Top 12 Benefits Of Turmeric!

Top 12 Benefits of Turmeric!

Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, a component of Turmeric.  Look at the amazing health benefits it brings.

Why Everyone is Talking About 'Farm to Face' Beauty?

The next generation of ‘natural’, the Farm to Face movement is taking the beauty industry by storm. With increasing concern from consumers regarding the provenance (and sustainability) of their cosmetics, a growing number of beauty brands are owning the entire formulation process - from seed to serum. 

Boasting super-fresh, home-grown ingredients, painstakingly nurtured and carefully cold-pressed, distilled or blended to enhance their skin-perfecting potency, this is the ‘field-to-fork’ of skin care.

Brands are now 'hand-rearing' the bulk of their ingredients on site - planting and cultivating the herbs, fruits and vegetables needed to make their specialist complexion-perfecting recipes. The surest way to guarantee each precious oil, extract or distillate is unadulterated - untouched by potentially harmful insecticides, and totally non-GMO - these brands have brought production 'in house' to create the 'cleanest' (and most powerful) end products.

Mostly made in small batches to maximise freshness, ingredients are harvested when they are in their 'prime', then subjected to painstaking (synthetic-free) extraction processes to capture all the goodness. We now all know that boiling a cabbage dilutes the 'good stuff' (it ends up in the thrown-away water), which is why these raw ingredients are treated with respect; laboriously cold-pressed and lovingly blended to ensure that every last drop is exploited.

Rich in all manner of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and bioflavanoids, these Farm to Face products all guarantee purity and transparency - empowering consumers to make informed buying choices. Leading the charge are established brand names such as {Tata Harper} - whose products start their lives as saplings on her Vermont farm - while burgeoning brands (such as {FARMACY}, {SkinOwl} and {Vintner's Daughter}), are now making their mark on this fast-growing niche.

A reaction to our ever more fast-paced culture, Farm to Face puts the care in cosmetics. With emphasis on quality, integrity and eco-conscience, this is 'soul food' for your face - made with patience and laced with a dollop of love.

This is skin care to make you both look and feel good. Watch this space...

Article Source - Verity, Cult Beauty

Eating Garlic Can Reduce The Risk Of Certain Cancers!

Garlic has been highly regarded as a health-boosting ingredient for a very long time, used to treat human disease for thousands of years.

However, the way that garlic benefits the body has perplexed researchers for eons.

In a recent study published by scientists from the University of Nottingham, researchers concluded that garlic can in fact reduce the risk of developing certain kinds of cancers, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, the way in which garlic is prepared can have a positive effect on the bulb’s ability to benefit your health.

However, scientists have been unable to determine which method of preparation is the most effective.

Garlic produces a variety of sulphur compounds when prepared, whether it’s chopped, fermented in alcohol or pressed for oil.

According to researchers, these sulphur compounds can affect “gaseous signalling molecules” such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulphide that are naturally produced in the human body.

Altered levels of gaseous signalling molecules can be detected in people suffering from many diseases, as they can have a huge impact on cell communication and maintaining balance in the body.

“These molecules give the plants an ecological advantage when they’re growing out in the wild,” said Dr Peter Rose, a biochemist at the University of Nottingham and senior author of the study.

“As it happens, they’re also biologically active within mammalian cells and tissues, but we do not know how they are metabolised in humans.”

While the optimum technique for preparing garlic is still being debated, the researchers did agree that garlic is one of several plant species that has strong restorative abilities.

“There is a lot of possibility within this area for finding approaches that could reduce the risk of diseases and improve human health, but it all comes back to those fundamental questions of what actually happens to these compounds when we metabolise them,” Dr Rose said.

“There’s a whole spectrum of human work that still needs to be done to further explore some of these weird and wonderful sulphur compounds that we find within our diets.”

Article source - Sabrina Farr - The Independent

What is The Nordic Diet and Why is it So Good For You?

What is The Nordic Diet and Why is it So Good For You?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) advocates it as a means of cutting disease, nutritionists laud its high fibre content and historians revel in its Viking origins.

