Tag Archives: tips

Margarine and health, removing the confusion on dietary needs

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A big, fat confusion

We all need fat in our diet, but knowing which types can often be confusing.

The Fat Information Service (FIS) is supported by a group of expert dietitians, nutritionists, lipid experts and GPs to give the low down on the role of fats and oils in our daily diets. It aims to offer clear information to help identify good fats from bad fats and to support informed dietary choices needed for good health.

The following e-feature bulletin from FIS explains why findings published this week regarding the changing trends in the UK’s fat consumption are both concerning and potentially life-threatening.

Get to know your fats

Dietary fats are classified by their chemical composition, and can be either saturated (as found in animal products such as butter) or unsaturated (found in vegetable-based products such as spreads and  margarine).

When choosing fats, we are advised to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle[1]. This is because clinical research clearly illustrates that risk of developing heart disease is reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats[2].

Sorting fact from fiction

A worrying new report suggests that Britons are increasingly shunning evidence-based advice and are choosing butter over spreads and margarine, believing it to represent a purer, more natural alternative.

Commenting on these findings, nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire from the Fat information Service (FIS) says: “Consumers should not be concerned about the notion of margarines and spreads being ‘highly processed’ or ‘packed full of additives’.

 

“The primary ingredients in margarine include vegetable or plant seed oils, water, milk and salt; all of which are naturally sourced.

 

“Processing of spreads is necessary to ensure that the natural oils are combined with other ingredients to develop a smooth consistency for spreading. The only additional step used in making margarine compared to the production of butter is the initial process of extracting the oil from seeds.

“Although spreads do contain additives, many of the colours used are natural and vitamins A and D are added by law. And whilst they contain preservatives, their use is strictly controlled and regularly reviewed to ensure they are entirely safe in the quantities consumed.

“The bottom line is that margarines, when consumed in moderation, represent a healthy, natural choice for consumers”.

Dangerous consequences

 

So what consequences might these unfounded myths regarding spreads and margarine have on the UK population if they remain unaddressed?

 

Sara Stanner adds: “With heart disease already the UK’s biggest killer[3], the recent surge in butter sales is worrying news for the health of the UK population.

 

“More than  half of the fat found in butter is saturated fat.  Scientists agree that a high dietary intake of saturated fat raises the level of total and bad cholesterol in the blood, which increases the risk of heart disease.

 

“In contrast, spreads made with vegetable oils contain less saturates and a higher proportion of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, which help reduce cholesterol levels when substituted for saturated fat.

 

 

“At the end of the day our food choices are driven by what we enjoy, but consumers who prefer the taste of butter should be advised to use it sparingly and opt for vegetable oil blends where possible, in order to maintain good health. ”





Fat Information Service tips 


 


As in all aspects of a healthy diet, balance is key and dietary fats are no exception. While unsaturated fats (such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) offer significant health benefits, getting too much of any type of fat can be damaging to your health.


 


Whilst it’s not desirable to increase the total fat content of the diet by simply adding them to your diet, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats will help you achieve a better balance for your heart and overall health (along with a healthy diet and lifestyle).


These tips will help show you how:


ü  Switch to lower-fat dairy products, like reduced-fat cheese, low fat yogurts, and skimmed or semi-skimmed milk to reduce your intake of saturated fats.


 


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 you thus have to take 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.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
5 Ways to Prevent a Car Accident

			
						

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Car accidents are an unfortunate part of driving in the real world, no matter what you do. However, there are some ways you can minimize your chances of getting into an accident. The following are some of the best things you can do to keep yourself and your car safe.


Keep the Car in Good Shape


Prevent Car Accidents
How to Prevent Car Accidents


 


Image via Flickr by Alexandre Prévot


When your car is in good shape, it’ll be more able to handle the issues that tend to lead to getting into accidents. When your tires and brakes are good, you have a much better chance of dodging an accident. When your mirrors are properly aligned and your windows are clean, you can better see what’s either ahead of or coming toward you before it can cause damage.


Keep Yourself in Solid Condition


If you drive when you’re tired, you have a much higher likelihood of having an accident. As well, driving under the influence of even one recently consumed alcoholic beverage can slow your reaction times and muddle your perceptions enough to make an accident more likely. When your condition is at its best, you are more capable of noticing potential problems and heading them off before they become as serious as an accident.


Follow the Laws of the Road


As a good car wreck attorney in Dallas could tell you, following the law is just a good idea. If you don’t follow the law and get into an accident, the law won’t look favorably on your actions and your legal liability could be great. This is particularly the case if there is a large amount of property damage or loss of life because of the accident. If you follow the law, insurance will be more useful if an accident happens and you will be less likely to get into an accident in the first place.


