I’d been experiencing dizzy spells, exhaustion and terrible moods.

Aged 40, I had three kids under 10, and I wanted to be the best mum to them, and wife to my husband, Clive.

After lots of back and 
forth with doctors looking 
for an answer, one had recommended a glucose tolerance test.

And now, the results were surprising.

I wasn’t overweight, but I was hypoglycaemic and pre-diabetic.

The doctor asked me to list the foods I ate over a day.

“Some days I’ll demolish half a Sara Lee cheesecake for breakfast and a packet of biscuits in the afternoon,” I confessed. “Chocolate is my weakness. I can eat an entire block before coming to my senses.”

Saying it out loud, a terrible thought entered my mind: I’m a sugar addict.

I discovered the benefit of adding more protein, which helped keep me fuller longer.

A small amount of fresh fruit helped with sweet cravings.

Months later, tests showed steady blood sugar.

My energy had returned, and I was exercising.

A year on, I embraced a more moderate approach.

I would have two squares of dark chocolate every day and when I went out for a meal I’d have half a glass of wine or strawberries and fresh cream for dessert.

Then, aged 53, I was in the US with Clive, a property developer, for a business trip.

By chance, I found myself chatting with a woman who introduced me to a natural, sugar-free alternative – Xylitol.

“You can bake with it and enjoy the foods you love,” she said, offering me a few sachets to try.

Back home, I made lamingtons, cheesecakes, chocolate mousse and ice- cream. They were delicious!

Eighteen months later, in 2002, I brought a small shipment to Australia.

From there, I built my business SweetLife to distribute Xylitol across the country and share recipes and healthy living tips.

I hadn’t worked for 25 years as I’d been a stay-at-home mum, but I taught myself to use a computer, spent three years taking business classes at night and began doing 90-hour weeks.

SweetLife is now in its 22nd year and is a big success.

I’ve had the opportunity to speak to thousands about transforming my health and help them with theirs.

“The healthier and fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy life,” I tell them.

Today, I’m 76, a grandmother of four, and I’m very fit, thanks to tennis, yoga and weekly Pilates.

And I’m as happy to wear a bikini on Perth’s Cottesloe Beach as I was 40 years ago.

People are always surprised when I tell them my age.

If they ask how I stay looking so youthful, I say I’ve been sugar free for 35 years.

This year, Clive and I will celebrate 50 years of marriage – and I can credit part of its longevity to my commitment to being the best I can be.

Age is just a number, but AGE is also my mantra for living: A is for attitude, G is for gratitude, and E is for ‘ego-tude’.

I made the last word up, but we all need a little healthy ego, it’s what drives us to be our best!

‘Honestly’ Sugar Free Baking is available now at sweetlife.com.au

The post I look better in a bikini at 76 than I did at 40! appeared first on Now To Love.

Not all vitamins are created equal. This is why we have done the hard work for you and found the best vitamin brands to introduce to your diet if you’re on the hunt for something more.

Want to shop some of the best vitamin brands Australia has to offer? Read on to find our picks.

The best vitamin brands to shop in Australia

Ensure to read the label of any vitamins or supplements you are taking and consult with your doctor first.

01

Blackmores

from $10.99

Always read the label and follow directions for use

Blackmores, one of Australia’s top natural health companies, has been a big player in the industry since way back in 1906. They’re all about natural health and inspiring individuals to take charge of their well-being. Their products and services are high quality and highly tested, offering an easy and down-to-earth approach to staying healthy.

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02

JSHealth Vitamins

from $29.99

Always read the label and follow directions for use

Known for their passion for creating products designed to support a variety of health goals with women in mind, JSHealth have a range of vitamins and supplements to try adding to your diet to target a range of concerns. Made with high-quality ingredients, these vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free vitamins are free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.

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03

Swisse

from $10.24 at Chemist Warehouse

Always read the label and follow directions for use

Swisse Vitamins is an Aussie brand known for its premium quality vitamins and supplements, promoting optimal health and vitality. With scientifically-backed formulations, their extensive range supports various aspects of well-being, from immune function to cognitive health.

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04

Vitable

from $9

Always read the label and follow directions for use

This vitamin subscription service takes the guesswork out of your wellness plan. Simply take the brand’s quick and easy test and they’ll recommend the best vitamins to add to your routine. Once you select your vitamins, they will send these to you monthly (in sustainable packaging no less) so you don’t even have to remember to restock.

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05

NaturoBest

from $10.39

Always read the label and follow directions for use

NaturoBest is a prenatal and preconception supplement range that was born out of a desire to supply high-quality supplements that help support pregnant women and maximise the health potential of their babies. All formulas are Vegan Australia Certified and ultra-low in excipients.

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06

Thorne

from $17.22 at iHerb

Always read the label and follow directions for use

Known for their scientific approach to wellness, Thorne partners with world-class clinical research teams to ensure their products fit the bill. They have a wide array of products from multivitamins to antioxidants and products to target cognitive, digestive or joint health. There are endless options to find the right vitamin to suit your needs.

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07

Nature’s Own

from $9.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Always read the label and follow directions for use

Nature’s Own is a trusted brand rooted in a strong commitment to natural health and wellness. They aim to harness the power of nature’s ingredients to create products that promote overall well-being. With rigorous testing processes and a genuine passion for holistic wellness, it’s a go-to brand for quality vitamins.

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08

NOW Foods

from $4.85 at iHerb

Always read the label and follow directions for use

A family-run business, NOW Foods strives to create natural products that actually work to boost your health, using clean ingredients – they have a range of vitamins, minerals and alternate formulas to try for yourself. They have a rigorous testing process to ensure they are providing the best of the best.

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What is the best vitamin to take?

This really depends on what you need to support in your diet. However, below are some of the most common vitamins you could introduce into your daily routine, and some of their many benefits.

• Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties, vitamin C supports the body’s natural defence system and promotes overall well-being. It also aids in collagen production which is great for skin and acts as an antioxidant.
• Vitamin D: Often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D is crucial for bone health, as it helps the body absorb calcium. It also plays a role in immune function and mood regulation.
• B Vitamins: The B vitamin complex includes essential nutrients such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). B vitamins are involved in various bodily functions, including energy production, brain health, and metabolism.
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps to support vision health, immune function, and skin health, it is a powerful antioxidant that also plays a role in cell growth and development.
• Vitamin E: Another powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also supports skin health, promotes a healthy immune system, and contributes to heart health.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: While not vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil, are essential for heart and brain health, they can be obtained through diet or supplementation.

Ensure to read the label of any vitamins or supplements you are taking and consult with your doctor first.

Related articles:

• Health at your fingertips, the best online vitamin stores to get your daily dose
• Get the luscious locks of your dreams with these top hair vitamins

The post The best vitamin brands to help you unlock your inner glow appeared first on Now To Love.

Greens supplements step in as a convenient solution, bridging the divide between our hectic schedules and achieving optimal nutrition. But amidst the abundance of options, how do we distinguish between hype and genuine efficacy?

From spirulina to kale, each ingredient holds unique health benefits. In this guide, we map out the best greens supplement options in Australia.

The best greens supplements in Australia

01

Mister Jones Health daily Beauty Greens

$59.99 at Mister Jones

Bursting with a vibrant array of nutrient-rich superfoods including spirulina, chlorella, and kale, this potent formula is a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for radiant skin, strong hair, and overall vitality.

Combined with three strains of probiotics and vegan collagen boosters, get your daily inner health boost by mixing with water or combining into your favourite smoothie recipe.

Key features:

• Available in 15 and 30 serve sizes
• Vegan
• Flavour of supergreens, lemon and ginger

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02

JSHealth Greens + Collagen Formula

$59.99 at JSHealth

JSHealth’s greens powder offering combers the antioxidant power of greens with marine collagen. The blend nutrient-packed greens like spinach and kale with collagen peptides, prebiotics and vitamins C, E and K.

Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals helps to support strong hair, nails, and overall vitality. Just mix it into your favorite drink or smoothie for an easy daily dose of goodness.

Key features:

• Tropical pineapple mint flavour
• 30-serve size

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03

Nutra Organics Clean Greens

$44.95 at Nutra Organics

Bursting with eight powerful supergreens (including kale, spirulina and alfalfa grass), this blend is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your overall well-being.

Designed to promote detoxification, boost energy levels, and support immune function, Clean Greens offers a convenient way to incorporate nutrient-dense greens into your daily routine.

Key features:

• 33-serve size
• Unflavoured
• Vegan

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04

WELLECO The Super Elixir

$69.99 (originally $88) at Chemist Warehouse

Enhance your health with WelleCo‘s Super Elixir 300g refill. This greens powder is made with 45 natural ingredients like barley grass and spirulina, which are packed with vitamins and minerals to keep you feeling great.

The naturally-derived formula acts as the optimal wellness aid.

Key features:

• Vegan
• Tropical pineapple and lime flavour
• Approximately four weeks-worth of servings

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05

The Beauty Chef DAILY SUPERGREENS Inner Beauty Powder

$65 at Adore Beauty

This bio-fermented greens supplement acts as a skin-boosting, inner wellness support, thanks to ingredients like broccoli sprout, green banana starch and spinach.

The apple-flavoured formula adds that extra bit of fun to your daily supplement routine.

Key features:

• Apple flavoured
• Vegan
• 30 servings

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05

Nature’s Way Greens Plus

$45.99 (originally $62) at Chemist Warehouse

This nutrient-rich formula is packed with a whopping mixture of 81 supplementary ingredients. With organic spirulina, barley grass, and chlorella, it’s loaded with vitamins and antioxidants to boost energy, bolster immunity, and detoxify your body.

Simply stir a spoonful into water, juice, or smoothies for a daily health kick.

Key features:

• Tropical flavour
• 30 serves

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How are greens supplements beneficial?

Greens supplements offer a convenient and efficient way to increase your intake of essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants found in various green superfoods like spinach, kale, and spirulina.

These supplements can help bridge the gap between your busy lifestyle and the recommended daily servings of greens, promoting overall health and well-being.

Please note: The information provided here is not intended as medical advice. It is advisable to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.

The post The best greens supplements to purchase in Australia appeared first on Now To Love.

The herb contains curcuminoids, aka curcumin, which may reduce pain from arthritis, help regulate blood sugar levels, or improve cholesterol levels.

Below are some of the best turmeric supplements available in Australia.

05

JSHealth Turmeric + 60 Tablets

$39.99 at JSHealth

These Turmeric supplements contains Curcumin C3 Complex and should last the user one month.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Ingredients:

• Curcuma longa (Turmeric) extract dry concentrate 526 mg.
• From rhizome dry 34.2 g.
• Standard. to Curcuminoids 500 mg.

Available at:

• $39.99, JS Health
• $39.95, Supplement Mart
• $39.00, Priceline Pharmacy
• $33.99, Chemist Warehouse
  

05

Blackmores Concentrated Curcumin

$46.99 at Blackmores

Blackmores one per day Curcumin contains 60 tablets with “bioavailable” turmeric formulated for the best absorption. Blackmores also has a 30 tablets option available.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Ingredients:

• Curcuma longa (as TurmXTRA 60N)
• Ascrobic acid (vitamin C)

Available at:

• $46.99, Blackmores
• $35.99, Chemist Warehouse
• $46.99, Priceline Pharmacy

05

Swisse High Strength Curcumin 30 Tablets

$39.99 at Swisse

The one per day supplement aids healthy joint function and mobility and 1200mg of curcuminoids to provide anti-inflammatory support.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Ingredients:

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa extract 1.263 g) equiv. dry rhizome 29.05 g (min) (standardised to contain curcuminoids 1.2 g)
• Black pepper (Piper nigrim extract 185 micrograms) equiv. dry fruit. 10 mg

Available at:

• $32.99, Chemist Warehouse
• $39.99, Swisse

05

Quality Health Turmeric 3100mg 100 Tablets

$39.99 at Healthy Life

Quality Health’s 3100mg in 100 tablets is a generous amount, but for those wanting more there is also a 6200mg option.

