Creating children and bringing them into this world was one of God’s very first instructions, as it is said in Genesis 1:28, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that can impact a couple’s ability to get pregnant. Today, we are going to focus specifically on the impact of chemotherapy on infertility.
The Risks of Chemotherapy
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly all drugs used in chemotherapy can lead to infertility – in both men and women. Interestingly, however, research has shown that men are more likely to receive information about these risks and the potential alternative options available to them than women are.
For women, chemotherapy can cause harm to eggs in the ovaries and make it more difficult to get pregnant down the road. Variables to take into consideration include the age of the patient undergoing chemo and the type of chemo drugs used. As women age, they have fewer and fewer eggs and thus, less of a chance of conceiving in the first place. According to the ACS, women 35 and younger who undergo chemotherapy have the best odds of still being fertile after treatment.
“Women 35 and younger have the best odds of fertility after chemo.”
The risk of early menopause, which would cause premature ovarian failure or primary ovarian insufficiency, is a real concern for women using chemo drugs, as Cancer Research UK explained. This happens when a menstrual cycle becomes
The ever-versatile and nutrient-dense dried bean is getting the credit it deserves with this White Bean Soup With The Best Broth Ever.
When it comes to cooking, the versatility of legumes is nearly endless! From cold bean salads to black bean brownies, the list goes on and on. Beans are great as a side on their own, pureed into a bean dip, cooked in a soup, or mixed into your favorite veggie burger.
What you might be missing, however, is just how good beans can be when they are the star of the show. Our love of beans is endless, but we always come back to a recipe that is perfectly simple — White Bean Soup With The Best Broth Ever.
Healthy Hack
The key to getting the absolute most out of your humble dried beans might be easier than you think. The trick to remember is, it’s not what you put in the pot, you can literally use whatever you like, or have on hand! The real key to the perfect pot of beans is a couple of simple techniques, and we’re here to help break them down.
Plan ahead
First on the list is soaking. By soaking your beans in salted filtered water the night before, not only do you rehydrate your beans for more even cooking, you also speed up the cooking time and the salt in the water helps bring out the natural flavors of your beans.
Taking care of your body is very important. A balance of healthy lifestyle habits like following a wholesome diet, exercising regularly and getting enough rest are key to reducing your risk for debilitating conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and more. While taking care of your physical body is critical, most people forget how important it is to prioritize mental health too. Reducing the stress in your life and finding ways to stay relaxed and happy can help ensure your overall well-being. At the end of the day, poor mental health can ultimately impact your immune system and may affect your physical health as well.
Here are five tips for better mental health:
1. Write in a Journal
Bottling up your feelings and emotions does no good for your body. It can lead to stress and sadness and may even cause you to get sick later. Writing down your feelings makes an excellent outlet for stress and can make it easier to cope with your feelings.
2. Find Someone to Talk to
If you’d rather talk about your emotions than write them down, find someone to talk to. This can be a close friend or family member, or even a counselor. The most important part is finding someone you trust. You can even dedicate some time talking to God at the end of each day. He can provide the hope and faith you’re looking for on a bad day.
Finding someone to talk to can benefit mental health.
Beautifully created by, and in the image and likeness of God, the human body is equipped with truly miraculous self-healing abilities. When nourished and fed by the plant-based fruits of the earth as He intended, the body is made to be healthy and live for many years. Consuming a diet rich in alkalinity, such as the Hallelujah Diet, helps your body to function at its best and protect you from disease and sickness. In fact, alkalinity could mean the difference between life and death.
The Importance of an Alkaline Diet
The key to a strong, functioning immune system is a balanced pH level. While many people understand the importance of a balanced pH, they are not aware that the Standard American Diet is bursting with acid. The results of an acid-producing diet such as the SAD, can offset this balance and cause chaos and harm within the body. Meat and eggs for example, have a content of sulfur-containing amino acids that are 2- to 5-fold higher than in legumes and grains, according to Nutrition Facts. These are then metabolized into sulfuric acid. The body’s way of handling this sulfuric acid is to buffer it with calcium, which was once thought to come from the bones.
However, new research has revealed that the body neutralizes the acid with our muscles. As the human body ages, the blood becomes more acidic, which may also help to explain the loss of muscle mass with age. It’s been found that the body’s pH
A large percentage of my clients come to me dealing with constipation and sometimes without even realizing they are constipated. If you are unsure, check out my post on the 10 Signs of a Healthy Poop. What most don’t realize is that minerals can play a role in constipation. So are mineral imbalances contributing to your constipation?
If you aren’t having a quality bowel movement at least once per day then you aren’t getting your toxins out and are more likely to have hormone imbalances like estrogen dominance (because excess hormones are one thing being eliminated in your stool) and gut issues. I have clients that are constipated their whole lives and end up with things like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). So yeah it is important to properly eliminate!
As you can see in the graphic below, there are numerous possibilities why someone may be constipated. The area that I am going to address today is how mineral imbalances can contribute to constipation.
