Switching to Vegetarianism

Considering a shift to a vegetarian lifestyle might seem daunting if you’ve been accustomed to a diet centred around meat and other animal products. You might wonder, after years of consuming steaks, eggs, and chicken, what’s the point of making such a change now?

There are numerous reasons one might consider this transition. Take a moment to reflect on your own health. Are you maintaining a healthy weight? Do you generally feel well and full of energy? How do you feel when you wake up in the morning—refreshed or exhausted and sluggish? Have you Ever Met a Fat Vegetarian?

Examine your overall health status. Are your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels within normal ranges? If not, it’s worth evaluating your regular diet.

Consider how you feel post-meal. Does your food leave you feeling revitalized, as though you’ve given your body its necessary sustenance? Or do you find yourself feeling lethargic and in need of a nap? Ideally, food should energize us, not leave us feeling sleepy.

Our bodies are akin to machines that require the proper fuel to function optimally. When we suffer from conditions like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol levels, it’s comparable to an engine that’s overdue for a tune-up or isn’t running on the best fuel type for its design.

Similarly, our bodies thrive on appropriate fuel. Consuming high-fat meats or meats laden with antibiotics is not the ideal fuel our bodies were designed to utilize.

Embracing Vegetarianism

Consider trying out a vegetarian diet for a week or even a month. You might notice a significant shift in how you feel—sharper mentally, more physically fit, and bursting with energy. If completely eliminating meat from your diet seems daunting, start by reducing the portion sizes of meat and treating it as a side dish rather than the main component of your meals. Even this small adjustment can have a profound impact on your health and vitality.

If you’re committed to adopting a vegetarian lifestyle but are struggling with the dietary and lifestyle changes, here are some tips to ease the transition.

Begin by pledging to follow a vegetarian diet for three days each week for the first couple of weeks. Experiment with replacing meat in your favourite recipes to create satisfying meat-free meals. For instance, add mushrooms to your marinara sauce instead of meatballs, or use textured vegetable proteins. These simple swaps in familiar recipes can motivate you to persist on the vegetarian path by demonstrating how tasty they can be.

After that, aim to eat vegetarian for five days each week for the following two weeks. Explore the natural foods section at your supermarket or visit a local health food store. Indulge in some new vegetarian products and incorporate them into your meals. The internet is also an excellent resource for vegetarian recipes.

Don’t confine your vegetarian diet to home-cooked meals; most restaurants offer enticing vegetarian options, so give them a try. Dining out can also provide inspiration for cooking at home.

The final step is to include the remaining two days into your week, and you’ll have transitioned to being a full-time vegetarian! By this point, after a month of practice, you’re no longer a novice.

Celebrate your achievements; you’ve not only made positive changes for your health and lifestyle but also for the environment and animal welfare. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal; every step towards a more animal-friendly diet makes a significant difference. Reward yourself for each vegetarian choice you make, and you’ll find yourself motivated to keep moving forward.

Detox Diets to Detoxification of Your Body

The more we abuse our bodies the more harm toxins build up in our system and arteries due to poor diet, drinking too much alcohol and dangerous chemicals if you smoke or take drugs.

A diet that’s high in fat and processed foods tends to slow down our digestion and our elimination processes are disrupted. This can allow harmful bacteria and toxins to accumulate and can create a general feeling of sluggishness, as well as a host of digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or colitis.

Many other issues can be linked to the toxicity levels in our diets with symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, pains, coughs, gastrointestinal problems, and problems from immune weakness can all be related to the noxious chemicals we breath and consume due to poor diets and bad lifestyle choices.

Toxicity is of much greater concern in the twentieth century than ever before. There are many new and stronger chemicals, food additives/colouring, new drugs and medications plus air and water pollution. These days we ingest new chemicals, use more drugs of all kinds, eat more sugar and refined foods, and daily abuse ourselves with various stimulants and sedatives.

When you start a detoxing eating plan your body eventually cleanses itself of the harmful effects of these chemicals. When people talk about detoxification and cleansing the body of harmful toxins, it’s often seen as something that vegetarians and yoga masters do. A simple detox diet involves eliminating processed foods, high fat meats, alcohol, and other unhealthy substances from your diet.

When you eliminate these from your diet much of your body’s energy is freed from the intense work of digesting these foods. Everything becomes clearer – your blood, your organs which can improve well-being.