This product is nut free, dairy free, gluten free and has no artificial sweeteners.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Ingredients:

• Curcuma longa (Turmeric) rhizome ext. dry conc. 47.69mg
• equiv to rhizome dry 3.1g
• Piper nigrum (black pepper) fruit ext. dry conc. 450mcg
• equiv. to fruit dry 9.23mg

Available at:

• $39.99, Healthy Life

The post The best turmeric supplements to purchase in Australia appeared first on Now To Love.

Michelle Bridges says this was a key consideration when devising The Menopause Method eating plan.

“You will see a lower-carb approach to eating, as insulin resistance can be a real issue for many menopausal women,” she explains. “But you won’t see carbs demonised, as we feature a pasta dish each Wednesday. Who doesn’t love a little pasta?”

Below are two recipes from Michelle’s new eating plan!

Baked Eggs, Italian Style

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 zucchini, finely chopped
• ½ red capsicum, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 8 kalamata olives, pitted
• 4 cage-free eggs
• 20g reduced fat cheddar, grated
• ¼ cup basil leaves

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C. Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Scatter over tomatoes, zucchini, capsicum and garlic. Drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
2. Roast vegetables for 20 mins or until almost tender. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 180°C.
3. Mix olives with vegetables and divide mixture between two ovenproof dishes. Make 2 indentations in mixture in each dish. Crack an egg into each indentation and sprinkle cheese over.
4. Bake for 8-10 mins or until eggs are just set. Top with basil leaves and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to serve.

Miso Salmon with Cauliflower Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 250g Atlantic salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp miso soybean paste
• 2 tsp honey
• 250g cauliflower
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 3 shallots, finely sliced
• 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• ¹/³ cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1½ tsp sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander
• ½ fresh lime, cut into wedges

Method:

1. Cut salmon into 2 portions. Combine miso paste and honey and rub all over salmon. Place onto a foil-lined oven tray and set aside. Preheat grill.
2. Cut cauliflower into florets and process in a food processor until it resembles grains of rice. Heat olive oil in a non-stick wok or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add cauliflower, white part of shallots, ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 5 mins until tender.
3. Cook salmon under the grill for 4 mins each side, turning once. Meanwhile, add peas to cauliflower mixture and stir-fry for a further 3 mins until tender. Toss soy sauce through.
4. Serve salmon with the cauliflower fried rice, sprinkled with sesame seeds and coriander, with lime wedges on the side.

Pick up your copy of Woman’s Day on Monday 4 March to read about Michelle Bridge‘s The Menopause Method.

The post EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Bridges reveals her new program set to help women through the challenges of menopause appeared first on Now To Love.

Drink to her success

Chrissy found The Lady Shake incredibly easy to incorporate into her life. “Being as simple as replacing two meals, it was super easy to just have a shake for breakfast and a shake for lunch,” she explains. “I also made sure I had my two snacks (each approximately 150 calories and under 5 grams of sugar) and a healthy balanced evening meal.”

One of the things that impressed Chrissy was just how effortless it all was. “The Lady Shake is incredibly easy to use.” she says. “Just mix two scoops and water! Having a shake for breakfast and lunch saved me time in the morning because The Lady Shake takes the guesswork out of your day. It takes less than a minute to make breakfast and lunch.”

And for dinner? “My evening meal was anything from cauliflower fried rice and steamed dumplings, zucchini noodles and freshly made tomato sauce, lean grilled chicken or steak with salad, scrambled eggs and mushrooms on toast. I had my treat meal once a week, which was anything I felt like, from pasta, lasagne or burgers.”

It sounds so simple, but Chrissy saw remarkable results straightaway. “I lost 1.4kg in my first week,” she reveals. “I couldn’t believe the number staring back at me from the scales. This quickly became motivation for me to keep going. I had weeks with no losses or even a small gain, but weight loss isn’t linear. Consistency was key for my journey and, sure enough, my weight would drop the following week.”

Chrissy’s advice is to start now – “Start today, don’t wait for Monday or a new month or after a holiday or event, start now! This is a lifestyle change with new habits that will set you up for long-term success.”

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Moving on up! 

To build on her success, Chrissy, who was already active, added extra workouts into her day.

“I started walking a lot,” she explains. “Just around our neighbourhood. I also used an online workout app to do light weights, spin, yoga and combat classes. I also do Physical Culture.” Now Chrissy does weights two to three times per week, as well as cardio classes such as Spin and Combat or she walks two to three times per week as well as Physical Culture twice a week. 

Chrissy’s advice is to not make exercise so complicated that it’s hard to fit into your lifestyle. “Start off with small goals; walking for 20 minutes and increasing five minutes each time you head out. You don’t need fancy equipment, you’d be surprised what you can achieve with some hand weights and a yoga mat!”

Pretty soon you’ll be looking forward to those workouts. “Exercise is vital to my mental health,” says Chrissy. “It also has helped with muscle building and toning. I am a strong advocate of women of all ages to do resistance training.”

Mastering Mindfulness 

Diet, exercise and mindfulness is the trio for success. So how did Chrissy keep her motivation and look after her wellbeing during this time? 

“I set small attainable goals and rewarded myself at each milestone so the overall goal wasn’t overwhelming,” says Chrissy. “I also enjoyed my treat meal each week, guilt free.”

“The sense of accomplishment is so rewarding and I feel it every single day. I jump out of bed now, instead of stumble. Knowing how much good I have done and continue to do for my health makes me look forward to the future. Now, working out is my ‘me time’. I zone out and concentrate on moving my body, clearing my thoughts and enjoying the moment.”

How is Chrissy maintaining her healthy and fabulous new figure? With The Lady Shake, of course. “I’m maintaining my loss with one shake per day, usually breakfast,” she says. “I have also kept my new healthy eating habits and not slipped back into my old ways.”

The post Shake it off: How Chrissy lost 29kg appeared first on Now To Love.

