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    Energy fizzling? Ignite your energy with Nutri-B!

    Keeping up with life’s demands can get stressful, wouldn’t it be nice if you could give yourself a quick boost of energy when you need it most?

    Nutri-B Energy fizzies are your ticket to the vitality boost you’ve been looking for, providing an instant energy boost that will revitalise your mind and body, and get you through even the most hectic of days. That’s thanks to the B-complex vitamins packed into every effervescent to protect you from the effects of everyday stress while sustaining natural energy (without leaving you crashing or feeling the slump at the end of the day). Nutri-B Energy contains Theanine, a non-sedating amino acid with possible anti-anxiety effects. Combined with taurine, which is an amino acid that scientists believe may improve heart function, plus zinc & vitamin C to protect cells against oxidative stress in the body and support immunity, Nutri-B Energy fizzies are a great way to boost energy and supplement good health.

    Feel the FIZZ of Nutri-B’s great-tasting Energy fizzies in sugar-free Orange or Tropical flavour that are sure to make your tastebuds dance while giving you enhanced mental focus, improved physical stamina and vitality, and reduced fatigue. The best part is that they contain a zero-calorie artificial sweetener, so you don’t have to compromise your health and fitness goals while enjoying a fizzy pick-me-up! For anyone who wants to make the most of every day and level up, Vitaforce Nutri-B Energy is just what you need to power through and make it happen. Nutri-B energy is suitable for adults and children 14 years and older and it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. May the Vitaforce be with you. More

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    Why Drinking Diet Coke Won’t Help You Lose Weight

    Picture the scene: lunch has come and gone and, in offices across the land, Tupperware once home to prepped-ahead sweet potato, chickpeas and spinach lie empty. The sweet craving-fuelled temptation to attack a brownie is oh-so-real. But rather than blow a few hundred calories on a handful, women nationwide reach instead for so-called ‘guilt-free’ cans of chemically sweetened diet Coke.

    Are they ill-advised self-saboteurs for following healthy, totally ‘grammable meals with a diet fizzy drink? Perhaps – which makes it all the more tricky to admit I am one of them. A health editor who knows her nutrition – and should know better – but can’t get enough of the stuff.

    Another is Georgia Scarr. Glance at her Instagram and you’ll see all the healthy-girl hallmarks.

    Bird’s-eye view of eggs atop kale and roasted vegetables? Check. One lithe, toned body contorted into impressive yoga positions? Check again. But one lifestyle ritual that doesn’t make the edit is her diet cola habit.

    ‘I have a sweet tooth, but I don’t make a habit of eating junk food or sugary snacks,’ she says. ‘I monitor my calories, and I want them to be filled with something more nutritious than sugar. So if I can get that sweet taste via a calorie-free fizzy drink, that is kind of a win/win.’

    The enduring appeal of calorie-free fizzy pop might jar with the current ‘it’s a lifestyle, not a diet’ healthy eating zeitgeist. But Jane Ogden, professor of health psychology at the University of Surrey and author of The Psychology of Eating, isn’t surprised.

    ‘So-called “diet” drinks still appeal because, though people may package it as “eating well” or “looking after yourself”, many of us are essentially still dieting.’ And while our goals are more rippling abs than thigh gap, she is right in that the majority of us want to keep our body fat low.

    The problem with diet drinks

    ‘The word “diet” carries powerful connotations of being lean, healthy and in control,‘ Professor Ogden adds. ‘So while we continue to aspire to those things, “diet” labelling will draw us in – even if we’d rather not admit it.’ Put in those terms our fondness for diet drinks doesn’t seem so outdated.

    But are diet drinks actually helpful when you’re trying to get – and stay – lean? Bosses at Slimming World appear to think so.

    The organisation (offering weight loss help) classifies diet colas as a ‘free’ food – along with water and green vegetables – meaning that its members don’t have to track the amount they consume.

    But when you take a look at the evidence, this permissive attitude to drinks sweetened with chemicals such as sucralose and aspartame could be unhelpful.

    In one study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists found that participants who drank one litre of a diet fizzy drink daily gained 1.5kg after six months. The group who drank full-sugar soft drinks gained 10kg, so the diet option had less of an effect. But, if researchers were adding zero calories and zero sugar into their daily diets, why did the participants gain any?

    As it stands, there is no evidence-based answer. But Robert Lustig, professor of endocrinology at the University of California and leading anti-sugar campaigner, has a possible explanation. Essentially, that consuming artificial sweeteners can significantly alter your biochemistry and predispose you to gain fat.

