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Posts from the ‘HEALTH’ Category

Jan 3

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FB’s Guide To The Ultimate Detox – The 10 Day Body Blitz

The Organic Pharmacy Ok, so I’ve tried a lot of detox plans in the past: Gillian McKeith’s 3 day detox where you barely leave the bathroom (!)-I don’t recommend; Carole Vorderman’s month long detox plan which is v.healthy but seriously restricting and impossible to stick to; and the ‘I’ll only drink hot water/lemon for 3 days’..again, impossible in practise when the thing of work/boyfriend or a life gets in your way!

So, it’s with joy that I’m attempting a new detox plan for 2011 and one which will hopefully be a lot easier to stick to.

I’ve also decided to combine this detox with the best bits of other beauty/health plans which I’ve tried over the years to provide FashionBite’s Guide to the Ultimate Detox.

The detox I’m trying is with The Organic Pharmacy and lasts for 10 days- so just about doable time-wise!

If you’re feeling flush, you can go all out and buy the full detox kit for £140, but you can also buy 2 key parts separately: Detox-Colon Cleanse and Gut Repair Capsules and Liver and Kidney Drops. Personally, I’m happy with the digestive system and liver/kidney detox so the two are sufficient for me and come in at just under £38 together.

I started the detox yesterday- you take 3 detox capsules in the morning, 3 at night and liver/kidney drops 3 times a day. I’m combining this with the GI Diet which is a healthy eating plan-not a diet per se, but if you do it properly you’ll look great, your skin will look amazing and you do lose weight (if that’s what you’re after).

The GI diet is based around eating wholegrains, veg, fruit, lean meats, fish..not rocket science but it really works, particularly if you’ve over done it on the cheese and booze at Christmas. You can eat every kind of food, there are no restrictions, it just has to be a certain type e.g. stoneground bread rather than white bread, wholemeal pasta rather than white pasta..etc.

For more info on the GI Diet see FashionBite’s post Kick-Start Summer Part I: GI Diet.

Alongside The Organic Pharmacy capsules, I’m taking effervescent Berocca and Echinacea tablets every day to boost my immune system. The big dose of vitamins from the Berocca is also great for tired skin.

FASHIONBITE’S DETOX – TOP TIPS

* Diet- Follow the GI Diet (as above)

* Exercise x3 sessions a week. One to include Bikram yoga- a hatha-style yoga in a hot room for 90 minutes-you see incredible results even after just a handful of sessions and it completely detoxes the skin as well as toning the body. I did my first session tonight and it was hardcore- it’s more about staying in the room than pushing yourself in the poses for the first few sessions- but once you’ve mastered the heat you feel absolutely incredible after each session. I haven’t done it for 3 months though, hence feeling like sh*t today!

* Sleep-ensure you get at least 8 hours. Along with diet and exercise, sleep is also a key factor in mental health and stress levels. If, like me, you find it difficult to unwind- try deep breathing exercises/meditation and a hot, relaxing bath with candles and oils before bed. Good diet and exercise will also improve the quality of sleep you get.

* Sleep is also a key factor in improving skin tone, along with tons of water (also v.important when detoxing!). Bikram Yoga can have a huge impact on skintone as it completely purges the body of toxins.

* Body Brushing is another crucial thing to detoxing, but it’s also something worth doing all year round. I’ve tried lots of different body brushes and the best I’ve found is The Body Shop’s Body Brush Round, £7. If you work the backs of your thighs, inner thighs, bum and any other problem cellulite areas you see a marked improvement in skin tone with The Body Shop brush, the bristles are v.hard so it really massages into the skin.

* Facial Oils are another thing I’ve come to love recently. Forest Skincare’s i-Rejuvenate facial oils are fab (not cheap) but really give your skin a fresh, youthful glow. Elemis also has some gorgeous facial oils on offer, for more info- see FashionBite’s post Elemis Skin Bliss Capsules – The Perfect Winter Pick-Me-Up.

So, I’ve now kick-started my New Year’s Detox, I’ll you keep you posted on how it goes!