But what is the Nordic diet? And why do dietitians hail it as one of the healthiest food plans around?

Typically defined as a diet based around the traditional foods of Northern Europe, the Nordic diet champions locally-sourced ingredients and is rich in fish, grains, vegetables and berries. Different from its Mediterranean counterpart, the Nordic diet is as much about sustainability as it is nutrition and is typically lauded as an eco-friendly diet that abhors processed food in favour of home-cooked meals based around lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.

It also favours different types of fats. While the Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, the Nordic diet promotes the use of canola and rapeseed oil, both of which are rich in monounsaturated fats that promote heart health.

It also favours different types of fats. While the Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, the Nordic diet promotes the use of canola and rapeseed oil, both of which are rich in monounsaturated fats that promote heart health.

“It’s based around whole foods and is therefore lower in refined carbohydrates and foods that are lacking in nutrients in comparison to traditional western diets,” dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine told The Independent.

Foods typically consumed in the Nordic diet plan are traditionally sourced in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and include game meats, poultry, legumes, root vegetables and whole-grain cereals. The diet has been around for centuries but its newest incarnation came about in 2004 when two Nordic chefs, René Redzepi and Claus Meyer, revolutionised the concept with their restaurant Noma, which epitomised the diet’s focus on foraged foods.

Due to its low-sugar and salt content, the WHO praises the diet for lowering the risk of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, promoting it alongside the Mediterranean diet in a recent review.

Research has also linked the diet to lower incidences of type two diabetes.

Article Source - Olivia Petter, The Independent

So What is Hyaluronic Acid and How is it Good for Your Skin?

Hyaluronic acid (sometimes listed as sodium hyaluronate or glycosaminoglycans) has been around for yonks - it's not a new sensation and when we're young and sprightly, we make buckets of it on our own - producing it to lubricate our joints, keep our skin plump and even keep our eyeballs ball-y (*shudder*).

However, as with most fun things, hyaluronic acid levels naturally deplete as we grow older (from around 18) although the side-effects don't usually expose themselves until we've made it safely to our mid-to-late 30s (still too soon), which is why it's important to top-up the tank.

Hydrophillic (water-loving), hyaluronic acid attracts up to 1000 times its molecular weight in water, making it amazing at keeping skin hydrated - and in turn, a brilliant anti-ageing ingredient; water keeps cells 'plump' and cellular walls rigid, to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, and maintain skin's fullness and firmness.

In the olden days (the noughties), you could purchase all manner of hyaluronic acid-rich treatments but, due to the size of the molecules, these serums couldn't penetrate the skin so simply sat on top, then got washed off. Nowadays, chemists and dermatologists have got wise, and are producing treatments which deliver this skin-plumping youth dew directly to where it's most needed - blending hyaluronic molecules of different sizes, to maximise the hydrating effect.

Ideal for quickly lessening fine lines and crow's feet, as well as supplementing your skin's lipid barrier to prevent moisture loss (especially important if your skin is dehydrated or you work in water-leeching air-conditioned offices), hyaluronic is pretty much 'one size fits all'; a humectant (not emollient) hydrator, this makes a great serum for dry skins but won't suffocate congested or combination complexions.

Serums (such as Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's {Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster}, or The Ordinary's ultra-light, non-tacky {Marine Hyaluronics}) have a featherweight formula - absorbing within seconds to flood skin with a thirst-quenching drink of water. If you mist your face first (Allies of Skin's {Molecular Saviour Mist} is essentially a nutrient and moisture reservoir) you'll further optimise the serum's plumping properties by providing a wealth of precious moisture for the HA molecules to cling to. 

If however, you need to see an impact FAST try Ilcsi's {Anti-Ageing & Hyaluron Gel Mask} which stars hyaluronic acid alongside potent (super-natural) plant extracts to provide both immediate and long-term benefit. Or try Saturday Skin's {Quench Intense Hydration Mask} - a sheet mask that's brimming with essence to act like a long drink of water for thirsty complexions. 

