Improve Your Energy: Nutrition from Dusk till Dawn

No, not another enthusiastic but lame attempt to act by Tarantino, or Mr Clooney doing battle with Miss Hayek over some snakes and redneck vampires! 

Alas no, more a regular question from far and wide, be it the happy hard working postman l have seen for years past my parents house, or the tired check out girl at the supermarket, or the rushing business types in and out of Canary wharf, the lads playing five a side on a Tuesday night or the busy parents juggling kids and the weekly shop!

George's need of energy for vampire Killing is happily a unique one!

Just how do you keep up your energy levels to cope with all that comes our individual and collective way each and every day.....and still hopefully promote a somewhat peaceful and happy deep sleep.....before it starts all over again!

Well, simply, l try and do as much as this each day and see how l get on and adapt accordingly....yes, adapt accordingly, as we are all individuals and will all have different wants and needs.

When you need it....feed it!

Daily Nutritional Guidelines: Morning till Night.

Keep it Simple!

Good Diet = Healthy and Balanced: A diet providing adequate nutritional support for health and a healthy immune system.

Your diet should provide all the essential macro and micro nutrients required to promote and maintain good health.

Your diet should be rich in natural soluble fibre and complex carbohydrates as found in fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Processed and highly refined foods such as microwave meals should be avoided.

INCREASE +

• Your intake of whole grains. Try to vary grains to consume such as Brown rice, rye, oats, barley, buckwheat and quinoa all of which can replace much of your wheat intake. 

Try some wheat free Grains

• Your intake of fruits and Vegetables using the Five-a-day’ message as your minimum, aiming for 8-10 portions per day.

A variety of fruit, especially berries

• Your consumption of raw seeds providing essential fatty acids, (pumpkin, sesame, flax, sunflower etc) and nuts (pecan, walnut, pistachios, hazelnut, cashew, brazils, almond etc.) to 3 Servings per day.  These snacks SHOULD REPLACE confectionary, highly refined sugar snacks, biscuits or crisps. 

Certain nuts could be beneficial to health and a great snack

• Your Intake of pulses and beans (lentils, chickpeas, haricot beans, black beans, Navy beans, Lima beans, and soybeans etc), to 3-4 servings per week.   *Men should consider avoiding soy and soy products as well as woman of child bearing age as it may cause fertility concerns.

Legumes, beans pulses great in salads, soups and stews

• Your Intake of oily fish (herring, pilchards, wild salmon, trout etc.) to 2-3 servings per week).

Oily Fish such as Wild salmon & Mackerel

REDUCE –

 Turkey is an alternative to too much Red Meat

• Your consumption of red meat (beef, lamb, perk) to 1-2 servings per week. Substitute with fish, lean free-range chicken or turkey, or vegetarian alternatives such as tofu or substitute with beans or lentils. 

• Your Intake of saturated fats from meat and dairy
• Your consumption of refined foods (white bread, pasta, rice flour, cakes, biscuits, pizza, sugar and confectionary).
• Your intake of processed foods, frozen meals and Take-away food.
• Your intake of tea and coffee. A useful way is to alternate glasses of water with cups of tea or coffee. Increase water intake up to 8 glasses per day (maximum 2 litres).
• Your intake of alcohol

• Your intake of surgery and carbonated drinks 

Feeling Bloated through too much fizzy pop or excess alcohol

AVOID –

• All trans and hydrogenated fats.
• Saturated fats in processed meats and all processed foods.
• Adding salt to your food. Check packaging of food for added salt/sodium levels
• Adding sugar to food and drinks where possible.
• Carbonated drinks containing Phosphoric Acid, (potentially detrimental to bone integrity).

Mountains of salt on your food not what the Dr ordered!

CONSIDER !!

• Reducing your intake of dairy produce (milk, cheese, yoghurt). Soya-based equivalents, or rice, almond or oat milk alternatives can be used for variety.

Watch out for excess dairy intake

ENSURE

Lentils & pulses offer great food option

• You include in your diet sufficient, high-quality protein from chicken, turkey, fish, pulses, legumes & lentils.
• You include fibre to ensure a healthy digestive system. Avoid bran, as this can deplete your mineral levels. Good sources of fibre include whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans, pulses, lentils, and oats.

