Risk of heart disease reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats.

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Frostie

The Fat Information Service reveals the facts behind the headlines…

Fatty acids continue to be the subject of ongoing academic research and media attention. In this bulletin, brought to you by the experts behind The Fat Information Service (FIS), we discuss some recent findings regarding different types of fat and risk of heart disease.

Get to know your fats

Dietary fats are classified by their chemical composition, and can be either saturated (found in animal products such as meat, cheese and butter) or unsaturated (found in oils, seeds and spreads).

When choosing fats, we’re advised to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle1.

Sorting fact from fiction

Recent coverage of the role of fats in the diet has made for confusing and alarming reading as well as being based on unreliable evidence. So what should we believe?

In response to a new review paper just published in Nutrition Bulletin2, Dr Carrie Ruxton from The Fat Information Service notes: “This latest release successfully challenges the recent media frenzy which followed publication of a BMJ paper on heart disease risk and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in margarine and spreads.

The evidence shows clearly that the risk of developing heart disease is reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats3. By highlighting this robust evidence base and outlining the inaccuracies surrounding interpretation of the BMJ study4consumers are urged not to shun the government’s dietary guidelines on the basis of spurious media reports.

The Nutrition Bulletin study confirms that advice for the general population should still be to choose foods with a lower saturated fat content and to opt for fats that are primarily unsaturated, supplying a range of omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fats.

Fat Information Service tips

As with all aspects of a healthy diet, balance is key and dietary fats are no exception.

While polyunsaturated fats offer numerous health benefits, getting too much of any type of fat can be damaging to your health. Present guidelines suggest that no more than 35% of your overall daily energy intake should come from fat (with no more than 11% from saturated fat)5^,6.

So while it’s not desirable to increase the total fat content of the diet, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats will help you achieve a better balance for your heart and overall wellbeing (as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle).

These tips will help show you how:

ü Switch to lower-fat dairy products e.g. low fat yogurts, and skimmed or semi-skimmed milks to reduce your intake of saturated fats. Eat less cheese.

ü Swap butter for small amounts of spread or margarine as this can help reduce your saturated fat intake. Spreads are also fortified with other vitamins and can help supplement your diet with key nutrients. Additionally, spreads made from seed oils contain essential fats, omega 3 & 6; these are fats that your body cannot make and must be taken in via your diet

ü Choose lean cuts of meat, poultry or oily fish rather than fatty or processed meat products. Make sure you trim any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken or turkey before cooking.

ü When you do roast or fry food, try using a lower saturated fat spread or oil product

Women ‘reluctant’ to believe pregnancy and oral health link

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Frostie

More than 20 million women in the UK are reluctant to believe the existing link between poor oral health and pregnancy complications.

In a new survey, two in every three (67 per cent) of women said they did not think the two problems were related while only one in four (25 per cent) said they would take steps to improve their oral health despite knowing it could cause complications during pregnancy.

In the last 12 months the Foundation has reported on a number of scientific studies showing possible links between the two health problems. Research has revealed a 34 per cent reduction in risk of preterm births for expectant mums suffering with gum disease if they underwent simple treatment at the dentist or hygienist.

Further studies have also shown mums who are more able to handle stress in their environment had children with better oral health. Karen Coates, Dental Advisor at the British Dental Health Foundation, encourages all women not to ignore the wealth of evidence suggesting a link.

Ms Coates said: “Taking care of your own oral hygiene is important at all times, but none more so than when you’re expecting a baby. As many women will testify, the significant changes to the body mean taking extra care, and that includes oral health.

“There has been a lot of research that shows poor oral health can lead to complications during pregnancy, and it should not be overlooked. If a good oral hygiene routine means mums to be experience less problems during their pregnancy, it is important to educate this particular group about how they can go about doing just that.

“Many women find that hormonal changes cause their oral health to get worse during pregnancy. Some women find their gums bleed more easily, while people who already have gum disease may find that it progresses more rapidly.

“If you are pregnant, it really is vital to take extra care of your mouth. You should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and take extra care that you are brushing for the full two minutes and clean every surface of every tooth. You should also clean between the teeth using interdental brushes or floss. Visit the dentist regularly as often as they recommend, and cut down on the frequency of sugary foods and drinks.

“NHS treatment is free for expectant mothers up until their child’s first birthday. All you need is to be an NHS patient and to have a current maternity exemption certificate.”

The findings have been revealed as part of National Smile Month, a month-long campaign run by the British Dental Health Foundation. The campaign, which draws to a close on 20 June, promotes three key messages for oral health:

– Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste,

– Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks,

– Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

Blue Badge Style Founder Named One Of Bright Shiny News’ Inspiring Women

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Frostie

Fiona Jarvis, founder of Blue Badge Style, the first app and online guide to a stylish lifestyle for the less-physically-able, has been profiled on Bright Shiny News. In the interview, for the Inspiring Women section of the website, Jarvis talks about how she has overcome the difficulty of needing a wheelchair and continues to live stylishly.

