health&fitnessfactorfiction.com

Control What You Eat (and trick your body into losing weight), Pg 80

Eating seems to be a big factor in health articles this month, and New Woman is concentrating on hunger - is it real, or are you being a slave to food cravings?

I like the format of this one, since nutritionist Samantha Gowing answers questions from readers, so rather than having to read a huge amount of information in one go, you can scan the pages and check out what you’re interested in.

At the bottom of the page is a food diary, which is a recommended tool to help you work out how well you’re eating. I often suggest this to my clients, and most of the time they don’t even need me to look at it to tell them what they’re doing wrong - it becomes fairly clear once it’s written down. The nice thing about this food diary is a) it’s someone else’s, so you don’t have to feel guilty, and b) there’s instantaneous feedback on what they’ve done wrong - and you still don’t have to feel guilty!

On the last page, there are reader’s suggestions on how to curb your appetite when you might not feel like it. They’re actually all good, and easy to implement.

Nice article, great format, good suggestions. I give it ***

What He Really Thinks Of You Naked, Pg 98

Not a health and fitness article per se, but something I found really interesting. Three women are asked to rate their bodies, both with and without clothes, and describe what they like and dislike about them. Their partners are asked to do the same.

All three women rated themselves 4/10 or below without clothes, while all their partners rated them 10/10 - both naked and with clothes. What’s really disturbing is two out of three of the women don’t really like anything about their bodies. The third rated her feet as her favorite body part, mainly because she spends a lot of time making them pretty.

A cynical person might say the guys felt pressure to give the highest possible score to be seen in a good light, but are women in general really so unhappy with their body image they can’t think of anything positive to say about themselves? Only one of the three women felt comfortable being naked in front of her partner, odds which I think are totally wrong. What’s the general consensus out there?

It became clear fairly quickly at the auction today we were out of luck. The bidding was fast and furious, there was a quick response to the question of an opening bid, someone in the crowd had more money than us, and had won the place within ten minutes. Unlike the last place I missed out on though, I’m not crushed. We had a really clear strategy, and were only going to bid in two particular circumstances. Neither of those arose, so I didn’t even raise my hand. The property also went for more than I think it was worth, so I’m consoling myself with that.

I’m not so keen on the idea of the continued looking, or the fee we have to pay the bank to buy the theoretical deposit cheque back, but I’ve already found somewhere else which looks like a possibility, so life goes on. So now I’m going to put on a jumper because it’s freezing, make a cup of tea, and eat the fantastic bread Ria made this morning. And that will be good.

Today I’m loving: Travis and his VB can.

After the dizzying heights of the fabulous three part Madison better body challenge (two out of three reviewed previously here), I was slightly sceptical when I read the headline of their latest health and fitness article:

How to Lose a Dress Size Fast: Pg 179

Regular readers of this site will know I have an issue with anything promising super fast results, and losing a dress size in ten days is definitely a huge promise. However, this article is based on debloating, rather than losing fat. Better or worse? I’m not sure. In my experience, none of my clients come to me because they’re bloated - it’s because they have stored fat and need to work it off. I know I’ve felt a little puffy after a large meal (or perhaps an ill placed cake of the day), but it’s only a temporary deal. Maybe I’m just lucky, or maybe there’s a little more credit being given to being bloated than admitting that maybe ten days won’t do it, and you need to look at burning some energy rather than just drinking less liquid. However, let’s examine it in detail.

There are several reasons listed as to why you might be feeling bloated: PMT (I think we can all relate to that one), digestive disturbances and food allergies (thankfully I’m food allergy free). There are suggestions given as to how you can help these issues - changing your diet, exercising, or with supplements. There’s also a list of what to avoid, and when to worry.

Call me cynical, but I honestly feel very, very few people would be able to achieve the loss of a dress size by the suggestions made here. If you do experience massive problems with being bloated, by all means give this a try. Otherwise, I’d suggest some good old fashioned exercise and a sensible diet if you want to shift some kilos.

Usefulness for the mainstream **

The Super Model Diet, Pg 142

How could you resist something with this name? I guess the jury is out on just how many supermodels actually use this particular diet, but perusing it, I have to give it the thumbs up.

Recommending low GI carbs, focusing on fitness as much as weight loss, and eating small meals more often is great advice. It also mentions drinking alcohol being a contributor to gaining weight, and suggests a list of good fats to eat and bad ones to avoid.

One thing I’m a little wary of is the recommendation for eating protein - yes, you need it, in fact, it’s great, but there are very few Australians who need to eat more of it, unless you’re a vegan or really strict vegetarian. Don’t think eating heaps of protein will help you lose weight, because it will put heaps of stress on your liver, and eating too much of any macronutrient (carbs, fat or protein) will make you put on weight, no matter what it is.

That said, this is really sensible article, and I like it’s style. There’s a two day meal plan which is actually good - heaps of food, lots of fruit and veggies, and plenty of real food. Hooray.

Maybe some of those super skinny supermodels should give it a go.