    Insulin and weight gain: the link

    ‘The diet soft drink group gained weight not because they were increasing their calories, but because they increased their levels of insulin,’ he says. Made in the pancreas, insulin is a hormone that allows your body to use sugar (or glucose) from carbohydrates in the food you eat for energy – or store it for future use. ‘The more insulin you have in your blood, the more calories you will store as fat,’ adds Professor Lustig. ‘So anything that makes your insulin go up will make you gain weight.’

    Because they don’t contain any actual sugar, artificially sweetened drinks shouldn’t spike insulin. But in one study in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers split their study participants in two groups and supplied half with a diet soft drink. They then tested their glucose and insulin levels afterwards. They found 20% more insulin in the blood of those who had drunk the fake sugary drinks.

    Why? It’s all down to the fact that the body is primed to detect sweetness. So, when something sweet hits your tongue, specific receptors send messages throughout your system.

    ‘First, they send a message to the brain to say that sugar is coming. Then the brain sends a message to the pancreas telling it to expect the sugar, so it prepares to release insulin,’ explains Professor Lustig.

    But when you drink an artificially sweetened drink? The sugar never comes and the pancreas sends out the message that you need to seek out more glucose.

    Sugar vs sweeteners: What does the science say?

    Yasmin, 25, drinks several cans of diet cola weekly to help her stick to a ‘no-sugar lifestyle’.

    ‘I eat healthy fats through things like almonds and avocado – and I don’t count calories. I love having a can of diet cola because it means I can have the sweet taste without consuming any actual sugar.’

    Yasmin is confident that she will be keeping to her method. She’s down 12kg, wearing jeans for the first time in years. And she’s hitting the gym for strength and cardio sessions four times a week. ‘If these drinks help me stick to a plan that is definitely working for me, I don’t see it as a problem with it.’

    And yet, Professor Lustig warns that Yasmin may be making life hard for herself.

    ‘Drinking artificially sweetened drinks when you’re not eating actual sugar is self-defeating,’ he says. ‘The point of a “no-sugar lifestyle” is to de-sensitise yourself to sweet foods. But if you are regularly consuming sugar-free fizzy drinks then you are re-sensitising yourself daily.’

    Indeed, researchers at the University of Sydney found that adding artificial sweeteners to the diets of rats and flies resulted in an ‘imbalance in sweetness and energy’.

    After the brain realised it had the sweet taste without the dense calorie load it was expecting, it sent signals encouraging the animals to eat more – so it could reap the energy it had anticipated.

    ’What’s more, consuming the sweetener regularly actually increased the intensity of the natural sugary taste,’ says study author Dr Greg Neely. ‘So this increased the overall motivation of the animals to eat more.’ But, as before, more research – in humans – is needed.

    Beyond weight loss, are diet fizzy drinks healthy?

    There is still much we don’t know about how artificial sweeteners are linked to disease risk, too.

    While a recent study did show that people who drank diet drinks had an increased chance of developing cancer or strokes, lead author Dr Matthew Pase cautions that this is early observational research – so it is impossible to tease apart cause and effect.

    As for the claims that sweeteners such as aspartame could be cancer-causing? ‘The balance of evidence is that artificial sweeteners are safe for us to eat,’ says clinical dietitian Rick Miller.

    ‘Some small experiments on mice demonstrated a link between aspartame and the growth of cancerous tumours – but it is not clear if we can directly relate these results to humans.’

    Miller’s message for us habitual drinkers: don’t freak out, but do cut down – on all colas, be they ‘diet’ or full-sugar.

    ‘Regular and diet varieties contain phosphoric acid, which research suggests can reduce bone mineral density,’ he says.

    How to quit diet coke and other fizzy drinks

    Ready to consciously uncouple with your fizzy vice? Follow these three R’s.

    1/ Recognise

    ‘Next time you’re craving a fizzy diet drink, think about the context in which you drink it. Do you really want what is in the can or, instead, do you just want some fresh air – or some time to pause?’ says Ogden.

    Nail that, and you’ll be more able to see what you need – and one step closer to getting it.

    2/ Remember

    Think of your parting ways with artificially sweetened soft drinks like that break-up with your ex who you knew wasn’t good for you.

    ‘You’ll feel like you’re missing something, but it is not because you don’t have something that you need – you were fine before,’ says Ogden. ‘You feel like this because you created a space for something and it’s not there anymore.’

    3/ Replace

    That space needs filling will something else, but don’t expect tap water to effectively plug the gap.

    ‘Brew a herbal tea, or infuse a jug of water with chopped cucumber and mint,’ suggests Miller.