The HA 'swells' cells to help make you look younger in minutes, while a cocktail of skin conditioning, protective and reparative ingredients works to 'undo' signs of damage and help optimise skin's cellular efficiency.

Article Source - Verity @ Cult Beauty

Top Tips For Better Skin

Top Tips For Better Skin

1. Consider Your Water

And tailor your skin-care products accordingly. “Soft water doesn’t remove soap well, so it can leave a residue on your skin,” says Susan H. Weinkle, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of South Florida, in Tampa. If your water is soft, use face and body cleansers sparingly (no more than a nickel- or quarter-size amount, respectively). Hard water, on the other hand, doesn’t allow washes to lather easily, prompting you to use even more cleanser, which can cause dryness. Gentle, nonsoap formulas, which aren’t meant to lather, can minimize this, says Carolyn Jacob, a dermatologist in Chicago

2. Drink Green Tea

“If your complexion is red or blotchy, this tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can be soothing,” says Andrea Cambio, a dermatologist in Cape Coral, Florida. “Iced is best because hot beverages can worsen redness and other symptoms of rosacea.” Another benefit: The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea may help prevent the collagen destruction that leads to wrinkles as well as sun-induced DNA damage in the skin (think lines and discoloration), according to some experts. Consider subbing tea for your morning mug of coffee.

3. Keep Stress in Check

It takes a toll on nearly every part of your body, including your skin. In a study conducted at Stanford University, researchers found that during exam time, students who felt stressed had more severe acne breakouts than did those under less pressure. That’s because stress increases the body’s production of hormones such as cortisol, which can make skin oilier and decrease its ability to fight off acne-causing bacteria, says Lisa Donofrio, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine. To keep that frazzled feeling under control, regularly practice stress-management techniques, like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. This “can help conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrhea,” Donofrio says.

4. Improve Your Air Quality

Avoiding smoky environments is smart, since “just being around smoke can lead to the release of free radicals that damage skin and hasten aging,” says Diane S. Berson, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, in New York City. Other indoor pollutants can adversely affect skin, too. Change the air filter in your furnace regularly, and if you cook with oil, use the fan over your range. Also keep in mind that dry indoor air can dehydrate skin and make fine lines more noticeable. Run a humidifier in your bedroom to minimize these problems.

5. Switch to Plain Toothpaste

Those with tartar-control ingredients or added flavors, like cinnamon, may contribute to a common skin condition called perioral dermatitis. It looks like pimples, redness, and scaling around the mouth, says Donofrio. Use a basic paste instead, like Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste.  Note: If you suffer from this problem, see a dermatologist for antibiotics to clear it up.

6. Watch Sun Exposure Indoors

Yes, you read it right: UV rays (in particular UVA rays) can penetrate the windows in your home and office and cause wrinkling and brown spots. The same goes for car windows: Studies have found higher rates of skin cancers on the side of the face and upper body that  is more exposed when you’re driving. Cancers aside, “many people have more wrinkles and sun damage on that side of their faces, too,” notes Donofrio. Make protection a no-brainer by always wearing a moisturizer with SPF. 

7. Monitor Your Dairy Intake (If You Have Acne)

Research from the Harvard School of Public Health found that teenage girls who consume a lot of milk are almost 30 percent more likely to have acne than those who drink less, and experts believe the same holds true for adult women prone to serious breakouts. Surprisingly, skim milk seems to be a worse offender than whole milk. Scientists don’t understand exactly why milk products can lead to acne, but some surmise that the natural hormones present in dairy may be to blame, says Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist in Miami Beach, Florida, who notes that even organic milk can cause breakouts. Cottage cheese, instant breakfast drinks, and sherbet are also linked to acne. While cutting back on dairy won’t solve a pimple problem single-handedly, it may make a difference for those who suffer severe breakouts, say experts. (If you go this route, be sure you’re getting enough calcium from other food sources, such as leafy greens, or consider taking a supplement.)