Bright Shiny News is an online woman’s magazine who’s main purpose in life is to entertain readers with bright shiny things! The inspiring women section profiles a different successful businesswoman every week. The article, written by Monique Fok, talks about Jarvis’ life experience: from working in the city to being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and on to setting up Blue Badge Style.

Fok writes: “It is actually an understatement to say that Fiona survived the MS bombshell; Not only has she won the battle beautifully, but she has also established the Blue Badge Style, which provides a website and app guide to the stylish lifestyle for everyone, including people with disability.”

Blue Badge Style is the only company that looks at disability from the point of view of style & design, taking a stylish, pragmatic and cost-efficient approach to inclusive access, working with venue management teams, designers and architects to improve the awareness of disabled facilities. “Style is the overriding premise of Blue Badge Style, along with a positive outlook” says Fiona Jarvis, “disability need not stop you from enjoying the good things in life!”.

The Blue Badge Style website provides style advice to the less-physically-able. Whether it’s the best places to eat and drink, fashion tips or interviews with other stylish less-able people, it can all be found at Blue Badge Style.

The Blue Badge Style free app is the first and only app to give you information on where to go near you based on not only how stylish the place is but how accessible it is for disabled customers.The app works as a” Michelin-like” star system for the less able. It identifies cool venues near your location and uses a bespoke three tick rating system to grade it out of 5 for each category: 1.Access, 2.Facilities and 3.Style, so that users know exactly what to expect from each venue. You can then easily see the best places near you, read a review, check the Blue Badge Style rating and get directions on how to get there.

Fashion Designer and style icon, Simon Carter explains, “This app can quickly locate stylish restaurants and bars that are nearby. It also warns you if there is a problem with disabled access or facilities. I’m able bodied and I’m going to use it!”.

Get Bikini Ready With Simple Steps from Fitness First

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Frostie

With only weeks to go until bikini season, Fitness First have come up with a set of
simple but effective tips to help you step from the beach hut with confidence.
Fitness First Health & Fitness Expert, Paul Cheeseman’s 30 minute circuit workout is a
great way to combine cardio and weight training together so you can burn fat and
tone up at the same time as well as increase endurance and stamina. Combine this
with a positive mindset, and you’ll see a real difference on those legs, bums and tums!

Squat Jump

The squat jump will give your leg muscles a workout and get your heart pumping. Stand with
your feet roughly shoulder-width apart, then slowly bend your legs and arms to about 90
degrees at the same time. Once your thighs are parallel to the floor, explode into the air as
high as you can go. Land softly and repeat the motion again. Perform eight to 10 repetitions, or
20 to 25 seconds for a timed circuit. Modify the reps or time to suit your fitness level if the
workout seems too difficult or not difficult enough.

Jump Rope

Rope jumping is a staple of training systems such as boxing and martial arts. Jumping rope will
enhance your footwork, coordination and balance. Find a rope that just clears your head by a
few inches on each revolution. Practice different footwork combinations as you become more
comfortable. Jump rope for about 30 seconds as part of a beginner circuit routine. Increase
the time and intensity of the jumping as your fitness level progresses.

Burpees

A burpee is a standard gym class type of movement that will work your entire body. Start in a
standing position and bend down to place your hands on the floor. Shoot both of your legs
backward into a push-up position, then bring them back to your chest quickly. Stand up and
repeat the movement for eight to 10 repetitions. For a timed circuit, try for 20 to 25 seconds of
continuous burpees. Modify the reps or time to suit your fitness level.

Push-Ups

The basic push-up is an exercise that will strengthen your triceps, shoulders and chest. Including
push-ups in your circuit training routine will help to give a complete body workout. Do eight to
10 push-ups to start, then increase as your level of fitness increases. Perform push-ups for 10 to
20 seconds as part of a timed routine.

Lunges

Lunges will strengthen and tone your thighs and buttocks. You can either step out into a lunge
position then return to the start and repeat, or alternate legs in a continuous walking motion
across the floor. Lunges can be performed with no added weight or with a dumbbell in each
hand for more of a challenge. Start with eight to 10 reps or 20 to 25 seconds and modify the
resistance or reps according to your fitness level.

V-Ups

The V-up can be a challenging exercise for people with weaker abdominal muscles. Lie on
your back and extend your arms up over your head. Raise your upper and lower body at the
same time, keeping your arms and legs straight to form a “V.” Lower yourself slowly and repeat.
Aim for eight to 10 repetitions or 20 seconds, but don’t push yourself too hard because the V-up
is a difficult exercise

20 Years of QVC: Frost’s Top Picks

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Frostie

QVC has celebrated their 20 year anniversary. So congratulations to them. To celebrate I have picked out a few of my favourite pieces from their new range. Far from being just another shopping channel, QVC is a fav of Frost for being a forward thinker who collaborates with all of the hottest designers and experts in their field. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Lulu Guinness bags. Butler and Wilson necklace. Necklace, Libertine by Giles Deacon. All below was made exclusively for QVC 20th anniversary.

How to Stop Being a Couch Potato and Start Enjoying Life

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Frostie

It’s no joke: a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to numerous preventable causes of death. A person who is seated for over five hours a day is put considerably more at risk of contracting cardiovascular disease than one who exercises for even just four hours per week. Furthermore, lack of exercise can cause depression or anxiety. If you want to start enjoying life you have to stand up and say no to being a couch potato.