    Or, you know, have a snack. Something with essential antioxidant vitamins, fill-you-up healthy fats and sustaining fibre. which if you’re getting hungry between meals, you probably need.

    And let’s be clear – a stress fracture caused by weak bones is going to have a more detrimental impact to your aesthetic and athletic goals than a few mini chocolate brownies.

    Still, I can’t promise that I will have developed a willpower of steel and won’t have had a sneaky sip of my old poison by the time you have read this.

    But if I do choose to crack open a can, it certainly won’t be done mindlessly. Because, while a part of me may still be bought into the zero-sugar, zero-calorie promise, there is a big chance that my body is not.

    This article was first published in Womenshealthmag.com/uk. More

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    This Creamy Kale Pasta Recipe Features Cottage Cheese As A Secret Ingredient

    If you’re on the lookout for healthy and delicious dinner ideas, this Creamy Kale Pasta recipe is definitely worth trying. What makes this recipe stand out is the secret ingredient: cottage cheese. Not only does it add a creamy and tangy flavour to the dish, but it also boosts its nutritional value.

    Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. When combined with kale, which is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this pasta recipe becomes a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for busy days.

    READ MORE: Try This Trendy And Delicious Vegetarian Orzo Pasta Recipe Now

    Here’s how to make this Creamy Kale Pasta recipe:

    Creamy Kale Pasta With Cottage Cheese

    Per serving: 445 cal, 11.5 g fat (3.5 g sat), 17 g protein, 464 mg sodium, 67 g carb, 4 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 5 g fiber

    Total Time 25 mins

    Course Main CourseCuisine Italian

    Servings 4 peopleCalories 445 kcal

    1 Food processor
    350g short pasta like gemelli2 scallions roughly cut1 pkg kale approximately 142g1/2 cup cottage cheese1/3 cup grated Parmesan plus more for servingKosher salt and pepper2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
    Cook pasta per the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water, drain, and return pasta to pot.While pasta cooks, in a food processor, pulse scallions and 3 cups kale to finely chop. Add cottage cheese, Parmesan, and 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper and pulse to combine. Scrape down sides, then with the machine running, gradually add oil and puree until smooth. Toss pasta with sauce to coat, then toss with remaining 3 cups kale, adding a couple Tbsp reserved pasta water as necessary to help kale wilt. Serve topped with additional Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper.

    Keyword pasta

    Shopping List

    Here’s what you need for this creamy pasta recipe:

    1 packet of short pasta like gemelli

    2 scallions 

    1 packet kale 

    1 tub cottage cheese

    Parmesan cheese

    Kosher salt and pepper

    Extra-virgin olive oil

    Dinner ideas and recipes:

    Looking for more inspiration?

    This article originally appeared in the March 2023 issue of Women’s Health. More

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    How SHA Wellness launched the world’s first anti-ageing bed for total regerenation

    Dr. Vicente Mera, Head of Internal Medicine and Anti-Ageing, Anti-Tobacco and Sleep Medicine at SHA Wellness Clinic on the latest advances in wellness.
    Talk us through your career to date.
    I am a Spanish senior consultant physician and specialist in Internal Medicine, trained at the Clinica Puerta de Hierro (Madrid, Spain) after more than 30 years of clinical bedside practice in hospitals. Fifteen years ago, I obtained (London, UK and Melbourne, Australia) the registration (ABAARM) of A4A and became the head of the Anti-ageing Department at SHA Wellness Clinic. In recent years, I have dedicated my practice to preventing, diagnosing, and treating accelerated ageing on the clinical ground. My practical expertise includes genomics, microbiota, physical training, sleep medicine, cognitive disorders, immunotherapy, hormonal replacement, healthy nutrition, detoxifying procedures, stress management, and regenerative and revitalising medicine to give more life to years, rather than more years to life. I look at the Eastern methods for healthy ageing treatments, mainly related to nutrition and stress management, with great interest as a helpful counterpart. In October 2022, I received a European Medical Award in Medicine for the category of “Anti- ageing Medicine” in Paris. I am the author of several articles published in academic journals of medicine, as well as my latest book, “Joven A Cualquier Edad” (English version -Young At Any Age- coming soon)

