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    Here’s Why You Should Eat More Avo – Starting With This Breakfast

    Avocados are good for a lot more than upping the aesthetic value of your plate. They’re rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can provide slow-release energy. And these good fats help keep you fuelled for any fitness regime. Plus, they help with the absorption of some vitamins and protect your heart.

    READ MORE: 5 Genius Ways To Ripen An Avocado Even Faster

    The Health Perks Of Avo

    If you’re a fitness bunny, you should know that your post-workout recovery is just as important as your training itself.
 And avocados contain potassium (double than what’s in bananas, FYI), which helps prevent cramps and supports muscle recovery. The anti-inflammatory properties in avocados even help reduce post-exercise soreness (goodbye DOMS!).

    And if you’ve always had a gut (wink wink) feeling that avos are good for you, you would be correct! Avocados contain prebiotics and fibre to support digestive health, keeping your gut microbiome well-balanced – which can improve nutrient absorption and even support immune function.

    All of this means that you can fuel smarter, recover faster and keep your gut healthier with the power of avocados. So go on, just add an avo!

    Savoury Yoghurt Bowl

    South African Avocado Growers’ Association

    Quick, tasty and loaded with avo goodness. This breakfast comes together in just 25 minutes!

    Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins

    Course Breakfast

    Servings 4 people

    2 handfuls cherry tomatoes or on the vineAvocado or olive oil for cookingSalt and pepper2-3 avocadosJuice of ½ lemon500g double thick plain yoghurtHandful mixed herbs (such as basil and dill) finely chopped + extra for garnish4-6 soft boiled eggs halved¼ cup mixed nuts toasted and choppedToast to serve
    Preheat oven to 200°C. Place the tomatoes on a roasting tray and drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 10 mins or until tomatoes start to blister.Blitz one of the avocados with 2 Tbsp oil and lemon juice to taste, until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Combine the yoghurt and herbs and swirl onto 4-6 plates with the blitzed avocado. Top with the tomatoes, eggs, extra herbs and nuts. Serve with toast.

    Keyword breakfast

    READ MORE: 6 Easy Kitchen Decluttering Tips For A Clear, Healthy Cooking Space

    For further information and avo recipes, visit Avocado.co.za, like @iloveavocadoSA on Facebook and follow @iloveavosSA on Instagram.

    Recipe and Images: THE SOUTH AFRICAN AVOCADO GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION

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    The Big Benefits Of Creatine, Especially For Women 

    If we were to say the word “creatine” to you two years ago, we’re willing to bet that your word association might spit out something like “gym bros”, “bodybuilding,” or “no thanks”.  Now, though, creatine has gradually moved into a must-have supp, with more women embracing the stuff. Andy Moore, research and development and quality control manager at NPL (Nutritional Performance Labs) has the scoop on the benefits of creatine. 

    For years, creatine has sat quietly on the shelf while flashy, less-proven supplements passed through our feeds. Yet no other compound has been as thoroughly studied or as consistently supported by scientific data. It’s time to take another look, not through the narrow lens of muscle building, but through the wider frame of overall well-being. And hydration is where that shift starts.

    The Science Behind Creatine 

    At its core, creatine’s job is to help your cells produce energy, fast. It fuels short, sharp bursts of effort – sprints, lifts, high-intensity exercise – but its benefits don’t stop when you leave the gym. When creatine pulls water into your muscle cells, it doesn’t just make them look “fuller.” That intracellular water helps with thermoregulation, transportation of nutrients and metabolic function. Translation: creatine is hydrating. It’s one of the most effective ways to promote true hydration – not just more fluid in the bloodstream, but more water where it matters.

    In practical terms, being sufficiently hydrated means stable energy levels, better recovery, fewer cramps and even improved heat tolerance. And, when paired with electrolytes like sodium, magnesium and potassium, creatine becomes part of a smarter hydration solution – especially in hot climates or during long periods of physical stress.

    The Benefits Of Creatine For Women 

    Creatine’s benefits for women are often underplayed. Multiple studies have shown creatine can help women preserve lean muscle during calorie restriction, support bone density and even improve mood and memory. It’s also been linked to better cognitive performance during stress and sleep deprivation – two conditions modern life isn’t short on.

    Here’s the bit that often gets overlooked: creatine may support hormonal balance, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy and perimenopause. Oestrogen plays a role in creatine synthesis, so when levels drop, supplementation can help plug the gap. That means more mental clarity, less fatigue and better training outcomes across all life stages.

    Hydration is also more complex for women than most hydration marketing admits. Hormonal fluctuations change how the body retains and uses water. Creatine, combined with electrolytes, offers a more tailored solution than just throwing back another bottle of water.