At 6 foot, 6 inches tall with size 16 feet, Nick had always been a big boy. But although he loved to watch Sydney Swans or Manly Sea Eagles footy games, he didn’t play much sport. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at three, Nick always loved big greasy breakfasts with bacon, eggs, hash browns and sausages.

My husband Brian, 59, is a great cook and we often tucked into delicious healthy Croatian dinners to celebrate his heritage. But for Nick, the lack of movement and hours playing video games meant weight had just piled on. As he wore 7XL T-shirts, buying clothes was a real challenge. And Nick wasn’t the only one who needed to lose a few kilos. Sitting at work all day doing sales admin for a cleaning company, I just couldn’t shift any weight. And my vice was Turkish Delight choccies.

A size 20, weighing 99 kilos, at a tiny 160cm tall with size 24F boobs, I’d given up hope of losing weight. A few weeks later, in February last year, I came home to find a large box on the kitchen counter. ‘It’s The Man Shake diet starter pack,’ Nick said. It included powdered shake sachets to replace Nick’s brekkies and lunches. And I was relieved it hadn’t been too expensive. That’s good, I thought, wondering if he would stick to it. When we weighed Nick, I was shocked as the scales juddered at 160 kilos.

Nick began having a chocolate shake for breakfast and lunch, with a normal dinner such as pasta or roast pork. He surprised me by sticking to it religiously. I couldn’t believe it when a month later he stepped on the scales and he’d lost eight kilos.

‘That’s amazing,’ I gasped. Well, if Nick can do it so can I! I vowed. So at the end of last April, I decided to give The Lady Shake a whirl. Before I started, though, I messaged The Lady Shake and The Man Shake team to say how good it was for Nick. They began sending certificates to reward Nick as well as hats and T-shirts – he loved it and it spurred him on.

As I have a sweet tooth, sipping the chocolate shake was just like drinking a chocolate milkshake, and there were other flavours including strawberry, vanilla and caramel that I enjoyed too. The protein in the drinks kept me feeling full, and there were nutrients in there too to help keep me healthy.

Feeling inspired, I started going walking in my lunch hour. Pounding the tracks in nearby bushland, I returned feeling refreshed and fitter. As Nick was working with me in sales admin, we began walking together. And at weekends we walked for an hour each day. Suddenly my skin was glowing and I had so much more energy.

At night we had healthy stir-fries for dinner, but allowed ourselves chicken parmi and fish and hot chips for treats. The weight slid off Nick. In six months he’d lost 24 kilos. But, even better, for every kilo he shed Nick’s confidence seemed to soar. It was wonderful to see.

He started booking tickets to see the Sydney Swans play all over the country – in Melbourne with his sister Casey, 39, and in Adelaide and on the Gold Coast on his own. He even started rubbing shoulders with the players when he got involved with club get-togethers. Soon everybody knew him.

Wherever he went, Nick took a photo for his Instagram. Seeing himself on social media with the players boosted his confidence no end. ‘I need a suit, Mum,’ he told me when he got invited by the team to a Swans cocktail party last August.

As he tried on a suit, Nick smiled so broadly I was thrilled. ‘You look wonderful,’ I said tearfully. I’d never seen him so happy and brimming with confidence. Look at him now! I’d post online at The Lady Shake Facebook group. And everyone cheered him on.

I was thrilled to find the weight sliding off me steadily too, and soon I felt more in proportion to my petite frame. ‘You look great,’ people at work marvelled. I was excited when I hit the shops and found a bra that fitted.

I’d never felt better. By Christmas I’d lost 15 kilos, weighing 84 kilos. Now my goal is 80. But Nick’s the star! Recently he was weighed at the doctors. After losing 30 kilos, which the doc said is a great weight for his height, Nick now wears 2XL. Nick is my inspiration. He’s taken up boxing and is joining a gym. It’s like having a new son. I’m so proud of what my boy’s achieved!

The post We lost 45kg drinking chocolate milkshakes appeared first on Now To Love.

What they found in a variation of products, that included well-known brands of basmati rice, Indian spices and a clarified butter called Ghee, were a cause of serious concern.

The team, led by executive producer and presenter Manpreet Kaur Singh, put forward a selection of food products to labs at the National Association of Testing Authorities.

“Of the few products we were able to test, which is an expensive process, the experts we interviewed said two in particular should not be sold in Australia,” Ms Singh told news.com.au.

“As we understand it, the Department of Agriculture receives the imports, then the Food Standards Australia & NZ write the code where the product must comply with relevant standards and requirements, but it’s up to the local and State Government to ensure that what’s in the store are compliant, and that’s where the issue is happening.”

From the 18 products tested, two failed the Australian food safety standards, while one, which has been completely banned, is still slipping through customs and making its way to shelves. These are:

• Kohinoor brand basmati rice, found containing Buprofezin which is an insecticide banned in Australia.

• Indian spice brand MDH, which was discovered to contain pesticides above the accepted Australian limit.

• Banned substance betel nut, a known carcinogen and found readily available for sale in Australia.

“The rice and spice we tested outright failed the testing,” says the lead researcher.

“The chemicals we found in the rice are not allowed to be in that product in Australia. This is not a cheap brand of basmati rice, and is very common especially in specialty food stores.”

While the above products failed to meet the FSANZ standards, three others were also deemed unsafe for their high levels of copper, lead and insecticide residues. These included:

• Powdered milk drink, Complan, designed for growing children and manufactured by Heinz in India.

• Indus basmati, rice made in Pakistan.

• Verka Ghee — a clarified butter widely used by South Asians in their daily cooking.

While only five per cent of packaged food imports to Australia are currently being tested, Ms Singh agrees that for the safety of consumers, something needs to change.

“Are we checking enough? Are we at world standards? Maybe something needs to be put into place that testing is more stringent and across the board.”

The post Australian supermarkets selling dangerous and banned foods appeared first on Now To Love.

So, while booking (and keeping) a dentist appointment is imperative for your dental health, it’s OK if you don’t wholeheartedly enjoy the experience.

Why?

Because science says so.