8. Pay Attention to Your Cleanser

It may sound counterintuitive, but if you have dry skin, your choice of face wash may be even more important than your moisturizer. “A nonsoap cleanser is ideal because it helps replace the moisture barrier in the skin,” Donofrio says. “Consider it a preventive approach,” adds Berson. “You can use your cleanser to avoid dryness, eczema, and psoriasis rather than just treating these issues when they flare up.” Use a good, inexpensive, and natural one.  That said, applying a moisturizer after you cleanse is still smart. And if you’re using an acne medication, wait 10 minutes after you wash to minimize irritation.

9. Choose Water-Based Hair Products

Some conditioners, as well as pomades, volumizers, and styling creams, contain oils or waxes that can clog pores and create acne, especially on the forehead, the back, and the hairline. Even if you’re careful to avoid getting them on your skin, they can run down your face and body as you shower and when you sweat, or be transferred by your pillowcase while you sleep. Instead, look for water-based formulas and avoid those containing mineral oil, beeswax, or microcrystalline wax. 

10. Check Your Medicine Cabinet

Some oral contraceptives, antibiotics, fertility drugs, and antiseizure medications can bring on breakouts, says Jerome Litt, a dermatologist in Beachwood, Ohio. Antihistamines, diuretics, and some antidepressants can cause dry skin. And certain antibiotics, diuretics, and diabetes treatments can make you vulnerable to sun damage. “If you find your skin is reacting more while you’re taking a particular drug, talk to your physician,” says Litt. “He or she may be able to either lower the dosage or switch you to a different medication.”

11. Sleep a Full Night

While you’re snoozing, the skin’s repair mechanisms swing into action, says McBurney. Being sleep-deprived, by contrast, puts stress on the body, causing it to release more adrenaline and cortisol, which can trigger breakouts and other skin problems, says Barbara R. Reed, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Colorado, Denver. (And research from China found that insufficient sleep was a significant risk factor for acne among adolescents.) Make getting seven to eight hours of shut-eye your last good-skin move of each day.

Article Source -Stacy Colino, Real Simple 

Want A Herbal Remedy To Get Rid Of A Headache?

Want A Natural Remedy To Get Rid Of A Headache?

Article Source - Natural News

Coffee Smoothies That Will Change Your Morning

Raise your hand if at least once a week your morning looks like this: Alarm goes off. Three snoozes go by before you’re out of bed, and suddenly you’re running around your house/apartment, shoes in one hand and breakfast bar in the other. Yep, us too. Despite our best intentions, mornings aren’t always as smooth and zen as we’d like.

Luckily, there’s a little trick that will keep you from having to chug your coffee before rushing out the door. On the mornings you’re really frazzled, make a coffee smoothie. When a healthy breakfast and your a.m. energy boost are combined, there’s one less thing on your to-do list. It won't magically make you a morning person, but hey, it could help.

1. Coconut Cashew Latte Smoothie

Anytime we can get a smoothie to taste like a milkshake without packing in the sugar, it’s a win. This thick, creamy drink uses a small frozen banana, vanilla protein powder, cashews, shredded coconut, and coffee to mimic your favourite vanilla shake. You can also play around with it, adding in a date or two, a tablespoon of nut butter, or a few shakes of cinnamon. 

2. Peanut Butter Espresso Smoothie

Reese’s for breakfast? Don’t mind if we do. OK, it’s not exactly the same, but it does taste pretty darn good. The key here is espresso powder, but if you’re in a pinch, you could always swap in a shot of actual espresso or half a cup of coffee. 

3. Salted Caramel Mocha Smoothie

Salted caramel is always a good start, isn’t it? This smoothie has a sneaky secret, though. Instead of caramel sauce, the recipe uses dates, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder to get a similar, caramel-y taste. It’s like a frapp but about 10 shades healthier. 

4. Peppermint Mocha Smoothie

Peppermint lattes are all the rage in winter, but there’s no reason you can’t re-create the minty flavor year round. Just add a little peppermint extract to coffee, banana, almond milk, and cocoa powder, and you’ve got yourself a peppermint mocha. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few fresh mint leaves on top.

