Your Health - Hints & Tips
At Westpark Fitness, we are passionate about getting you moving. And to get moving, you need to get inspired. Now, that’s where we come in. Read our articles for some expert insight into upcoming exercise innovations, new classes, training tips, plus common pitfalls to avoid so you can reach your exercise and wellness goals.
The 10 Culinary Commandments
Thou shall not diet when thou can eat healthily and wisely.
Thou shall not eat late
If you do, you'll wake up feeling sluggish, bloated and in the long term this will lead to weight gain. Leave a gap of two to three hours between eating and sleeping, and pray you don't tuck into the biscuits.
Thou shall worship wholely spirits
Alcohol is not the devil's work but it does consist of empty calories, so try to avoid beer. Plump for red wine instead or even better gin or vodka, with Slimline tonic or soda. And take it from a chalice if possible.
Thou shall not be sweet
Additives and sweeteners put pressure on your liver, which causes you to gain weight. Get your hit from honey or fructose additives and have sparkling mineral water with a dash of 100% fruit juice rather than canned drinks.
Thou shall worship good fats
Bad fats include animal fats and lard, which unsurprisingly will make you both fat and lardy. Good fats from olive oil, flaxseed and linseed oil, and especially fish will stop you craving more food. Thanks be to cod.
Thou shall not skip breakfast
Eating excess carbs will pile on the weight. So only have complex carbohydrates once a day for breakfast if you need to lose pounds, and some at lunch if you're maintaining your weight and never for your Last Supper. Ever.
Thou shall water your belly
Next time you hit that afternoon lull and want to kneel before the sweetshop, chug back a litre of water instead. Often it will turn out you're thirsty rather than hungry, thereby regulating your appetite.
Thou shall not covet carbs at night
You need bread, pasta, rice and potatoes for energy, not to sleep. Unused, these foods will become fat while you're asleep. Stick to protein, with salad or veggies for dinner instead, and rest in peace.
Thou shall drink (some) coffee
Drinking one to two cups a day boosts your metabolism, but once you move to a higher intake than this toxins build up and reduce liver function, which leads to weight gain. Always have skimmed milk and stay off the sugars and sweeteners.
Thou shall burn
Adding chilli to your meals has a thermogenic effect, boosting your metabolism and allowing you to burn more calories each day. Just start slowly unless you want to be saying Hail Mary's all night.
Thou shall reward oneself
Eating well should not be purgatory. Even if you're trying to shed weight have one three-course meal each week when you break all the rules. This will benefit you more psychologically than it will damage you nutritionally.