According to psychology researchers from West Virginia University in the U.S., developing a fear of dental treatment stems from a fear of pain. Not only that, but it’s actually your parents fear of pain, passed down to you, which could be responsible for your fear in dentists.

Upon making this discovery, Cameron Randall, one of the authors of this research piece, says now that they’ve found this link, “it may help us develop new ways to treat dental fear and phobia”.

Our teeth are chattering in anticipation…

If you are afraid of the dentist, WebMd suggests talking to your dentist about it; they can devise a strategy that will make you feel more comfortable and at ease during your visit. You can also contact your GP for a confidential chat about it, too.

WATCH a girl break down over wanting to see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson after having dental surgery…

The post The *real* reason why you’re afraid of the dentist appeared first on Now To Love.

A jury has awarded the family of Jacqueline Fox $14m (AUD) of actual damages and $86m (AUD) of punitive damages, Reuters reports.

Mrs Fox claimed she used two of the company’s talc-based products — Baby Powder and Shower to Shower — as feminine hygiene products for more than 35 years before being diagnosed with ovarian cancer three years ago.

Mrs Fox died in October last year.

After a three-week trial in Missouri, jurours said the pharmaceutical giant, in an effort to boost sales, failed to warn users of the potential dangers despite concerns raised by the American Cancer Society in 1999.

Jere Beasley, a lawyer for Mrs Fox’s family, said Johnson & Johnson “knew as far back as the 1980s of the risk,” and yet resorted to “lying to the public, lying to the regulatory agencies”.

Johnson & Johnson is reportedly facing 1200 lawsuits in the US from customers who claim they were not warned about the risks.

The post Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $100 million over cancer death appeared first on Now To Love.

Researchers in California have found that power napping not only refreshes the mind but actually makes you smarter, the UK’s Daily Mail reported.

The University of California, Berkeley, research team split 39 students into two groups and then set them a series of learning tasks that were designed to test the hippocampus region of the brain, which is used to store facts.

Quiz: What do you know about your memory?

Gallery: Five foods that help you sleep

Midway through the day, half the students took a 90-minute siesta and half didn’t. For the tests taken later that afternoon, the half who had slept were found to perform much better in the later tasks than those who had not.

“Sleep not only rights the wrong of prolonged wakefulness but, at a neuro-cognitive level, it moves you beyond where you were before you took a nap,” said Dr Matthew Walker, the psychologist who led the study.

Related video: Australia’s Funniest Home Videos Sleep Special

The researchers suggested that sleep — especially the transitional period between deep sleep and dreaming sleep known as stage 2 non-REM — is needed to clear out the brain’s short-term memory allowing it to take in new facts.

“It’s as though the e-mail inbox in your hippocampus is full and, until you sleep and clear out those fact e-mails, you’re not going to receive any more mail,” Dr Walker said.

“It’s just going to bounce until you sleep and move it into another folder.”

The findings will come as no surprise to those with an interest in history (or the siesta-loving Spanish for that matter) as many great thinkers and leaders are known to have been keen nappers.

British prime ministers Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher were both advocates of a midday sleep as were former US presidents Bill Clinton and John F Kennedy as well as physicist Albert Einstein, the Daily Mail reported.

Your say: Do you feel better after a midday snooze or like you need even more sleep? Share your experiences below.

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Researchers examined the academic records of siblings, some of whom were breastfed as babies, and others who were bottle-fed with formula, and found a strong correlation between breast-feeding and better high school results.

They also found an increased likelihood of high school completion and university attendance for tertiary-level study in those people who were breastfed. Importantly, since this is the first such study to examine brothers and sisters, rather than the greater population, other influences such as parental intelligence and home influences could be ruled out.

Your say: Do you agree with this study? Do you think it is important to breast feed your child? Share with us below…

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Trans fats are formed when an unsaturated fat (a good type of fat) undergoes a process called hydrogenation. This changes it from being a liquid at room temperature to being a solid fat. In this process, extra hydrogen is added to the unsaturated fat, which makes it similar in structure to a saturated fat (a bad type of fat).

Trans fats can increase cholesterol levels by increasing the bad cholesterol (LDL) and reducing the good cholesterol (HDL) that “mops” up bad cholesterol. Trans fats are considered worse than saturated fats because they increase the bad cholesterol and decrease the good, whereas saturated fats only increase the bad cholesterol. Even a small amount of trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease.

By far the main sources of trans fats in our diets are processed foods like fast food, pastries, biscuits, cakes and salty snacks. Trans fats are used in these foods to give them longer shelf lives. Trans fats are also created when margarine is made, although some manufacturers then remove them.

So, how can you screen them from your diet? Follow these simple tips to help ensure you are reducing your exposure and intake of trans fats. This is just one way you and your family can work towards reducing your cholesterol levels and thus help combat heart disease. The good news is that by adopting these recommendations you will also limit your total fat, salt and kilojoule intake — all positive impacts on your diet!

• Focus on wholefoods. Eat rich whole plant foods such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals, legumes, nuts and seeds, which naturally contain no trans fats.

• Limit processed foods. Limit or avoid processed foods like fast food, pastries, biscuits, cakes and salty snacks.

• Go homemade. Bake low-fat cakes and biscuits at home, using natural ingredients.

• Think about spreads. Use trans fat-free margarine and natural spreads like avocado, hummus or tahini.

• Reduce trans and saturated fats. The elimination of trans fats is just one way to combat heart disease. Protect your heart by reducing your total bad fat, both saturated and trans fats. Cut off visible fat on meat, choose low-fat dairy products and limit processed foods as discussed above.Your say: How healthy is your diet? How do you avoid eating trans fats? Tell us below.

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Anger and hostility increase your risk of many health problems, from headaches and colds to hypertension and insomnia. Researchers have found that people stewing over a grievance have higher blood pressure, increased heart rate, more muscular tension, and even thicker blood and lower T-cell counts.

Anger triggers the ‘fight-or-flight’ response that has been hard-wired into humans since our caveman ancestors went hunting: your heart rate increases and your adrenal glands trigger production of the stress hormones cortisol and noradrenaline, making you alert. This is fine if you’re staring down a woolly mammoth for a few seconds, but not if you’re stuck in this mode day after day.