Keep Distractions in the Car to a Minimum


Distracting yourself will only make you more likely to get into an accident. Having a visible screen, an overly bright stereo system or doing things with your phone will all divert your attention. Also, having a serious conversation that could become emotional while you’re driving is also an ill-advised way to go. The fewer things you have around to focus on, the better aware of how dangerous each thing is you’re going to be.


Be Aware of Other Drivers


When you have other drivers around, these are people you can’t control. Don’t imagine you can control them, but you do need to know what they’re doing in your presence. Most of the time this is simple awareness, but every so often you will need to dodge someone in order to avoid getting into an accident. The sooner you know what a reckless or unaware driver is doing, the more easily you will be able to get out of their way. The best way to avoid accidents is to be as far away from the crazy drivers as you can get.


Avoiding accidents isn’t always possible in the real world. However, the above suggestions will make staying out of an accident far easier.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Write Your Own Dating Rules by Jenni Trent-Hughes, the relationship expert

			
						

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relationshipsJenni Trent-Hughes, the relationship expert from eHarmony tells Frost Magazine readers to rip up the rule book.


Eighteen years ago the dating world was introduced to a book called ‘The Rules’ that we were meant to follow in order to guarantee a perfect love life. In those days, before online dating there were rules like: Don’t ask a man on a date! Don’t ask him to dance first! Don’t call him first! Don’t accept a date for Saturday if he asks you after Wednesday!


If you’ve found that ‘’not accepting a date for Saturday if they asked you after Wednesday’ worked for you, then I’m not going to tell you any different.  However as you’re here reading this in 2013, I suspect that you have realised that there is no magic secret; but I’m glad to say there is one tip that will help to bring you success or at the very least, remove some of the obstacles you may have stumbled over in the past.


Rules are like walls and sometimes walls need to be demolished to let the light in. Step outside your comfort zone and see what happens – be the dater you want to be not the one you’ve been told to be.


My one tip is this: Write your own rules! No one knows you better than you know yourself. You know what you’re capable of. You know what your parameters are. What you will be brave enough to do and what is going to be totally against your character, and you know what feels right.


I’m not going to tell you what not to do! You can figure that out yourself. I’ll just remind you of some things to do to help increase your chances of success when dating online.


1.    Reach out: If you see a profile that you like the look or sound of then make contact. There is no point spending weeks peeking at each other through cyberspace – say hello.


2.    Step outside your regular boundaries: Online dating is a golden opportunity to interact with people you might not originally have considered. Remember the first time against your better judgement you chose coconut ice cream and now it’s your favourite? That person who is a little older, a bit younger, that you’re attracted to but doesn’t match up to your usual ‘type’. That might just be The One.


3.    If you want to ask them out – just do it: Man or woman, we are in the 21st Century and we can do things that are new without the roof caving in. Traditionally men might have been the first to initiate a date, however things have evolved and it’s flattering to be asked out whatever your sex.


4. Be honest: Be yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Forget mind games, just be yourself and eventually you will find someone who is exactly the person you are looking for and you to them.


5. Learn to let go: We all have baggage, but when it comes to dating try and leave any hang ups at the door. Negative experiences in the past can affect the way you approach a new relationship, and although it’s good to be cautious, it’s also good to go in with a fresh new slate. Have fun and let your true self be at the forefront.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Diane Kruger Beauty Tips

			
						

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Diane KrugerThe incredibly stylish Diane Kruger has revealed her secret for beautiful hair at music festivals, “My hair is fine, so I use a spritz of Klorane dry shampoo for body,” 


The gorgeous 36-year-old also said sleep is her secret weapon. ‘I try to get nine hours of sleep a night. It’s really that simple. Of course, it’s hard to do sometimes, especially when I am working, but I feel and look better when I sleep well. I also noticed a great improvement in my skin when I gave up smoking. There are no secret potions, though.’


Klorane dry shampoo should be sprayed on the roots and then massaged in. It gives a great body boost and I am a fan myself. Don’t spray to close to the hair or it will make your hair white. It costs £7.50 from John Lewis.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Weddings – do and don’t: Creating magical weddings

			
						

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Julia Dowling of Snapdragon Parties, the leading luxury wedding and event planners, shares some trade secrets on creating an amazing wedding.


The idea of planning your own wedding sounds like fun to the uninitiated.  But unless you feel confidently creative, are commercially savvy and know how to find the best suppliers out there, it can be daunting.   As professional wedding planners we are most often asked for our top wedding planning tips.


