Posts Tagged ‘Detox’

Beauty

Have a happier holiday with a pre-Christmas detox

By Elisabeth Edvardsen on December 10th, 2012

If you’ve already had your fair share of mince pies and mulled wine (not to forget that daily hit of chocolate courtesy of your advent calendar), you might already start to feel the skirt tightening around the hips.

Sadly many of us forget about diets and healthy heating know-how as soon as the calendar hits December 1st and put it waaaaay at the back of our Mind Palace with other things we’d like to forget about (ex-boyfriends and those too drunken nights mainly..) and live our hedonistic lives as if it was the heyday of Ancient Rome and we are the Emperor Empress – only to wake up on a cold and harsh January 1st, feeling all panda-eyed, hungover… and poisoned.

This year, instead of waiting till a New Year has graced us with its presence, why not kick-start your healthy new way of life with a Christmas pretox? Yes, yes, there are lots of parties and get-togethers to ruin it all, but with a few tricks you can not only look even better in that new dress (which cost as much as a month’s rent) come NYE and also feel a bit less lethargic, panda eyed and hungover – OK the last two may be unavoidable despite your best efforts.

Detoxing helps rejuvenate both body and mind, improves your energy and mood, aids weight loss and clears up your skin so what’s not to like.

Here are our top tips on pretoxing ahead of this festive season.

Be carb savvy

There’s no reason why you should cut out carbs completely. Just say no to white bread and pasta (full of refined sugars) and opt for wholegrain carbs such as brown rice and dark rye bread. And eat less of it as well.

Eat more fibre

Adding enough fibre to your diet will help you maintain normal blood sugar levels and release energy into your body slowly rather than the rollercoaster quick fixes (red: chocolate) can offer. Nuts, seeds and fruit is a great way to add more fibre to your diet.

Cut down on the caffeine

We know… We’re not great without our daily fix of caffeine from our local coffee shop, but by cutting down – or eliminating – caffeine from your diet for a while can make great changes to both your health and sleep. Herbal teas are a great substitute for those who need a hot drink once in a while.

No booze (or as little as possible)

Almost impossible, with all those friend catch-ups and client meetings, you say? Skip the alcohol for a week or so and see your body and mood improve. Also keeping the intake of your favourite tipple to a low, will greatly reduce the chances of awkward drunken photos appearing on Facebook.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Not drinking enough water is the main reason for people feeling drained and unfocused. Ensuring you stay hydrated will also keep your hunger at bay, so there’s less chance of snacking during the day. Keep a bottle at your desk and refill it every time you go to the kitchen.

Image:  Flickr Creative Commons  / Macinate (Any excuse for adding an image of a cute cat..)



Beauty, Features, Top Five

Top five fad diets to avoid

By Andrea Petrou on January 6th, 2012

Every year, around this time, millions of ladies announce they will be going on a diet.

Some of us do it in a bid to get that celebrity figure, others to cleanse themselves of too much Christmas turkey and some to simply fit into that next size down pair of jeans without having to walk around breathing in the whole day – we hold our hands up to the latter.

However, there’s one thing we all want when it comes to the “D” word and that’s of course a quick fix. Let’s be honest if we could lose those stones and love handles with a magic pill we’d choose it over salad, no alcohol and no cakes, which is why so many of us turn to those “miracle diets”.

Some are endorsed by celebrities while others promise the world and whilst many may work there comes a price – think smells that you blame your other half for and starvation so bad you’ll tempted to push your pet out of the way and stick your face in their bowl. We give you the lowdown on the top five fad diets we think you should avoid.

1. The Master Cleanse diet, most commonly known as the lemonade or maple syrup diet.
Beyonce swore she lost 20Ib on this diet which is basically a concoction of lemon juice, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper drank six to 12 times a day.
However, this isn’t the kind of lemonade you buy freshly from food markets. Beyonce may have looked fab but she said the juice made her “evil” – we assume she meant that horrible grouchiness you feel when you, well, haven’t eaten for days. And we all know what the spicy cayenne pepper was put in there for…. if you still want to do this diet we recommend staying close to a toilet at all times.

2. The baby food diet
We probably hate the stuff when we were babies, but it now seems some, including the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, are falling over themselves to get a jar of baby food.

The diet claims to help you lose pounds by swapping one or two meals a day for tinier, baby-size purees.