When we begin drinking more water, natural juices and eating a more healthy vegetarian and fruit based diet, we get more dietary fiber into our systems, and all of a sudden, our digestive systems start to work better so during a detox diet we have more energy and feel lighter.

Detox diets are often associated with fasting, significant calorie cuts, or detox pills. However, their allure may not stem from toxin removal but from cutting out unhealthy foods. A better approach for optimal health is a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, along with regular exercise.

The idea that our bodies harbour harmful toxins is not scientifically supported. In fact, extreme calorie restriction can lead to the buildup of ketones, causing nausea, dehydration, and muscle breakdown, which can weaken the immune system.

Moreover, fasting deprives your body of energy needed for exercise and activity. And typically, any weight loss from a detox diet is regained once normal eating resumes.

In summary, detox diets are more marketing hype than nutritional fact. It’s wiser to follow the reliable advice of qualified dietitians rather than exaggerated detox claims.

Completely eliminating alcohol, too much coffee and cigarettes will help purify your body. After drinking too much and pigging out this Christmas and New Year this is often the best time to do a detox diet, cleanse your body and remove the toxins.

Four Quick Tips for Healthy Eating

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for keeping your body in optimal health. By eating healthily, you’ll have sustained energy throughout the day, get the necessary vitamins and minerals, stay strong for activities you enjoy, and maintain a healthy weight.

Here are some tips to help you eat healthily:

1.      Don’t Skip Meals Eating three meals a day with snacks in between helps maintain energy levels and a healthy weight. Skipping meals can lead to hunger, making you more likely to choose unhealthy foods. If you’re eating away from home, bring healthy food with you or know where you can find nutritious options.

2.      Learn Healthy Cooking Methods Instead of deep frying, try grilling, stir-frying, microwaving, baking, or boiling. Use fresh or dried herbs and spices to add flavor to your food. When preparing meat, trim off any fat and skin before cooking.

3.      Limit Sugar Intake Sugary drinks are a major source of empty calories, providing energy your body may not need without any vitamins or minerals. If you drink sugary beverages, limit yourself to one per day.

4.      Avoid Dieting Mindsets There are no inherently good or bad foods. All foods can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. You don’t need to buy low-carb, fat-free, or diet foods, as these often contain added ingredients to replace the carbohydrates or fat.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cultivating Smart Eating Habits

True healthy eating transcends the mere tracking of calories or nutrients—it’s about understanding and choosing a balanced diet. It means eating diverse foods across all food groups without restriction, aiming for three nutritious meals daily.

Flexibility in your diet allows for occasional variations in quantity and nutritional value, but the goal remains to consistently provide your body with the fuel it needs for optimal mental and physical performance.

Being a healthy eater also means being a problem solver—making informed choices and understanding the impact of those choices on your well-being.

It’s important to recognize that excessive control over eating can lead to imbalances in other life areas, potentially causing broader issues.

Healthy eating should be viewed as a sustainable lifestyle choice that enhances your well-being and positively influences those around you. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone looking to improve their life.

Embracing Nutritious Eating Habits

Understanding healthy eating involves more than just knowing about fat grams or calorie counting. It’s about a balanced diet with meals spread throughout the day, incorporating a variety of foods, and not restricting oneself to specific food groups.

Moderation is key, and it’s normal to sometimes eat more or less, or choose foods that vary in nutritional value. Consistently nourishing your body helps maintain mental and physical wellness.

Healthy eaters are adept at managing their dietary habits with sound judgment and are conscious of the impacts of their food choices on their health.

Losing control over eating can lead to a lack of discipline in other life areas, potentially leading to overspending or insufficient rest.

Remember, food restriction is detrimental. Adopting healthy eating habits can significantly improve your well-being and positively influence those around you.

Revamping Your Dietary Choices

Proper nutrition is crucial for optimal body function and fitness. Don’t fall for myths that could impede your health goals.

Here are some clarifications:

1. Fuel Before Exercise: Never work out on an empty stomach; a light snack like an apple can provide necessary energy.
2. Natural Over Processed: Energy bars and drinks can’t replace the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.
3. Never Skip Breakfast: It’s essential for starting your day and avoiding hunger pangs later.
4. Carbs Are Crucial: They’re necessary for muscle function and energy storage.
5. Balanced Diet Over Indulgence: Healthy eating doesn’t justify overeating, even with exercise.
6. Caloric Balance: Aim for gradual weight loss, ensuring you consume enough calories for bodily functions.
7. Hydrate Wisely: Opt for water, milk, or juice instead of soda or alcohol, and drink before feeling thirsty.