Blood Sugar Balance=Balanced Energy

Blood Sugar Balance for Energy each Day will help us through our busy day at work place or home and provide the basis, along with adequate exercise to maintain a healthy weight, help with stress management and promote Better health and Well being.

·        Balanced Blood Sugar: Eating balanced meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner with appropriate snacks in between.

·        Fruits and vegetables: Increased fruits and vegetables 6-8 portions per day. Try a weekly large fruit salad that keeps in the fridge. Mixed berries, fresh (organic if possible) or frozen, use for breakfast or take into work.

·        Carbohydrates during the day: Try and consume good quality complex carbohydrates during the Breakfast period and Lunchtime to provide Energy throughout the day and essential B vitamins. Try not consume Carbohydrates during the evening period, try salad’s, stir fry, stews, soups, small quantities of roasted vegetables

·        Meats and Fish: Try to eat protein at all meals, chicken, Turkey or quantities of oil fish that contain Essential Fatty Acids, Wild Salmon, Trout, mackerel and sardines.

·        Fluids: Plenty of fluids, 6-8 glasses of water per day (filter jug may be good investment), Herbal Teas, Green Tea, 100% Fruit Juices

Find the foods that are right for you and your Energy levels.

In practice, this could be:

Breakfast:   Lemon Juice in warm water/herbal; tea

                    Porridge oats with water

          Or      weetabix/oatabix (with Fresh/Frozen Berries, honey, cinnamon)

                    Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower pumpkin        

                    Home made/Sugar free muesli

                    Low fat/Bio yoghurt fresh fruit salad (berries        

                    Chopped apple/pear/banana

                    Small fruit smoothie (Avocado, Berries, Banana)

                   Weekend: Try poached egg, grilled mushrooms,

                                      Tomatoes and wholemeal or rye toast

Mid-Morning Snack:  Oatcakes (savory, ginger)

                                      Nuts and seeds mixture

                                      Apple/pear. Chopped Veg Sticks and 

                                      houmous

Lunch:  Leftovers, ie, Chunky homemade veggie soups. Or

              Vegetable curry (remember not to re-heat rice)

              Vegetable (beans, lentils, Veg) /chicken/turkey stew

              Boiled Eggs, Oily fish (Tinned Wild salmon/sardines)

              Colourful/varied mix salad. Olive oil Vinaigrette

              (mix Extra Virgin olive oil with Apple cider Vinegar, lemon Juice)

              Or Wholemeal bread/rye bread, salad (watercress,

              Lettuce, tomatoes) with tuna, wild salmon, avocado

Mid-afternoon snack:  Oatcakes, Nuts and seeds, fruit,

                                        Chopped veggie sticks

Dinner:  Vegetable stir-fry, grilled/steamed salmon. Or

               Veggie of lean meat stew

               Lean red meat/or chicken/turkey (free-range)

               Baked sweet potato, Leeks, kale/Broccoli, Steamed veggies.

               Berry Fruit salad, small pieces of dark chocolate

Drink plenty of fluid and be careful of portion sizes.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Vital Energy, Vital Health

Lying at the heart of our cells energy producing process, CoQ10 is vital for health and the energy process, very important for our heart and Blood vessels, as well assisting beneficial blood Sugar Balance.

Sources of CoQ10 include Fish, Calf’s Liver and Germ portion of whole grains.

Supplemental use may also help provide adequate levels of this important nutrient.

Recommended Product: http://www.cytoplan.co.uk

Nutrition Advice

For more benefits of a well balanced diet, healthier lifestyle and getting energised for a busy life balance come and visit me at my clinic and see what positive changes maybe suitable for you.

Get Fit and Healthy in 2011 

Healthy Eating, Diet & Weight Management Clinics

Introductory offers May - August £30 Off 1st Consultations

Full Consultations, Drop in sessions & Home Visits

See shop for Details (Limited Availability).

Home Sweet Clinic!

Ray of Sunshine Nutrition  
So Organic Greenwich
22 Nelson Road
Royal Greenwich
London
SE10 9JB
020 8305 5357

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Exercise for Everyone. No Gimmicks. NO GIMMICKS!

