35 percent). The fact is many people have a high chance of failure trying to lose weight on their own, so it’s time we re-think how we lose weight and seek professional advice. A comprehensive weight loss program should address dietary change and exercise, but most importantly it will provide a supportive environment and be tailored to suit your individual needs right through your weight loss journey and beyond into weight maintenance.

Do you struggle to maintain your weightloss? Tell us below…

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Super supplement for depression

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Fish oil – specifically the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that it contains – reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and sudden heart attack by lowering triglyceride levels and the growth rate of arterial plaque.

It significantly decreases tender joints and morning stiffness in arthritis patients and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It also plays an important role in brain development and function and now it seems it may even counter depression.

A new University of Pittsburgh study reports that people low in omega-3s were more likely to have a negative outlook while those with higher omega-3 blood levels were better adjusted and less likely to be depressed.

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*Addition*

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Addition by Toni Jordan

Exclusive extract from Addition by Toni Jordan.

It’s Friday, 13 degrees. It’s exactly 10.30 a.m. I leave the house on foot, like I do every day. 150 steps to the corner, then 400 to the next corner. 20 to cross the street. 325 to the next corner, then 25 paces to the front of the café. At exactly 10.48 a.m I reach the café. The café is right across the road from the park. It’s a nondescript kind of place with wicker chairs and glass-topped tables. It screams Parisian. On the wall are Monets, the same prints you see in every frame shop in High Street. At the back is a grainy laminate counter with a cash register, a cake stand holding 11 banana muffins stacked in 3 layers and a candy-striped bowl for tips. I’d like to know how much is there but from the door I can’t count it.

This is how it happens: I walk in. I will take the first available table, starting from the top left-hand corner and proceeding around the room and inwards in a clockwise direction. I sit. Cheryl will see me from wherever she stands – behind the counter or clearing another table or delivering an order. She is tall and about fifty. (I’m working on a plan to find out, because it’s annoying not knowing how old exactly. I’m considering asking her what moisturiser do you use because your skin looks so great for your age? Then she’ll ask me how old do you think I am? Then I’ll say about 40? Then she’ll laugh and say I’m actually 48!) She has long dark hair worn loose swinging down her back. Not very hygienic for someone in food services. She has a smile she rations, with a tiny hint of gold filling peeking out on a left upper molar. She wears a black apron around her waist and a pen behind her ear. Then she speaks: a random choice between ‘Nice day, eh love?’or ‘Shocking weather.’ It’d be nice if she could oscillate through these or even choose specific clichès for each day of the week, but that’s the trouble with small business. No systems.

Cheryl will say, ‘What’ll you have, love?’ as if there’s a question, as if there’s any doubt in my mind or hers. If we lived in New York I’m sure she’s say ‘Usual, pal?’ but she never acknowledges that there is a usual. Perhaps she has a bet with her friends waiting for the day I order something else.

But I never order something else. I order a hot chocolate with 2 marshmallows and a slice of orange cake. While she’s gone I double check the tables.17. The chairs. 59. One is missing. Perhaps it’s in the kitchen so tired cooks can rest their feet. It takes between 3 and 7 minutes for Cheryl to bring my order, depending on the number of people in the café, and she says, “Here you go, love. You enjoy that.”

I do enjoy it. I dunk my 2 marshmallows in the hot chocolate and stir, and its layers swirl into consistency. It is hot and sweet with foam on the top like a cappuccino. The cake is my favourite part of the whole day. It is a flourless orange cake, moist and crumby, with pieces of softened orange peel spread evenly through. It has a cream-cheese icing and is sprinkled, not coated, but sprinkled with poppy seeds. And the chef is not consistent – some days there are 12 tiny seeds spread out like ant hills in the desert. Other times there are 50 huddled as if there’s a stiff wind, or there are 75 squished on the small piece of cake like flattened children on the train coming home from the Royal Melbourne Show.

First, I count them. Then this number, this number of seeds, is the number of bites I must take to eat the piece of cake.

Anywhere between 20 and 30 is no hardship – I generally take small bites while I sit here drinking my chocolate. Fewer than 20 needs some skill – mentally divide the piece, calculate how big each forkful must be, then eat it. More than 30 is a large number of bites, and once there was an incredible 92 poppy seeds and I virtually had to eat the cake crumb by crumb.

That’s how it’s supposed to go, but today when I walk into the café at 10.48 a.m., there are no spare tables. Full. Everyone of the full.

No spare tables.

What do I do now? How do I leave? How do I get home?

No table. No table. No table.

There’s always a table.

No table. No table. No table.

Then I begin to hear a noise. I listen closely. It is the noise of my blood running through the small capillaries in my ears. It’s starting. It’s starting again.

I breathe quicker but I’m not getting enough air. My shoulders ache because my joints have unhinged and my arms hand, connected to my body only by the skin. My head spins, praying for an empty table. If I can’t sit I can’t order my cake and chocolate and if I don’t order my cake I won’t be able to count the poppy seeds and know now many bites to take and if I don’t eat my cake I won’t finish my cake and then how will I know when to go home? I’m loose now, there’s nothing to bring me back home. I’m loose and the wind blows through me and I could end up anywhere. I begin to feel cramps in my abdomen. Perhaps this is cholera. Soon all that is in me will leak out.

That’s when I see him, the man from the supermarket.

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2008 Oscars countdown

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Hollywood is abuzz with preparations for this year’s Oscars — it’s the first major red carpet event since the three-month-long writer’s strike. The strike finally ended one week ago much to the applause of Academy Awards organisers, leading fashion designers and of course the paparazzi — all fuelled by the star-studded line-up that we all love to watch.

All eyes will be on our very own Cate Blanchett who has been nominated for best actress and best supporting actress.