Adopting healthier eating habits will enhance your performance and overall health at any age. Give it a try and witness the positive changes in your life.

Smart Choices for Dining Out

Dining out doesn’t have to derail your health goals. If you go out to a restaurant to eat, you may want to watch your calories very closely. Keep these pointers in mind for a calorie-smart outing:

• Dressings on the Side: Control your calorie intake by requesting dressings and sauces on the side.
• Grilled Over Greasy: Opt for grilled fish and veggies without butter or oil, or just a small amount.
• Tomato vs. Cream Sauces: Pick pasta with tomato-based sauces over cream-based ones to cut down on fat and calories.
• Beverage Choices: Choose water, diet soda, or tea over sugary drinks and alcohol.
• Dessert Sharing: Splitting a dessert can halve the calorie count.
• Soup Selections: Go for broth-based soups instead of cream-based for fewer calories.
• Salsa for Baked Potatoes: Swap out high-calorie toppings like sour cream for salsa.
• Portion Control: Stop eating when you’re full and consider taking half your meal home.
• Appetizers as Meals: For smaller portions, order appetizers or combine an appetizer with a salad.
• Healthy Sides: Choose baked potatoes or steamed veggies over fries.
• Cooking Methods Matter: Look for food that is baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed.
• Bread Without Extras: Enjoy bread plain to avoid added fats and calories.
• Fruits and Veggies: Fill up on dishes rich in fruits and vegetables for fibre and nutrients.
• Whole Grains Win: Select whole grain options like whole wheat bread and brown rice.
• Low-Fat Desserts: Satisfy your sweet tooth with low-fat options like fruit.

Remember, moderation is key. Enjoy your favourites in balance and eat due to hunger, not stress or boredom, and stick to your diet plan.

Healthy Eating for the Busy Bee

Busy schedules don’t mean sacrificing healthy eating. Here’s how to maintain good nutrition on the move:

• Diet and Stress: A nutritious diet helps manage stress better, so prioritize it even when busy.
• Smart Restaurant Choices: Enjoy dining out but choose wisely to avoid weight gain.
• Snacks in the Car: Keep healthy snacks handy in your car to avoid unhealthy pit stops.
• Breakfast at Home: No matter how rushed, grab a quick yet healthy breakfast like cereal, fruit, or a bagel.

Always opt for healthy food choices, even when you’re out and about. Preparing and carrying nutritious snacks or meals can help you avoid the temptation of junk food. Remember, your body will thank you for eating well.

Advantages of Vegetarianism for Diabetes Management

Individuals with diabetes must be meticulous in their dietary choices, as each meal can significantly influence their health. Diabetes, a condition that spans across ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds, can lead to slow-healing wounds, persistent infections, vision loss, and kidney failure if left unmanaged. One of the key strategies in controlling diabetes is through diet, and adopting a vegetarian lifestyle can be particularly beneficial due to its focus on low-fat, high-fiber, and nutrient-dense foods.

Diabetes, which affects over 30 million individuals globally, prevents the body from efficiently processing food. Typically, food is broken down and transformed into glucose, which is then transported by the blood to cells for energy use, facilitated by the hormone insulin. However, those with diabetes struggle with glucose regulation due to a malfunction in this energy conversion process. The issue lies with insulin—it may be absent, insufficient, or ineffective.

Consequently, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to symptoms like fatigue, concentration difficulties, coordination loss, and blurred vision. Diabetics must carefully balance their food intake with insulin levels to avoid both high and low blood sugar levels—the latter of which can result in coma or death if not addressed.

While diabetes remains incurable, it can be managed effectively through lifestyle adjustments such as diet and exercise, oral medications, insulin injections, or a combination thereof. Diabetics focus on carbohydrate intake rather than calories to ensure at least half of their diet consists of complex carbohydrates.

Many vegetarians with diabetes report reduced reliance on insulin injections thanks to their plant-based diet. This reduction not only benefits their health but also imparts a sense of empowerment and control over their condition.