Exercise Month:Simple and Effective..Oh, and cheap!

Fresh Air, Vitamin D and Sensory overload outdoors

It should be simple for us all to exercise, no expensive gym membership used once a year, no bulky fitness Equipment shoved into one corner of your spare bedroom or hidden at the back of your Garage, or covered in cobwebs in a conservatory or out house......just well fitting suitable training shoes, appropriate clothing, some water to drink and possibly a few other accompaniments depending on the time of year.

Some simple exercise each day, or every day, even if just a simple but effective walk which l mentioned in an earlier blog post, http://rayofsunshinenutrition.blogspot.com/2010/11/walkdont-run.html "Walk..........................Don't run, can have an amazing affect on physical but also mental health and wellbeing.

For me, having given up the gym 5 or so years ago now, getting out into the great outdoors for a run or a hearty walk, even if for just 20 minutes is better than anything any Gym session can offer.....in my humble opinion that is.

National Trust Green Gyms

 
So it was with great delight recently that the National Trust in the UK, the fine preservers and guardians of national countryside, coastline and historic buildings, were promoting a very simple outdoor fitness plan for all to try encompassing some stretching, running and Calisthenics with the aim to get more of us outdoors in the fresh air, whatever time of the year, becoming active and helping to improve our health.

Warm up and stretching just as important outdoors

With Research on the benefits of outdoor fitness having been highlighted by a team at the University of Essex, UK, lead by Dr Joe Barton, a sports specialist, and an exciting programme devised by British Outdoor training company, Eco Fitness;

http://www.ecofitness.co.uk/index.html, the National Trust have thrown off the shackles of it's normal public perception and associations and come up with something that maybe very beneficial to many people when considering what exercise to do.

 

Park, forest, hills, beach....where would you like to try it!

Check out some of their plan and their outdoor health & fitness promotion!



******************************************************************************************************

Outdoor gym – Exercise Plan

Exercising outside is priceless, even at this time of year when many of us just want to stay inside and hibernate.

Just five minutes in the outdoor gym every day can lead to an immediate improvement in mood and self esteem, as well as physical fitness.

This 31 day plan has been designed to give you a real sense of enjoying the outdoors, freedom and refreshment to kick start the New Year (or Any time of the year) energised and invigorated.

So, fill your lungs with fresh air and take in the sights and sounds of nature as you jog, skip, run, jump and lunge. While enjoying the outdoor gym you’ll discover a great fun way to burn fat, tone up, de-stress and improve your inner strength and stamina. By following the plan below, and eating healthily you should lose any Christmas weight-gain and feel mentally fitter too!

Benefits:

• Training outdoors can burn up to 20% more calories!

• Outdoor workouts are even more challenging- due to working harder with uneven surfaces and the natural elements.

• Outdoor training provides the perfect total body workout!

• Training with the uneven surfaces improves your balance and core skills.

• Provides us with essential vitamin D, which helps us maintain strong healthy bones, by retaining calcium, not forgetting a healthy glow!

Why not exercise with friends

Top tips for exercising outdoor include:

• Wear plenty of layers. Training outside is unpredictable, the weather conditions change frequently. Wearing layers insulates the body and keeps you warm.

• Be seen, be safe. Wear a high-vis jacket so others can see you.

• Buddy up & train with a friend or family member and make exercise a social occasion too!

• Carry a mobile phone at all times in case of emergency.

• Be aware of your surroundings, the terrain, environment, wildlife & any livestock.

• Water – drink plenty. Hydration is very important not only in the hot conditions but in the cold too.

• Towel – training with a towel is a great tool, especially when it rains!

• Gloves - will keep your hands warm and offer a little protection from the outdoor gym.

• Take with you a Torch or head torch – if you’re training after work you don’t want to get caught out in the dark.

Don’t be wet!

Whatever the weather you can do some sort of activity and exercise. So if it’s raining, try not to be put off. Wearing the right clothing will mean you can still get outside and feel the benefit. It’s just a case of being prepared. You’ll still feel great afterwards.

If it snows!