FashionBite xx

Apr 4

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KICK-START SUMMER: PART II- Neal’s Yard Remedies Detox

Once you’ve got the diet sorted, there’s no better way to kick-start your summer regime than a relaxing, full-body detox.

Neal’s Yard Remedies has a fabulous Spring Detox Package, down from £140 to £95 at the moment- so book in quick. Fashionbite popped down to the Neal’s Yard Remedies Spa store on the Kings Road, London, last week to try it out.

Here are my thoughts..

DETOXIFYING BODY TREATMENT

My first treatment was a detoxifying body scrub. The therapist was fantastic and explained everything thoroughly, so you knew exactly what was coming up next. I started the treatment with a cup of Beautiful Skin tea, which was lovely- really fruity, you can buy it from the Neal’s Yard Remedies store above the Spa rooms.

My therapist then used a body brush to scrub away any dead skin from all over my body and massaged in exfoliator to really get the blood pumping. I love the fact that throughout the entire two and a half hour treatment, evey product used is Neal’s Yard Remedies, which not only smells amazing but is completely organic and natural- so you feel you’re putting goodness on your body as well.

DETOX SAUNA

Once I was scrubbed and pumeled, I headed to the detox sauna. I showered up and lay in a sauna-style room for 15 minutes. The room felt like a sauna but didn’t have the stifling heat that goes with it. Relaxing music was piped into the room and I lay back in the heat dreaming of summer…

I then headed back to the treatment room for probably one of the best back/shoulder massages I’ve ever had- it was AMAZING! Using lymphatic massage, which helps your body drain itself of unwanted toxins-great for detoxing, she put me in an almost coma-like state of relaxation. I’ve had difficulty sleeping recently and find it difficult to switch-off, but this massage absolutely did the trick.

ORGANIC SIGNATURE FACIAL

After the massage, I was treated to a wonderful organic facial which completely refreshed and revitalised my deydrated skin. I was cleansed, steamed, scrubbed and blocked pores were extracted. Then, whilst I relaxed under a lovely, fruity face mask, the therpist massaged my head and shoulders.

After the whole package, I felt amazing- my body had been scrubbed, massaged and cleansed from head to toe. I slept brilliantly that night and my skin was soft and smooth for days after.

If you fancy treating yourself, it’s well worth the money and for two and a half hours it’s great value at £95. It’s also the perfect present for someone who’s really into their organic products, I know my brother’s girlfriend would love it!

fashionbite xx

Apr 4

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KICK-START SUMMER: PART I- GI DIET

Kick-start your summer with the GI diet

Get bikini ready with the GI diet

Happy Easter!

Ok, so you’re probably munching on your eighth chocolate egg and healthy eating is the last thing on your mind..!

Healthy eating, exercise, detox, GI diet…umm..but it somehow feels better to start planning now, as I bite into some more chocolate!

Seriously though, the GI diet (if you haven’t heard of it) is the best diet I’ve ever been on- more like a healthy way of eating than a diet. It’s the only time I’m guarateed to lose weight, but I’m also never hungry and my skin is clear. After a few days I also stop craving sugar and chocolate-brilliant!

The GI diet stands for glycemic index, which measures sugar levels in the bloodstream/body. This can peak and trough depending on what type of foods you eat, e.g. white bread, pasta, sweets will all give you a sharp rise in blood sugar, but you’ll also get a fall about half an hour later which leads to cravings and over-eating.

However, with the GI diet, the idea is to eat wholegrains, wholemeal pasta and low GI foods which keep your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day, so you don’t overeat and cravings diminish. It’s a simple concept but it genuinely works, I can’t recommend it highly enough. You also get to eat all types of food, as long as they’re just the right kind e.g. you can eat bread, but it must be wholemeal and stoneground, or potatoes but they must be new potatoes.

It’s definitely worth investing in the book, you can pick it up for under £3 at Amazon, it’s called The GI Diet. It’s also got some fab recipes, so you’ll never get bored!

I’m going on it properly again from tomorrow- so I need to finish off all the chocolate today…!