Eating and Drinking Healthy On Holiday

Maintaining a nutritious diet while on holiday can often seem like a challenge. Despite our best intentions for wellness, the allure of sweet treats like ice cream can be hard to resist. Yet, there are strategies to stay mindful of your eating habits even when you’re away from home.

Nowadays, it’s simpler to opt for healthier choices on flights, with low-fat and vegetarian options readily available. If you’re road-tripping to your destination, finding wholesome food might require more effort.

Instead of succumbing to fast food, consider packing a selection of wholesome snacks in a cooler. Fresh fruits, veggies, crackers, yogurt, and sandwiches are perfect travel companions.

Upon reaching your hotel, resist the minibar’s siren call by leaving the key untouched. If a continental breakfast is on offer, prioritize fruits, grains, and proteins. And if there’s a kitchenette available, bringing your own nutritious meals could be a wise choice.

When dining out, listen to your hunger cues. Restaurant servings are often generous, so exercise portion control. Overindulged? Balance it out with a lighter following meal.

Incorporating six smaller meals or snacks throughout the day can be more manageable than three large ones, especially since your body requires energy every few hours. Skip the starters when eating out, and ensure you don’t skip meals altogether.

Try to avoid heavy dinners, as your metabolism slows down during sleep, reducing calorie burn. Steer clear of bread before bedtime, and opt for lean proteins like fish or poultry, accompanied by veggies.

Eating healthily while vacationing might seem daunting, but it’s quite achievable with some determination. By making conscious food choices, you can maintain a balanced diet anywhere you go.

Remember, healthy eating is not just for home—it’s a lifestyle. Indulging in a craving occasionally is fine, but don’t let it become routine. A single ice cream or pizza slice is inconsequential, provided you know when to draw the line.

When it comes to alcohol consumption during vacations, moderation is key. It’s understandable to want to unwind and perhaps enjoy a few drinks while on holiday, but it’s important to do so responsibly. Here are a few tips to consider:

Stay Hydrated: Alcohol can dehydrate you, so make sure to drink plenty of water alongside alcoholic beverages.

Choose Wisely: Opt for drinks that are lower in calories and sugar. For instance, a glass of wine or a light beer is often a better choice than a sugary cocktail.

Savor the Moment: Instead of drinking quickly, take the time to enjoy your drink. This can help you consume less and appreciate the experience more.

Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, plan your meals and activities accordingly to balance out the indulgence.

Know Your Limits: Be aware of how alcohol affects you and what your limits are. It’s important to stay in control and make sure you’re able to fully enjoy your vacation without vomiting or getting into trouble.

Remember, the goal is to relax and enjoy your time away, not to overindulge. Just like with food, a little planning and self-control can go a long way in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even while you’re on vacation.

Nutritional Label Information on Food Packaging

Deciphering Nutritional Information on Food Packaging In an era where health awareness is paramount, the ability to decipher nutritional information on food packaging is crucial. These labels, typically located on the back or side of the package, offer essential insights into the nutritional value of food products, empowering consumers to make choices that align with their dietary needs.

This article aims to demystify nutritional labels and underscore their role in fostering healthier eating habits.

Understanding Food Nutrition Labels

In today’s health-conscious world, understanding food nutrition labels is more important than ever. These labels, found on the back or side of packaging, provide vital information about the nutritional content of food items, helping consumers make informed choices about their diet.

Understanding this food label information can guide you towards healthier eating choices and diet habits. For instance, opting for foods with lower saturated fat can contribute to better heart health. Choosing items with less sugar can help manage weight and reduce the risk of diabetes.

What’s on a Nutrition Label?

Contents of a Nutritional Label Nutritional labels are a standard feature on most pre-packaged foods, providing details on the energy content in kilojoules (kJ) and kilocalories (kcal), also known as calories. They also break down the quantities of fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt.

Essential Nutritional Indicators:

• Total Fat:
  • High: Exceeding 17.5g of fat per 100g
  • Low: 3g of fat or fewer per 100g
• Saturated Fat:
  • High: Surpassing 5g of saturated fat per 100g
  • Low: 1.5g of saturated fat or fewer per 100g
• Sugars:
  • High: Over 22.5g of total sugars per 100g
  • Low: 5g of total sugars or fewer per 100g
• Salt:
  • High: Above 1.5g of salt per 100g (or 0.6g sodium)
  • Low: 0.3g of salt or fewer per 100g (or 0.1g sodium)

Guiding Healthier Eating Grasping these indicators can steer you toward healthier dietary patterns. For example, selecting items with reduced saturated fat can enhance heart health, while those with lower sugar content can aid in weight control and diminish diabetes risk.