Wrap up warm and keep active. The snow will bring a whole new dimension to your work out. If it snows during the winter months, adapt the plan accordingly:

• walking in the snow is more challenging to your core

• snowballing is great fun for all ages and a great upper body workout too

• dust off the sledge, sledging up and down hills is the perfect way to burn calories

Whatever the weather, dress appropriate and exercise anytime

The plan

Much of the activity below is based around walking, jogging and running.

But, if you suffer from dodgy knees, have any hip or general joint problems, then we recommend trying Nordic Walking. It reduces the strain on joints by 30% plus it will burn over 40% more energy than ordinary walking, and give you a total body work-out.

Nordic Walking mimics the movements of cross country skiing and the introduction of two poles ensures that the upper body is given a workout.

It uses 90 per cent of the body’s muscles, toning the arms, particularly the triceps, chest and waist, as well as legs and bottom.

Nordic Walking, ever popular and a better option for some.

We’ve included Nordic Walking in our plan, but if you do suffer from joint problems, and wish to do more, visit http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/

If you want to know what calories you’re burning, visit

http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-fitness-calorie-counter

Starting off

Find your nearest green outdoor space, Park, Forest, Hills, beach, Cycle/walk Track

Warming up

Before any exercising (outside of walking) follow these basic steps.

Stretching, warming up, cooling down....and Tree Loving!

Warm up by walking briskly 5-10 minutes. Perform the exercises below for 60 seconds each:

• Squat reach

• Jumping jacks

• Rotations

• Step backs

Cooling down

Cool down by jogging or walking slowly for 5 minutes. Hold each of the stretches below for 30-45 seconds:

• Calves

• Hamstrings

• Quads

• Hip flexors

• Chest and shoulders

• Triceps and biceps

Q. How do you know you’re working hard enough to gain benefits from exercise?

A. A good guide to getting benefits from exercising within your training zone is when you can no longer hold a conversation with the person you’re exercising with

Don’t forget:

• Exercising with friends is a great way to stay motivated and is a sociable way to get fit

• Mix your routines – that way you won’t get bored

• Encourage your work colleagues to join in – a lungful of fresh air at lunchtime gets the oxygen flowing!

• Keep fit as a family – that way everyone can be involved, set goals and share their achievements

Enjoy the great outdoors...but watch out for Private land!

For the complete Programme to Download and use see the National Trust Outdoor Gym:

 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/outdoor-gym.pdf

For the more adventurous of you looking for some expert advice, help, motivation and the chance to buddy up with others looking for the same king of Fitness/Exercise experience, these alternative outdoor options may appeal:

http://www.regimentfitness.co.uk/

http://www.ecofitness.co.uk/

http://www2.btcv.org.uk/display/greengym

http://www.lisafoleyfitness.co.uk/friends-you/national-trust/

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/w-localtoyou/w-eastengland/w-eastengland-outdoor-gym.htm

http://www.newyoubootcamp.com/

http://www.bordersbootcamp.com/

http://www.fitfarms.co.uk/

http://www.armybootcampfitness.co.uk/

http://www.born2move.co.uk/

http://www.britmilfit.com/

http://www.theworkoutcompany.co.uk/outdoor-fitness-training.html

http://www.greenwichpilates.co.uk/Running-Mummies.aspx

http://www.acceleratehealth.co.uk/classes.php

So Training shoes out, Tracksuit and Fleeces at the ready, water bottle full......Rocky music playing in your ears....

Time to get outside..........

Choose your outdoor shoes and Clothes Carefully....headband is optional!

Don't say l didn't warn you if lot's of kids start running behind you...and watch those steps when your Shadow Punching!

Happy Exercising.

Nutrition Advice

For more benefits of a well balanced diet, healthier lifestyle and the potential of Exercise outdoors and the environment that surrounds you, come and visit me at my clinic and see what positive changes maybe suitable for you.

Get Fit and Healthy in 2011 

Healthy Eating, Diet & Weight Management Clinics

Introductory offers January - March 25% off.

Local Business, Key workers & Students 35% off.

Full Consultations, Drop in sessions & Home Visits

See shop for Details (Limited Availability).

Home Sweet Clinic!

Ray of Sunshine Nutrition  
So Organic Greenwich
22 Nelson Road
Royal Greenwich
London
SE10 9JB
020 8305 5357

View Larger Map

Cold Calling. "Hi, my name is Zinc, and l can help you!"