In theory this works, after all if you cut down your meals you’ll lose weight. However the effects will include hunger, probably a few trips to the loo and in extreme cases the urge to steal that last spoonful of grub from a nearby baby.

3. The Cabbage food diet
If you’re an extreme dieter then the cabbage food diet may have been one of the first you tried and probably never went back to. Apart from the obvious side effect that you’ll get from this diet, it’s pretty mundane.

For the first seven days you’re only allowed fruit, vegetables, skimmed milk and tea and coffee with the odd fat free yoghurt thrown in.

On the fourth day you have the privilege of  bananas and lean meat and brown rice on day six but thats as exciting it gets.

4. The Paleo Diet
This diet is based on what our ancestors were thought to have eaten- hence the name.
Boffins decided that if we ate meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, non-starchy and root vegetables, with a smattering of herbs, spices and some fruit and nuts we’d end up slimmer.

However, following this diet means avoiding wheat and dairy as well as many carbs meaning you don’t get the nutrients you need.

5. The tape worm diet.
We’re not sure if even we would be desperate enough to try this one and frankly we wouldn’t be able to afford it.

The diet is basically what it says on the tin – you plant a tapeworm inside your body and according to scientists it absorbs nutrients, which means that you can consume more calories and still lose around two pounds a week.

Apart from the gruesome reasons why this diet is no good, there are a few more flaws.

Firstly although there are a few places offering “tapeworm pills” implantation treatment is only offered in Mexico for around $1500. However, the effects including the formation of cysts in the liver, eyes, brain, and spinal cord as well as bloated belly and the risk of piling on the weight once the worm is expelled really don’t sell this one to us.



Celebrity Style, Features, Gallery

Celebrity detox favourites and gym workouts

By Andrea Petrou on January 4th, 2011

Beyonce

Picture 1 of 6
Picture 1 of 6

Flashpoint / WENN.com

Read the rest of this entry »



Designer collaborations, Designers, YouTube Watch

ShinyStyle watch: Stella McCartney’s SS2010 Adidas range

By Andrea Petrou on January 15th, 2010

January is the month where many of us vow to get fit, or look at quick fix solutions to banish and hide that post Christmas bulge.

If you’re someone who has chosen to take up the first option and sign up to the gym, then you’ll know the importance of having proper sportswear instead of using those old tracksuit bottoms, which have a habit of falling down every two minutes (or is that just me?).

There is a range of good and fashionable fitness wear in the shops, however if you want to go that step further and be a designer gym bunny, there’s only one collection to buy. Yes, you’ve guessed it, Stella McCartney’s Adidas range.

We got quite excited when we saw a glipse of the new SS2010 range last year, which is due out in February. However, if you missed it, we’ve got a video showcasing the latest must have gym wear, which now also includes Triathalon and cylcling wear too.

Stella said: “This collection continues to be a great success, and I’m very excited to introduce Triathalon and Cycling as new categories.

“I’m always trying to push myself and this new collection has everything you need in sports today; it’s sleek, stylish and super sporty!”



Beauty, Fashion News

Asda launches range of clothing with built in shapewear to eliminate those embarrassing Bridget Jones moments

By Andrea Petrou on January 12th, 2010

Asda shapewear.jpgWe know we’ve covered shapewear quite a bit this year, but unless you know of some miracle diet (email us sharpish if you do please) we know, like us, many of you will still be showing a few signs of that post-Christmas bulge.

So we couldn’t help but tell you about Asda’s new shapewear range with a difference.

Understanding that Bridget Jones moment many of us fear when it comes to big knickers, the supermarket has launched a range of clothing with built-in shapewear, which is said to help give the illusion of a more trim and toned figure by taking an inch and a half off your waist line.

Fiona Lambert, brand director for George said: “There is no need for women to slave away in the gym or diet to achieve the perfect shape.”

And she’s quite right when a range looks as good as this. Choose from a Tummy tamer little black dress (£28) or high-waisted skirt (£16), which we think are far better value than a personal trainer.



Features, Gallery, Innerwear

Gallery: Slimming underwear to help that post Christmas bulge

By Andrea Petrou on January 4th, 2010

This morning we reported that Marks and Spencer had launched a range of slimming underwear for men and it made us think about the number of Bridget Jones style knickers available to us women.

With the frosty weather scuppering our new year running resolutions and the big R word coupled with post Christmas spending causing financial problems with gym membership, many of us will be looking for a quick fix for that Christmas bulge and we think this underwear is a perfect quick fix for that slimmer looking stomach.