    SHA Wellness Clinic provides the latest advances in Western medicine – was this key from the outset?
    SHA Wellness Clinic exists today as the result of a transformative personal health experience under- gone by the destination’s founder, Alfredo Bataller Parietti. Bataller Parietti was unfortunate to receive a troubling diagnosis from a doctor, that was a threat to his quality of life. Alfredo was able to overcome the condition with integrative medicine, in particular with healthy and healing nutrition, natural therapies and lifestyle changes. Inspired by his experience, Bataller Parietti, along with the support of his family, set out to create a unique project that combined techniques and therapies from both medical and natural therapies to help people have longer and better-quality lives. This is the founding concept of SHA Wellness, which was founded in 2008 near Altea Bay in Spain. Since its opening, the property’s team of certified medical and wellness experts has successfully merged ancient philosophies with the latest advances in Western and Eastern medicine to generate scientifically proven results and become a world-leading authority on preventive health. Today, SHA Wellness Clinic is a global pioneer in preventive medicine and holistic wellness. The SHA 360o SHA method is the term given to the fusion of the latest advances in scientific medicine with the most effective and proven natural therapies, combined with healthy and balanced nutrition, that collectively provide an ideal state of health.
    The clinic has the world’s first anti-ageing bed – tell us more.
    To further enhance guest sleep experience, SHA has incorporated the HOGO sleep system which can be found exclusively at the Presidential and Royal suites. This is a new and improved mattress concept that instantly improves the quality of sleep, promotes mental balance, reduces stress and cell regeneration, and enhances overall daily functionality. This innovative invention also helps to reverse the signs of ageing and encourages the body’s natural ability to regenerate during sleep thus improving immune function and guaranteeing an overall healthier lifestyle. Aside from being an anti-ageing rest system, HOGO has been credited to improve athletes’ recovery time by acting as a potent anti-inflammatory while also reducing basal cortisol and improving the immune system. Cristiano Ronaldo and his wife Georgina Rodriguez have claimed to have felt the change this has had in their sleep since the beginning of using the system and they credit it as ‘the secret’ to effectively managing their busy lifestyles.

    You focus on bioidentical hormone therapy and genomic counselling – how does this naturally cure ailments?
    Genetic counselling lets you know your health’s weakest and most vital points. The best hormonal environment enables the prevention and, eventually, cure of ailments related to overeating, lack of exercise, poor stress management, detox capacity, sleep disturbances and microbiota dysbiosis.
    The clinic offers a host of treatments including anti-smoking pro- grammes, nutrition therapies and more. Can you expand on these offerings?
    SHA Wellness offers six programs including Optimal Weight, Advanced Detox, Intensive/Optimal Weight and Advanced Detox, Healthy Ageing, Rebalance and Leader’s Performance – cu- rated to address different health concerns, requirements and objectives. There are also four ‘focused’ divisions, addressing specific health issues including Gut Health, Sleep Recover, Stress Management and Anti-Tobacco. The anti-tobacco programme offers various treatments and therapies focused on addictions to help transition away from smoking in a healthy and controlled manner. With the goal to recover normal bodily functions without the challenging side effects of withdrawal and relapse, SHA’s team of professionals encourage healthier habits for guest lifestyles and to strengthen their commitment to permanently quitting tobacco. The programme begins with a general health checkup followed by individualized treatments including acupuncture, magneto therapy, aquatic therapy, relaxation and more. A personalised nutrition and health plan is then curated for every individual’s physical requirement and for a unique and fully holistic experience.
    “This innovative invention also helps to reverse the signs of ageing and encourages the body’s natural ability to regenerate during sleep.”
    The facility improves clients’ long-term sleep – talk us through this programme.
    ‘Sleep Recovery’ is one of the more focused divisions at SHA, combining Western diagnostic techniques and natural therapies to alleviate sleep problems and put the body in total rest mode. The recommended stay is seven or fourteen days and includes a general medical consultation with a specialist at the beginning and at the end of the course. In addition, guests will receive individual treatments and therapies best suited to them, including a polygraph for the diagnosis of sleep at night, neurocognitive assessment, stress management session, energy health assessment, infrared heat and electromagnetic balance session, mindfulness session, Tibetan healing bowls therapy, brain pho- photobiomodulation session, psychophysiological monitoring of sleep and more. The primary objective is to identify the integrative causes that generate sleep problems, via measurements using specialised technology of the natural rhythms of the human body. Once the origin of the pathology has been determined, specific treatments and therapies focused on the gradual restoration of the natural sleep cycle are then applied, in order to achieve restful sleep and recover adequate energy levels for a full and healthy life. Guests will also have full access to SHA’s world-class wellness facilities, receive a bespoke nutrition plan and enjoy delicious and healthy gastronomy from SHA’s talented culinary team.
    Wellness concepts have grown in the Middle East over the years – how have you seen this evolve?
    The wellness industry in the Middle East has demonstrated significant growth in recent years and this trend is set to continue. For many years, travellers within the region have regularly enjoyed massages and yoga retreats in traditional spa facilities, but when the pandemic hit, wellness took a new urgency and became a priority for many. This accelerated the demand for bespoke destinations that incorporated holistic and advanced wellness treatments with integra- tive solutions to promote long-term health for body, mind and soul. Over the years, we had many guests from the Middle East visit SHA Wellness in Spain, a strong reflection of the growing demand from this region for transformative wellness experiences. With this in mind, the UAE was the perfect location in which to expand our presence and deliver our unique approach to integrative health for new audiences.