Cold Virus Vs. Zinc Supplementation: Let Battle Commence!

News flashed around the world this week which pardon my cynacism, was hardly rocket science, but news which confirmed already firm beliefs held with many people of health, science, preventative health, nutrition (like me) that Zinc supplements are better for reducing the severity and duration of illness caused by the common cold than say, oh, Antibiotics!

No.

What will the drug companies say. No more peddling of antibiotics for colds at medical centres. hospitals and GP surgeries around the world.

How profits will suffer!

American plans to push supplement use in preventitve health has more and more sound footing by the second.

Will other countries follow suit?

Don't bet on it, but at least us health practitioners who do care and do give a damn can give our insight of such benefits that may be possible from certain supplement use to our patients and to a wider audience through mediums such as this blog.

Zinc could play important role against the common cold

The review of new data carried by an Indian team and published in the Cochrane Library

updates similar work from 1999 and includes the data from a total of 15 new trials carried out by scientists and researchers with the involvment of 1360 people as subjects.

Accordingly, results from these various trials highlight the benefits of consumption at the onset of cold symptoms of Zinc supplement tablets, syrup or Lozenges to assist in the fight against the virus and help reduce the severity and length of the illness, very important when people need to work in hard economic times and children need to attend school so not to fall behind with education.

Lead researcher Meenu Singh, of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India, said in a news release:

"This review strengthens the evidence for zinc as a treatment for the common cold,"

 After a week of use with Zinc supplementation, the team found in it's many results and data that more patients had cleared their cold symptoms compared to those taking a placebo.

And data from children and Zinc use discovered after 5 months or longer, they caught fewer colds and ultimately took less time off school.

Less Antibiotic use because of this research review will be important when considering the implications of antibiotic resistance that has become common in today’s modern world and another hardship for the medical profession to understand and overcome.
Data such as this may help.

With data only considering healthy subjects taking Zinc supplements for colds and related illnesses, the researchers will turn their attention to subjects already suffering from particular types of illness such as respiratory problems like Asthma, which can be made much worse by the onset of cold virus, and also in developing, low income countries where Zinc deficiency may be more common than not.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD001364/frame.html 

Zinc rich foods should be consumed all year round, and more so at times when cold virus is more prevalent, as in the winter.

Zinc rich food sources include:

• Spinach
• Beef
• Lamb
• Summer Squash
• Asparagus
• Chard
• Pumpkin seeds
• Green peas
• Sesame seeds
• Flax seeds
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Cashew Nuts

Zinc deficiency has been shown to compromise white blood cell numbers hence it's negative affect on immune function. Supplementation has been shown to restore conditions to normal.

As well as immune function, zinc helps with blood sugar balance, important for maintaining balanced energy levels and avoiding over-eating or poor eating habits.

Without enough Zinc in our diet, the insulin needed to carry sugar from the bloodstream into cells will become impaired, insulin response decreases, and blood sugar imbalance may occur, important when trying to balance energy levels and control weight.

Zinc deficiency may also affect metabolic rate, the rate at which the body uses up energy, so important that enough is consumed in the diet.

Zinc deficiency may occur because of digestive complaints such as IBS, or impaired digestion due to decreased stomach acid or insufficient numbers of digestive enzymes.

Alcohol will also deplete stores of the trace mineral Zinc, so important at Christmas when we consume more alcohol and tend to be prone to more colds in the following cold/flu season!

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy causes depleted zinc, and resulting foetal zinc deficiency may explain possible birth defects and neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with alcohol exposure. 

Alcohol Depletes Zinc in the body. Could be significant health implications for all

Zinc Supplements

Good quality, well researched supplements l have found useful and to the liking of my clients when required, can be acquired if needed and under supervision and advice of a qualified practitioner from:

 

http://www.cytoplan.co.uk

Zinc Supplements to help with those winter colds!

Cytoplan WholeFood Zinc 7.5mg:
Wholefood Zinc is made from hydroponically-grown brassica (a member of the broccoli family). Possibly the only genuine wholefood zinc product on the market. 