In my practice I use hair trace mineral analysis (HTMA) as a tool to help clients balance their minerals. Minerals are the spark plugs of the body and are needed for thousands of processes in our bodies to function. Because we cannot make minerals we must get them through our diets but, unfortunately, our ground soils are more and more depleted. Then, add in that chronic stress can also create havoc in our bodies leading us to lose more minerals. And yes, stress tends
These easy homemade berry oatmeal breakfast bars are made with pantry ingredients. They are gluten-free and the perfect on-the-go breakfast or healthy snack! Make them for a little sweetness and a lot of crunch! These healthy homemade oatmeal bars are so easy to pull together and the perfect make-ahead breakfast recipe! Ingredients Old fashioned oats…
Ladoo lovers, rejoice! Yes, they taste as good as they look! With zero added sugar and 100% vegan, these little pistachio-apricot ladoos (Indian sweet balls) are healthy and pack a nutritional punch! Loaded with plant-based ingredients, they’re Desi~licious and an ideal pick-me-up snack choice.
What Are Ladoos Made of?
Ladoos (also spelt laddus), in the South Asian culture, are simply balls of S.W.E.E.T.N.E.S.S. They make an appearance at nearly all celebratory events. You’ll find them at weddings, birthdays, graduations, and religious festivals. The party-list does go on!
Ladoos are made with different types of flours, and often laden with sugar and ghee. This easy and healthy spin on a traditional recipe is, let’s just say better for you! These little pistachio and apricot laddoos are the perfect sweet and crunchy treat. Talk about Desi~licious! What’s even better is that they are such a breeze to whip up; with only 3 ingredients and done in 5 minutes! Blend the ingredients in a food processor, roll into balls, roll in chopped pistachios, and you’re in heaven.
Plus they’re
Vegan Paleo Gluten-free Dairy-free No-added sugar
That pretty much checks everyone on the list of dietary restrictions and you can enjoy them more often.
I love the apricot-pistachio combo – a nice change from using dates. I’ve used Malatya apricots and they taste luscious! Malatya, Turkey, is one of the main exporters of dried apricots in the world. The flavour is subtle, less acidic and full of aroma. I get mine
You know that exercise is one of the most important elements of maintaining a happy and healthy life. The recommended 150 minutes of moderate-aerobic activity with two days focused on muscle-strengthening exercises helps you maintain a wholesome lifestyle while paying close attention to your overall wellness. To perform at your best, getting enough sleep and resting before physical activity is critical. But did you know that post-workout recovery is just as important?
Allowing your muscles to rest and refueling your body after exercise gives you strength needed to continue an active lifestyle.
Letting Your Muscles Recover
If you think exercising every day of the week is more important than taking one day off to relax, think again. According to lifestyle blog Very Well Fit, your muscles need time to rest to repair, rebuild and strengthen! Essentially, exercise “destroys” your muscles. It breaks down the tissues so that they will rebuild and grow. In order for this to happen, however, you need to give your muscles a break. Otherwise, you’ll just continue breaking down the tissues, giving them no chance to rebuild. Off days give your body a break to replenish and your tissues time to repair before your next workout.
“Neglecting to rest could increase your risk for injury.”
What happens when you overtrain? For starters, neglecting to rest could increase your risk for injury. It can also lead to decreased sports performance, increased stress and possibly depression.
While dedicating enough time to quality sleep every night
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with all of the information out there telling you how to eat well?
There are so many questions we ask ourselves when preparing or planning meals:
Do I have enough protein? Am I getting all of my nutrients? Will this keep me full? Is this going to taste good and be satisfying?
Here at Nutrition Stripped, we’ve “stripped” eating well down to a simple framework — which we call the Foundational Five — that you can follow at each meal.
No counting macros. No need to eliminate foods from your diet. And no fancy fads.
In this blog, you’ll learn why you should use the Foundational Five framework when preparing your meals and how it can help make you more consistent with your healthy eating habits.
Why the Foundational Five Framework Works for Everyday Life
Before we jump into exactly what makes up the Foundational Five and how you can start using it in your daily life, it’s important for you to understand why we take this approach to nutrition here at Nutrition Stripped.
Well-Balanced Meals
Of course, when we’re talking about nutrition and caring for your wellbeing, we want to make sure that you’re nourishing yourself. At the same time, we don’t want anyone to feel that eating healthy is difficult, time-consuming, or taking away from the joy in life.
That’s why we use a really simple framework — The Foundational Five — to make it easy for you to look at
Discussing ideas and tips for tackling the climate crisis for a greener planet on Earth Day, 2020.
I know everyone is talking about the new coronavirus outbreak – I’m just as guilty! From print to electronic media, social media memes to people screaming at spring breakers in Florida to self-isolate, countries around the world under lockdown to Shaista Chachi forwarding fake news on WhatsApp every few seconds – it’s all we talk about.
Granted, it is a terrible time. COVID-19 has had a devastating effect, and everyone across the globe is suffering. However, amidst the gloom and doom, have you noticed how our planet has slowly started to come back to life? Yes, it’s true! Nature is flourishing.
I was astounded to read that the Ozone Layer has started to heal. Can you believe it?! Years of irreversible climate crisis is gradually on the mend because people across the planet are homebound. This truly is an incredible example of orchestrated global action.