Your say: Do you think Cate Blanchett will win best actress and best leading actress? Leave your comments below. –> The Academy Awards, Hollywood’s hottest night begun with its first ceremony held on May 16, 1929. Memorable hosts over the years have included Bob Hope, Johnny Carson and Billy Crystal. John Stewart returns to the Kodak Theatre for a second time as host on February 24, 2008.

Among the 80th Academy Award nominees vying for the coveted golden statuette are first-timers Ellen Page who is up against Cate Blanchett for best leading actress for her role in Juno, Amy Ryan also up against Cate for best actress in a supporting role in Gone Baby Gone as well as Tilda Swinton for her role in Michael Clayton. Returning winners include Daniel Day Lewis, George Clooney, Tommy Lee Jones and Julie Christie, who won best leading actress in 1966 for Darling.

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Sienna Miller: fashion designer

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The wild-child actress sets the record straight on her fun-loving life.

After another year of hectic movie-making and seemingly equally hectic twists and turns in her love-life, Sienna is looking forward to a well-earned break with her beau, Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, 39.

The sexy star talks to Woman’s Day about style, stars, friends and why she’s already facing up to ageing gracefully — or maybe not.

How do you feel when you’re called a style icon?

I don’t know. I enjoy fashion and I’ve got an aesthetic for it, but it’s not important to me. It’s flattering if people think that but then they often say, ex style icon and all that so…

What inspires you in fashion?

Well, what I’m wearing now is my own label with my sister Savannah, Twenty8twelve. I think I get quite inspired by the films I’m doing, so at the moment it’s the 1960s and 1970s. I’ve always loved the clothes from those decades. I just think they’re beautiful, and the way people dressed was colourful and vibrant. Then, when I was filming The Edge of Love with Keira Knightley, it was all 1940s and I was obsessed with that for a while. Whatever is in my immediate world is inspiring to me.

Who are your favourite designers?

Oh, so many. I think Valentino is incredible. Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Lanvin and Gucci.

Was it a dream you had for a while, to start the label with your sister?

No, I never really had any aspirations to be a designer. My sister is a brilliant designer though. She went to Central St Martins College of Art and Design in London and worked with Alexander McQueen. I got approached with the idea of doing a label, and I said only if I can do it with my sister because it would be a fantastic vehicle for her. It’s also a lot of fun to work with your sister in such close proximity. It’s been really good and very well received. I get all the clothes for free, and that’s great too!

You’ve become good friends with Keira Knightley, whose attitude is you’ve just got to live your life and get on with it. Do you agree?

That’s the thing. I’m 26. I don’t want a security guard. I don’t want a driver. I don’t want a personal assistant. I would like to be able to do my job and live the life of a normal 26-year-old, like my friends live. As a result of not being protective of myself, I think I’m probably an easier target. If I was leaving a place and there was a car there with a security guard, then, yes, maybe there would be less things in the media, but I don’t want to have that. You do just have to live your life.

What do you want from life, other than being an actress?

Ideally, children. I’d love to have kids one day — in a cottage in the countryside.

And who would be the father?

(Laughs) I know what you’re after. I can spot those a mile off these days…

Read more of this interview in Woman’s Day (on-sale January 21, 2008)

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Katie breaks her silence

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“The truth about my marriage and Scientology”

In a no-holds-barred exclusive interview, Katie Holmes finally speaks out about her controversial marriage to superstar Tom Cruise, and her opinion of author Andrew Morton’s shock biography of her Scientologist husband.

Read the interview in Woman’s Day (on-sale January 21, 2008)

More about Katie Holmes

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Oprah’s new fat battle

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Her weight war flares again as Stedman walks out and she hits 100kg.

Oprah Winfrey’s weight is spiralling out of control yet again, as her devoted support for handsome presidential hopeful Barack Obama and the final collapse of her 21-year relationship with Stedman Graham take a devastating toll…

Read the full story in Woman’s Day (on-sale January 21, 2008)

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In the mag – January 28, 2008

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On sale Monday January 21, 2008

Princess Mary: ‘I’ve been betrayed’

Princess Mary is feeling more isolated than ever since becoming convinced that a senior member of the Danish royal household is trying to undermine her.

Katie breaks her silence: ‘The truth about my marriage and Scientology’

In a no-holds-barred exclusive interview, Katie Holmes finally speaks out about her controversial marriage to superstar Tom Cruise.

Oprah’s new fat battle

Oprah Winfrey’s weight is spiralling out of control yet again, as her devoted support for handsome presidential hopeful Barack Obama and the final collapse of her 21-year relationship with Stedman Graham take a devastating toll.

The Kernaghans’ secret family anguish

While Lee, 43, and Tania, 39, are Australian country music icons, another Kernaghan star is on the rise. Younger sibling Fiona, 34, a respected songwriter, has returned from the US with a rock-inspired album.

  • TV star tells: ‘Shane Warne ruined my love life’

  • Former The Price Is Right model Ann-Maree Cooksley will think twice before ever accepting a hug from Shane Warne again. According to Ann-Maree, her long-running friendship with the cricketing great has left some shocking emotional debris in its wake, with the breakdown of not one, but two of her relationships.

  • Sonia and Todd rumba to radio

  • One-time childhood sweethearts Sonia Kruger and Todd McKenney have teamed up to star on Sydney’s Mix 106.5 Mornings.

  • Sienna Miller: Surgery, sexiness and style

  • The wild-child actress sets the record straight on her fun-loving life.

  • Shannon Noll takes on Hollywood

  • See the photos from Shannon’s latest trip to Hollywood.

  • True Life: ‘I cured my cancer by drinking my urine’

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Shannon takes on Hollywood

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