This edible species of broccoli has a tremendous capacity to bioaccumulate high levels of minerals and metabolise them into its plant tissue and structure, which is why it is so ideal for producing supplements where higher levels of minerals are required than would normally be present in the food we eat.

Suggested Intake: 1-2 capsules daily, or take as directed by a practitioner. Best time to usually take Zinc supplements such as this would be at just before going to bed with a very small sleep inducing snack.
Suitable for: Vegetarians and vegans and for people with Candida and yeast sensitivities.
Contraindications: None.
Non-Active Ingredients: Vegetable magnesium stearate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
Non GM & Free From: Yeast, wheat; starch, gluten; added colourings, sweeteners & preservatives.
Storage: Keep cool, dry & out of direct sunlight.

For a syrup for cold season consumption that may help, which not only contains zinc, but a nemesis of the cold and flu virus, Black Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, try the Sambucol range of supplemented syrups such as this:

Zinc & Black Elderberry. Lovely!

More on Black Elderberry and cold virus in the future.

Toodle pip!

Nutrition Advice

For more benefits of a well balanced diet, healthier lifestyle and the potential of Zinc in foods and in Supplements, come and visit me at my clinic and see what positive changes maybe suitable for you.

Get Fit and Healthy in 2011 

Healthy Eating, Diet & Weight Management Clinics

Introductory offers January - March 25% off.

Local Business, Key workers & Students 35% off.

Full Consultations, Drop in sessions & Home Visits

See shop for Details (Limited Availability).

Home Sweet Clinic!

Ray of Sunshine Nutrition  
So Organic Greenwich
22 Nelson Road
Royal Greenwich
London
SE10 9JB
020 8305 5357

View Larger Map

Broccoli. How do you Eat yours!

Now I see and also receive when eating, more than my far share of greyish looking Broccoli on more occasions than l can count sometimes, and as a man of Nutrition, way more than l should.

Recent studies have once again confirmed many of the previous research on Broccoli and it's benefits to health, especially in regards to possible Anti Cancer uses, but importantly, it's not how much we eat of it, when we eat it but more a case of how we cook and prepare Broccoli and what type we choose to eat.

Organic, great, fresh out of the Organic garden or allotment grown by your own fair hand.....even better, but if we cook it for 45 minutes frankly you would be better off going to McDonalds for half a dozen happy meals!

But cooking Broccoli, steaming being best for a very short time, eating some raw, and introducing sprouting broccoli into your diet according to research is the best way to gain all the beneficial nutrients this wonderful cruciferous vegetable of the Kale family.

Steamed, Raw, Spouted. Not overcooked grey mush!

Scientist's form the University of Illinois in the most recent study highlighted the benefit of Broccoli prepared to gain the most out of the vegetable and how the Broccoli is consumed.

Professor of Nutrition at the University, Dr. Elizabeth Jeffery, noted from the study results of the significance of preparation and consumption to Broccoli's anti-cancer benefits:

"Broccoli, prepared correctly, is an extremely potent cancer-fighting agent -- three to five servings a week are enough to have an effect. To get broccoli's benefits, though, the enzyme myrosinase has to be present; if it's not there, sulforaphane, broccoli's cancer-preventive and anti-inflammatory component, doesn't form"  

The findings of the study suggest quickly boiled/blanched Broccoli or steamed Broccoli, combined with sprouting Broccoli proves to be the best combination to provide possible anti cancer benefits....almost twice as powerful when teamed together than taken separately.

The enzyme Myrosinase is present in Broccoli, and excessive over cooking that is so common with Broccoli of all types, can destroy the this enzyme which helps to form the beneficial anti-inflammatory, possible anti-cancer component Sulforaphane.

Broccoli powder, used in supplement form and consumed by many health conscious individuals around the planet does not contain Myrosinase, so any possible health benefits might be misguided by those taking the supplement.

Sprouted Broccoli, quick, easy to grow and highly Nutritious

Broccoli sprouts, prepared like you would prepare mustard cress and other sprouting beans beneficial for health, does contain the beneficial enzyme Myrosinase, so when taken with lightly cooked or steamed Broccoli, or with the Broccoli powder in supplement form, the affect together would potentially produce those beneficial qualities that gives Broccoli it's important and very significant Anti-Cancer label.