Similarly, Twitter is flooded with residents from various countries sharing pictures of how planet Earth is benefitting from human life in lockdown. Places such as Italy – hit the hardest after China – are amazed by Venice’s crystal-clear waters. Not only that; dolphins, swans and other sea life have returned to enjoy themselves after being in quarantine for years (oh, the irony!), away from the constant hoard of tourists.
I’m not sure if you’ve come across this video of a curious deer in an Italian cathedral. Look
Staying hydrated is key! Keep it fun and interesting by switching up your water routine. Enjoy this delicious, sparkling strawberry goji rose herbal infusion as a refreshing beverage, as a mocktail, or cocktail.
Just like my herbal infusion recipes and guide, this Strawberry Goji Berry Rose Refresher is a great example of how to make hydration time, delicious and feel super fancy without tons of effort or time.
Make Hydration Fun!
Focus the in-between meal time as your “hydration time”, sipping on hot tea, water, sparkling water so you’re focusing on drinking enough water.
One of my personal favorite tips I use daily is to take a large water bottle and put 3-4 rubber bands on it, each time you drink the full water bottle, take off a rubber band and repeat until all rubber bands are off the bottle. Each rubber band could represent 1 cup of water or 2 cups depending on if you’re drinking other beverages throughout the day.
Another way to remember to stay hydrated is to make drinking water feel extra special like this Strawberry Goji Berry Rose Refresher!
Adding herbal tea or herbal elements such as flowers, herbs, spices, and fruit to your everyday water routine can really boost the flavor and nutrients of plain water. They have a deliciously subtle taste that likely keeps you wanting more of them (and that means you’ll stay hydrated), and they don’t add extra sugar. To top off their advantages, herbs also bring in their own set
Millions of people deal with issues related to digestive health every day. One of the most common complications is what many refer to as heartburn, a tingling or burning sensation in the chest known as acid reflux. When this flow of acid from the stomach up to the esophagus happens two or more times per week, it becomes gastroesophageal reflux disease, Medical News Today reported. This uncomfortable condition can be relieved in several different ways without medication.
Diet
As Medical News Today explained, certain foods such as caffeine, chocolate, acidic juices, alcohol and salt have all been linked to acid reflux. A diet that is high in fiber, on the other hand, has been shown to reduce the likelihood of heartburn and digestive issues. Minty, spicy, fatty and garlicy foods have also been known to cause acid reflux for some people, according to Harvard Women’s Health Watch. One remedy is to eliminate these foods through trial and error.
As Dr. Axe explained, there are foods that can relieve symptoms of acid reflux including leafy greens, pumpkin and squashes, asparagus, artichokes, kefir, cucumbers and fermented vegetables – all of which are part of the Geneis 1:29 diet. Numerous testimonies report that a lifestyle switch to the primarily raw, plant-based Hallelujah Diet have reduced or completely eliminated acid reflux.
Acid reflux is commonly called heartburn for the sensation it causes in the chest.
Eating Habits
Overeating and eating too fast can also cause heartburn. As Harvard Women’s Health Watch reported, overeating can lead
Have you ever noticed that the more you lie about the house, the more tired you are?
Those days of Netflix binges just are so much hard work!! It is exhausting! LOL!
Or have you noticed that the more you eat, the more you want to eat?
The cravings are real and you just cannot stop grazing all day!
It can feel like we are programmed for self destruction!
Or maybe not?
Maybe we just get more of what we are focusing on.
Time and time again, we hear our customers say, how fast their appetite leaves them once they start our plan and start eating less. They start eating less, and they want to eat less.
Many of our customers have to remind themselves to have all 4 of their packs everyday, as their hunger and their food cravings totally leave them. This is partly due to ketosis, which is a naturally occurring fat burning state that happens when you reduce the level of carbs you eat, your body turns to your body fat for its primary fuel source, and this stops your body craving food. Mentally when you are on plan, you feel more in control, and you emotionally detach from food too, all these reasons combined mean that eating less, is so easy, in fact so many of our customers say that doing plan is a breeze! When you are on a roll and in the zone, there is nothing better or easier!
Packed to the max with veggies and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Healthy Hamburger Soup is a hearty, Whole30-friendly recipe you’ll want to add to your menu! It’s perfect for meal prep and makes for a tasty cook once, eat twice (or multiple times) kind of a meal! Literally packed to the max with…
Ramadan is a time to honour our bodies, our health and feel our best during our spiritual quests. Discover how to eat healthy with top tips from registered dietitians. We answer your questions on what to eat to stay full, what should you eat for Suhoor and Iftar, how to prevent dehydration and what foods to minimize and avoid – to help prevent unpleasant symptoms during Ramadan 2020. Plus, there’s a special surprise for you at the end!
Starting in a few days, millions of Muslims around the world will observe the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, religious observance and communities and families to come together. For a full month, many Muslims will dedicate themselves to fasting from sunrise to sunset, during which they refrain from having any food or drink.
Fasting symbolizes the cleansing of the soul, inspires self-discipline and empathy for those in need. Not to mention, this sacred time encourages Muslims to carry out acts of generosity.