5. Coffee and Oat Smoothie

Coffee, oatmeal, and a smoothie all in one? This recipe was made for the indecisive, and we love it. Add a spoonful of nut butter, a banana or handful of frozen cauliflower (yes, really), coffee, and milk to your blender along with a quarter cup of rolled oats. You’ll get a thicker texture than most smoothies and an energy boost to start your day strong.

Article Source: Madison Flagger - The Great List 

Want To Add Variety To Your Walks

You don't have to spend hours in the Gym to stay healthy.  Get outside and 'Walk' as much as you can.  

It's good for your Physical and Mental Health. 

Supporting National Mental Awareness Week.

Article Source - StepzApp

In Music We Trust - A Worthy Cause!

Can you really buy Organic Beauty on a Budget?

Organic Beauty products range in price, largely based on the type of ingredients used to formulate the product. Let’s face it, synthetic ingredients are mass produced, cheap and easy to obtain and Organic is not.  That being said, affordable organic beauty does exist.

Here to debunk the myth, we’ve found the best organic buys under £20 to cover your nightly ritual:

Skin + Tonic Make-Up Remover - £18.00

A cult beauty favourite, Skin + Tonic’s simple, straight-talking and organic products are the epitome of cool. This gentle, unscented make-up remover is blended from organic cold pressed oils, such as jojoba oil and sunflower oil, which contain antibacterial properties, will enrich your skin with vitamin E and also deeply hydrate. Removing the daily grime from the day has never felt so good! Made with people and the planet in mind, 100ml for £18 seems like a worthy investment.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Palmarosa Facial Wash - £17.00

Say bye bye to everyday impurities with the best-selling, gently foaming Neals Yard Remedies facial wash. Cleanse and decongest away the day whilst still maintaining your skin’s natural oils. Their use of palmrosa is renowned for purifying, balancing oils and for stimulating cell regeneration. Not only that, used internally, palmarosa can help soothe and strengthen the nervous system, aiding stress and anxiety. Adapto-genius!

Alucia Organics Argan Oil - £13.00

The avocado of the beauty world, argan oil has established itself as a go-to for beauty buffs. A multi-purpose product, you can use this to both nourish the hair and as a facial serum. This 50ml bottle of goodness is filled with essential fatty acids, antioxidants and cell regenerative properties. Who knew one ingredient could tick so many beauty boxes!

LA-EVA Blu Lotion - £18.50

Don’t let the name fool you - this lotion will make you feel anything but blue. An evocative lotion that is made for the sensualist out there, its heady scent of cedar and vetivert, and its smooth texture will overload your senses. Developed to soften, hydrate and nourish the face and body, this lotion is two products in one! The blue chamomile will be sure to restore a sense of clarity and calm, so not only will it invoke a sense of peace, it is also a sophisticated addition to in your bathroom cabinet – win win!

Looking and feeling good shouldn’t mean ugly compromises, so when you see our logo, you can be sure to trust the quality and integrity of what’s in your lotions and potions.

Article Source - Soil Association / Neale's Yard 

11 Incredible Benefits of Walnuts

Article Source - Organic Facts

Why Anti-Pollution Skin Care is the Next Big Thing in Beauty

It's now been 18 months since we first documented the impending rise of 'Polluaging' at that point, a little-known phrase which felt niche and Korea-centric. Fast forward to now, and 'anti-pollution' products are becoming ever more ubiquitous, with a new protective powerhouse launched every other day. So what's triggered the anti-pollution revolution, and which of the new swathe of products do you need in your routine?

Now that we've all got the 'wear sunscreen' memo, we rarely think about the damaging effects of UV rays. We slather our faces with SPF daily to negate the sun's ageing efforts. But until recently, we didn't realise that our skin had yet another nemesis - that everyday exposure to pollutants is degrading precious cells and compromising our complexions' youthful 'bloom'. 

Packed with DNA-damaging free radicals, the fumes which choke from car exhausts and factories combine to wage a detrimental onslaught - mutating cells' irreparably and compromising their regenerative capabilities. In the short term, these free radicals can impact on your skin's protective barrier which leads to redness, sensitivity and inflammation, while in the longer term, these toxins lead to dullness, fine lines and a gradual decline in elasticity and 'stretch'.