****

How to motivate yourself during winter, Pg 146

Ever felt like you want to crawl back into bed and not get up, or is that just me? Luckily, article by A J Rochester has great advice about how to keep yourself on track during the cold, dark months ahead. I know it’s harder and harder not to hit the snooze button at 5am, and sometimes the idea of riding my bike to work is so hideous it’s hard to describe, but I never regret it once it’s done.

I’ve raved about A J’s writing before, but the thing I alway love most is it comes from experience - she’s not some skinny sporty chick who’s never struggled with her weight, and she knows what it’s like to want to make excuses. It’s all great advice, and even if you just read it while waiting in the supermarket checkout line, you should get something positive out of it.

****

Curb your junk food cravings - Pg 169

This article lists five “new” rules to eat by, and they all revolve around concentrating on what you’re doing, rather than other things: like the friends you’re with, the movie you’re watching, the iPod you’re listening to …

I’ve got mixed feelings. I agree concentrating on eating is a good thing, and it definitely stops you from eating more than you should. But if you look at the Mediterranean way of eating, it’s all about social interaction, enjoying a glass of wine with your meal - and eating mostly good food. If you’re sitting at a table loaded with fatty, sugary treats, it’s not going to help your waistline whether you concentrate on your food or your friends. So try to choose great food when you’re eating with your mates and you’ll be far better off.

I agree wholeheartedly with the criticism of low fat food: research has shown people consume more than 28 per cent more kJ’s when eating foods when eating food labelled low fat or fat reduced. When you remember the (sadly true) adage “fat is flavour”, removing the fat basically means pumping up the sugar content, or adding heaps of other unsuitable things, you’re far better off eating a small amount of the full fat deal and enjoying it. Just remember to compensate later on.

Overall, this is interesting, but it’s all based on research done by Brian Wansink, who has written a book called “Mindless Eating, why we eat more than we think”. At no point does it mention his credentials, and most of us know research can be doctored to say exactly what we want it to say.

One of the good things about this article is the list of strategies for types of mindless eaters. If you recognise yourself on page 171, check out the advice to help you curb your problem. Take what you like from this article, and forget the rest.

I rate it *** - interesting, but nothing ground breaking, except the unappealing popcorn reasearch. Disturbing!

Food and Fitness, Pg 177

Five pages full of fitness and dietary advice, kicking off with a recipe for a breakfast burrito I’d like to try, but maybe without the cup of cheddar cheese on top.

Over the page the trainers from the Biggest Loser have advice for you when working out. It’s good, focusing on technique, intensity, and eating properly. I’m not big into the motivational mantra idea, but when I read the idea of saying to yourself “just one more hill”, “just a little more weight”, I liked it a lot more.

On page 180, the push up is given the status of ultimate exercise - agreed! It’s much harder than people give it credit for, and builds much more than chest muscle. Stay tuned for advice on how to do the perfect pushup, from beginners to more advanced versions.

On the same page, five celebs give their top moves for red-carpet rears. Sadly, Jessica Alba is overtraining her muscles, since she likes to do lunges every day. Jess, your trainer should tell you to rest those legs for at least 24 hours. And if J Lo likes yoga for her fab butt, then that’s good enough for me.

***

I almost feel like I should change the name of this site to trialsofemma.com, since my intentions of reviewing mags and providing both hilarious and informative exercise hints have tapered off as my life has become more and more insane. Although the insanity is still there, I almost feel as though I’m ready to pick up the baton again, so if you’ve been concerned about the lack of official content, allow that concern to slowly ebb away. I’ve learned not to make rash promises about how many times, or when I’ll be doing things, but I fully intend to … well, do things again.

And so, with that, I’m dedicating myself to some reviews this evening. What time, I’m not sure. How many, I don’t know. But I have at least four mags, and they’ll be finished by tomorrow. Afternoon, that is.

I’m alternately horrified and excited about the idea of bidding at “the” auction on Saturday (midday - please think good thoughts for me), and am in the process of making a pre-auction music mix - basically just Rage Against The Machine with a little Prodigy thrown in, to inspire me to go hard. The only problem is they might also incite me to riot, but hey, it’s a chance I’m prepared to take. Luckily James is into blasting loud music from his car, so I shouldn’t have a problem getting him to crank it up. Maybe I’ll put “Sleep Now in the Fire” on repeat the whole time.

It’s strange to think your future can come down to such a definite moment in time - either we get this house and the ordeal is over, or we don’t, and the ordeal continues. Let’s hope it’s option a! I’ve been dreaming about it every night, and each result is different - we get it, we don’t get it, the house is auctioned for an outlandish price on eBay, I report the real estate agent for being a jerk … you get the picture. I’m looking forward to the day (or night) when my dreams aren’t plagued by anything to do with houses, houseboats, or real estate in any form. When that will be … I guess you have to stay tuned!

Today I’m loving: cake of the day at Michel’s, which I’ve been having far, far too often.

My mother, Maria, or Ria as she’s been known since Miss M came on the scene (except for a brief period where she was known as “Corn”. Why I have no idea), has been staying with us since Tuesday last week. Because she lives in Tasmania, we usually only see her at Christmas time - and maybe one other time during the year, only for a few days.  So this is a very auspicious visit.
Since I lost my mind slightly after not getting the little house, I clearly worried my parents. And quite a few other people who care about me too. So the upshot is Ria has come over to look after us, in the way only a mother can.