The study at the University of Illinois produced a small pilot study that gave healthy men meals of broccoli spouts alone, broccoli powder alone, or a meal of a combination of the two. 

The levels of the important anti-cancer component, Sulforaphane metabolites were then measured in blood and urine from the study subjects to search for biomarkers of the component and see how the various combinations of meals equated to possible benefit.

Blood plasma and urine outputs after 3 hours from meal time producing interesting results for the team:

"There was almost a twofold increase in sulforaphane absorption when sprouts and powder were eaten together. It changed the way the subjects metabolized the powder. We saw plasma and urine metabolites much earlier and at much higher levels than when either was eaten alone," 

With the precursor Myrosinase present in the Broccoli sprouts able to produce the beneficial Sulforaphane, and from the precursor present in the Broccoli powder, they were able to highlight the benefits of not only a meal that contained fresh, organic broccoli, raw or steamed lightly, teamed with broccoli sprouts on top...... but also from the use in our diets of other sprouting seeds that produce a similar affect to the Broccoli as they to also contain Sulforaphane...seeds such as mustard, radishes, arugula, and wasabi, other wise known as japanese Horseradish. 

"Steaming broccoli for two to four minutes is the perfect way to protect both the enzyme and the vegetable's nutrients," 

Journal Reference:

1. Jenna Cramer, Elizabeth Jeffery. Sulforaphane Absorption and Excretion Following Ingestion of a Semi-Purified Broccoli Powder Rich in Glucoraphanin and Broccoli Sprouts in Healthy Men. Nutrition and Cancer, 2011; : 1 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2011.523495

Sprouting Seeds: Get your own

As a child l vividly remember times at nursery and primary school producing plastic trays full of mustard seeds to be taken home, watered, left in the light and see what happens. Loan behold, 3-4 days later...there was some lovely mustard cress for my sandwiches to make with my mom!

Simple, but affective, these teachers of the late 70's and early 80's must have picked up some useful knowledge at University....the making of sprouted, organic, healthy, nutritious life being one!

And it can still be done today, and is done by many around world with some sprouting seeds of various varieties, light, water and a tray some system, tiered tray or simple jar to place these beneficial seeds in ready for growing.

For further information on seeds, beans, trays, growing and producing, try: 

www.ukjuicers.com/SproutingSeeds
www.avogel.co.uk/shop/products/biosnacky/largegerminator.php

Tiered Growing trays for spouted beans a useful addition to any kitchen

Nutrition Advice

For more benefits of a well balanced diet, healthier lifestyle and the potential of Broccoli and other vegetables, come and visit me at my clinic and see what positive changes maybe suitable for you.

Get Fit and Healthy in 2011 

Healthy Eating, Diet & Weight Management Clinics

Introductory offers January - March 25% off.

Local Business, Key workers & Students 35% off.

Full Consultations, Drop in sessions & Home Visits

See shop for Details (Limited Availability).

Home Sweet Clinic!

Ray of Sunshine Nutrition  
So Organic Greenwich
22 Nelson Road
Royal Greenwich
London
SE10 9JB
020 8305 5357

View Larger Map

Why See a Nutritional Therapist......why Indeed!

The ultimate promotion of Nutrition is from it's Science basis of Optimum health, peak performance, disease prevention and individual client/patient care.

My role during my weekly Nutrition clinics and in all my Nutrition work with patients is an approach that's works with the individual, most importantly, on many different levels to support the body to help alleviate or prevent illness and disease, supporting the body towards normal everyday function and importantly to promote optimal health.