Thankfully, instead of wearing a trendy, hermetically sealed helmet à la astronauts to go about your business, look for a 'force field' for your face, which promises to deflect or neutralise the atmosphere's aggressors. 

Article Source - By Verity, Cult Beauty

Get Prepped For Summer

After months at the mercy of biting winds, dehydrating central heating and a cold-induced tendency to bury ourselves beneath layers of knitwear (and festive pyjamas), come summer, our skin appears dry, flaky and not entirely unlike we’re ready to slither straight out of it.

So lose your cocoon and buff skin back to its beautiful best with these tips, tricks and accomplices.

Dry body brushing not only loosens dead cells but encourages circulation near the skin's surface, which in turn boosts its processes of repair and renewal. It also stimulates lymphatic drainage to eliminate toxins and gradually help the appearance of cellulite.

Tip - always brush towards the heart (wrist to shoulder/toe to bottom) to get the blood pumping and make you feel energised. It's a brilliant way to start the day - just a few minutes every other morning pre-shower (focussing on any problem areas) will soon have your skin feeling baby soft and smooth. Use firm strokes but remember, this isn't a punishment...

Get a Body scrub with tiny grains or exfoliating beads suspended in a nutritive base, a good scrub will reinvigorate sluggish skin to leave it velvety soft and looking luminous. Simultaneously smoothing and conditioning, choose your weapon by your skin type (and your body clock).

Shed your insulation and reclaim exposé-worthy, fuzz-free limbs. Whether you're a fan of waxing, epilation or a die-hard razorette, liberate legs (and eliminate ouches) with hair-removal must-haves. 

Tip - if you're susceptible to unsightly ingrowers, exfoliating 'acid' pads can be swept over legs once you've finished your face, to help prevent those little lumps and bumps. AND, they're laced with super-subtle tanning agents to bestow a streak-free hint of 'sunkissed' colour.

Do it at your desk - choose a moisturiser with exfoliating properties such a Ameliorate's {Transforming Body Lotion}, which contains lactic acid to smooth and soften skin, whilst sweet almond and vitamin E combine to hydrate, repair and strengthen. The same principle can be applied to your face - use a night cream with an alpha-hydroxy acid (such as glycolic) to gently resurface your skin as your slumber. Try Alpha-H's {Beauty Sleep Power Peel} but remember AHAs gradually strip your skin of its oldest, uppermost layer, so ALWAYS wear an SPF on any areas that may be exposed to the sun - even when it's cloudy, the sun is still up there... somewhere.

Article Source - By Verity, Cult Beauty

The Best & Worst Children's Menus in UK Restaurant Chains

Out to Lunch League Tables 

The alarming facts that some UK Restaurant Chains have an enormous amount of high sugary menus aimed at Children.  Some oversized desserts had over 100g of sugar in them.  That's approximately 20 sugar cubes!  Added to that are the unlimited 'Fizzy' Drinks supply. There is no wonder that the UK has an obesity problem which is growing at a horrific rate. Not to mention the increase in Diabetes. 

There is some great work going on with Soil Association and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall with the secret diners bringing together these results.  It has triggered the Restaurant Chains to amend their menus.  What a great start. 

Article Source - Soil Association  Food For Life & Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

How to Get Your Family on Board for Eating Healthy

How To Get Your Family on Board for Eating Healthy

Why is getting the whole family to eat healthily like pulling teeth? Everyone knows it’s the right thing to do, the healthful thing to do, but they all moan and groan like it’s the hardest task they’ve had to do in their entire lives.

Establishing healthy life practices takes patience and persistence to build a routine, but it doesn’t have to be as boring as the whole family expects. Here are a few fun and easy tips to get your family to eat healthier and live their best lives

1. Follow the 80/20 Rule

How many times do you order in during the week or month? Want to eat more real food?

Stop making the rules so challenging, and pick one rule to live by — eat real food 80 percent of the time and whatever else during the other 20 percent. Skip the expensive health-food store products, and buy real whole grains, vegetables and fruit, with a protein-rich diet. Vegetables contain protein, too. 

