Author: Joanna O'Sullivan

It may once have helped the medicine go down, but these days, loading up on sugar will put you on a sure-fire path to health disaster. That’s because sugar plays havoc with your blood sugar levels; is packed with calories that can lead to weight gain; has been linked to a wide range of health issues like diabetes, heart disease, depression, cancer, dental decay AND it can even accelerate ageing!

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In Australia, 47% of women and 34% of men use at least one dietary supplement.  Usage is even greater among older age groups and those with higher education levels.

By dietary supplement we mean a single vitamin or mineral, a combination multi-vitamin, herbal or traditional products, or a sports nutrition or weight loss product.

Most users take supplements by personal choice, rarely by doctor’s recommendation.  This is great news for supplement manufacturers!  Globally, the industry raked in over $150 billion last year alone and it’s growing.

But the big question is - will they help us live longer or healthier lives?

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We’ve all heard that wine is good for us but how good exactly? And how much is enough? And what type is best? 

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Top 10 tips on how to overcome laziness, stop procrastinating & get productive!

Have you asked yourself recently, ‘why am I so lazy lately?’ Are you lazy when it comes to work, study, exercise, eating well or cleaning (or perhaps other things as well)? We can all get a little lazy at times and that’s ok. Some laziness can actually be good for us, offering us a mental break, a physical escape or some contemplation time. But when that laziness spills over from one day into the next and the next again, the danger is it becomes the norm rather than the exception. Maybe it’s time to do something about it?

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Did you start today with the best intentions to obtain your recommended 30 minutes per day of exercise? And then a work crisis derailed your plans? Don’t worry, we’ve got some strategies to help restore your aims and save you from guilt.

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Uh oh, have you been swapping barbells for bars recently and indulging in a few too many schooners?  This certainly isn’t going to help your health kick, but is there a way to mitigate the damage?

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Before you can answer that question, let us explain what a reducetarian is.  Firstly, if you’re thinking to yourself not another diet to get my head around, then think again.  This is not a diet, more a philosophy about food, sustainability and positive change.

The term reducetarian was coined several years ago and describes a growing movement of individuals who actively reduce the amount of meat and animal products in their diets.  The concept appeals to many people, as it’s inclusive and attainable.  It’s not just for vegans and vegetarians.  It’s also for those who may not want to completely eliminate meat and animal products but still want to make a change.

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Do you love combining fitness and the great outdoors?  Perhaps you enjoy running around your local neighbourhood streets, a coastal track with water views, or outdoor boot camp?  These are all great ways to feel alive and get the blood pumping.  But does the first sign of rain send you cowering indoors, and achieving more in snacks than in steps?  Well, not anymore.  Here are some great at home workouts that will save you from slothing when the weather turns bad.

But before we get to that…if it’s just a little rain then LIVE A LITTLE and go running in the rain!

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Did you look in the mirror this morning and a dad bod looked back? Perhaps you’re wondering how this crept up on you… perhaps you’re not even a dad!

As for how it happened, it may have involved;

• Friday night beers with mates turned into Monday through Sunday beers;
• A few too many burgers with chips, kebabs or pizza;
• Breaking off a Kit Kat (or three) for afternoon tea;
• Skipping the gym again in favour of working late or sleeping off that hangover from above-mentioned beers;

Or simply too busy, can’t be bothered to shop or cook, or can't cook!

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These yummy cookies will satisfy your Anzac cravings and leave you feeling gratified and better yet, guilt-free!

Anzac biscuits have long been associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) which was established in World War I.  The biscuits were initially known as ‘soldier biscuits’ and were sold at fetes and public events to raise money to support the war effort. Later they were included in parcels that loved ones and charities sent to the troops, as the biscuits tended to last well.

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