Last Wednesday I came home just before 3pm, having started work at 6am, totally starving, and fantasising about hash browns. Usually I have coffee, just because it’s easy, and maybe toast or something before going to pick up Miss M. Instead, I was greeted by the awesome smell of ginger chicken, which was unspeakably delicious. Since Maya’s father and I split up about fifteen months ago, the only person who’s cooked here is me. It’s amazing how lovely it is to have someone else prepare food for you. Although I will add Miss M has made me breakfast a couple of times.

The house is cleaner than it’s been in months, I love coming home and having someone here to shoot the breeze with, and my animals are running amok with glee - Mr Dog has slept inside for the last three nights, and it’s clear he’s not going to give up that privilege without a fight. I’ve already threatened to not let her go home next Tuesday when she’s booked to fly away, and I think Miss M feels the same. It’s hilarious how similar we all are - I can see many resemblances between the youngest female in the lineage and the elder stateswoman (I can’t say oldest - it just seems rude).

I wonder if in thirty years I’ll be doing the same thing when Miss M has some horrible child of her own, and be letting in animals and handing out wise advice tinged with insanity - a blend I love. I imagine the answer is yes.

Today I’m loving; Josh - for letting us have Ria for two whole weeks

How not to diet, Pg 190

In Style magazine has always been one of my favorites, partly because of the super funky stars talking about their wardrobes, their groovy take on this month’s must have clothes (none of which I ever have), and also their usually excellent health and fitness articles. This month is no exception, and concentrates on the part eating plays in losing weight. And considering you can undo any amount of good work with a badly chosen meal (or even snack), this has some great tips. This article was written by Susie Burrell, a psychology trained dietician and fat-loss specialist, and contains some sensible, and more importantly easy to follow, advice.

It lists five common misconceptions about eating habits, and gives healthy alternatives to all of them. I love number 2 - “no carbs after 5pm”, although it’s interesting to note in the solution, she doesn’t mention your body being unable to discern between 5pm or 10am as far as storage of carbohydrates goes. Number 4 is my all time favorite - “detoxing - why it’s wrong”.

I like the way the solutions are easy to understand, and implement. Educating people about eating is important, since there are so many misconceptions - often created by people who profit from distributing them (like a certain doctor who shall remain nameless who created a best selling diet plan, but died a disturbingly obese but rich man). Eating well is an extremely misunderstood concept, and this article will help set you on the right path. I give it ****

After kindly old Santa gave Miss M her bike for Christmas, I realised retrospectively the huge challenge I’d taken on. Although I’d been shown by Dave (I still love you for this Dave!) how to best assist with the riding, after the initial success, progress stalled and we were back to square one. The physical and mental toll it started to take was tough, and seemingly fruitless, as after each riding lesson we’d wheel the bike home, both of us close to tears with frustration and effort.

I’ll just add this bike is much, much bigger than her old one, and can’t be fitted with training wheels, so it’s a matter of learn to ride, or forget it. The old bike was so unsuitable for her, she had to splay her legs out to the sides to ride it. Great if she wanted a career in clowning, but since I’m freaked out by clowns, I decided to discourage that line of employment.

So I’ve discovered it’s one thing to know how to ride a bike yourself, but totally another to teach someone else how to do it. Considering I spend my day teaching strangers how to exercise, it would appear to the uneducated eye an easy matter to teach my daughter. Now I understand why all my friends said never get your parents to show you how to drive. I ended up taking this quite literally and didn’t learn at all.

Miss M would get on her bike tentatively, and try her hardest to follow the detailled instructions I’d give her. The poor kid would always end up tilting the bike to the side, and I’d say something like “use your core”, forgetting we weren’t in a Pilates class, and that she’s only eight. Because running beside the bike was hard work for me, lessons could only last for about five minutes before I’d be exhausted, Miss M felt like she’d never make it, and thus, the sorry walk home.

Our lowest ebb was Mother’s Day, when she actually apologised to me for not learning faster, which made me feel so hideous I cried and considered selling the bike on eBay to avoid any further horror. The next week, Miss M requested another lesson, so I decided it would be the last one I’d teach, and after that I’d find a non-parental proxy.

During the week some sort of amazing shift in body consciousness must have happened, because within two minutes, I was running beside the bike, but Miss M was riding on her own. When she realised, she almost fell off with shock, before yelling “wheeee”. Then managed to cycle around the basketball court a dozen times, taking a detour to ride over a stick which had fallen on the court, shouting “take that stick” and laughing madly. Stopping is still a bit dodgy, since it’s followed by semi-falling, but I’m confident she’ll get there in the end.

And so the moral of my story is to never, ever forget how hard it is to do something once you find it easy. Every morning when I get on my bike to ride into work, I take a moment to think “this used to be really hard”. And then I hammer down the road, mentally yelling “wheeeee”!

Today I’m loving: my resiliant girl, who now doesn’t want to stop riding once she gets on her bike.