I’d like to think that Ramadan is also a time to honour our bodies and our health and learn how to eat healthy to feel our best. This year, Ramadan falls in the spring, and with longer days, the fast in Canada can last for up to 16 hours. For the most part, Muslims
Practicing sustainable living is such an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
Our daily choices have a direct impact on Mother Nature and affect everything including the air we breathe, the water we drink and the foods we eat — all of which contribute to our wellbeing.
That’s why as a dietitian, I incorporate tips for living sustainably in as much as I can because I truly believe it plays a large role in our overall wellbeing.
Living a more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t mean you need to live one with nature in the middle of a forest. You can take small daily steps to support the harmony of our human impact on the environment no matter where you live.
Just as health is a daily practice, so are the practices that impact the health of Mother Nature. And trust me, they’re not as difficult or laborious as you may think!
Becoming more aware of the small actions you can take each day to positively support the earth and reduce the resources we use is key to living a more sustainable lifestyle.
My Journey to with Sustainable Living
I’m really excited to be finally sitting down to write more about this topic since my husband Jesse and I have embarked on a big lifestyle change for us this year. We’re building a home — one with Mother Nature — in the forest of TN to live the most sustainable lifestyle we possibly can in order to take care of our environment,
You know the importance of curbing unhealthy cravings and following a nutritious diet while you’re pregnant. Not only does it ensure you and your child are receiving the optimal vitamins and minerals needed to thrive, but it can also help mitigate pregnancy symptoms, reduce risk for complications and more. But these healthy eating habits shouldn’t stop after giving birth – especially if you plan on breastfeeding – because your body still needs optimal nutritional fuel, even when you’re not carrying a child. Plus, avoiding unhealthy options and prioritizing fresh produce, whole grains and plant-based proteins can help you lose the extra pounds and get you back to your pre-pregnancy body.
You need to remain healthy and active after delivery so that your body is strong enough to care for your baby. That’s why sticking to healthy and well-balanced eating habits is key, and we believe following the Hallelujah Diet and judicial supplementation of vitamin B12, iodine and fish oil during this time is essential. You can obtain all of the necessary protein, calcium and other vital nutrients like iron, folate and magnesium without consuming meat or dairy products.
Here are a few postpartum diet tips to consider:
1. Choose Healthy Alternatives
Those cravings you had during your pregnancy might come back after you give birth, but that doesn’t mean you should give in now that you’re no longer carrying your child. If you start craving something sweet, choose a healthy alternative. Fruit or one of our Hallelujah Diet dessert recipes
Customer Sheena started 2020 determined to lose weight. When we launched our 2020 Transformation Challenge, she jumped at the chance to join, using it as the perfect motivation to stay on track.
Fast forward to April and she has lost 2st 11lbs, dropped 4 dress sizes and was named RUNNER UP in the challenge, bagging herself a not too shabby £100 worth of New You Plan points.
Following her win, we caught up with Sheena to see how she’s feeling. Here is what she had to say…
Why did you decide to take part in the 2020 Transformation Challenge? Do you think it helped your success?
I decided to take part in the Transformation Challenge as I thought it was a great idea to see how my body would change in the 12 weeks. I think it helped my success, although I’m sure I would have stuck to the plan anyway.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since taking part in the challenge?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that the secret to losing weight lies in my head, not my stomach. I actually don’t need much food to still feel full and satisfied and I now know just how disciplined I can be.
Describe how you felt before you started the plan?
Before I started the plan, I felt old, fat and frumpy. I lacked confidence and hated looking in the mirror or having my photo taken.
How did you discover The New You Plan?
I discovered New You after researching TFR plans – New You looked much more varied, interesting (and less money too!).
How has the plan changed your life? How has your health improved?
My life has changed in so many ways – I feel so much more confident in myself, I like feeling in control, I like feeling good in clothes and don’t wear baggy stuff anymore. I’m healthier, teetotal, my skin is better and I’m feeling good about myself.
What was your biggest motivator in staying on track?
My biggest motivator has been the confidence that the scales will show a weight loss EVERY WEEK and that keeps me on track. I loved completing the pink weekly tracker too!
What’s your biggest non-scale victory?
My biggest non-scale victory is getting back into clothes I haven’t been able to wear for years.
Since losing weight, what is your happiest memory / proudest moment?
Since losing weight, my proudest moment is seeing my family’s reaction each week (pre-Coronavirus!).
What is the nicest compliment you’ve received since losing weight?
The nicest compliment I have received is from my daughter who calls me an ‘incredible shrinking person’.
What are your favourite New You meals and snacks?
My favourite New You meal is a tie between Spicy Noodle Nosh and Chocolate Brownie but I can honestly say I haven’t tried one I don’t like! My favourite snack has to be the Cheese Crisps.
What advice would you offer anyone thinking of starting the plan?
The advice I would offer anyone who’s thinking of starting the plan is ‘Just do it! You’ll love it’ – the first few days can take a bit of getting used to but after that you won’t even be thinking about food. Try to start the plan with a clear social calendar as eating out is a no-no. Stick with it and the results are guaranteed!
Start Your TFR Journey Today!
Getting started is the first step in your journey to a brand New You! To help you understand fully how our plan works, our Get Started page was designed specifically for people new to the plan.