    READ MORE: Creatine Could Boost Your Brain After A Bad Night’s Sleep, Research Finds

    Creatine Has Brain Benefits 

    There’s a quiet revolution happening in how we view supplements for brain function. Creatine is a key part of that.

    The brain runs on adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, the same cellular energy currency as muscle. Supplementing with creatine has been shown to improve working memory, reduce mental fatigue and even buffer the effects of sleep loss. For knowledge workers, students, shift workers or anyone balancing high cognitive loads, that’s no small thing.

    Creatine doesn’t replace a good night’s sleep or a balanced diet, but it can help the brain stretch its resources further. And, unlike many nootropics, it doesn’t rely on stimulants or sketchy science.

    Deep Hydration 

    Most hydration advice still revolves around how many litres you drink a day. But true hydration isn’t just about quantity – it’s about absorption, retention and cellular balance.

    Creatine enhances water uptake into cells. When combined with electrolytes like sodium (which helps fluid enter the bloodstream), potassium (which keeps it in the cells), and magnesium (which supports muscle and nerve function), you have a hydration formula that works with the body, not just through it.

    Coconut water powder and Himalayan salt, found in some blends, bring additional minerals and natural electrolytes to the table. These ingredients aren’t there for label decoration – they help keep your cells functioning when sweat, stress or poor nutrition start pulling things out of balance.

    READ MORE: Creatine Guide: What It Is, How It Works, Proven Benefits And The Truth On Side Effects

    How To Use Creatine For Max Benefits 

    The old-school approach to creatine was to “load” it, then use it only around workouts. But today’s blends, especially those with added BCAAs and electrolytes, are designed for daily use. That matters because many of the non-performance benefits – mood, cognition, hydration – only show up when creatine is part of your regular routine.

    And let’s be honest: most of us aren’t elite athletes. We’re busy, tired and trying to do our best. Products that support energy, hydration and brain function across a day – not just during a training session – are far more useful in real life than any promises of six-pack abs.

    READ MORE: 18 Foods High In Vitamin C Beyond Just Oranges

    Meet The Expert

    Andy Moore

    Andy Moore holds an MSc in Dietetics and is currently the Research & Development and Quality Control Manager at NPL. She spearheads new product development for FMCG and pharmaceutical brands within the NPL group, including CAMs, sports supplements, and vitamins. Andy’s role involves sourcing ingredients, developing product concepts, and overseeing packaging in collaboration with the Creative Director. She ensures compliance with food safety and pharmaceutical regulations (SAHPRA) and supports strategic product launches with technical insights. Passionate about wellness and nutrition, Andy’s extensive experience in R&D, commercial strategy, formulation development, and QA management drives her commitment to improving consumer health and well-being. Her past roles include key positions at Glowing Sky Distributors, Powdermix Technologies and USN SA – Ultimate Sports Nutrition. More

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    Banana Muffins That Ease PMS And Cramping – True Story!

    Banana muffins aren’t exactly at the top of foods that you crave when PMS has you in a chokehold, right? While a slab of chocolate may seem like your only trusted bestie during that period, try pairing it with this recipe. Here’s the science behind our suggestion: bananas provide cramp-busting potassium and vitamin B6, a hormone regulator that may help reduce water retention, depression and other PMS-related symptoms. Yoghurt, on the other hand, brings calcium and vitamin D to the mix: a dynamic duo that has been shown to slash PMS symptoms by up to 40 percent. Walnuts deliver magnesium – which may reduce irritability and stabilise blood sugar levels – which in turn can help control those PMS-fuelled “I want to eat everything” urges.READ MORE: This Super Sexy Smoothie Will Get You All Revved Up!

    Banana, Yoghurt And Walnut Muffins

    A dynamic combo of ingredients that regulates your PMS-fuelled cravings and cramps.

    Course Breakfast, DessertCuisine English

    Servings 12

    ¼ cup Oatmeal½ cup Rice flour¼ cup Ground flaxseed1 tsp Baking powder1 tsp Bicarbonate of soda2 Eggs, beaten¼ cup Plain yoghurt3 medium Ripe bananas, mashed½ cup Honey ⅓ cup Grapeseed oil¼ cup Walnut pieces
    Preheat oven to 190°C.In a large bowl, whisk together oatmeal, flour, flaxseed, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda.In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, yoghurt, bananas, honey and oil. Add flour mixture and fold in the walnuts.Spoon the batter into paper-lined muffin trays. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack.