Let me know what you think.

fashionbite xx

Mar 23

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HEALTH: Slimming pants- magic or myth?

There’s been a lot of press recently about slimming, anti-cellulite, sculpting pants- with claims that they reduce hips by 4cm and thighs by 2 cm- sounds too good to be true…so, I thought I’d give them a try!

For the last month I’ve been wearing the Skin’Up Corsair Sculpting Action shorts (they look exactly like cycling shorts) to see if all the hype is true. You can buy them online at www.bodyclock.co.uk and www.ebeautyproducts.co.uk.

The pants have millions of slimming capsules built into the garment fibres which break open as the body moves, releasing a natural slimming aid throughout the day…so it claims. The capsules contain Fucus vesiculosus, a type of sea kelp (natural fat burner) marine algae, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil and safflower seed oil which have moisturizing properties as well.

The idea is to wear the shorts every day for 30 days, throughout the day, and you will see a visible difference by the end of the period-here are my thoughts…

WEEK 1

I first put on the pants which felt REALLY tight..maybe I need them more than I thought! They look like extra tight cycling shorts..nice! Not very attractive, think Bridget Jones’ big ‘mummy’ knickers. I’m also very happy I’m doing this trial when it’s cold and wet and an extra layer of clothing is much appreciated! I can’t imagine how you’d wear them in the summer- but you’d probably want to be slim and cellulite-free by then anyway. For me, I’d like to reduce my inner thigh size by a few inches (if possible!) and get rid of the appearance of cellulite at the top backs of my legs. Is it a tall order for 30 days…?

WEEK 2

After the first week I’m starting to see some changes- I don’t know whether this is wishful thinking but my bum actually looks a bit smaller. The shorts give my bottom a slightly odd shape when I’m wearing them, but it really lifts the cheeks and holds them firm- it feels like it’s working anyway! The shorts did take a few days of getting used to though, when I took them off for the first few days my legs and stomach felt slightly tingly and itchy, but that soon subsided.

WEEK 3

I haven’t been totally dedicated this week, I must admit, as the pants can be quite restrictive in terms of dress choice…i.e. no body-con! And it’s been London Fashion Week, so the last thing I wanted is a big pair of pants poking out from under my dress. I’ve been trialing the longer shorts, but if I was doing it again I would interchange the longer and shorter pair to adapt to my outfits. I was finding I had to roll-up the shorts when I was wearing a short dress, which made them stick out slightly- but apart from that, I hardly notice they’re there now.

WEEK 4

So…the final week and the moment of truth- have they worked? Yes! I’ve lost about an inch from my right inner thigh and about the same from my left. The gap between my thighs is visible, so they appear to have the done the job. Cellulite does appear reduced, although the transformation is less dramatic, but I would definitely recommend trying them for a month (if nothing else, the restrictiveness makes you think about what you’re eating!). I also used a spray along with the shorts, which you sprayed on the pants every evening to give the micro-capsules a boost- you can buy that online as well.

VERDICT

9/10.

Tip: I would start wearing them soonish, before it gets too warm!

fashionbite xx

Feb 11

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HEALTH: New trainer for women adapts to time of the month

Japanese designers have launched a new running shoe for women which adapts shape to suit their hormone levels.

The Asics GEL-KAYANO 16 trainer (comes in white, gold and black) has special cushioning which expands and contracts to adapt to changing hormones levels.

The idea is based on research which indicates that changing levels of oestrogen affect flexibility and the height of the foot’s arch. So the foam padding expands and contracts to fit in with this.

The GEL-KAYANO 16 isn’t the cheapest trainer on the market at £120 a pair, but if you’re a serious runner I imagine you’d be investing in a decent pair anyway.

For more info and to find your nearest stockist, check out Asics website.

Podiatrist and Asics consultant Simon Bartold told the Daily Mail Online: “For many years, female athletes have been left a little in the cold, because footwear was basically designed and engineered for men.

“This is curious, because at the last count, there were more female runners than men.

