Morning Boost

I've always loved a good breakfast, but after I started making regular trips to the gym 10 days ago, I realised how important morning nutrition is (and how it can stop the pre-lunch-time hunger pangs).

But I also know that many people can't face eating in the morning. So I thought - isn't there a way to give your body the fuel it needs without causing a racket in the kitchen every morning? Turns out there is.

As I have a sensitive stomach, I always start my day with a spoonful of Manuka Honey (factor 10 or more). This type of honey has many health benefits, including protection from damage caused by bacteria, reduction of cholesterol levels, control of diabetes, prevention of cancer and treatment of gastrointestinal problems thanks to its antibiotic and antibacterial properties. Hence, having Manuka honey on an empty stomach helps heal ulcers, eradicate harmful bacteria and boost digestion.

30 minutes later I take my vitamins - D3 and all the Bs to be more precise.We all know vitamins are good, but these two are crucial for me. Vitamin D is vital for healthy bones, teeth and immune system (which, by the way, can be put under stress by things like exercise and hectic work schedules). Also, from personal experience, I can tell you that insufficient vitamin D can cause muscle ache and shortness of breath, which, of course, are detrimental to any attempts to get fit and exercise.

This thing actually has some extra vitamins and minerals, which is why it's great as a pre-workout booster!

On the other hand, vitamins B keep your moods in check, help your brain stay in top shape, ease stress and reduce the risk of heart disease. In terms of nutrition, the B vitamins help release energy by breaking down carbs into glucose (hence, better performance during training), and they also help breakdown fats & proteins and tone muscles.

Finally, I have five almonds which have been soaked in water overnight. This trick I learnt from an old friend who posted it on Facebook. What's the point, I hear you ask? Well, soaking almonds overnight removes an enzyme from the skin of the almond which inhibits digestion, therefore making the nuts (and their nutrients, including the enzyme lipase which breaks down fat) more easily digestible. Interestingly, it has been scientifically proven that having four to six soaked almonds a day boosts the functionality of the central nervous system and serves as a brain tonic.

Photo by Chill Mimi

Once I have ensured this triple boost has been digested and absorbed (and I have reached the gym or the office), I proceed with either a pre-workout protein shake + banana or oat porridge with cinnamon + banana. Both of these contain slow-release nutrients which tend to keep me happy for a good while (plus some fruits as snacks in between meals). 

Well, in the end it seems you can't skip breakfast if you want to feel energetic and avoid binging at lunch and dinner.

Sun, Sand and ... Cancer?

As the summer is well underway in the northern hemisphere, I was very surprised to find out that Britain has more skin cancer deaths than Australia (yes, the one with the ozone layer hole)!!!!!

What is even more outrageous is the amount of people out on the streets in this unusually hot and sunny weather without sunglasses and, possibly, without applying sun cream!

You see, statistics show that on average 7850 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed in Australia every year, compared with 5990 in the Britain, however whilst only 1000 people die of the disease Down Under, the number of deaths in Britain amounts to 1600 per year.

The reason for this difference? 90% of cases in Oz are cured as they are detected so early. Australians are also much more aware of the risks of cancer and take necessary precautions (there are even free sun cream pumps in some public spaces as I recall from my time spent there).

Perhaps it is the constant lack of sunshine that has put many Britons in a state of ignorance. After a long winter and a very cold and wet spring many have rushed outdoors to catch some sun rays.

Of course there is nothing wrong with that. Sunshine uplifts moods, provides much needed vitamin D and helps lower blood pressure. 

What I am suggesting here is that people enjoy the sun responsibly by taking the following precautions:

• Use a sun cream which has at least a factor 30 UVA protection and a five star UVB protection.

• Invest in high quality sunglasses which also have UVA and UVB protection (yes, your eyes can burn too, the signs of which are redness and itchiness after a long day in the sun).

• Avoid staying in the sun for too long and reapply sun cream every two hours or after bathing.

Off you go now. Enjoy the sun before the rain starts pouring!

Stay safe

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