    Per 83g muffin: 921kJ, 10g fat (1g sat), 160mg sodium, 31g carbs, 3g fibre, 16g sugars, 4g protein

    Keyword Muffins

    READ MORE: PCOS Diet Plan: The Best Foods To Eat (And Limit) When You Have PCOS, According To Experts More

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    10 Non-Food Rewards For Weight Loss, From Experts 

    Anyone on a weight loss journey can agree that it’s difficult. It’s difficult to forgo chocolates and chips for carrots and cucumbers, or to force yourself to do a workout when you’d rather be in bed. Enter: rewards. “Rewards are such an important part of a successful fitness journey,” says fitness trainer Abbi McDuling. “They help to reinforce consistency, celebrate the effort we are putting in and most importantly, keep the journey exciting rather than punishing.” More than that, Melissa Lainn, wellness coach, says it’s a way of building self-trust. “Celebrating your progress, especially the non-scale victories, can help rebuild trust with yourself, which is key to lasting lifestyle changes,” she says. “It’s a simple way of saying, ‘I see you. I’m proud of you. Keep going.’” Meet the experts: Abbi McDuling is a fitness trainer. Taryn Bortz is a registered dietician. Melissa Lainn is a wellness and holistic health coach. Yes, You Should Reward YourselfDuring weight loss, rewards are part of a larger system within your progress. “Clients should set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) mini goals and obtain small rewards upon achieving each one,” explains Taryn Bortz, registered dietician. “Maybe you moved through a binge trigger without stuffing your feelings down with food, but rather self-regulated in a healthy way. Those moments deserve recognition, and by rewarding them, even in small ways, you teach your brain and body that healthy alternatives can equal pleasure, too,” says Lainn.But, says Bortz, knowing you get a reward for succeeding shouldn’t be what keeps you going through burpees. “For successful behaviour change, even before rewards are considered, the patient should decide where they are in terms of The Stages of Change (Pre-Contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation and Maintenance). One should only consider rewards in the Action Stage to promote Maintenance.”   READ MORE: 9 Simple Eating Rules For Weight Loss To  Burn Fat All DayWhy Food Might Not Be A Great Reward“Food isn’t the enemy, but when we use it as a reward, it can unintentionally reinforce the exact cycle we’re trying to shift, which is, ‘Be good, get a treat,’” explains Lainn. This can lead to guilt, overeating, bingeing, or giving up entirely, says Bortz, adding that when these impact your mental health, progress can be hindered. That said, it’s not always a bad idea, especially if you have a health relationship with food. And, “it’s important that no food be classified as “good” or “bad,” as this can contribute to food guilt,” says Bortz. “I still enjoy celebrating with food,” says Lainn, “but it‘s more about the celebration than stuffing myself with food to suppress, self-regulate or try to fill a void. It’s always important that we teach our body and brain that comfort and pleasure aren’t only found in food or drink.”READ MORE: What Exactly Is NEAT And How Can It Help Me Shed Weight Without Eating Less Or Exercising More?When Is A Good Time To Get Rewarded During Weight Loss? Per Bortz, once a habit is established (21 days) and successfully maintained, that’s a good time to try for a reward. For McDuling, the timing matters less. “Whether it’s showing up for all your workouts in a week, saying no to an old habit, or simply staying consistent, those small wins matter and rewarding effort – not just results, helps build trust in yourself!” she says. Lainn agrees. “I believe it’s less about hitting a perfect number and more about honouring the process you committed to,” she says. 10 Non-Food Rewards For Weight Loss (Or Anything Else, Really) Melissa’s Ideas A massage or bodywork sessionThe power of touch-based rewards! They can help build a healthier connection with the body and help regulate the nervous system, especially if stress has been a trigger for eating. Many of us don’t experience enough physical touch in a healthy and safe way and it can be very beneficial on your health and wellness journey. Think massages, facials, reflexology, reiki or energy healing sessions.A beautiful new journal or notebookYes, I have too many notebooks and journals, no I don’t care! Gifting yourself a tool for reflection and creativity helps to honour your inner journey, not just the physical one. And anyone creating lasting changes to their health and wellness knows that their inner journey matters just as much as the outer one. It can be a powerful tool and a beautiful reminder to look back on one day.  Solo datesWhether it’s a day with no obligations, just heading out and following what feels good, or going to watch a movie you wanted to see, visiting an art gallery you’ve promised yourself you would or sitting somewhere with a cup of coffee and reading that book you’ve been putting off. Filling your cup with experiences, sights, and doing it solo is very grounding. It can be a powerful reminder that your needs and desires matter too, and that you don’t need anyone to meet them but yourself, a lot of the time.An art or hobby classYes a yoga class is lovely but when was the last time you painted, started a new hobby, did pottery, wrote poetry, tried knitting, or rode a horse? Rewarding yourself with these types of activities helps shift the focus from consuming to creating. It brings joy into the journey in ways you might not be used to as many of us feel like we only have time for things that are necessary or productive. Creativity and doing things that bring you joy are part of a fulfilled life, always. READ MORE: Slower Walks Boost Weight Loss In Women Over 50, Recent Study Finds: Here’s WhyAbbi’s Non-food Rewards Ideas “Me time” pamper hour or bathSetting aside time to pamper yourself is a beautiful way to say, I matter. New activewear or shoesFresh gear can boost confidence and motivation – it’s a way of dressing for the version of you you’re becoming, and it’s a visual reminder of your commitment.A fitness tracker or smartwatchA smart investment that will only add to your fitness journey.Taryn’s Rewards IdeasNew clothes or gym outfitMy favourite non-food reward! Buying new clothes after losing weight visibly reflects progress and boosts your self-image and confidence, keeping you motivated. Purchasing a new gym outfit can enhance motivation to continue exercising, which supports weight loss. Spa day or massageThis reinforces self-care, provides a break from daily life, reduces stress, and promotes physical well-being. A spa day also helps you to slow down and be more mindful  Introducing a new skincare or make-up productSkincare contributes to a stress-free routine and significantly enhances self-care and self-image, leaving individuals feeling revitalised and refreshed. Meet The Experts