Wedding bride and groom


    

  1. Do set a realistic budget and stick to it
    2. 



Even a modest wedding costs a great deal.  Build a budget based on some Internet research and your judgement of how much you are prepared to spend.  As a guide, your budget should be split about forty per cent to catering, ten per cent each to venue or marquee hire, clothes, entertainment, photography and flowers with everything else coming from the remainder.  Don’t assume that hosting your wedding at home will be cheaper, because the entire infrastructure needs to be brought in.  Have honest conversations with all concerned about who will contribute and how much, and do get wedding insurance. Use your budget to guide your choices.  We always start wedding planning with a budget and then help to choose a venue and style of wedding.  Once you have set a budget, stick to it by negotiating hard with suppliers, especially if they were recommended by your venue; they will often be paying commission on your booking.


    

  1. Don’t pick a venue until you have a clear idea of the type of wedding you want
    2. 



Many historic buildings impose restrictions on their use; a grade 1 listed castle full of ancient treasures is likely to prohibit use of candles, so if your vision is a candlelit wedding ceremony pick an appropriate venue.  Depending on when you plan to marry think about the likely weather (always have a wet weather plan) and the availability of local accommodation.


    

  1. Do find ways to weave in your own personality and style
    2. 



There is much more to styling a wedding than copying an idea from a glossy magazine or adhering to conventional traditions. I often start by asking couples what impression they want to leave their guests with and how we can incorporate elements of their personality into the design scheme.  Other considerations include the season, the exact location, the size of the guest list, favourite colours, the level of formality which is desired and the budget.


In terms of dressing a venue, think macro and micro.  Macro styling means lighting the outside of a building, transforming the interior space and fusing the venue’s character with the nature of your event.  Micro styling means the way you dress the tables, the folding of napkins and your choice of china, glassware, place cards and favours.


Really talented florists will happily interpret your concepts with flowers, candles, feathers, wood, glass or foliage.


    

  1. Don’t settle for the same old wedding fare
    2. 



Most caterers’ and venues’ standard menus are pretty boring.  Britain exports some of the finest food all over the world.  While no one goes to a wedding primarily for a gourmet experience, serve your guests some food that they will really appreciate.


    

  1. Do plan the day from a guest’s perspective
    2. 



On your wedding day you may be the centre of attention but you are also the host, and so you need to think about the whole day from your guests’ perspective.  This means making sure that it flows naturally, that people aren’t left standing around without a drink while you have pictures taken and that everyone gets to spend at least a little time with you both.


    

  1. Don’t be afraid to save money where guests won’t notice
    2. 



Wine needs to be good, but not necessarily a First Growth Bordeaux and you would be amazed at how good a wedding cake from M&S can be (yes, I’m being serious).  Once your florist has constructed something colourful between the tiers, your guests will think you spent a fortune on it!


    

  1. Do make your wedding stationery stand out
    2. 



The invitation offers the first indication your guests receive about the character of the event.  While the skilfully engraved traditional invitation undoubtedly retains its timeless appeal, an intricate laser cut creation can be equally impressive.  When picking a stationery style and colour, remember that you have to carry it through for orders of service and table stationery.  Anything too outlandish may make it hard for guests to read the hymns or placecards.


    

  1. Don’t cut corners on photography
    2. 



Apart from the marriage, the photographs are the only part of your wedding that will last a lifetime.   There are four basic styles of wedding photography and the best photographers can generally achieve a seamless mix of them all.  The traditional style is ideal for the posed family portraits, contemporary photography tends to be more informal and capture the spirit of the occasion.  Reportage is the fly-on-the-wall approach that captures the detail and flow of your day and the artistic approach, as the name suggests, aims to create the poster shots.    Even if you aren’t particularly traditional you should be cautious about too contemporary a style as you won’t want the photographs to look out of date in a few years.


    

  1. Do hire a professional to coordinate things on the day
    2. 



Appoint someone as the coordinator on the day.  This could be a friend, or ideally, a professional.  Without a coordinator, you will spend the whole day worrying about the details yourself, which will significantly reduce your enjoyment.   They need to reconfirm all the details with suppliers, create a detailed running order and oversee the day.  Many wedding venues will offer you an event coordinator but remember that they won’t coordinate anything other than at the wedding venue itself.


    

  1. Don’t forget why you are doing this!
    2. 



If you haven’t employed a wedding planner, there will be times during the planning process when you will wonder why you’re doing all this; it will inevitably get pretty stressful at times.  When the bills are flying in and you are worrying about all sorts of seemingly inconsequential details, remember that it will all be worth it in the end – and, after all, you will remember your wedding day forever!


www.snapdragonparties.com

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Get Rich Blogging | Book Review

			
						

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get-rich-bloggingI met Zoe Griffin at a fundraising event for cervical cancer which was hosted by Jo’s Trust. Zoe is very vivacious and it is hard not to notice her as she is a social butterfly. I chatted to her on the night and said I would review her book, “Get Rich Blogging”. Zoe was the Sunday Mirror’s showbiz gossip columnist. She bravely left her job to start her blog, Livelikeavip. She did this three years ago and now earns a six-figure income and gets 80,000 hits a month. An impressive achievement. But what about the book? Here is my opinion….