Nutritional Science for Preventative and Optimal health

Personalized Nutrition for personalized health is my goal for my patients, dealing with prevention and underlying causes instead of symptoms of illness and chronic disease. Health is more than the absence of disease:

" It is more Important to know what patient has the disease than to know what disease the patient has" Sir William Osler

Using a more personalized, individual approach to preventative and optimal health, good Nutrition, or Nutritional Therapy can help all manner of people of any ages with a wide range of conditions. These may include specialized areas l deal with such as: 

• Energy imbalance, fatigue and excess tiredness
• Digestive dysfunction such as IBS, Ceoliac's, Low or Excess acid, food Intolerances and allergans, bloating and other digestive issues
• Stress management
• Female Hormone imbalance
• Skin conditions such as eczema and Psoriasis
• Male Health
• Female and Male pre pregnancy and fertility advice
• Post pregnancy diet and fitness advice
• Infant and child food advice and cooking sessions
• Weight management programmes 
• Fitness and lifestyle advice

With this type of Bio chemical individuality approach towards nutrition, diet and fitness, seeing health as a positive vitality not just the absence of disease, promoting prevention and optimal health to all, Nutritional therapists in their work may also give advice and recommendations to those with an array of varied clinical imbalances including:

• Depression and other mental health issues
• Immune function and susceptibility to illness and infection
• Migraine
• Acne
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Chronic fatigue/ME
• Circulatory conditions
• Candida
• Insomnia
• Blood pressure issues
• Sports Nutrition
• Cholesterol balance
• Obesity
• Child behaviour difficulties

With my Nutrition clinics, l like many other practitioners recognise that each individual is unique and important and therefore require not 'one size fit all'....."well it worked for her lm sure it will work for me" approach, but the 'what's right for me approach'...., which l can tell you of years of experience can be a ongoing process when it comes to finding what's right for our diet, lifestyle and health.

We are all different, so our needs will be different

The Nutrition Consultation Process 

For tailored individual care, clients will receive a detailed Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle Questionnaire prior to our first meeting that is to be completed and returned beforehand or bought along to the meeting. Along with this questionnaire, the client will have detailed at least 5 days dietary intake in a food diary to help assist the practitioner detail help and advice where it is needed or required.

Questionnaire, health profile and food diary will be important

The First consultation will usually last one and a half hours, during which we consider the detail of the questionnaire and food diary, taking an extensive case history, discussing health and wellbeing and any overriding issues the client has and establish Health and Lifestyle goals for the client.

Prior to the first consultation l will have started the process of looking in detail at the patients health issues and ultimate goals, and along with the Consultation in clinic l will hopefully be able to better explain potential underlying causes of any health concerns and how from that point on, a tailored, individual Nutrition and lifestyle plan will be of benefit to the client, which will delivered to the client following the first consultation. 

This plan discussed and negotiated with the client will be a individual Nutrition and lifestyle plan aimed at addressing concerns, symptoms and other complaints with the ultimate aim of improving health for the long term needs of the client and empowering them to take control of their health and their life, instead of waiting for illness and disease to take over them.


Follow Up clinics

Follow up clinics are usually advised 4-6 weeks after the initial consultation whilst progress, follow up information, telephone and email sessions will be available to the client to assist them during the time following the consultation where sometimes significant changes to diet and lifestyle maybe taking place and support may be needed, and always welcomed from a Therapists point of view.

A Clinic visit or telephone based follow up consultation will usually take 45 minutes, though this may take longer at the clients request.
Follow up clinics may continue at the clients request if the client feels they will be of benefit to them to do so, whilst some clients may need only one follow up session.


The End Game. No, Just the beginning


In essence, l see my role during my Nutrition clinics as the supplier of knowledge, of facts, of science that may help everyone on a individual basis, to enpower them once they have the right tools, take control of their own health, know their own bodies, know what their body needs to maintain optimal health and live life instead of worrying about health and the potential for illness and disease.
If that means that are only see clients a few times, so bit, hopefully that means l have done my job and done it well.

Take charge of your health and live YOUR life!

So why see me, a Nutritional Therapist, at one of my Nutrition clinics.....why indeed.

Toodle pip!


Nutrition Advice

For more benefits of a well balanced diet, healthier lifestyle and the potential that taking charge of your diet and exercise can have, come and visit me at my clinic and see what positive changes maybe suitable for you.

Get Fit and Healthy in 2011 

Healthy Eating, Diet & Weight Management Clinics

Introductory offers January - March 25% off.

Local Business, Key workers & Students 35% off.

Full Consultations, Drop in sessions & Home Visits

See shop for Details (Limited Availability).

Home Sweet Clinic!

Ray of Sunshine Nutrition  
So Organic
22 Nelson Road
Greenwich
London
SE10 9JB
0800 169 2579

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