A Workout Should Leave You Looking Like This...

Daily Mail

 

Finally, a celeb who looks like I do post-workout! No make-up, exhausted expression... You can tell Reese Witherspoon is making the most of her gym membership.

Apparently she had just taken a Physique 57 class her local LA gym. It's the latest Hollywood exercise fad, which teams isometric exercises and orthopedic stretches to tone up your muscles and improve your posture. I want to try it!

Ooh, and if you want to buy Reese's quirky orange water bottle, I found it here.

Get Your Protein Fix (No Meat Required).

Not a lamb fan?

A couple in the Greek Islands were recently told they couldn't adopt because they were vegetarians. True story. Apparently, authorities were concerned that without meat or fish, the child wouldn't get a satisfactory diet.

As a born-and-bred meat lover, I've always wondered where vegetarians get their protein – I mean, without meat, how do you even feel full? Well, this article from the UK's Daily Mail outlines the top ten sources of protein for those who don't eat animal products...

1. Quinoa: Often labelled a "superfood", it's wholegrain that's rich in protein and fibre but gluten-free. You cook it in water, the same way you would with rice.

2. Avocado: It's two per cent protein and high in vitamins, monounsaturated fats and essential fatty acids.

3. Peas: Fresh or frozen, they're rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals and contain around five per cent protein.

4. Chick peas: They're low in fat and yet high in protein (around 23 per cent).

5. Miso soup: This Japanese soup is made from fermented soya beans, which offer more than 12 per cent protein.

6. Peanut butter: This sandwich spread is 28 per cent protein, and contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that can aid heart health.

7. Coconut: Whether you have it fresh or coconut milk, it's a complete protein that's also rich in fibre. But be warned: coconut flesh is high in saturated fat.

8. Brown rice: A wholegrain that's rich in minerals and high in fibre, it contains around 2.5 per cent protein.

9. Beetroot: As well as being rich in antioxidants, this veggie is a complete protein.

10. Oats: These are just under three per cent protein and can help keep you feeling full. 

I Think Everything Is Better With A Little Katy Perry.

And the new "All In" Adidas campaign is no exception. Katy joins David Beckham and NBA player Derrick Rose in the all-star line-up. I don't know about you, but I'm in.

Swap It, Don't Stop It.

Time to become a swapper...

That's the slogan for the government's new campaign. And I'm loving it. Dieting doesn't need to be hard. It should be about making small changes that you can keep up for the long term.

Swap big for small. Swap often for sometimes. Swap sitting for moving.

It really is that simple.

To learn more, check out the website here.

Try Saying No To This...

Sharon Montrose

Confession: I'm not really a dog person. But hold the hate mail or the how-could-you glares, I now live with two dogs (my mum's) and I'm coming around to the benefits of having a canine friend. Not only are they always so happy to see you they look like they could pee themselves, they also help keep you active.

Several recent studies have shown that dog walkers generally get more exercise than their non-canine-loving counterparts. And if you own a dog, you'll know why. It's a lot harder to say no to a pair of puppy dog eyes (and an annoying whimper) than it is a treadmill.

So as long as you don't mind waking up to a barking alarm you didn't set and constantly brushing hair off your clothes and you're handy with a pooper scooper, a dog could be one of the best things you buy for your health. The unconditional love is just a bonus.

Thought Of The Day...

Vintage Jet Patterns

I was training with my friend Mel the other week when she asked me, "Do you think we come to the gym every day because we're dedicated or because we just don't have anything better going on in our lives?" I wish I'd had this T-shirt to give her.

Help! I'm Exercising Too Much.

Going too hard?

Doubtful. A recent study in the UK done on older athletes (we're talking Olympic distance runners and rowers) has found that over exercising can result in heart muscle scarring, but what does this mean for all us regular joggers who lace-up our trainers for a sweat session several times a week? According to leading US cardiologist Dr Paul Thompson, not much.

“How many people are going to join the 100 Marathon club” or undertake a comparable amount of training? he asked. “Not many. Too much exercise has not been a big problem in America. Most people just run to stay in shape, and for them, the evidence is quite strong that endurance exercise is good” for the heart, he said.

So, exercise is good for heart health – unless maybe you're considering becoming an Olympic marathon runner that is...