Your grudge could be caused by an extreme event, such as a betrayal; or it could be due to ongoing irritations, perhaps from a bullying boss. Whatever the cause, when you’ve been hurt, the last thing you feel like doing is forgiving — but if you do, you’ll boost your health, slash stress and feel more in control of your life. These five tips can help.

1 Face it Don’t repress or dismiss a painful event and say it didn’t matter: it did. Give yourself permission to be insulted and furious. These feelings are a normal reaction to the grief you feel over the loss of a friendship or trust.

2 Get it out Put pen to paper – or fingertips to keyboard – and write and write and write. Say exactly what happened, how unfair or inappropriate it was, and how you feel. Once you name and own your feelings, it will be easier to see them as something that has passed, rather than part of your present.

3 Ask for help Whether you believe in God, angels, nature, the power of love or the strength of your own personality – or all of them – rally the forces for good in your life to help you through this.

4 Let it go Close your eyes and hold in your mind’s eye the image of whatever it is that needs to be forgiven. Visualise this burden tied to your ankles, slowing your progress. Now, see yourself holding a pair of golden scissors. Say out loud, “I release you from the grip of my sorrow and hatred.” See yourself snip the ties holding the burden to you – and walk on.

5 Be patient Learning forgiveness is like learning any skill: it takes time. If you don’t feel any different right away, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is the fact that you have tried to change your life for the better. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that what someone has done to you is right or that you can forget their actions. It has to do with changing your reaction to them. The paradox of forgiveness is that, when you no longer let anger and bitterness control you, you’re the one who is healed.

How easy do you find it to forgive? Tell us below.

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1 Make time First, create an opportunity for inward focus. Getting unstuck isn’t just about moving on: before you can do that, you need to look within and establish who you are and what you want. Schedule an appointment with yourself for some solid ‘thinking time’ – an uninterrupted afternoon is ideal.

2 Get grounded A grounding practice is something you do that helps you re-establish a sense of connection with your feelings and your body, such as having a massage or taking a walk. A physical reality check like this creates perspective and confidence in your thinking.

3 Tune in Sitting quietly with your eyes closed, reflect on your life right now. What is working for you and what is not? What do you want to change? Losing weight, finding a partner and buying a house are some examples. What does your inner voice say? Maybe it’s time to start that real estate course you’ve always wanted to do or find the courage to walk away from a toxic friendship.

4 Cut and paste A collage is a tool used by psychotherapists to help people identify and accomplish their goals. It works on the principle that your subconscious mind understands symbols better than words. Flip through a pile of magazines and clip images that resonate with you. Don’t analyse your choices too much – you might be drawn to a picture of a plane, a puppy or a key. Glue them on a piece of cardboard.

5 State your purpose Most companies have a mission statement – usually it’s something along the lines of committing to make a quality product and provide a high level of service. By the same token, when you have a sense of purpose, it follows that you’ll see things more clearly and be better able to achieve your goals. The trick to making a mission statement is to keep rewriting it until you have clear, concise sentences. Add your statement to the collage, along with any affirmations that inspire you, e.g. “You can do it!” or “Action creates success”. Hang your collage over your desk or on the fridge, somewhere you will see it often.

6 Ask for help We humans are notoriously reluctant to make changes, even if a habit or behaviour is causing us actual physical or emotional damage. List at least four friends or family members whose opinions you value and ask them if they could send you an encouraging e-mail or text message every week to keep you focused on your goals. Having this ongoing support can make a huge difference.

7 Establish a time-frame Without a deadline, the motivation to do any task is removed. Author Stephen King writes 1,500 words every day except on his birthday, Christmas and the 4th of July. If you truly want to achieve your goals, you need to keep going and not give up.

YOUR SAY: Do you find it difficult making changes in your life? How do you motivate yourself? Tell us below…

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With the winter months bringing more colds and flu, it’s time to address your lifestyle patterns and seek as many ways as possible to boost your immunity. Ultimately we know that a healthy diet, regular physical activity, low stress levels and a good night’s sleep are the best strategies. Let’s check out the newest immune boosting strategies, including keeping teeth healthy!

Dental health

Who would have thought that a sparkling set of teeth and gums could also protect your heart health? Interesting new research is revealing just how important oral health is in overall immunity. You see in a condition called periodontal disease your gum margin that seals the tooth is weakened and bacteria and their products cause inflammation. These bacteria can then easily enter your blood system and the infection can have a marked effect on the rest of your body, particularly the initiation of cardiovascular disease and even some cancers. So eat healthy and brush and floss twice a day.

Probiotics

Your digestive system or gut is another important part of your immune defense. A healthy gut acts as a guard against bacteria, pathogens and viruses entering your body. So you want to do everything in your power for inner harmony. A daily dose of live active cultures, or probiotic bacteria, like that found in Yakult drinks or Jalna yogurts help increase the numbers of friendly bacteria in your gut. In fact research has shown that probiotics can boost natural killer cell levels and activity in people with a compromised immune system.

Vitamin D

It used to be vitamin C spelt immunity, but now vitamin D is the new booster on the block. Vitamin D has effects on white blood cell function and is being investigated for its role in treating autoimmune disease. A little ray of sunshine is particularly important for the elderly in winter months as vitamin D is produced from the contact of UV sunlight on the skin. You can also increase your dietary sources of vitamin D like boosted milks and margarines, oily fish and liver.

YOUR SAY: What are your tips for a healthy immune system? Tell us below…

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It’s certainly no secret that Australians love their coffee and know how they like to drink it. However, a recent study by Australian coffee chain Hudsons Coffee has now found that the type of coffee you drink could actually say a lot more about you than you may have ever realised.

Take a look at some of the suprising findings when Australia’s top four coffee drinks were compared and see how you measure up!