    Taryn Bortz

    Taryn Bortz is a dietician in Johannesburg where she helps individuals to meet their nutrition-related goals. She has a special interest in weight management, food allergies, gut health, lifestyle diseases and maternal, infant and paediatric nutrition. 

    Melissa Lainn

    Melissa Lainn is an integrative nutrition health coach, meditation practitioner, wellness writer, and podcast host who helps women heal their relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves. Her work blends science-backed tools with soulful practices, empowering women to reconnect to their inner wisdom and live fully from the inside out.

    Abbi McDuling

    Abbi McDuling is a qualified personal trainer who has been on a journey of growth for the past 10 years with over 5 years of experience in the industry. She has a passion for health, fitness and helping women find their confidence again. More

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    5 key tips to nourish your body and soul while fasting on Arafat Day

    Life

    51 seconds ago

    Fasting during Arafat Day is a significant spiritual practice for Muslims around the world. It involves abstaining from food and drinks from dawn until sunset, on the day before Eid Al Adha.
    While fasting, individuals focus on prayer, reflection, and self-discipline. Here are five tips to help make fasting on Arafat Day a spiritually fulfilling and physically manageable experience.
    Hydration is Key

    Begin your fast with a balanced suhoor meal that includes plenty of fluids and hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, as they can cause thirst.
    Eat Nutritious Foods

    Opt for wholesome, nutrient-rich meals during iftar (breaking the fast) to replenish your body’s energy levels. Include complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats to sustain you throughout the fasting period. Avoid overeating or indulging in heavy, greasy foods, which can lead to discomfort and sluggishness.
    Moderate Physical Activity

    While intense exercise may be challenging during fasting hours, light physical activity such as walking or gentle stretching can help maintain energy levels and promote overall well-being. Listen to your body and avoid strenuous activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
    Prioritize Rest and Sleep

    Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep during Ramadan to support your body’s fasting process. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night and consider taking short naps during the day if needed. Establish a bedtime routine to promote relaxation and quality sleep.
    Focus on Spiritual Growth
    Use the opportunity of Ramadan to deepen your connection with your faith. Allocate time each day for spiritual reflection and self-improvement. Engage in community iftars and taraweeh prayers to foster a sense of unity and solidarity with fellow Muslims.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Pexel & Unsplash, Feature Image: Instagram @futurebedouin More

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    Coconut Flour Pizza Base (Low Carbs, Gluten-Free)

    Gather here gluten-intolerant huns! There’s one more way to enjoy pizza without worrying about the havoc gluten wreaks in your digestive system. Coconut is such a multi-purpose ingredient: we drink the water, add flakes to our granola and cook with the oil. The flour is just as versatile and easy to use. Case in point: this delicious pizza base! Besides being gluten-free, it’s also packed with fibre and rich in protein, with additional benefits such as improved digestion and stable blood sugar levels. Apron on, let’s bake away!READ MORE: Experts Explain If You Should Actually Eat Carbs At NightLet’s Make This Delish Gluten-Free Pizza

    Coconut Flour Crust Pizza

    Amy Hopkins

    The benefits of using coconut flour to make a traditional pizza pie? Besides being gluten-free, you’ll get an extra dose of fibre and protein in every bit.