We’ve therefore put together a gallery of the best slimming underwear out there to help you slip into that party dress with confidence. However, we suggest you think carefully about wearing a pair of these on a hot date, we’re sure we’re not the only ones who has that Bridget Jones scene firmly ingrained in our brains.



Beauty, Fashion News, Health

Marks and Spencer launches Bridget Jones style slimming pants for men

By Andrea Petrou on January 4th, 2010

Man.jpgAfter 10 days off full on Christmas festivities many of us will use this month to get back into shape.

However, while many girls will today sign up to the gym, vow not to drink alcohol for the rest of January or just hide away the post Christmas Quality Street tins, men’s slimming options just got easier.

Marks and Spencer has just launched a male version of the Bridget Jones style slimming knickers, or should we say pants, to help our boys battle their festive bulge.

The Bodymax collection, which also features slimming vests is said to flatten the torso, creating the illusion of a waistline 1.5 inches slimmer.

Dave Binns, head of buying for men’s underwear, told the Daily Mail: “Men are becoming more conscious of their appearance. Our Bodymax range has been designed in response to this, giving men a quick fix solution for those lumps and bumps in the same way that shapewear does for women.”

Prices start from £12, and will hit stores on 7 January.



Beauty, Features

My Detox Diary days 6 and 7: Purifyne 7 day cleansing programme

By Andrea Petrou on December 11th, 2009

SS day no 7.jpg
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The past seven days have been a completely different experience to anything I’ve done before and with that has come a range of emotions and feelings. I’ve gone from grumpy and lethargic to fully alert and calm and my body has also gone through some great changes.

My skin is glowing now the spots have gone and my belly once again is washboard flat.

The bloating I grumbled about yesterday has miraculously disappeared meaning my waist now measures a pleasing 27 inches as opposed to my previous 29 inches, but unfortunately my bust has gone too, making me think that part of this cleansing programme is more about getting rid of the water retention than actually losing weight.

However I catch myself changing my mind when I look at my thighs, which are much slimmer (they no longer rub together) and my bottom, which seems a lot smaller.

When I started the programme I was 9 stone 1. And although I should have waited until tomorrow to check my weight I couldn’t help but cheat. I’m really pleased to say that I’ve gone down to 8 stone 6. But there is one more day to go. Of course it’s not just the weight loss, my skin feels softer, I have loads more energy and my eyes are brighter.

I was worried that once I started eating again my weight would go back up and the lethargy would return, but Purifyne claims this is not the case as your mind and attitude changes meaning you’ll eat healthier. This is because you have done so much good for your body that you hardly want to return to your old habits and instead want to improve your diet and lifestyle to maintain that feeling of being much healthier than before. It’s also because your liver has broken down the fact from all the old foods meaning it’ll now be able to process your food more efficiently

And its right. I’ll be opting for a salad tomorrow instead of that big mac. I’ll also be trying to incorporate pieces of this cleansing programme into my every day diet to ensure my body stays as healthy.

As you’ll know its not been an easy week and last night I there were a few tears as the resolve looked very close to cracking, however this morning I’m as motivated and as positive as I was early yesterday.

So will my healthy resolve continue over the weekend? Read on on Monday to find out.



Beauty, Opinion

My Detox Diary days 5 and 6: Purifyne 7 day cleansing programme

By Andrea Petrou on December 10th, 2009

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Thumbnail image for Purifyne.JPG

It’s finally happened. Six days into my detox and I’m not hungry at all. In fact, I even have some of yesterday’s juice left over. Although I had a few more hours sleep than usual last night, Im fully alert and for the first time this includes mentally as well as physically. In fact, I can’t stop talking (bit of a problem as I work on my own from home).

Last night my hunger and resolve were tested to the max when I popped out for drinks at at restaurant with friends. If I’m honest I was dreading sitting there with my herbal teas while the smell of food drifted around me, and I even took two bottles of my juice out as my weapons of combat.

However, no matter how good the food looked and smelt, I didn’t even feel a pang of hunger, and the chips, which would have been previously ordered before I even sat down, failed to cast their evil temptation.

I’ve always been one of those girls who will happily share a bottle of wine with a mate and being in an environment where this was usually a must have, I worried that I would fail the challenge.

Although there was no alcohol involved on our table, there was also something smugly satisfying about seeing others around me struggling to get up as the drink took it’s hold. And if there’s something that this programme has made me realise, its that drinking tea and water on a night out isn’t really all that bad. In fact, I’m already looking forward to being able to wake up after a big night out without the usually hangover and fry up cravings.