Head over to our site where you’ll find tonnes of important information including how our plan works, the science behind it, loads of top tips, information on our meals, as well as real customer testimonials.
Customer Leon decided to take part in our 2020 Transformation Challenge to get her weight loss journey underway this year. In just a few months she has lost 2st 2lbs, dropped 2 dress sizes, gained tons of confidence and was named runner up in our challenge, winning £100 worth of New You Plan points.
Following her win, we caught up with Leon to find out how she did it. Here’s what she had to say…
Why did you decide to take part in the 2020 Transformation Challenge?
I had literally just started using the New You packs and thought it would be good to see my transformation in a short space of time. Yes I think it helped me stay on the straight and narrow!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since taking part in the challenge?
Every week does not have to be perfect and if you do ‘blip’ just pick yourself right back up and keep going!
Describe how you felt before you started the plan?
Uncomfortable in my ‘bigger’ clothes, unmotivated, tired, grumpy, embarrassed by my size and no energy… just overall having no zest for life.
How did you discover The New You Plan?
It was by accident! The day after I decided I’d had enough and needed to make a change, I came across it online out of pure luck. I looked at a few of the success stories and bought it without really thinking about it. I knew I had nothing to loose by trying it!!
How has the plan changed your life?
I feel better in my clothes already – I have more energy, can run up the stairs without getting out of breath. I can run round with the kids without running out of breath, and just generally feel better about myself.
What was your biggest motivator in staying on track?
I had my son’s Confirmation as my first target to loose 2 stone and that kept me motivated.
What’s your biggest non-scale victory?
Buying better fitting smaller bras!
Since losing weight, what is your happiest memory / proudest moment?
Buying a fitted size 14 jacket that I love!
What is the nicest compliment you’ve received since losing weight?
My eldest son telling me I don’t look ’round’ anymore
What are your favourite New You meals and snacks?
All the Shakes and Soups (love them all), Pasta Carbonara, Chicken Curry, Spicy Noodle Nosh, Vegetable Chilli, Caramel Muesli, the Bars (especially the Strawberry) Peanut snack bars, Salt and Vinegar crisps, CoconutBars, Vanilla Wafers.. most of them really.
What advice would you offer anyone thinking of starting the plan?
Do it.. you have nothing to loose by making a go of it.. well except a pile of weight!!
Start Your TFR Journey Today!
Getting started is the first step in your journey to a brand New You! To help you understand fully how our plan works, our Get Started page was designed specifically for people new to the plan.
Head over to our site where you’ll find tonnes of important information including how our plan works, the science behind it, loads of top tips, information on our meals, as well as real customer testimonials.
Customer Mary tried the plan a couple of years ago lost nearly 2 stone but then started a new relationship and things went downhill fast. She grew to love meals out and cinema dates with ice cream and popcorn. Having been a single mum for years, Mary loved all that came from being part of what felt like a proper family but unfortunately the side effects of that was a lot of unhealthy choices and a huge amount of weight gain.
Therefore, with a newfound determination, Mary began again on 6th January 2020 and hasn’t looked back. To date, she has lost 2stone 10lb & was named RUNNER-UP in our 2020 Transformation Challenge.
Here is what she had to say about her success…
Mary, why did you decide to take part in the 2020 Transformation Challenge?
I started the challenge because I’m getting married this year, or at least I hope I still am – I know none of us have any certainty at this time so with all the uncertainty, the challenge kept me motivated when I felt really down or felt like giving up. I think we all like a little healthy competition deep down.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since taking part in the challenge?
That anything is achievable if you really want it bad enough.
Describe how you felt before you started the plan?
Embarrassed, ashamed, the list of emotions is endless. I stopped socialising, I became reclusive to a degree and now I’m proud of myself and what I’ve achieved, enough so that I shared my progress on my personal Facebook page, which is something I would never have done 3 months ago.
How did you discover The New You Plan?
A girl in my caravan site had lost a large amount of weight and managed to keep it off and she recommended it to me.
How has the plan changed your life? How has your health improved?
My life has turned around. I feel healthy, my skin is glowing, my psoriasis has cleared up with all the water I’ve been drinking. I have buckets of energy and I love going out with my girlfriends. I even ordered my wedding dress after putting it off for ages because I’m confident in what I’m going to achieve. I’ve recently started to exercise and I’m loving it, especially with the isolation. It’s nice to have something to focus on that’s just for me. I feel great.
What was your biggest motivator in staying on track?
My kids, without question – seeing their faces when I hit a new target and knowing how proud they were off me. I’ve 2 little girls and a healthy relationship with food is extremely important. I never want them to struggle like I have.
What’s your biggest non-scale victory?
Going for my wedding dress fitting and the girls in the shop had to keep retaking and checking my measurements because they couldn’t get over the difference in such a short period of time.
Since losing weight, what is your happiest memory / proudest moment?
Putting my progress on my social media and the amount of support I received from people was overwhelming. I even had a personal trainer message me and offer to do me a workout to help me tone whilst I’m on my journey. The kindness of some people is truly astounding.
What has been your biggest non-scale victory?