    SHA Emirates is set to open in 2025 – what can we expect at this one-of-a-kind getaway?
    After a decade of transforming the lives of thousands of people from around the world at our current location in Spain, we dreamt of crossing the seas to new continents. We wanted more and more people to benefit from our philosophy of integrative health and well-being. For years we travelled to dozens of locations in search of the perfect nature, warm weather, and accessibility to replicate SHA. It was not easy, but we finally found everything we could imagine and more at the seaside destination of AlJurf, in the United Arab Emirates. The luxury development is surrounded by wildlife and nestled in a beautiful serene landscape. It’s the perfect place for people looking to escape city life and recuperate”, said Alejandro Bataller Pineda, Vice President of SHA Wellness Clinic. The opening of SHA Emirates is set to bring world-class treatments to the region for the very first time. SHA Wellness Clinic has become a benchmark for luxury wellness. Always ahead of every innovation in the field, the brand has become a global name synonymous with medical advances and pioneering programs, certified through the almost 100 international awards received during its 11 years of existence.
    This is The Horology Issue – how do you use your time wisely?
    In a week, I try to work no more than 40 hours, rest not less than 40 hours and enjoy life during the remaining 88 hours.
    May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

    Mention the word ‘cocktails’ and you’re instantly transported to a happy place, probably along the coast with good company while someone plays guitar and sings to you at sunset. What. A. Dream. Even better? The addition of low-calorie cocktails into this already delish dream world…

    No matter if you’re counting calories, watching your weight or just want to drink more mindfully, we’ve got you covered with some seriously yummy drinks. We turned to award-winning mixologist Roxanne Read and spoke to her about her favourite low-calorie cocktails. Ready, steady… Treat yo’self.

    READ MORE: The 27 Best Wines For Any Occasion You Can Imagine

    4 Low-Calorie Cocktails You Really Need To Try Like… Now

    Zesty Aperol Spritz

    Roxanne Read

    Approximate calorie count: A serving of Aperol Spritz only amounts to 125 calories. Nice.Aperol aperitif is made from herbs such as gentian, rhubarb and cinchona, which are rich in antioxidants. Bonus: This cocktail is also garnished and infused with vitamin C-rich oranges.

    Prep Time 2 mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Healthy, Italian

    Servings 1 personCalories 125 kcal

    50ml Cinzano Pro-Spritz50ml AperolSoda Water
    Pour 50ml Cinzano Pro-Spritz into an ice-filled glass.Add Aperol in equal measure and top off with a splash of soda.Finishing touches: 50/50 splash and garnish with a slice of orange.

    Keyword cocktail, healthy

    Watermelon Sparkling Spritz

    Roxanne Read

    Approximate calorie count: 110 caloriesThe secret to this drink is to get the natural sugars out of the watermelon juice, says Roxanne. The riper, the better. “Watermelon juice is rich in nutrients and is a perfect option for fasting, cleansing and dieting and contains a great dose of electrolytes per serving,” she says. Champagne is a low-calorie beverage, due to its production process where most of the natural sugars are removed and no additional flavouring is added.

    Prep Time 5 mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Healthy

    Servings 1 personCalories 110 kcal

    20 ml Vodka (the more distilled the vodka, the less impurities)60 ml Fresh-pressed watermelon juice80 ml Sparkling brut wine (opt for a light sparkling wine to reduce the calorie count even further)
    Pick an almost over-ripe watermelon, then cut it into chunks to fill one cup.Put into a blender and add about a 1/2 cup of water. Flash blend the mixture, and strain out the pulp and the pips.Next, take your Champagne glass out of the fridge and add the vodka and watermelon juice together.Top up with Champagne.

    Keyword cocktail, healthy

    READ MORE: These Three Drinks Will Make Bloating A Thing Of The Past

    Blueberry Mojito

    Roxanne Read

    Approximate calorie count: 130 caloriesLimes are good for weight loss because of the citric acid — a metabolism booster. “Mint is a huge flavour contributor with less than a calorie in a 100g serving, so the more the merrier,” says Roxanne. Blueberries are key to making this drink! “Berries are great for regulating the fat-burning gene, as well as lowering high blood pressure,” says Roxanne.