    Course LunchCuisine Italian

    Servings 4

    1 Mixing BowlBaking Paper1 Baking tray
    Pizza Base80 g Coconut flour1 Tbsp Mixed herbsPinch of saltBlack pepper3 Free-range eggs2 Tbsp Coconut creamPizza Toppings½  Red onion chopped1 Clove garlic1 Tbsp Coconut oil200 g Cherry tomatoes sliced35 g Mushrooms60 g Hard goat’s cheeseLemon zestParsley
     Preheat the oven to 180°C. Combine the coconut flour, herbs, salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy. Mix the eggs into the flour mix, then mix in the cream.Line a tray with baking paper and grease the paper. Place the dough on the tray and, using your fingers, push towards the edges to make a round shape. It should be just less than five-millimetres thick. Bake for 15 minutes.While baking, sauté the red onion and garlic in the oil over a medium heat for two minutes. Add three tablespoons water and continue to sauté until it’s absorbed. Add the tomatoes and 60ml water; reduce for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.Remove the pizza base from the oven, spoon the sauce all over, then add the mushrooms and cheese and bake for a further five minutes.Serve with parsley, lemon zest and extra black pepper.

    Keyword pizza

    More Ways To Enjoy Pizza This Week: More

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    5 Foods That’ll Give You A Major Energy-Boost Before A Run

    Head to any popular running path and you’ll likely see droves of serious-looking striders weighed down by belts stuffed with sports bars and carb gels. Unless you’re running for an hour and a half or more, resist the urge to join them, says Pippa Mullins, a clinical dietician with a special interest in sports nutrition. We got the low-down on the best foods to eat when you run.Eat This Before You RunHer advice: If you know you’ll run for at least 60 minutes, fuel up with an easily digestible snack that’s low in fibre, protein and fat. Our top-five picks:One slice of toast with a thin spread of peanut butter.

    A rice cake with a quarter avo.

    A banana with a teaspoon of almond butter.

    One cup of low-fat Bulgarian yoghurt with a teaspoon of honey.

    One handful (about 15) raw, unsalted almonds.READ MORE: 11 Avo Toast Recipes That’ll Fill You Up For Less Than 350 CaloriesHow Much To Drink Not sure how much water is right for your workout? To find how much fluid you should be drinking, weigh yourself immediately pre- and post-run – if the difference is more than two percent of your bodyweight (1.2kg for a 60kg woman), you need to drink more. As for what to sip, water is best, although for longer runs, energy drinks are a good source of electrolytes. If your energy fades during long runs, you’ll need a quick-release energy hit – and that’s when those gels come into their own.Other options: if you’re racing, sip the Coke or sports drinks dished out at water stations or munch some jelly sweets, nougat or an energy bar.Your Daily DietYour daily diet can have a big impact on your run, and the key here is variety – meals should include a mix of carbs, protein and healthy fats. As a rule of thumb, opt for wholesome, unprocessed food over highly refined products that come out of a box.READ MORE: PCOS Diet Plan: The Best Foods To Eat (And Limit) When You Have PCOS, According To ExpertsPost-RunWithin an hour of your run, grab a snack containing carbs to replace your fuel stores, protein for muscle repair and fluid to hydrate you. Looking for more running tips? Here are 11 starter tips all newbie runners need to know. More

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    This Super Sexy Smoothie Will Get You All Revved Up!

    We’re totally crushing on maca, aka Peruvian ginseng! Why? It has some crazy energising and libido-lifting properties. In fact, studies report that women who consumed three grams of maca a day experienced a serious rev in sex drive (no pills needed). Flaxseeds also contain high amounts of omegas, which are major building blocks for sex hormones.Here, these sexy ingredients mix together in one delicious smoothie – with a giant libido pay-off!

    Revved Up Maca Smoothie

    Amy Hopkins

    These sexy ingredients mix together in one delicious smoothie – with a giant libido pay-off!

    Total Time 5 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Healthy

    Servings 1 serving

    2 frozen bananas2 cups strawberries1 cup Swiss chard1 tbsp flaxseeds1 tbsp Organic Maca Root Powder1 tbsp honey

    Keyword Smoothie

    All the right kind of juices should get flowing soon enough… which means you’ll definitely be able to jump into these positions tonight. Hello sex drive (hello orgasm)!Shop Maca Root PowderThe other bedroom benefit of maca, besides a welcome ‘O’? It might just help you sleep better too. Research suggests that compounds in maca can support more restful sleep. Talk about a double win!Soaring Free Organic Maca Powder

    Lifestyle Food Maca Powder

    Health Connection Maca Powder

    Smoothie Recipes For Every Kind Of Day More