I tried on a coat in a shop and it was a few sizes smaller than I would normally have lifted off the hanger. The lady in the cloak room told me she thought it was too big for me and I needed a smaller size. I explained I had lost weight and my brain just hadn’t caught up yet and she was so complimentary that I left that shop feeling like pretty woman, with a shiny new coat.
What are your favourite New You meals and snacks?
I love the Omelette, the Pancakes, the Mint and Orange Shakes and the Gummy Bears keep me going when I just need something sweet (I keep them in the freezer to chew for longer)
What advice would you offer anyone thinking of starting the plan?
You need to be kind to yourself, if you fall down get straight back up. Use the Secret Slimmers page morning, noon and night and above all else drink the water. Some wise person told me to think of it as a fat blaster – the more you drink the more you lose. And enjoy the journey because it’s going to take you to the best place EVER…..
Start Your TFR Journey Today!
Getting started is the first step in your journey to a brand New You! To help you understand fully how our plan works, our Get Started page was designed specifically for people new to the plan.
Head over to our site where you’ll find tonnes of important information including how our plan works, the science behind it, loads of top tips, information on our meals, as well as real customer testimonials.
Knowing how to quickly prepare healthy and easy meals is key for being consistent with your healthy eating habits.
But sometimes meal prepping can be really time-consuming if you’re making a lot of recipes each week or it can become repetitive if you’re using the same basic ingredients.
And cooking everything from scratch, even if it’s a simple meal, may still be a little too much work after a busy day.
So I use a hybrid approach that makes it easier to cook healthy and easy meals in about 15 minutes! (Seriously, most of my meals take 15 minutes to make!)
And, you don’t have to eat the same meal multiple times throughout the week!
I’m going to walk you through my entire process for making healthy and easy meals that you can make all week without getting bored.
Using Meal Components to Make Cooking Easy and Fun
Meal components are interchangeable food items that go with everything else you cook — basically, it’s a meal planning mix and match.
If you’re familiar with meal planning or it’s already part of your life, then I’m sure you’ve seen some meal planning systems out there that rely on making full recipes or adding tons of things to one meal prep container to make a meal, right?
And sometimes that can create food fatigue or take hours of your weekend to prepare multiple recipes.
You’ve not only just wasted money (most likely), but unfortunately, you’ve probably wasted your time from cooking,
Exercise is widely considered to be an important part of any healthy lifestyle, but not all routines are created equal when it comes to cognitive performance and memory. Rather, the science is somewhat conflicted at points, and certain types of exercise can actually be detrimental to individuals who suffer from various conditions, including dementia.
Let’s take a look at two studies that provide a wealth of information regarding both the utility and risk of regular exercise, as well as how to adapt the findings to your particular needs, goals and lifestyle.
“Science is somewhat conflicted when it comes to exercise’s impact on cognitive function.”
Aerobics and memory
Heidi Godman, executive editor of the Harvard Health Letter, recently published a post in Harvard Health Publishing in which she broke down some of the findings of a new study that linked aerobic exercise to better memory performance. According to the author, researchers from the University of British Columbia found that aerobic exercise helped to increase the total mass of the hippocampus, thus strengthening learning ability, recall and other cognitive functions.
Importantly, she pointed out that the subjects of the study underwent roughly two hours of moderate exercise each week, mostly involving a “brisk walk,” and physical science experts suggest increasing that to about 150 minutes broken down into 30-minute intervals five times per week. The important thing is to maintain a low-impact routine that will not injure or strain joints and muscles, but rather get the heart beating a bit faster
According to the American Cancer Society, as many as 3.3 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, amounting to about 5.4 million cases, with some people developing it more than once. It’s estimated that about 2,000 people pass each year from skin cancer, but fortunately, those numbers are dropping thanks to understanding when and how to take action. Early detection of skin cancer can save your life.
Performing a self-examination on a regular basis helps you take notice of changes in your skin, such as color and size changes in existing moles or the occurrence of brand new spots.
Now that summer’s in full swing, it’s best to start paying closer attention to your skin after spending time in the sun. Here’s what you need to look for, followed by step-by-step self-examination instructions for skin cancer screening:
The ABCDE rule
According to the American Cancer Society, spotting the common signs of melanoma is simple when you keep the ABCDE rule in mind:
Asymmetry: When one side of the mole doesn’t match the other. Border: You’re uncertain of the edges – the mole is irregular. Color: The color is not consistent. The mole may include patches of brown, black or even pink, white or blue. Diameter: When the spot is longer than ¼-inch. Evolving: You notice the spot changing in size, shape and/or color. Ask for help from a family member or friend during the self-exam if necessary.
This budget-friendly Slow Cooker Vegan Black Eyed Peas Recipe is a game-changer if you’re looking for a hassle-free easy and healthy recipe. Super simple to pull off, family-friendly and brimming with Desi~licious flavours. It’s the perfect pick to feed a crowd using humble pantry ingredients. Vegan, gluten-free and only 15 minutes of prep time required.
If you’re looking for a hearty and healthy dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights then this Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas Curry is perfect! It’s bursting with bold and delicious flavors from beautiful spices like cardamom, paprika, and coriander – blended perfectly in a tomato based masala.