    Prep Time 3 mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Healthy

    Servings 1 PersonCalories 130 kcal

    6-8 Lime wedges8 Mint leaves25 ml White rum1/4 cup BlueberriesSoda water
    Lightly muddle the lime wedges into the glass you’re going to serve the drink in.Clap the mint leafs in your hands to release the flavour. Drop them in the glass and muddle again.Add the rum and blueberries and fill the glass 3/4 of the way with crushed ice.Using a long-handled spoon or bar spoon, stir the mixture until your glass is almost filled with dilution from the crushed ice.Top with soda water if needed.Garnish with a mint sprig and a couple of blueberries sprinkled on top.

    Keyword cocktail, healthy

    READ MORE: You Need To Try These 13 Simple Mocktails ASAP

    Vodka Fizz

    Roxanne Read

    Approximate calorie count: 98-100 calories”My preferred fruit combination is kiwi slices, fresh strawberries and grapefruit slices. Any fruits will work on this, but it’s best to try have at least one citrus fruit. Citrus is great for your body and for bringing out the flavours in the vodka,” says Roxanne.

    Course DrinksCuisine Healthy

    Servings 1 PersonCalories 100 kcal

    40 ml Premium vodka1/4 can Flavoured tonic water1/2 can Soda waterAssortment of freshly cut fruit8 Basil leaves
    First half fill the glass with ice cubes, then add the vodka.You can use any fruit you have in the fridge. Slice up about four pieces of three different kinds of fruit.Clap the basil leaves in your hand to release the flavour and drop into the glass.Add a splash of tonic, just for flavour depth, and top with the soda water.If you want to get really fancy, add a crack of black pepper.

    Keyword cocktail, healthy

    3 Pantry Staples To Keep On Hand

    Low-calorie cocktails never have to be bland. These pantry staples will upgrade any old boring spirit and mixer combo. Thank us later!

    A great source of vitamin C. You’ll get blackcurrants, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries and cranberries. Yum!

    No sugar, no gluten, no calories and no carbs. These drops also have no artificial sweeteners. Great for your bag. We love it!

    Pomegranates have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. They’re also good for blood pressure levels and heart health.

    Want more? You can Follow Roxanne Read’s work over on Instagram.

    Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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    This Basic Nut Butter Recipe Is So Easy, You’ll Never Buy PB Again

    It’s easier than you think to make nut butter. Master this basic nut butter recipe and you’ll never have to eat store-bought again. Plus, store your nut butters in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks!

    Nut butters are loaded with heart-healthy fats that keep your bad cholesterol in check while heightening your good cholesterol. They’re also rich in selenium, which keeps your thyroid going and can be a good source of protein, depending on which nuts you use. Nut butters are a stellar source of fibre, phosphorous, B vitamins, vitamin E, and zinc.

    Get your nut butter basics here:

    Bosch 800W Food Processor

    Chop, grate and blend seamlessly with this powerful food processor.

    Raw Macadamia Nuts

    Simply chow on these for trace minerals and energy or blend them into a silky, delicious nut butter.

    Avocado Oil

    Drizzle this over salads, or use in your cooking. And of course, when using this nut butter recipe.

    Basic Nut Butter Recipe

    Master this basic formula, and you’ll never have to eat store-bought again.

    Cook Time 20 mins

    Course Side Dish, SnackCuisine American

    2 cups raw unsalted shelled nuts0.25 tsp kosher salt1 tsp avocado oil as needed
    Spread nuts on rimmed baking sheet; bake at 350°F until toasted and fragrant, about 10 min.Transfer nuts to a dry food processor and process, scraping down sides occasionally, until nuts turn into smooth paste, 4 to 10 min. (Timing will vary based on type of nuts and your specific food processor.)Add salt and flavor boosters and process until smooth. If butter is too thick, add oil 1 tsp. at a time until desired consistency is reached.

    Keyword nut butter

    Wanna try more recipes?

    This recipe This Basic Nut Butter Recipe Is So Easy, You’ll Never Buy PB Again appeared first on Women’s Health. More

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    Race Fuel: Exactly What You Should Eat And Drink For A Better Race

    When it comes to race fuel, it’s easy to think just your training should take you over the finish line. But for endurance feats, you need a little food to give your tank more power.

    Raeesa Solwa Mehtar, a biokineticist and running coach, has run multiple marathons, ultra-marathons and several half marathons. Here’s her advice on race fuel; what to eat and drink during the race — plus, what to avoid.