80 percent of the time avoid artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, refined flour, sugar and processed foods. The other 20 percent — eat whatever you each want. That means your kid eats a whole breakfast but can feel free to say yes to the mystery flavor sucker the teller at the bank offers. 

2. Eat Backwards

Choose a day out of the month where you eat backwards for the day. You serve dinner for breakfast and breakfast for dinner. If it’s on the weekend, you can wear your pajamas all day, too. If the kids watch cartoons at breakfast, allow them to watch cartoons in the evening before bed — but only for that one day.

Shake up your routine and see what happens. 

3. Volunteer

Show your family what real hunger looks like and how good it feels to give back. Research shows people who give back feel better about the world and themselves, increasing a sense of life satisfaction and accomplishment. 

Children have big hearts, but it’s easy to get caught up in the small world of the self and school. The tiniest of little ones making small contributions, such as donating their time or part of their allowance to a soup kitchen, shows that big impact doesn’t have to be big to feel big.

It’s even better if your family members pick charities that resonate with their abilities and passions. Donate tutoring skills or bake brownies for the local fire station. Get creative with volunteering and get to know your community.

4. Cooking Competition

Select several real-food ingredients and challenge the whole family to create a delicious recipe. It’s a fun way to learn how to cook and how to mix spices together. 

Create your own junior chef competition, such as trying one of Rachel Ray’s kid-friendly cooking challenges with a twist on a PB&J sandwich by including strawberries and bananas with bacon, pecans and chipotle powder.

The junior chefs can also create their own special PB&J recipe with a variety of food choices that you supply. Supervise uses of hot appliances, such as a panini press and oven. 

5. Microwave Meal Mondays

Instead of Meatless Mondays, declare the dreaded start of the busy week as Microwave Meal Monday. The only rule is that the meal must be mostly healthy. Keep the convenience factor and eat better.

There are many healthy recipes easily and quickly made in the microwave. You can poach eggs and fish in the microwave, and you can make cauliflower mac and cheese and gluten-free enchiladas. If you have a teenager starting their college applications, cooking healthy and tasty meals in the microwave is a survival skill that should be learned now.

6. Shake Up the Snacks

Instead of sneaking healthy foods into meals, strike a balance by shaking up snacks nutritionally. Teach your kids to make their own chips, and journey to a farmer’s market to choose colorful vegetables to dehydrate or bake. Kids are also more likely to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables when they have a dipping sauce — use cheese, honey mustard, ranch, balsamic vinegar and other experimental dipping sauces.

You can manage the nutrition of the dipping sauces by making them yourselves, such as baking brie or melting other organic cheeses down.

These six fun tips will get your whole family on board for eating healthy. Your teenager will know how to cook nutritious and “fancy” meals in the microwave, and you’ll develop little iron chefs of your own who care about giving back to their community. Besides, who doesn’t love the idea of breakfast for dinner with cartoons?

Article Source - A is for Adelaide.

The FoodT App Helps Retrain The Brain Choices Of Unhealthy Foods!

About FoodT

FoodTrainer (FoodT) is a simple computer game that trains your brain to stop to certain unhealthy foods or drinks. Repeatedly playing this game builds up associations between certain foods (such as chocolate) and stopping, effectively putting the brakes on your eating behaviour.

Our research suggests that playing this game reduces cravings for foods like chocolate, making them easier to resist and reducing how much is eaten. Our first study in 83 adults showed that people who played the game just four times in one week lost weight and ate an average of 220 kcal less per day (roughly equivalent to a chocolate-iced doughnut!).

The brain training was developed by a team of Psychologists from the Universities of Exeter and Cardiff who have shown that this training reduces food intake in lab experiments and in the real world.

They are currently raising funds via crowdfunding to develop an iPhone version of FoodT.

The FoodT app has been developed in partnership with Psynovigo and was funded by the Wellcome Trust and University of Exeter.

Article Source - Read more    https://www.exeter.ac.uk/foodt