Indeed cooking dried beans takes far longer than opening a can. But, it’s worth it; you get a better texture and flavor. Not to mention, it’s also value for money. I slash the amount of effort needed to make this recipe by making it in a slow cooker. That way, my slow cooker does all the work – whilst we enjoy a fuss-free and hearty dinner.
How to cook dry beans
Before you soak beans, make sure they’re washed thoroughly, by rinsing them several times. Remove any wrinkled or damaged beans and discard. I soak beans (and lentils) overnight in plenty of cold water. Once I’m ready to cook, I rinse thoroughly in cool water. Remember, cooking times will vary; depending on the type of bean, and length of soaking time. I simmer beans anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. If using the Instant
Customer Terrie kick-started 2020 with a mission to lose weight once and for all & make the new decade unforgettable. Fast forward to April and she lost 4st 3lbs, dropped 3 dress sizes and WON £1000 cash!
Following her win, we caught up with Terrie, who shares her story, how her life has changed and her words of wisdom for anyone thinking about starting our plan.
Here is what she had to say…
Terrie, when did you start The New You Plan?
I started the New You Plan in April 2016. I tried and tried for a few weeks, losing a few stone here and there but gaining it all back and more. New Year’s day 2020 came and I decided it was now or never. Time to change, I HAD to change. So, 9th January 2020 I took the plunge…
What was your starting weight & what weight are you now?
I started at 19st 5lbs. I currently weigh 15st 2lbs, which is a total loss 4st 3lbs and 3 dress sizes. I plan to lose another 3 stone to get to my target weight but I am not too fussed on what the scales say, how I look will be the decider.
Why did you decide to take part in the Spring Transformation Challenge? Do you think it helped your success?
I have taken part in many challenges in Secret Slimmers but never seen it through to the end. The 2020 New Decade, New Year, New You Transformation Challenge landed in my inbox at exactly the right time. I knew this time I would submit my I DID IT poster and I am sooo glad I did. I can’t say whether it helped with my success as with or without the competition I was determined to lose all the added baggage this year, but I felt a sense of pride, hitting that post button with my I DID IT poster!!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since taking part in the challenge?
The biggest thing I have learned since starting the challenge is that you only get out what you put in. I put so much effort in to every single day of the past 12 weeks, I have struggled and I have almost given up on so many occasions but I never did. I have had to have many a stern word with myself and thankfully my results speak for themselves.
Describe how you felt before you started the plan?
Before starting the plan, I would avoid social events, I would find every reason I could possibly think of to not attend. I would hide under black, baggy clothes. I’d avoid the camera at every cost resulting in having no photographs of myself with my 3 young children. I got to the point where it was effecting my sleep, my marriage and my whole life focused around my size. I felt as though nobody ever saw me, they just saw that fat woman. My health was at risk – walking upstairs was a task in itself. I had no desire to do anything physical at all. I didn’t live, I simply existed …
How did you discover The New You Plan?
I discovered New You by accident – I was actually researching a different diet when I came across an ad for The New You Plan. I clicked out of curiosity … Its colourful, welcoming website kept me interested. I looked and looked for a few weeks before popping an order in. I read all the success stories, admired the before and after photographs just longing for that to be me one day. So, I put my first order in, joined Secret Slimmers and never looked back. Even though I didn’t succeed at first, I never lost hope. I knew one day I would do it. When I was truly ready. That time is now …
How has the plan changed your life?
The plan has changed my life in so many ways. I finally feel content in my own skin. I look to the future with a smile on my face rather than an overwhelming feeling of dread. I have more patience and my attitude towards others has changed. I feel like a much better person all round. Although, the biggest change is my relationship with food. I don’t need food to be happy. When on plan I feel in control, for the first time ever. I don’t calorie count, I don’t go without. I am currently maintaining my loss and I am still in control and still limiting portion size and carbs. It all seems to make more sense. My health is getting better, I am so much more active than I ever dreamed I’d be. No more getting out of breath so soon, I also look pretty decent in a swimsuit. Haha.
What was your biggest motivator in staying on track?
The biggest motivator to staying on track was others around me. I decided to take this journey 1lb at a time rather than becoming obsessed with the end result.
For the first time, I decided to tell a few people what I was doing, mainly the small group in the office work in. Working full time I knew that I needed to explain why I was turning down all the tasty treats and different foods that circulate daily. I was so surprised by the reaction I got – they were all so supportive and they would ask me each week, on Thursday (weigh day) how much I’d lost this week. It really helped me. I have always kept my battle with my weight a secret, always being the hilarious fat friend, whilst dying on the inside. So, deciding to tell people was a massive step forward.
What’s your biggest non-scale victory?
My biggest non-scale victory came when I brought a pair of pyjamas a size smaller after only 2 weeks of being on plan. I was doubtful that they would fit when I got home. I ran upstairs and to my delight they fitted perfectly. After only 2 weeks. Wow!!!
Since losing weight, what is your happiest memory / proudest moment?
My happiest moment since losing weight is looking in the mirror and loving the person I see staring back at me. That person is me, beautiful me.