    “Personally, I’d say ditch the gels,” says Raeesa. “Do you feel that energy gels make you feel nauseous, sick or give you stomach issues? I know I do. I’ve run four marathons (all under four hours), one ultra (under six hours) and a couple half marathons and did not use any form of energy gels.” Instead, Raeesa fuels up on real food. “Whole food solubles can easily provide the nutrition and electrolytes needed for long-distance endurance efforts,” she says. Here are her go-to strategies for race fuel that’ll get you across the finish line feeling strong. 

    1. Drink lots of water leading up to race day.

    Your body needs to be thoroughly hydrated on the day of the race. “I usually have small sips of water during the race,” says Raeesa. Per experts, you should drink about two cups of water two hours before your run, then stay hydrated during the run, too. Go with your sweat as an indicator. Sweat is water loss from the body that needs to be replaced, so keep hydrating along with the rate at which you sweat.

    2. Eat a good race-day brekkie.

    “On the morning of the race, I have the same type of meal that I would normally have for breakfast, which is a smoothie,” says Raeesa. “You need to practise your pre-race meal strategy during training. The stomach needs to be trained to handle food during a long run.”

    One Co Ready-To-Drink Smoothie Box

    This selection of healthy, ready-to-go smoothies offers three different flavours in a compact bottle that you can stash in your bike kit or have before and after the race to fuel up.

    3. Replace your body’s electrolytes. 

    After the first 10 kilometres in a race, you need to start replacing electrolytes. “I sip on any form of energy drink, but you could also opt for coconut water, which will provide natural energy, potassium and magnesium,” says Raeesa. Electrolytes could also come from small amounts of food containing salt and sugars, like nuts.

    4. Go bananas!

    Bananas are one of the best energy sources you can have as a runner. They’re a good source of carbs and help prevent cramps. Supporters usually hand out bananas on the side of the road, so grab one.

    5. Pack some padkos.

    “Dates are easy to chew and are higher in sugar and carbs compared to other dried fruit – they’re one of my favourite pre-race snacks,” says Raeesa. “Though certainly not an all-natural, real food, gummy bears or jelly beans contain fast-digesting simple sugars, which will reach the bloodstream quickly, giving you a boost when you need it. Honey may just be nature’s version of a sports gel.”

    You can also make little oat balls as snacks and carry them for homemade, healthy fuel.

    Tropical Mix Snacking Bundle

    Combine these into a delish snack mix or pick and choose the ones you’d like to much on.

    Nanuki Boom Bar Seismic Crunch

    This bar, loaded with sunflower seeds and healthy cornflakes, makes for great race fuel.

    OhMega Macadamia Butter

    Choc-o-block with micronutrients and healthy fats, this delicious snack will keep you going for longer.

    Check out Raeesa’s running woman’s workout for killer abs:

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    6. Don’t skip the taters.

    A baked potato wedges stand during a marathon or ultra race is like approaching an all-you-can-eat candy stand in the running world. They’re not the easiest things to carry (ew…mashed potato pocket!) but if you come across a stand along the road, grab some munchies for a hit of minerals and sustained energy.

    7. No surprises. 

    Be sure to test these new foods on training runs instead of during a race – just in case your stomach doesn’t react well to them while exercising (#totesawks). If gels do work for you, then, by all means, use them properly: drink enough water, train with gels months before, try different brands to see what suits you best and wash them down with water. More

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    6 Easy Hacks To Eat More Protein Without Trying

    Before sea moss gel, green powders, and celeb-backed Erewhon smoothies (hi, Hailey and Bella) became the “it” superfoods, incorporating enough protein in your diet was the name of the wellness game. Derived from the Greek word for “primary,” meaning “first place” or “in the lead,” you could call it the OG of nutrition trends.
    Hot take: Protein is making a comeback and for good reason. Eating the right amount of protein is a must for our muscles and bones to repair and grow. When protein is consumed, the body breaks it down into amino acids, absorbs it, and uses it to build muscles and organs, to make hormones and antibodies, and as an energy source. Bottom line: Protein is essential to keep your body in top-notch condition.
    So just how much protein do you need to eat? While it depends on factors such as age and activity level, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that the average individual should consume 0.35 grams per pound of body weight per day for general health. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds should consume an average of 60 grams of protein per day. Use that formula as a starting point, and then talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to find out how many grams you should aim for based on your needs, goals, activity level, and body. 
    While you may think that sticking to grilled chicken and hardboiled eggs is the only way to pack more protein in your diet, there are simple tricks to satisfy the proper macronutrient intake that aren’t so blah. Ahead are six simple tips to help you eat more protein. Spoiler: They deliver on taste and variety.