Here are some useful ideas to help you get up off the couch and back in the game:

Avoid eating on the settee. The more you get used to doing this the more time you will be able to spend on the couch. Try to make a habit of setting aside time for meals away from the TV.
Rest and relaxation are integral ingredients of a healthy and happy life, but too much idle behavior will do you no good in the end. When you go to sit down in front of the TV, set yourself a limit on the time spent in front of it.
Get rid of your unwanted DVDs and video games. You’ve seen or played them all before and it’s time for something new. You can sell them easily on http://www.musicmagpie.com/ and use the money for a gym membership or a bicycle.
Why not watch TV while riding an exercise bike and THEN see how many episodes of Prison Break you can watch in a row!
Studies have shown that prolonged periods of little or no movement inhibit the effectiveness of one of the key enzymes which break down blood fat. If your occupation requires you to spend lots of time sitting down, make sure to periodically stand up and stretch your legs.
Apply the principle of active transport to your daily life. We spend too much time in a sitting position, even while travelling. Walk or ride a bike, leave early and take the scenic route to work and you’ll feel the benefits of a greater sense of wellbeing.
Get a hobby. Count up the hours you spend on the sofa in a year and think what you could do with that time. If you cut out just an hour of TV time every day just imagine what you could achieve in a year. Whether it’s Ping-Pong or marathon running, find something to suit you and stick at it.
Join a sports team. It could be at your local soccer club or it could be as simple as forming a bowling team with good friends. The commitment necessary to be a valued team player will give you the encouragement you need get off the settee regularly.

Everybody needs time to relax and a good long couch session every now and again can be good for your state of mind – but too much is detrimental to your health. Don’t think of it as a loss of relaxation time, but rather as time gained socialising, improving your health and extending your lifespan

The Promise: Never Have Another Negative Thought Again

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Frostie

The Promise: Never Have Another Negative Thought Again comes with high praise indeed.

‘If a book could change the world and the lives of everyone in it, this is surely such a book.’ Mark Nesbitt, director of Urbanark Group

‘Occasionally there’s someone saying something that makes you stop and listen. Graham W Price is one of these. His teaching is truly powerful.’ London Magazine

‘The most useful and effective training I’ve come across in 25 years.’ Michael Queen, CEO of 3i, a FTSE 100 company

‘I cannot recommend it enough. Nothing phases me anymore.’ Simone Plaut, manager, MS Society

Wow. Popular indeed. The blurb reads:

What would it be like to eliminate negative thoughts from your life? To remove regret, worry and dissatisfaction and never feel stressed again? To take on whatever life throws at you with confidence and an unwavering resilience? To achieve whatever you want to achieve and enjoy great relationships. With The Promise, you can – that’s a promise.

Based on an extraordinary truth that few are aware of, you’ll develop powerful new ways of looking at life and discover how to:

Replace negative thoughts with positive action.
Banish stress, regret, disappointment and worry from your life.
Calmly manage any challenging situation, no matter how big or small.

The Promise is a book that changes your thinking. Positive acceptance, or pacceptance as the author Graham W Price calls it, is the first step. Instead of getting upset about things you cannot fix you accept it instead. It has exercises and an action summary of each chapter, and all of the previous ones too.

Banning worry, accepting fear but getting on with it and less wishing, more action might seem like basic things we know why should not but might not get round to doing. But the book is not just self help and useful advice, it works on your way of thinking so you can reach your full potential. I like the book and found it very helpful. The summary and examples at the end were great, as were the exercises.

A great book if you are lagging behind and want to up your game.

Hair loss and thinning – the common condition that women don’t talk about

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Frostie

It will happen to half of all women at some point in their lives, but now a new poll of more than 4,000 people in the UK* suggests hair loss and thinning is the ultimate taboo.

The research by Viviscal hair supplements, reveals the lengths men and women will go to in disguising their hair loss. Tricks include colouring in their scalp with a pen and rubbing coffee into their scalp to hide the tell-tale signs.

The main causes of hair loss are thought to be lifestyle factors, such as stress, crash diets, hair extensions and also pregnancy.

The research also reveals the impact that our hair has on our lives with four fifths (80%) saying a good hair day would affect their mood, while a third (34%) say a bad hair day would make them feel self-conscious.

Despite more than half of those questioned saying they feel their hair loss makes them more self-conscious, more than two thirds (69%) have never used any treatment to help them with their thinning hair.

A new statistically significant clinical study in to Viviscal’s drug and hormone free marine supplements has shown promising results for people who experience hair loss or hair thinning, with the trial showing that a two-a-day supplement reduces hair shedding and increases hair thickness, and that women on the trial saw improvement in overall hair volume.**

*Stress is the most common cause of female hair loss, accounting for 34% cases, followed by the hormonal changes after pregnancy, accounting for 22% cases.

**25% of women say they spend 15 minutes on their hair every day, while one in ten (12%) take 30 minutes and 3% even admit to taking an hour.

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