What is the nicest compliment you’ve received since losing weight?
The best compliment I have received is one that will stay with me forever. Having small children means there is no privacy, so whenever I am getting dressed, having a shower, visiting the loo or generally doing anything, there is a child stood observing. I was getting dry after a shower and my daughter who is 4 was lay on my bed and said to me “Mummy, your big wobbly tummy is not that big and wobbly anymore. You look more like Snow White everyday” (she is Cinderella and I am Snow White) – no truer word than that of a child. Said so innocently and so sincere. I cried. Not sure if they were tears of happiness or shame. Perhaps a mixture of both.
What are your favourite New You meals and snacks?
My favourite New You products are Cottage Pie and Strawberry Bar. I’m pretty sure I could survive on these products forever. I am also ever so slightly addicted to the Cookies but these are a snack and so I have to limit myself. Tough!
What advice would you offer anyone thinking of starting the plan?
My advice to anyone starting New You: This plan is easy but it is so hard to begin with. It is a head diet – once you are in the right mindset, the rest flows. The first week is so so tough, but it really does get better, so much better. Once you have mastered it, it is an absolute breeze with amazing results.
Also, join Secret Slimmers – it is the best online community ever. So much advice and encouraging words when you need it most. No judgment or nasty comments, just the ticket when losing weight. It is full of ladies and gents all on the same path. I wouldn’t have got this far without those guys. Take the leap of faith… you won’t regret it!
Terrie xx
Start Your TFR Journey Today!
Getting started is the first step in your journey to a brand New You! To help you understand fully how our plan works, our Get Started page was designed specifically for people new to the plan.
Head over to our site where you’ll find tonnes of important information including how our plan works, the science behind it, loads of top tips, information on our meals, as well as real customer testimonials.
For all Christians, the Easter season is a time of rebirth, reflection and renewal. In addition to the time for prayer and inner thought, many people use spring as an opportunity to start over. For some, this means leaving behind bad habits, while for others it means starting a new journey. Rather than spring cleaning your garage this season, consider a spring clean for your health.
By taking control and guiding yourself down the path to optimal health, your body will rejoice.
Detox the Bad
During this time of renewal, there is no better place to start than a detox of your kitchen. If you are not already, consider following a primarily raw, plant-based diet. This means clearing out packaged and processed foods from your fridge, pantry and diet. As nutritionist Lola Berry told Body and Soul, removing all added sugars is a must. In most cases, people, especially those on the Standard American Diet, are consuming excessive amounts of sugar without even realizing it. While detoxing your eating plan, you may also want to consider a total body detox.
In fact, a detox in the form of a juice cleanse is one of the best ways to get started on your new healthy eating plan. An effective juice cleanse can help remove toxins so that your body can rebuild cells and start fresh. While improving digestion, fighting cravings and boosting organ health in the process, a juice cleanse can give your body the jump start it needs to get on track, our Hallelujah Diet
Have you ever wondered if your parents had to work as hard as you do to maintain their health? Chances are, probably not. While they still had to make good food choices, their lifestyles were probably more active than sedentary. The air they breathed when they were younger was pure, the food they consumed was likely whole foods without the added hormones, pesticides and depleted soils of foods today. They would typically get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Although the stresses they experienced were challenging, their ability to handle the stresses was likely more effective than today’s people handling the fast-paced world that is filled with social media, internet and cell phones. All of these distractions and diversions can overload our minds and create a sense of imbalance and constant feelings of perpetual searching and seeking.
The truth is, it really DOES take hard work to stay healthy in today’s world. Whether you are struggling to keep quality food in the fridge and bypass the fast food frenzy or you are trying to keep up with all of the new technology and gadgets, if you don’t keep your health as your first priority from the moment you awaken to the timely moment you rest your head on your pillow, then the busyness of life and the chaos of the country will kill any instinct for creating a calm mind and a physically active body.
When you write out your daily to-do lists, do you have exercise
Make this easy and healthy vegetable quinoa with garlic shrimp. It’s gluten-free, and one of my favourite ways to get dinner on the table – fast! Plus, all the cooking action happens in your skillet. We’re upping the nutritional value of the dish with a beautiful mixture of kidney beans, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and quinoa. Infused with heaps of flavour from smoked paprika, cumin, coriander and lemon juice, it’s a great way to keep your salt intake in check – without compromising on taste.
Mr. D recently made something similar. He typically uses this vegetable mixture as a base to make egg bhurji – one of our favourite Sunday breakfast recipes. I’m surprised I haven’t shared this veggie-packed quinoa recipe with you sooner. Truly, it pairs ridiculously well with my garlic shrimp recipe. If you’re like me and on the hunt for easy and healthy recipes – this is fantastic. I sometimes sprinkle red chilli flakes on top of the shrimp – the perfect hot garnish which takes the shrimp to another level. As for the quinoa, as I’m a fan, I think it makes the perfect easy and healthy dinner recipe. And if that’s not enough to convince you, how about the fact that it all happens in one pot.
How To Make Vegetable Quinoa With Garlic Shrimp – Step by Step
Start by frying the garlic in olive oil until lightly golden. Add the salt and smoked paprika and follow with cooked