    1. Meal prep protein into every meal
    Planning your meals ahead of time ensures that every meal is built around a high-quality form of protein. Eggs or breakfast sausage may be the obvious picks for a make-ahead, protein-filled brekkie, but don’t sleep on high-protein breakfast burritos, casseroles, pancakes, and overnight oats. When it comes to lunch or dinner, season or marinate your go-to lean sources of protein, like chicken, fish, and tofu, and cook them up in bulk so you have them at the ready for bowls, salads, pasta, tacos, wraps, and stir-fries.
    If you just can’t be bothered to prep large portions of protein ahead of time, make a little more than you need when you’re making dinner and save it for lunch the next day. To up your protein consumption, don’t forget to sprinkle any (and every!) meal or snack with nutritional yeast (a seasoning high in protein), chia seeds, or nuts, like almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts. 

    2. Add a protein powder to the routine you already have
    From the ever-trendy collagen to the common whey and plant-based assortments (such as pea or hemp), you can take your pick of protein powders to give you a morning kick, afternoon zing, or post-workout recovery boost. Protein powders are one of the easiest ways to sneak protein into your routine because you can add them to pretty much anything: smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt, and more.
    Another easy way to seamlessly incorporate protein powder? #Profee, or protein coffee, ICYMI. TikTokers and wellness girlies alike are taking their morning cup of joe with protein powder to get a leg-up in protein for the day (insider tip: Starbucks fans can also take part with Protein-Blended Cold Brew–you’re welcome). Is matcha more your cup of tea? Whip up a matcha latte with a vanilla protein powder and milk of your choice for a healthy pick-me-up and hit of protein. Just make sure that the protein powder you choose is ideally organic or clean without additives and artificial sweeteners. 
     
    3. Have protein-rich snacks on hand
    Snacks are there for us when we’re hangry, the munchies strike, or we need to increase our intake of protein. You want to get the most bang for your buck, so load up on high-protein snacks like a smoothie, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, sliced turkey and cheese, smoked salmon and avocado toast, apple slices with peanut butter, and roasted edamame (I could go on and on). Bonus points: They’ll also help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent that all-too-familiar afternoon crash. If you’re always on the go, have handy snacks readily available that you can easily grab on your way out. Think: beef jerky, clean protein bars, and nuts or seeds.

    4. Incorporate more legumes 
    They say good things come in small packages, and beans are no exception. Soybeans, lentils, and white beans are chock-full of protein, and not only do they serve up a good portion of plant-based protein, but they also help meet your fiber, iron, and vitamin requirements. Other protein-packed beans to add to your grocery list: split peas and the kidney, black, navy, and pinto varieties. Stock your kitchen pantry with these protein powerhouses for an inexpensive and easy way to whip up versatile meals and snacks. Eat them on their own or make them into a soup, dip (hummus, anyone?), or bean-based veggie burger, or toss them in an omelet or salad for a healthy dose of protein that’ll keep you full and satisfied. Another hack? Replace your processed carbohydrates with legume-based options, such as chickpea or lentil pasta. 
     
    5. Add protein to baked goods and desserts
    You might think of muffins, bread, or cookies as a nutrient-void treat, but homemade options actually make for the perfect vehicles to add protein into the mix (literally). With the addition of protein powder, greek yogurt, beans, ground flaxseed, or a nut or seed butter, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and reach your protein goal in one swoop. Take a stab at these brownies complete with chocolate protein powder and almond butter, blueberry cake donuts that include almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and Greek yogurt, or red lentil cookies jam-packed with protein from red lentils, peanut butter, oats, and whole wheat flour (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!). And if no-bake desserts are more up your alley, try these lemon coconut flaxseed balls, peanut butter cups, or vegan cookie dough on your next self-care night in (now that’s my kind of multi-tasking). 

    6. Replace refined grains with whole grains
    Food for thought: Whole grains are packed with important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and–you guessed it–protein. When we process grains (turning them into refined carbohydrates, like white flour), it strips them of nutrient goodness, including removing protein. For example, whole wheat flour has 28% more protein than refined wheat flour. When purchasing bread, pasta, or other wheat products, look for whole wheat as the first ingredient for a range of benefits, including more protein.
    Better yet, opt for grains in their whole form such as quinoa, farro, barley, bulgur, brown rice, or millet. Most grains have about 25% more protein when eaten in their whole form because the protein typically gets processed out. Add whole grains to salads, make a whole-grain side dish, or whip up pilafs, stir-fries, and bowls.

    30 Superfoods You Can Sneak Into Your Go-To Meals More