• Flick to the gossip and entertainment section of the newspaper

• Spend Saturday night in a nightclub

• Listen to dance music

• Take public transport

• Live in a shared house with friends or with mum and dad

• Have between 201-300 friends on Facebook

• Flick to the sports section of the newspaper

• Spend Saturday night in front of the TV with a takeaway

• Listen to pop music

• Drive a sedan

• Live by the beach or water

• Have more than 500 friends on Facebook

• Flick to the travel section of the newspaper

• Spend Saturday night on a date

• Listen to rock music

• Get around in a taxi

• Live in an apartment in the CBD

• Have 1 – 50 friends on Facebook

• Get their news online

• Spend Saturday night at the cinema or theatre

• Listen to classical or acoustic music

• Drive a 4WD or sportscar

• Live in a detached house in the suburbs or country

• Have 1 – 50 friends on Facebook!

As if interstate rivalry needed more fuel on its fire, the national survey also found that which part of Australia you come from has a bearing on which coffee floats your boat. New South Welshmen are apparently most likely to reach for a cappuccino whereas their Victorian counterparts favour the latte, while coffee-lovers in Western Australia opt for the faithful flat white. Coffee-crazy Melbournians had their title challenged as Queenslanders were found to consume the most coffee in Oz while the cappuccino won out overall being named as Australia’s favourite coffee with voters who delight in extra foam and chocolate spinkles.

Australians are also becoming increasingly fussy in their drinking habits according to the Hudsons survey, with 83 percent of people only drinking fresh coffee and giving instant coffee a nudge out of the cupboard. Mark Hawthorne, co-founder of Hudsons Coffee commented, “the results show Australia is now a nation of coffee connoisseurs with more than 40 percent requesting modifications to their coffee when ordering. Whether that’s soy milk, a caramel shot or a double dusting of chocolate sprinkles, Australians certainly know how they like their coffee!”

YOUR SAY: Do you think coffee drinking habits reveal personality types?

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1. Be a clown Children are fearless, but as adults we can become controlled by anxiety. Putting yourself in a position that involves not taking yourself seriously — such as juggling, playing with a hula-hoop or wearing a plastic nose — requires you to revert to your childlike state and leaves you feeling on a high. Visit Theatre Australia (www.theatre.asn.au) to find a clowning workshop near you.

2. Breathe better Caffeine, tight clothes and eating quickly all conspire to make you hyperventilate (breathe too fast), adding years to your looks and raising your blood pressure. Breathe in through your nose for a count of three and then out for five. With practice, the pause between the in- and out-breaths will lengthen. Practise while commuting or waiting for the kettle to boil.

3. Jump up and down Researchers at England’s Nottingham University have found that women who jump or skip on the spot 50 times a day live longer. Skipping is both an aerobic exercise (meaning it strengthens the heart and lungs) and a strength-training one (builds muscle and improves bone density, helping to ward off osteoporosis).

4. Have a cold shower A study from London’s Brompton Hospital shows that cold showers make your heart and lungs work more efficiently, which may help boost immunity and improve circulatory health. Try a two-minute blast after a warm shower every morning.

5. Sing a song Singing has great psychological and physical benefits: it stops you thinking about mundane and negative things and it increases the levels of oxygen in your body.

6. Buy bread Research at Chicago’s Smell and Taste Research Foundation has found that re-creating scents from our childhood can instantly make us feel younger. Dr Alan Hirsch, director of the foundation, says, “The olfactory lobe is part of the ’emotional brain’, which is the area that stores memories. The quickest way to access these memories is through smell.” The number one odour that conjures up childhood? Freshly baked bread!

7. Have great sex Researchers have found that couples with a healthy sex life can look up to seven years younger than those who don’t. Improving the quality of your sex life can help reduce stress — leading to greater contentment and better sleep.

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Milk myths

It seems that this link goes a long way back in history to the 12th century, where dairy foods were reported to cause mucus-coated throats, clogged noses, annoying coughs and asthma. According to a comprehensive review in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, there is no scientific evidence for this.

After analysing the available scientific research on the topic, the authors concluded that milk intake was not associated with nose symptoms, cough or congestion.

Suspect symptoms

In one study, people drank either flavoured milk or a milk-free drink disguised to look and taste like flavoured milk. Interestingly, people who believed the milk-mucus myth tended to report more symptoms than non-believers. However, there was no difference in symptoms reported after the milk and the non-milk drinks — showing milk was not the cause. Some people know for sure that when they drink milk they do feel more ‘mucusy’ but it appears that this may be a chemical reaction between that person’s saliva and a milk compound. It is not dangerous and quickly disappears in the majority of cases.

Asthma triggers

The review also concluded that milk does not seem to exacerbate the symptoms of asthma. According to the National Asthma Council it is very rare for dairy foods to trigger asthma symptoms. Common culprits are more likely to be house dust mites, pollens, mould spores, animal hair or fur, tobacco smoke, viral infections and the common cold.

It’s very important for parents of children with asthma to continue to offer them a balanced diet. Dairy foods contain important growth nutrients including protein, calcium, riboflavin and niacin.

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Low-carbs foods

There are many new products on the supermarket shelves labeled ‘low-carb’ but, unlike terms like ‘low-fat’, it’s interesting to note that there is no formal standard on what a low-carb food really means. Manufacturers of low-carb foods have tapped into consumer demand for easy-to-use products when following low-carb diets. But it’s important to remember that, even though these products may have fewer carbs than their traditional counterpart, they are not carb-free. And this is a good thing! Diets that cut out carbs are not balanced and not sustainable. They can be high in saturated fat and low on energy and can leave you feeling wrung out, rather than bursting with good health and vitality.

CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet

This Australian devised bestseller, is a nutritionally complete diet, but only suits those people who are happy to eat lean meat, fish or poultry twice a day. Follow-up research has shown good results from the pepped-up protein approach. Middle-aged women with abdominal obesity, who followed the diet for over a year, have shown reduced health risks and sustained weight loss, especially around the waist.

Macrobiotic diet

This is an oldie that keeps reinventing itself. There are many versions of this diet, some far stricter than others, concentrating almost exclusively on whole-grains and water. Even the more liberal versions have low levels of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, protein and some B group vitamins. Weight loss works due to the foods being low in energy density and filling due to the high fibre content. But the diet is difficult to stick to, especially if you want even a taste of a social life.