“We have been focussing on the effect of oestrogen, the primary female sex hormone, on tissue compliance or stretchability. The results of this research were quite profound and enable us to understand how the major soft tissues, tendons, ligaments and muscle adapt under the effect of oestrogen over a 28-day cycle.”

Asics footwear product manager Liz Austen added: “The cushioning is slightly softer, which helps with support but also makes the shoe a bit more flexible.”

What do you think, would you pay £120 for a pair….?

fashionbite xx

Jan 14

Detox in the Cotswolds


Just returned from a wonderful few days at a picturesque 16th century hotel and spa in the Cotswolds The Lygon Arms…almost didn’t make it though due to the snow.

The deal was booked through Lastminute.com and included a massage/facial, use of the swimming pool/gym/spa facilities, a three-course dinner in The Great Hall and breakfast the following morning…at just £125 per person- incredible value!

The staff were so lovely, friendly and welcoming and the hotel itself was stunning. After dinner we sat by a huge roaring fire (idyllic with the snow billowing down outside) with a- not so healthy dessert of- port and cheese and chatted to the lovely Italian food manager.

The facial used Elemis products and was probably one of the best facials I’ve had, my skin felt incredible afterwards and the spa facilities are exceptional.

I couldn’t fault the whole experience- and it felt like we were away a lot longer than two days. The hotel was located in the beautiful setting of Broadway, a small village in the heart of the Cotswolds…and felt it like a million miles away from London (despite only being an hour and a half by train).


To kick-start your new year health regime or as a relaxing break away, I highly recommend it…would make a fab valentine’s getaway if you’re looking for ideas.

fashionbite xx

Nov 10

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Fitness shoes..do they work?

sketchers 1 I find myself less and less inclined to go to the gym in the winter months- as the nights draw in I just want to be sat in front of the TV in my pyjamas with a glass of wine! With that in mind, I thought this is the perfect time to trial a few fitness shoe brands- which claim to tone muscle, reduce cellulite, boost posture and burn calories..all on your way to work..! I’ve been trialling Sketchers Shape-ups and the Fitflop Gogh (see below).

You can buy both from online shoe store Rubbersole, visit it at www.rubbbersole.co.uk.

MBT also has a great range of fitness shoes.
skechers-shape-ups fitflops_gogh
I’ve been wearing the Sketchers trainers walking to work, running around London all day from one meeting to the next and even to press days..which gets a few funny looks! They’re not exactly fashion items, but they don’t look too bad under black trousers or teamed with some chunky black tights..you can just pop on your heels when you get to work.

The Sketchers trainers are incredibly comfortable, your feet sink into them with every step and the multi-layered sole gives extra cushioning and a bounce to your step…but do they actually work? The shoes claim to get you into shape, without having to go to the gym! Having worn them non-stop for the last few weeks, I can definitely say they work..but I don’t think they should replace a gym workout altogether! My legs and bum feel more toned and the skin texture on the back of my legs appears smoother, it doesn’t get rid of cellulite completely but I can definitely see an improvement.

As for calorie burning, you can feel your legs being worked a lot harder just from walking- but when you walk up and down stairs..you can really feel the difference! I’ve been setting myself challenges like always walking up escalators at tube stations..it’s not too bad in the shoes because your feet are cushioned- but when you get to the top you can really feel the burn..so it’s definitely doing the job!

Having said that, I haven’t felt as dramatic a difference when wearing the Fitflop Gogh (inspired by the clogg) although I’ve been wearing the shoes more around the house and locally-rather than into town. Your feet aren’t as cushioned as in the Shape-ups, but they still feel good to walk in. Fitflops specialise in a great range of summer items, such as flip-flops, which are fantastic for City-breaks where you’ll be doing a lot of walking…although I’m not too sure about their fashion credentials..fit flops 2

So..the conclusion for fitness footwear…I’d give Sketchers a 9, I don’t think I could live without them now! Also, because they’re so comfy to walk in- I find myself getting off the bus a stop early to walk back..just to get some more walking time in. With the Fitflops, I’d probably give them a 7, although I can’t compare like-for-like, I didn’t feel they gave me quite the comfy workout that the Sketchers did.

fashionbite xx

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