and finding the motivation & balance to get me there

Wednesday 21 July 2010

you too can look like Elle Macpherson!

Elle's personal trainer James Duigan shares some great tips here in this video. He seems to have a very realistic approach to diet and exercise, which I like.  Maybe one day (and considering Elle is 47, so I still have a few years to get there!) I too can look like Elle Macpherson! 


I like the quote about keeping it simple. I also read another interview with James where he said it was better to do at least 20 minutes of exercise every day rather than workout 3 times a week. “Keep it simple, lots of green vegies, lots of lean meats, lots of fruit, all the good stuff that keeps you healthy.” 


Interview from SheSaid with James Duigan about diet here and also one about exercise here.


Inspiration from the Daily Telegraph





Alison 


Sunday 18 July 2010

tea for one

I have no problem admitting that I am hormonally challenged, even at the best of times. Just ask Matthew, I can go through 20 different emotions in the space of 3 seconds! True. But it's about to all change. A few weeks ago I found a pretty amazing tea. Yogi Tea's Women's Balance - just read this description and it explains all. From now on this tea is an absolute must in my life.

In Hindu mythology, female dieties are represented with many arms. This is symbolic of being able to accomplish many things simultaneously. This not only applies to the material aspect of life, it also relates to the forces of nature that govern the body and the feminine psyche. This delicate blend of herbs and spices is an effective aid in helping bring balance to each of these aspects of a woman’s life.





And it's in a pretty pink box!  Now I don't cry when watching Bondi Vet (thanks to iTunes and AppleTV we can watch a lot of tv shows from home - thank God for AppleTV!!). In fact now I don't cry when watching tv at all! My family appreciate that. 



recommended links

Again with Craig at 3D Personal Training and his twitter page - another useful link on super foods

3D's Top 10 Superfoods Revealed!!


1. Coconut Fat: One of the most misunderstood fats known to man. We think it’s awesome; it’s highly anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, fantastic for weight loss (regulating metabolism through optimising thyroid function) and is a great source of usable energy. We use it in smoothies, cook with it, or eat it right off the spoon

2. Avocado: High in great mono-saturated fats and beta-sitosterol, which have been shown to lower cholesterol. It’s also high in anti-oxidants, fibre, and lutein (great for your eyes), and is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes and cancer

3. Spinach: It’s not only Popeye that loves spinach. Calorie for calorie, it’s the king of nutrients, delivering vitamin K (good for your bones), vitamins C and A, folic acid, quercetin (a powerful anti-inflammatory) and as though all that wasn’t enough, it’s an excellent source of calcium too

4. Blueberries: A low GI anti-oxidant powerhouse with anti-inflammatory properties, great for those looking to lose weight

5. Almonds: Gives you a good amount of protein, great fats, fibre, calcium, magnesium and vitamin E, and is highly alkalising. A great snack especially when combined with an apple

6. Free Range Eggs: A great source of very high quality protein, omega 3 fats, vitamin B12 and choline – which is essential for cardio-vascular and brain function. It’s also high in sulphur which amongst other things promotes healthy skin and nails

7. Broccoli: Jam packed full of anti-oxidants and detoxifying enzymes, fibre, and with cancer fighting properties. It belongs to the cruciferous family along with bok choi (pak choi), cabbage and kale

8. Quinoa: A gluten free grain high in protein, calcium, magnesium, iron and fibre, according to the ancient Inca’s, it’s the ‘Mother of Grains’. They loved it, so do we!

9. Kefir: A traditional cultured milk drink rich in enzymes, healthy micro-organisms, complete protein, B vitamins and minerals, aiding digestion and absorption. That’s one cool drink, we think you’ll agree

10. Wild or Game Meat: Compare wild meat to commercially reared meat and there’s no competition. A great source of protein, it’s also a vitamin B, iron and zinc powerhouse, high in CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), which is not only cancer fighting but is also great for reducing abdominal fat

Runners up: olives, sauerkraut, barley grass, sea vegetables, flax seeds, sprouted beans & lentils

recommended links

Matthew met Craig here in Munich and has been a regular at his fitness studio for the past 18 months. Craig has a great twitter page and has some really useful links to follow. Highly recommend checking in with Craig's page every now and then for some good advice. At the moment I'm reading about adrenal fatigue.

Craig's website

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Have a new blog and am going to use it!!

I have finally decided to take the very positive step of finding ways to become more healthy and hopefully stay healthy. I came across a few wonderful blogs just by chance while reading some of my favourites - a click here and follow a link there and before you know it you've found something completely wonderful and completely awe-inspiring!  I found one particularly inspiring and she listed some great links that I will read up on and come away armed with useful information in helping to fight my chronic ill health.

I followed a link from this blog which I just happened to come across because I wanted to look at the beautiful food stylist photography (when I grow up I would like to be Aran Goyoaga!! She is sooooo clever. I came across Aran Goyoaga's blog via decor8 which is one of my favourite places to look at all sorts of lovely decorating ideas) and it took me to Sarah Wilson.

Sarah Wilson's blog is loaded with really useful information on auto immune disease and how to stay on top of it and stay healthy.

Sarah listed this blog at The Suveran as one of her useful resources.

And also this one Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef.

Also I wanted to take note of this clinic in Sydney for when we go home - Tonic Australia

I'm pretty excited to find such inspirational blogs and really keen to read through them, but for now, it's late and time to get some of that much needed healing sleep that Sarah says is so important for your immune system!

Another link from Sarah's blog about food friends and foes - I really, REALLY need to take this advice.



Alison