Last bite

Remember the best approach to long-term weight loss is lifestyle based and includes changes to your exercise and eating habits, plus having the right mindset. Support is also vital and most people have an extra edge to success when they join a formal program like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. For specialised advice, particularly if you have existing medical problems, see an accredited practising dietitian — search for one in your area at www.daa.asn.au

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South Beach Diet

Eat Right For Your Blood Type

Raw Food Diet

Doona Diet

Last bite

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Nature’s flavour enhancers

If you’re dieting, then your béarnaise, mayonnaise and hollandaise days are likely to be over. But you can still enhance the flavour of food while cutting down on fat and salt. Make significant fat and kilojoule savings by simply switching heavy oil, butter and cream sauces with fragrant, aromatic herbs. Try rubbing roasted garlic on meat instead of adding gravy or combining dill and lemon juice on grilled fish, instead of a dollop of tartare sauce.

BBQ perfect match

Everybody loves a barbie, but in more recent times concerns have been raised about the potentially cancer causing compounds that are formed when meat is grilled at high temperatures. But maybe Mother Nature is looking out for us? Recent research from Kansas State University has revealed that there may be more to the story of the perfect flavour match of lamb and rosemary. When meat was rubbed with antioxidant extracts of common herbs like rosemary, basil, oregano and thyme, the levels of harmful compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HA) were reduced. This effect was thought to be due to the powerful antioxidants in herbs soaking up these HA free radicals.

Kitchen capers

As herbs are consumed in small serve sizes relative to many other foods it is in some ways unfair to compare their nutrient content on a per serve basis. For example, even though many herbs are high in vitamin C, you’re not going to get anywhere close to your daily needs with say a parsley garnish on a bowl of soup. Unless you’re into eating a bowl of tabouleh everyday, an orange just seems to be a much easier source of vitamin C. However, when you dig a little deeper and look at the phytochemicals in herbs, the grass may turn out to be a little greener. It seems that studies on the antioxidant capacity of culinary herbs show that they may have higher levels than medicinal herbs plus fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, adding antioxidant-rich herbs to other foods, like basil to a tomato salad, may enhance the overall antioxidant capacity of the carrier foods.

So what are you waiting for? Pot your own good luck on your kitchen windowsill, and if your thumbs are not of the green variety, keep a selection of fridge-friendly herbs to hand.

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So, if you’re dieting make sure that you include these foods to help you transform into a superman or woman.

Let’s take a closer look at five more of the best:

Nuts

Nuts contain healthy oils, fibre, vitamins and minerals, potent phytochemicals and the amino acid arginine. They’re no longer a dieter’s foe with research showing that regular nut eaters often maintain a healthy weight. There’s also compelling research linking nuts and heart health with findings that a serve of nuts (30-45g), five times a week, may cut the risk of coronary heart disease in half.

Soy beans

These beans are an excellent source of high quality protein, containing twice as much protein as any other legume. The active ingredients are the soy protein and plant phyto-oestrogens (isoflavones) which have positive benefits for heart disease and possibly diabetes control, cancer protection (breast, colon, prostate) and decreasing menopausal symptoms.

Broccoli

Belongs to the brassica or cruciferous family and is packed with nutrients like vitamins C and A, riboflavin, folate, calcium, and iron. It also contains indoles shown to block oestrogen receptors in breast cancer cells and sulforaphane, which also kills abnormal cells.

Tomato

These vibrant red fruits are packed with the anti-oxidant lycopene. Lycopene offers a host of benefits including heart health and protection against prostate cancer. Interestingly you can increase the absorption of the lycopene in tomatoes by cooking in a small amount of olive oil. What great news for pasta lovers!

Red meat

Of course, when you’re dieting, only lean meat will do. It may be lean but healthy red meat cuts still pack a mean punch of iron and zinc and also supply vitamin B12, protein and omega 3 fats. To reap the rewards you only need to factor in 3-4 serves a week, such as a palm-size serve of steak; beef strips in a stir-fry and Thai beef salad for lunch.

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So, if you’re dieting, make sure you include these foods to help you transform into a superman or woman.

Let’s take a closer look at five of the best:

Green and gold kiwifruit

One of the most nutrient dense fruits with low kilojoules. Gold has twice the vitamin C of an orange and the same potassium content as a banana. Both green and gold also contain zinc, magnesium, folate and dietary fibre. Plus kiwifruit is one of the few low-fat dietary sources of vitamin E. With very powerful antioxidants, kiwifruit has been studied for its heart, blood vessel and cancer protection, enhanced immunity and protection against macular degeneration (a leading form of blindness).

Oats

Oats are the superstars of the whole grains. Wholegrain foods are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease and several cancers, with a 68 percent decreased risk of coronary heart disease observed in high wholegrain diets. Oats are rich in beta glucan soluble fibre and are low GI. They can help lower cholesterol (LDL), control blood sugar levels and help with satiety (feelings of fullness). They also contain potent phytochemicals, phenolic compounds in outer layer of grain, which act as antioxidants.

Yogurt

You get a great calcium boost from yogurt, but it’s the probiotics that make it a super food. Probiotics, sometimes referred to as aBc bacteria, are live cultures found in certain yogurts and there are different types or strains available. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that probiotics offer a host of benefits including promoting gut health, immune protection, cancer prevention, cholesterol lowering as well as helping treat conditions like traveller and toddler diarrhea and atopic eczema.

Blueberries

These brightly coloured fruits deliver high levels of antioxidants called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clotting, protect body cells and decrease the effects of brain ageing. That’s why they’re sometimes referred to as the ‘brainberries’.

Spinach

This dark green, leafy vegetable contains a synergy of phyto-nutrients and antioxidants including vitamin K, coenzyme Q10, folate, iron, and the carotenoids — lutein, zeaxanthin. Folate is especially important for women planning pregnancies, heart health and cancer protection. So it’s not just Popeye who should be getting his fill.

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