However despite my lack of drinking my belly is saying something else. Over the course yesterday and today I’ve developed, what looks like a beer belly, which has replaced the flatness I spoke about earlier in the week.

As I said yesterday this is because some fruit and veg in the juices have high acidic values, which could temporarily increase stomach acidity with some people who are more sensitive and thus lead to bloating. However this is claimed to be a very rare side effect of detoxing and you can get bloating during a normal diet and even just living. This includes the simple reflex of inhaling as some people actually swallow more air in as a result of stress, or simply when they eat or drink. Chewing on gum and smoking can also make you inhale more air, aggravating the discomfort.

Whatever the reason, I’m really not feeling that comfortable about it. After speaking to the owner about my concerns she sent me some probiotics, which are said to neutralise the effects, and I’m hoping that once my juice intake subsides and the pills kick in I’ll loose my beer baby.

However, one of the main benefits, which wasn’t mentioned to me at the time of starting is, that after my initial grouches, I’m a lot calmer. I’ve not had road rage for two days and even my neighbours loud television hasn’t caused me to explode. When I asked Purifyne about this it confirmed that this was part of the cleansing programme. Apparently this is because as your body begins to change so does your overall attitude.

I’m not saying that once this detox finishes I’ll be a no drinking, peace making person, but while it lasts I have to admit it does feel quite good.

Read on tomorrow to hear about how my last day goes.



Features, Footwear, Gallery

Fashionable fitness clothing and footwear

By Andrea Petrou on December 9th, 2009

I’ve become a bit of a health fanatic since I started my 7 day detox and with the New Year closing in as quickly as you’re other halves wallet when he sees the £500 bag you want, I’m sure you will too soon embark on one of those resolutions you drunkenly blurted out.

For many the turkey and mince pie fuelled Christmas will be the catalyst for “I’ll join the gym”, where we’ll sign up in January with good intentions, which we hope will continue.

To add to your motivation we’ve put together a gallery of fashionable fitness clothing making you look like a trendsetter on the treadmill.

Click on the picture below to begin the gallery.



Beauty, Features, Health

My Detox Diary days 3 and 4: Purifyne 7 day cleansing programme

By Andrea Petrou on December 8th, 2009

Juice.jpg

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Last night I dreamed about cheese smothered on crackers, melted on a jacket potato and huge chunks just calling to be eaten. I dreamed about kebabs, hot dogs and my favourite Chinese take away dish, which I ate until my hearts content and I was, understandably, in heaven.

If you’ve seen the National Lampoons European Vacation you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

However, waking up in the middle of the night and feeling nauseous from hunger I quickly remembered where I was and what I was doing this week.

Welcome to day three and four of my Detox diary.

After a bad nights sleep, which I usually only (ironically) have when I’ve had a big dinner the evening before, I expected to feel lethargic and wanting to crawl back into bed.

However, I’m extremely awake and had more than enough motivation to to do some very rare exercise. Admittedly it was only a run around the block at 7 this morning, but my body is definitely waking up to the idea, whereas reviously I would have just wanted to go back to bed after dropping my other half off at the station. I’m also raring to go swimming, which would have been impossible to think of even a week ago.

Having more energy is one of the benefits of the Purifyne programme, as are many other benefits, which I didn’t know a detox helped with. In fact there are many surprising ways in which cleansing can help you feel better.

This includes having stronger nails and shinier hair, which need a steady supply of nutrients to grow and remain strong. If your bloodstream contains toxins, they can make your hair dull and nails soft. By doing a juice cleanse you ensure that the toxins are removed from your bloodstream and that your hair and nails receive the right nutrients much easier.

A good cleanse will also restore your internal systems to health and replace any greyness or redness in your eyes with a sparkling white, and perhaps even lighten up the colour of your iris.

But have I seen any of these benefits yet?

Well my nails are definitely whiter and my hair is easier to manage, which is a miracle in itself. However, I don’t know whether its the lack of sleep but my eyes are looking more bloodshot than usual. My skin is still also quite spotty, and now I have some spots under my chin, which apparently shows that the detox is working.

Yesterday, as I hoped, was not as bad as Sunday and I didn’t get hungry until the afternoon, but during that time, my now flat stomach felt empty, so much so that even the cat food looked appealing.

