Sunday, 26 January 2014

My favourite fat burning and pre-training drink

Green tea is one of my most favourite aids for detoxification and fat loss. It contains plenty of catechins - these little wonders help to regulate my blood sugar and appetite, and in turn help to promote fat loss.


The caffeine it contains a helpful fat burning aid when combined with resistance training, as this study suggests.

I'm also very aware of my caffeine intake.  I never have it on an empty stomach or first thing in the morning - I make sure I have breakfast first.  That way it won't upset my tummy.

And, since caffeine can stay in my system for up to 48 hours (which could disturb my sleep), I stick with 1-2 caffeinated drinks a day and generally avoid it after lunch.

Here's a little shareable from me for you to muse on too.



Wishing you all the best in health and happiness,

Fiona

Saturday, 25 January 2014

On my favourite subjects .... wine and chocolate :)


How I'm burning fat faster with this little known porridge secret

I've always loved porridge.  And one day I stumbled upon Mornflake Oatbran as I was scanning the aisles at Waitrose (it lives on the bottom shelf so it's easy to miss).

As I had a closer look at the breakdown I noticed that the numbers looked very different from normal porridge oats.  

Amazingly oatbran has at least 40% more protein and 200% more fibre than its whole rolled cousin, which means they will take longer to break down, will keep you fuller for longer and will contribute much more to your body composition aims.  Oh! And while Mornflake are sadly no longer allowed to call it gluten free it has far less gluten than porridge oats so it's easier on the tummy too.

If you make it with oat milk, dried apple and cinnamon it tastes absolutely amazing ... and takes no time at all to cook.  

40g for a woman, 50g for a man, top it with a big handful of berries if you like!  Try it out - you might be converted for good!

For the latest free recipes and offers, please visit my Facebook page, like and share the love!




Friday, 24 January 2014

Day 18 of my 21DayDetox - what I did when my lunch went missing

Planning and preparing in advance is key for a successful detox.  This morning posed an interesting challenge. I opened my fridge, and instead of finding my favourite Vegetarian Chilli ... ... I discovered that ALL of it had gone!  Every single last mouthful!  Fortunately I'd had my favourite Cinnamon Oatbran Porridge and berries for breakfast so I was well set up for the day, but STILL!!!

[Despite being at a temporary loss for what to do for lunch, I had to admit I was secretly pleased about my other half hoovering a vegetarian meal as if it was made out of beef (he's a big red meat eater).  I think I'm slowly converting him :) ]

So I cobbled together a selection of emergency detox snacks instead:

Banana Detox Shake (hug for my liver)
(doesn't look appetising, does it - but there is beauty inside AND I've lost 10lbs so far)


Apple and Cucumber Wedges
(My favourite PMT / water retention busting snack)


Munchy Seeds
(ohhhh how I love these - rich in protein, fibre and energy, filling and YUMMY)


I'm excited to report that I absolutely flew through circuits today, despite being picked on by my trainer.  Tom, if you're reading this, yes my glutes are officially on fire today, thank you.

I wonder how my favourite glass of red is going to taste on Day 21?  I'm feeling so good that I may give it a miss!

For the latest free recipes and offers, please visit my Facebook page, like and share the love.

Thursday, 23 January 2014

Detox workout - have you heard of PHA training? If not, read on!

It's Day 17 of my 21DayDetox programme and this week I've returned to higher intensity forms of training.  Having given my liver a hug for a whole week, I've got much more energy and I feel lighter and fitter on my toes.

Today one of my personal trainers, Christian Cunningham, introduced to a form of training called PHA (Peripheral Heart Action).  I only had 20 minutes to spare ... and despite being a circuit training and yoga fanatic that really did push me to my limits!

I'm always interested in new methods of burning fat, so I asked him how it works.  Basically it sounds (and feels!) like a form of High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT which many of you may already know is one of the best ways to burn fat quickly when you're a busy person on the run.

The basic idea is that you keep your heart rate high by keeping your intensity level at 8-out-of-10.  You target specific muscle groups and keep switching between upper and lower body.  For example, one of the circuits involved:

2 minutes on the spin bike
1 minute of pushups
1 minute of squat jumps

This creates an environment of oxygen deprivation where my body is trying remove the resulting buildup of lactic acid.  This requires a slow burn to fix, and your body uses fat stores to do that  - yay!

Combined with my gorgeous Vegetarian Chilli from my 21 Day Detox programme, I can't wait to see how far my body fat has dropped by the end of the week!

Big thanks to Christian Cunningham in Bristol!


Wishing you all the best in health and happiness,

Fiona

For the latest free recipes and offers, please visit my Facebook page, like and share the love.

21 Day Detox Challenge - book now to start on February 3rd

If you were inspired by Ally's story, there are still spaces on my challenge starting on Monday February 3rd.  

Typical Daily Menu

Homemade Granola

Super Berry Detox Smoothie

Thai Green Curry

Pricing Details
If you're based in the UK, the programme is offered for £149 including the super detox protein powder (worth £47) plus a small selection recommended supplements (you may be able to use your own).  If you have wider health issues that you would like to explore, or you'd like to experience body composition analysis for a true before and after picture of what you've achieved, it's an additional £102 - that's a 20% discount for seeing me in person!

If you're outside of the UK, the programme is yours for £99 with a supplement plan designed with products that are available to you locally.  

Places are limited!  For more information and bookings, email info@naturopath-uk.com or call 07973661767 today!

And, for the latest free recipes and offers, please visit my Facebook page, like and share the love.