Traffic Light Labelling

Colour-Coded Nutritional Guidance In the UK, many supermarkets and food producers implement a colour-coded ‘traffic light’ system on packaging fronts to quickly convey a product’s healthfulness. This coding uses green to denote low, amber for moderate, and red for high amounts of fat, saturated fat, salt, and sugar, nudging consumers towards healthier choices.

Allergen Alerts Nutrition labels are also vital for individuals with food allergies, as they highlight allergens within the ingredient list, helping to prevent adverse allergic reactions.

Food Label Myths

There are several common misconceptions about food labels that can lead to confusion among consumers. Dispelling Label Myths Several myths surrounding food labels can create consumer confusion. Notable misconceptions include:

• All-Natural: This term doesn’t equate to healthiness but indicates the absence of artificial or synthetic additives.
• Antioxidants: The term on processed foods doesn’t ensure health benefits; antioxidants are most effective when sourced from whole foods.
• Sugar-Free: Such products may still have sweeteners and minimal sugar. The label applies if there’s less than 0.5g of sugar per serving.
• Organic: A product must be at least 95% organic to earn this label. Those with 70% organic ingredients may be labelled “made with organic ingredients.”
• Pasture-Raised vs. Grass-Fed: “Pasture-raised” doesn’t guarantee an exclusive grass diet, unlike the more specific “grass-fed” label.
• Fat-Free: These products might have negligible fat but can contain more sugar, carbs, and preservatives.
• No Artificial Colours: Such claims may not extend to artificial flavours, and vice versa.
• Whole Grain: Items labelled “made with whole grains” might only include a fraction of whole grains. Seek “100% whole grains” for full benefits.

Understanding these misconceptions can help you make more informed decisions when shopping for food and interpreting nutrition labels. Recognizing these myths can lead to more informed food choices. Always read the labels carefully and scrutinize fully comprehend what you’re ingesting.

Food Labelling Summary

In Summary Nutritional labels are invaluable for diet and health management. Learning to read and interpret them enables you to select foods that contribute to a well-rounded, nutritious diet. When uncertain, favour options marked with green and amber to guide your diet towards better health.

Most pre-packed foods must include a nutrition information label. This label typically includes the amount of energy in kilojoules (kJ) and kilocalories (kcal), commonly referred to as calories. Food labels also detail the amounts of fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt.

Having a clear overview and understanding of food nutrition labels and their importance helps you make healthier food choices.

Many UK supermarkets and food manufacturers use a ‘traffic light’ system on the front of packaging to indicate at a glance the healthiness of a product. This system uses color coding -green for low, amber for medium, and red for high levels of fat, saturated fat, salt, and sugar.

Food nutrition labels are a key tool in managing diet and health. By understanding how to read and interpret these labels, you can make choices that contribute to a balanced and nutritious diet. Remember, when in doubt, opt for more greens and amber to steer your diet in a healthier direction.

My Love For Potatoes

The humble potato reigns supreme as the most beloved vegetable, surpassing others like lettuce and onions. This versatile tuber graces the dining table in various forms, featuring in one out of every three American meals. When cooked healthily, potatoes not only energize but also deliver a substantial nutritional boost.

Potatoes are akin to oranges in their high vitamin C content. A single medium-sized potato provides 45% of the recommended daily intake for this essential nutrient. They're also rich in fiber and carbohydrates and boast a higher potassium level than bananas.

FAQs on Potatoes:

Q: Are potatoes nutritious?

A: Indeed, potatoes are nutritious! They offer a wealth of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It's worth noting, though, that how they're cooked and what's added to them can influence their nutritional benefits.

Q: Is it safe to eat potato skins?

A: Yes, the skins of potatoes are not only safe to eat but are packed with nutrients. Just be sure to wash them well before eating.

Q: Can consuming potatoes aid in weight loss?

A: Potatoes aren't a weight loss miracle, but they can contribute to a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation and prepared healthily.

Q: Do potatoes have a high calorie count?