After speaking to the owner of the company, I was also touched to get some positive texts from her telling me I was doing very well, which was encouragement in itself to continue.

Although I went to bed with a content tummy, the hunger obviously kicked in during the night. Funnily enough I’m also not hungry and what is more I’m not craving anything else but juice.

So has it been worth it so far? Well my energy level has definitely increased, and I’m back in my size 6 jeans, which have remained tucked away in the cupboard for the duration of my gym neglect.

At the same time I think its a good idea to start the programme at the weekend so you have a few days off to ease you into the process, especially if you’re vain and like a drink as much as I do.

I do have a feeling, that by this time next week, I’ll be glowing, slimmer and with hair that doesn’t resemble ex X Factor contestant’s Jamie Afro.

Read on tomorrow to see how I faired today and for more benefits of the programme.



Beauty, Features

My Detox Diary day one: Purifyne 7 day cleansing programme

By Andrea Petrou on December 7th, 2009

Drinking juice 3.jpg
Purifyne.JPG
This time last year I was a gym bunny, who ate healthily, ran everyday and thought Mac Donalds was an evil word. However, after settling down, I did what many happy nesting girls would do and ditched the diet and gym in favour of Saturday night TV and egg fried rice.

The running machine, which was once my best friend, has been relegated way beyond the list of pals I might call every two years and although it’s been calling me, I have had no motivation to answer.

Therefore I’ve always been a little bit envious of celebrities. One minute they’re photographed looking a little bit chunky and the next few weeks have snapped back into the size of a beanpole.

Of course this is down to personal trainers, plastic surgery (yes I’m talking to you Britney and Kerry) and personal meal plans, which many of us can only dream about being able to afford, and I’ve used this excuse to make myself feel better.

So when I was offered a weeks detoxing package I jumped at the chance to take a look, especially as many of you will be looking to take some kind of detoxing programme during the new year. In my week long diary I’ll be telling you about my experiences including the good, the bad and the ugly.

I was advised to start my detox plan on Saturday, and for an accurate test I thought I’d weigh myself (9 stone 1) and take my measurements. Hips (34 inches) Bust (erm, well lets just say I wouldn’t be mistaken for Jordan or Pamela Anderson) and waist 26- ok, 29 inches. I was told I would lose around 5-6 kilos as well as appearing bright eyed and more alert by the end of the 7 days.

Purifyne is said to improve the physical state of your body and helps to clarify your mind and prices range from £79.00 for a one day programme to £475 for a 14-day programme.

It’s not cheap and at first glance the package, which consists of various juices delivered straight to your door, vitamins and an enema kit (I won’t put you off your breakfast/lunch, so click here to find out more) looks a little bit like one which, would be more suited in the fridge of a wag or popstar, but then again so does the service.

I met up with the owner, who asked me a range of medical and lifestyle questions to determine what package would suit me. On the first delivery of juices she will also come to you a make you feel comfortable as well as call and text you throughout the programme to make sure you’re ok.

It was decided I would have 4 bottles of juice a day alongside a range of supplements.
So this weekend, instead of gorging on my usual fry up I was drinking juice and herbal teas, topped up with various vitamins.

By 12pm on Saturday I wasn’t feeling too bad and even the smell of bacon wafting through the kitchen did nothing to melt my resolve. But by 2 I was tired and had a headache, thankfully the dreaded hunger pains hadn’t begun, and if I’m honest they didn’t until yesterday afternoon.

This was partly my fault as I didn’t drink properly until the afternoon but the starvation, headaches and general lows made me a bit of a nightmare to live with.

I even had my head in the fridge door at one point smelling the lovely pizza take-away from Saturday night. However after I’d caught up with my allowance for the day I did feel better.

If you are detoxing there are few unwanted side effects, as you are only drinking fruit and veg, but this is something that will happen in any similar program. Apparently the more toxins you have in your body the worse the side effects will be. I don’t think they need to be spelt out, however, all I will say is don’t attempt this if you’ve just moved in with a new partner.

Today is day 3, and at the moment the hunger isn’t lurking. I also feel more awake than I have done in a while. My stomach, although no where near washboard, is also looking decidedly flatter and my mood slightly better.

However, my skin is telling a different story. I’m spotty (I was warned that this may happen as my body cleanses itself), and I’ve developed a very rare cold sore. It’s far too early to say how I’ll feel later, but I’m hoping it can’t get as bad as yesterday.

Read on tomorrow to find out if it did.




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