Happy New Year

Well its another year gone and a new exciting one to look forward to. What are your New Year Resolutions and more importantly do you plan how to achieve them?

A good example of lack of a plan is the fitness, health & diet resolutions set every year. As usual at the begining of January the gym has been absolutely packed to the rafters. By the end of January numbers are decreased and continue to do so until March when only 5% of those who started out will soon be turning up regularly. So if you are going to be one of the few then what motivates you to keep going is your goals and your decision to reach them. Then you plan it. So many people do not appreciate how important a plan is but it can determine whether you reach your goal or not. There is little point turning up at the gym jumping on a bike for 10 minutes, then the rower for another ten and then repeating that every time you go. Apart form the first few times you will not get results. It is like repeating the same maths test over and over again and then wondering why you can't understand or answer something more difficult. Training programmes take time to prepare, they have to be specific to your goals, your body type & your current fitness level. They can not just be a generic off the shelf one feature suits everybody package.

Genetics

I think the Fat Gene is an interesting discovery because now individuals can appreciate more acutely that everything they are has come from their parents. I am sure they will also find a good runner gene or a good at sport gene. I mean that is what genetics are - a mixed creation of your parents abilities.

My family genetics is litered with sport - my great grandad played cricket for England whilst my Mum played county sports and my Dad played for a club. All my family and cousins play sport and it is something we all found relatively easy to do. All a result of our genetic blue print. We all still enjoy exercise as we retain our competiveness and this has kept our body weight under control as we age.

Drinking is the same hence why orientals with a poor historical background in alcohol intake would struggle against those from Irish Descendants (my Dad being one.) To improve their tolerance to alcolhol and their alcohol gene I suspect they will need to continue their drinking and pass these improved alcohol resistance genes to their off spring. Genes also miss a generation as sometimes hair and eye colour is inherited from grandparents.

So the point is yes there is a fat gene but surely the best way to ensure future generations are not effected is by encouraging individuals to improve their lot via more exercise and better eating habits. It may not significantly improve their lot but might for future generations as their genetic blueprint is handed down. Only a thought.

Just back from holidays

Just returned from a few days off. August - especially the last 2 weeks - is a great time to take time off. Not many people want appointments so I can rest easy in the knowledge that there is minimal disruption to my customers.

There have been 2 very interesting news items over the last few days. 1 is my local council's latest idea to introduce a bin chip to monitor how much non recyclable rubbish we each have. I think the idea has merit but only if the suppliers are encouraged to remove most of their packaging. What do you think?

The 2nd is the proposed refusal of IVF treatment for obese females. It is not very encouraging is it that these rules do not apply to obese fathers in a similar position. The Government is providing suitable ammunition for those critics who see the UK developing into a 'nanny state'. What do you think?

The end of the detox

After 4 weeks of detoxing it has now come to and end. Very pleasing results - as ever - with clothes looser (lost 2 inches around stomach) and certain taste buds re-awakened. Although I have never really been into processed foods just by eliminating wheat from my diet for these few weeks has made a great difference. I will still continue to drink a pint of warm water with 1/2 the juice of a lemon but bread is definately a favourite of mine. I should now be in a position to reduce it even more than last year for lasting effects.

I think most people know..

Generally we all know what is good and what is bad for us to eat. OK there is occassionaly an article that can question our beliefs but a bit of common sense can usualy hurdle that obstacle. Generally

1) Substances that artificially increases your energy levels will cause problems in the long run. If you are tired and need to rest then accept that it is your bodies way of getting you to stop. Yuppy flu or ME highlights the perils of ignoring these symptons.

2) Eat everything in moderation. Variety is key to peak performance.

3) Listen to your bodies needs. If you listen carefully it will tell you what it wants. Many weight problems are caused by not listening properly and allowing the heart to rule the facts. If you want some chocolate ask yourself why you need it. If it is for emotional support then that is comfort eating and is not needed for any reason other than to make yourself emotionally feel better. Learning to understand these impulses has far more long term benefits than dieting.

The Detox is going really well

Well it has been just over 2 weeks since I started the detox. Although I do this evey year it still feels brilliant even though I know what is going to happen!

More energy, a greater feeling of well-being and my skin feels great.

The healthy, fresh, just grown down the road food has re-awakened the taste buds for another year and with 2 weeks to go there is more to come.

What have I missed? Probably belgium buns - which I adore - and the odd ginger beer.

Wow the weather is amazing

On the beach it was sweltering - hardly a need for a wetsuit. The hot weather does have its draw backs as staying hydrated is a massive undertaking with up to 5 litres drunk each day during my time on the beach. Mind you I was very active - walking, swimming, sandcastle building, throwing the ball for the dog and a very small amount of surfing as the conditions were not quite right.

I needed to drink more than normal as water is essential for the body to function as without it performance is lost at a rate of 10% every 1% dehydrated. Once thirsty dehydration has already kicked in so drinking little and often in this weather is highly recommended if you wish to stay well and healthy.