A: The calorie content in potatoes varies based on how they're cooked and what's added to them. Generally, boiled or baked potatoes without heavy toppings can be a wholesome choice with moderate calories.

Potatoes are naturally low in calories and free from fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Their skins are particularly beneficial, offering a healthy dose of fibre, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and several B vitamins.

When it comes to cooking potatoes, boiling, steaming, or roasting are excellent methods. It's best to avoid refrigerating or freezing potatoes if possible, as the cold can convert their starch into sugar, leading to a darkened appearance upon cooking.

For storage, potatoes prefer a cool, dark environment to prevent them from turning green. A basement, if available, is an ideal storage spot.

Whether it's creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp baked potato, this vegetable is a universal favorite. Potatoes are integral to a myriad of delicious dishes and offer numerous health benefits. Many people enjoy potatoes regularly, with some even cultivating their own. Whether homegrown or store-bought, potatoes are the versatile vegetable that enhances our meals and our health.

You Are What You Eat

The saying “you are what you eat” is often repeated, but have you paused to consider its true meaning? How does it influence your dietary decisions? Indeed, our dietary intake can manifest in our bodies.

For instance, consuming a greasy fast food burger can turn your blood plasma from clear to a murky mix laden with fats and cholesterol. Moreover, our health is shaped by what we omit from our diet. Transitioning to a plant-based diet can lead to a decrease in body fat and a lower risk of various cancers. 

Such a diet can also lead to improved cholesterol levels. With a reduction in animal product consumption, we see a cascade of health benefits: a decrease in Type II diabetes, normalized blood pressure, and less reliance on medications, which also means savings on any associated costs. 

For those with a family history of high cholesterol or blood pressure, it’s especially critical to reassess dietary choices. Statistical evidence suggests that a shift towards vegetarianism can significantly lower the occurrence of numerous diseases prevalent in industrialized nations.

Vegetarians tend to be healthier, slimmer, and have a longer life expectancy than their meat-eating counterparts. Now might be the moment to reflect on your desired state of health and adjust your diet to match. Do you wish to feel lethargic and overweight, or face the health risks associated with high-fat animal products?

Or would you prefer to emulate the vegetarians, who are generally leaner, more active, and have a potentially longer life span? Remember, it’s never too late to alter your habits and enhance your prospects for a healthier, more vigorous life.

Have you Ever Met a Fat Vegetarian?

Think about it, have you ever seen a fat vegetarian? Probably not. In fact, for most of us, vegetarian is almost synonymous with lean and healthy, isn’t it? And when you start any diet, what’s the first thing the experts tell you? Generally it’s to increase the amounts of vegetables you’re eating and to eat limited amounts of meat, especially high-fat red meat and pork.

And what happens when you resume your old eating habits? Generally the weight will come right back on. Even the greatest will-power can’t overcome the unhealthy effects of eating high-fat meat.

When you eat a diet that’s higher in dietary fiber, that’s primarily if not totally vegetarian, you’re naturally healthier. You’re feeding your body and getting it the nutrition it needs to run efficiently. You have more energy and stamina; you wake up more easily and more refreshed. It’s easier to exercise, because you’re not so weighed down by digesting the high fat and excessive protein that comes from eating a carnivorous diet.

Many diets fail because we think of them as depriving ourselves of food we love. The trick is to change that thinking. There are so many compelling reasons to reduce meat from our diet, so why not forget about losing weight? Focus instead on eating healthier, or eating in a way that’s in balance with the earth, and that doesn’t need to subsist on the suffering of animals. You’ll probably find you’ll start to lose weight without even thinking about it.

And when you do lose weight, so many other health risks can fall by the wayside as well. You’ll find your blood pressure falls into a healthier range and your risk for Type II diabetes can decrease. You’ll look better and feel better and probably never go back to your old ways of eating.

Celebrities Diets Should Be Banned

The power of celebrity diets and the pushing for the perfect body should be banned. Celebrity endorsements and influencers can promote something and it sells out over night. Companies are spending millions on using the power of celebrities to make us spend money.

The more social media overlaps our lives, the more important it becomes to control how it influences us into believing that everyone has the perfect body and is living the perfect life.

Celebrity diet marketing can become dangerous for our mental health and body image. And for the generate who have grown up with social media it has a damaging effect on young minds.