Part one lets you know all about blogs and what Zoe wished she knew when she started hers. The book also has great exercises to get your business brain into gear. You may think you know all about blogging and what a blog is but Zoe leaves no stone unturned.


The section on making money will be popular – obviously, otherwise why would you have bought the book- and it does have a lot of great information on Skimlinks, google adsense, link-based advertising and other ad networks. This information is valuable and took me a lot of research to find when I started Frost. I do have to say that earning money from some of these is not as easy as you think, in the three years I had Skimlinks on my blog I made £32, and only $50 per year from infolinks. It is hardly setting the world on fire, and barely covered the cost of running the site. Zoe’s book has given me lots of ideas for other revenue streams though, and I was lucky enough to become a member of Handpicked Media.


The income section is separated between direct and indirect revenue. The above is direct while the indirect is things such as speaking arrangements, public appearances, collaboration and freelance contracts.


The other great thing about the book is that it helps you find the marketplace, and therefore the readers, of your blog. It is full of exercises, tips and quotes. The end of each chapter also has a checklist. The book then talks you through design, preparing for business, getting images and building your brand.


It also has a great chapter on social media: very important in these times. Building a loyal readership and boosting your income are also covered.


Part II is a great chapter of interviews with other bloggers, sectioned into their niche area. Along with tips of each niche area.


This book is an essential resource for those who are not only starting a blog, but also those who already have one. A great book. Five stars.


You can buy Get Rich Blogging here


I will be interviewing Zoe soon so check back for that,


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

				
					
	

		

						
Tax year end: last minute pension planning tips

			
						

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  • Investors are urged not to forget the ‘forgotten’ allowances
    • 

  • Falling annual allowance emphasises the importance of making hay while the sun shines
    • 

  • 50% tax relief is only available until 5th April
    • 

  • Bed and Sipp
    • 



Use your earnings related pension contribution allowance. For the past three years, we have seen a steady erosion in pension contribution allowances, with both the annual and lifetime allowances being cut. Both the Liberal Democrats and Labour have threatened to go further and limit the rates of tax relief available on pension contributions. If you have spare capital which you are looking to invest for your retirement, then it makes sense to get on and do it before 6 April.




Tom McPhail, Head of Pensions Research “Pensions are sometimes the forgotten allowance at this time of year when attention tends to be focused on ISAs, but with retirement saving tax breaks coming under increasing pressure from the Chancellor, wise investors will make hay while the sun shines. If you don’t use the allowances now, you may not get the chance next year.”




Non-earner’s pensions




It makes sense to share household retirement savings to take full advantage of the tax free personal allowance in retirement. Non-earners can contribute up to £3,600 a year to a pension and enjoy tax relief on their contributions. With personal allowances set to rise to £9,440 in 2013/14, a couple in retirement could enjoy a household income of nearly £19,000 a year without having to pay any tax – but only if they have shared their pension saving equally between them.




It is also possible to make pension contributions for your children – an effective way to give them a head start on their own retirement saving, as well as reducing a potential inheritance tax bill.




Bed and Sipp




Use existing investments to make a pension contribution. Even if you don’t have cash available to invest in a pension, you can potentially use other investments.




For example: Peter has some shares which he bought 10 years ago for £10,000. Today they are worth £15,000. He sells the shares, realising a gain of £5,000, which falls within his Capital Gains Tax allowance of £10,600. He invests the proceeds in his pension and immediately repurchases the share portfolio within his Sipp. As well as having now sheltered his investment within a pension for tax purposes, he also benefits from immediate tax relief of £3,750 which is added to his pension. If he is a higher rate taxpayer Peter can claim a further £3,750 after the end of the tax year.




Take advantage of the 50% tax rate.




For the (un)lucky few who pay 50% income tax, it makes sense to invest in a pension before the end of the tax year. Any contributions made from 6 April onwards will only be eligible for relief at 45%. If using carry forward as well, this could mean up to an additional £10,000 in tax relief.




Carry forward unused relief to boost contributions. If you have the capital to spare, then provided you also have the earnings to justify the contribution, it is possible to carry forward unused pension tax relief from up to 3 years ago. This means it is possible to make a pension contribution of up to £200,000, which for a 50% tax payer could then result in up to £100,000 of tax relief.




Plan ahead for flexible drawdown.




You’re not allowed to make any pension contributions in the same tax year in which you start flexible drawdown. So anyone planning on using flexible drawdown may want to top up their pension with any final contributions before 6th April – any contributions after that date could mean having to wait up to another 12 months before getting full access to their pension funds.