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A great way to start your new year...
6th January 2006
Over the last few days I seem to have become a magician...
My act doesn't involve sawing a lady in half or pulling a rabbit from a hat...
No no... it's far subtler than that.
You see, in the blink of an eye I seem to have transferred several pounds from my wallet to my belly.
All right, that was an awful gag.
But really, I feel HUGE.
If it wasn't roast turkey it was turkey sandwiches, turkey and chips (which is our annual Boxing Day treat) or turkey soup.
I swear I'm sprouting feathers.
So it's time to give my body a proper treat... and help it shed some of the toxins I've built up over the last couple of weeks.
I'm not talking about a full, aggressive detox here. In my opinion that's not a wise thing to put yourself through in the winter months. We need plenty of warm, nourishing foods to help keep our immune systems at full strength and help us survive the cold months.
No, I'm talking about a light clear out that will help you feel refreshed, balanced, energetic and ready to make the most of 2006.
And there's not a faddy detox formula in sight!
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An expensive guilt trip
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According to scientists, New Year detox treatments are nothing but a rip off a chance for big business to rake in a late Christmas bonus
Every year people hand over tens of millions of pounds to companies in a desperate attempt to shed the pounds and give their bodies a treat.
But a new study has just revealed (and confirmed my own opinion) that most detox programmes are a waste of time and money.
Martin Wiseman, Visiting Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Southampton, said that 'The detox fad is an example of the capacity of people to believe in (and pay for) magic despite the lack of any sound evidence.'
Here here.
And he's not the only sane voice in the world.
Tracey Brown, from the organisation Sense About Science, said: 'The body detoxifies itself. The body is rehydrated with ordinary tap water. It is refreshed with a good night's sleep. These processes do not occur more effectively as a result of taking detox tablets, wearing detox socks, having a detox body wrap, eating nettle root extract, drinking herbal infusions or 'oxygenated' water, following a detox diet, or using any of the other products and rituals promoted.'
Detox socks? What on earth are they?!
I feel it's my duty to find out for the sake of every Good Life reader. If I find a pair I'll give them a go and report back.
In the meantime, just follow this simple plan to give yourself a little pickmeup
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Give your body this quick, safe inner-clean
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- Drink plenty of water. Tap water is fine (although I prefer mineral water). Just make sure you get about 3 glasses a day inside you. You don't need to drown yourself to feel the benefit.
- Get some fresh air. Over the next week, make sure you stretch your legs and go for a brisk walk. You should do this EVERY day really, but if that's not for you try and make the effort over the next few days.
- Eat NORMALLY. Don't suddenly starve yourself in a bid to miraculously right the wrongs of Christmas. Eat normally, eat well, but no more snacking on nuts and chocolate.
- Get some early nights. A good night's sleep is really one of the best ways to help your body mend itself.
- The five portions of fruit and veg a day rule - with an amendment. As well as trying to eat five portions of fruit and veg, try and mix the colours for maximum intake of antioxidants.
Oh... and there's one other factor that might help...
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How a 73-year old man can help you look great and feel great
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I've talked about Vince Graham before... a remarkable man who looks 20 years younger than his real age, who's in super-fit shape, and who's never been down a gym his life.
Well there's another thing Vince has never done - and that's gone on a diet! He simply doesn't believe in them. In his view, the key to transforming your body is NOT a short-term diet. Instead, you need to tweak your long-term eating habits...
And that doesn't mean giving up all of life's little treats.
If you'd like a little support and help in eating well yet still managing to achieve a slim, toned, energetic body, then take a look at Vince's book - The 7-minute a day miracle body sculpting programme.
It contains EVERYTHING you need to get fit, feel great, and tone your body... without any need for rushing to join an expensive gym or start a faddy diet.
So save your money, and try this instead.
Body Sculpting
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Another reason to stick to the 'Five-a-day' rule
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Those scientists seem to have been busy over Christmas...
Yet another study has been released, this time from America, which claims that eating at least five portions a day of certain fruit and vegetables could cut the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 50%.
Pancreatic cancer kills 10,000 people a year in the UK... so if that figure was halved that's a lot of lives saved.
So what foods came out on top in the study?
In no particular order, they were:
Onions, garlic, beans, carrots, corn, dark leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.
So if you're stuck for ideas about dinner tonight...
That's it for today. My fingers are more used to picking up mince pies than typing, so I'd best give them a rest!
Here's wishing you and your family a prosperous, happy and healthy 2006.
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Until next time,
Ray Collins
The Good Life Letter
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