Lots of unethical brands and iffy companies prey on young impressionable minds to sell their overpriced junk diet products. It even works on adults who are taken in with the fitness bullshit and purchase stuff from the shop at InfoWars.

If you want your tummy to get flatter and feel better then eat the right foods and do some exercise. Your health and fitness problems aren't going to be solved by drinking a meal replacement shake sponsored by some hot celebrity with 50 million followers on Instagram.

Celebrity diets and weight loss products pray on our insecurities, lack of confidence and the hope of a magic cure for our body's. For women there is a huge amount of pressure to look slim and beautiful. For men you are supposed to have muscles with a six pack and a handsome jaw line.

People never just look a certain way overnight and believing they do is inaccurate and unhelpful. It is counterproductive to peddle these dirty diets and garbage products.

The diet industry loves selling "the dream" because it makes them a fortune. Most of the stuff they make is ineffective and some can be harmful. Therefore I think there should be a ban of celebrity diets and the advertising of diet pills, slimming shakes and appetite suppressants.

If all these weight loss aids and diet products worked so well why it's society thinner and fitter? It's time to crackdown and ban the promotion of this diet rubbish and get fit fast.

There are no fast fixes or fad diets to solve weight loss. You can't get your dream body and shed weight without a real diet plan and health programme to address the issues you have.

I don't need to tell what healthy stuff you should be eating and drinking. Weight loss isn't achieved by putting chemicals into your body. Magic pills and skipping meals isn't the right approach for diets - healthier eating and smaller portions are. You can't tone up your body with vitamin supplements, "dieting tea" and miracle cures.

Cigarette Failure

I have a confession to make - I smoked cigarettes. I feel like a big fat failure, I'm so disappointed and ashamed of myself. If you smoke again or have the occasional cigarette you haven't quit your addiction.

Nobody really enjoys smoking, the rewards for quitting offer so many benefits to your health and budget. But with all addictions temptation is the beginning of failure. It's so important that you avoid the places, people, websites and situations where you'll be vulnerable and more likely to give in to cravings and increase the pressure of doing something you regret.

Socialising is important to your sanity. You can't remain trapped in doors for fear of spending money or going over budget. You need to let your hair down once in a while or you'll go nuts. Christmas should be time where you can release stress, have fun with your family and friends and buy them nice presents.

It's also the time when financial pressures and crazy partying can take their toll and the hard work over the last few months can be spoiled over a weekend. I feel bad that I smoked and wasted all my good work.

How Important is Your Nicotine Freedom?

How to stop smoking or any addiction is easy - Never do it again. Smoking isn't enjoyable or fun and it doesn't help me relax. Stopping smoking has had a wonderful impact on my life and health. My priority now is to end the hold that nicotine has had on me. I know I become complacent and let my guard down. It's so easy to fall back into your old ways.

I'm going to keep my smoking relapse in perspective. The world hasn't ended, it was just a blip. I know I don't have to smoke. I've managed without them for months. It's time to go cold turkey and say NO TO NICOTINE.

Delete Facebook

Following the Cambridge Analytica scandal I decided that Facebook no longer deserved my trust or attention so I deleted my account.

The goal of any cyber security team should be to prevent unauthorized access and protect data. Facebook knew of the data harvesting breach over two years ago and did very little to inspire that Cyber Security was important to them. In fact their cyber risk monitoring didn't seem to exist as outside companies data gathered profile information.

The social media platform has let its users down and gathers data whenever we use a website or app that uses Facebook systems and plug-ins. Facebook has turned in to a disgusting and irresponsible company and their processes and platform is no longer fit for purpose - it’s no longer a social network. The platform exists to market to you and sell your data for advertising. Not only that it sucks away your time from family and friends.

Facebook isn’t really about connecting people anymore it’s a giant algorithm and data mining tool to sell to you and zap away your time. The platform is a surveillance and spying beast intent on know everything about you, tracking your likes, dislikes, behaviour and location so it can monetise your content and tell you what to think.

The saddest part is we give it to them for free to abuse and profit from. And worst still is Facebook has failed to secure it.

I have no faith in the social media giant nor it's CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Trading your data and attention has made Zuckerberg a billionaire. We must be suckers for playing along.

Quitting Facebook was a great decision and since deleting my Facebook account I'm a lot happier. I’ve learned you can live life without Facebook.