Health – Nuyoo //blog.nuyoo.co Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:16:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.2 Top 5 tips to Get in Good Shape this Year! //blog.nuyoo.co/top-5-tips-to-get-in-good-shape-this-year/ //blog.nuyoo.co/top-5-tips-to-get-in-good-shape-this-year/#respond Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:16:08 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=608 Exercise & Nutrition should be apart of your lifestyle. Whether that be going for a run, cycling to work, swimming or lifting light weights. Start out by tracking your current...

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Exercise & Nutrition should be apart of your lifestyle. Whether that be going for a run, cycling to work, swimming or lifting light weights. Start out by tracking your current food intake on apps like MyFitnessPal or on our pro plan, to see whether you over or under-eating.

 

1. Pick a type of exercise you Enjoy!

athlete endurance energy

Pick a sport/training programme you can fit into your lifestyle. Make sure you enjoy it and that way you will have something to look forward to.

Once you have found something that would benefit you – reach out and try a class, or bring a friend along!

 

2. Fit Training Around Your Lifestyle.

Working man family life

Firstly, exercising excessively is not a good idea – you need to recover and take a break.

If you have an hour to spare to exercise, make sure you get the most out of your programme or session.

A few tips would be if your cycling, perhaps try a HIIT session. If you’re in the gym, try adding supersets to get more done in less time.

Find a time to fit in your training – Morning, Afternoon or Evening. Allocate some time to exercise and do what you can, that’s what it’s all about!

At Nuyoo we also offer shortened workouts for the days where you don’t have as much free time.

 

3. Eat the Right Amount of Calories.

carrots cucumber delicious

Food intake, the most important part of your nutrition!

Eating too many calories is unhealthy in itself – whether that be overeating cabbage or chocolate. It’s still extra stress on the body, and will lead to a lowering in energy and a build up of fat in the body.

You should be cautious of how many calories you’re consuming, especially if you are trying to lose weight! Aim to eat 200-500 less calories than you would normally do, the larger the calorie deficit the greater the weight loss. Instead of going without meals, try eating healthier food throughout the day. That being said, you should also consider that lowering your calories too much can have negative effects on the body such as very low energy, brain fog and many more problems.

If you are trying to gain weight, you should consider aiming for 200-500 calories over your normal intake. Remember that eating more calories than your body need is not healthy and therefore you should do this as little as possible, a small amount of extra calories should be the objective here! Growing muscle takes a long time so enjoy the process and take your time.

We recommend tracking your calories using MyFitnessPal – A great app, that will allow you to lose weight or gain the weight you need.

 

4. Your Human – Enjoy a Treat Every Once in a while!

tasty pancakes treat breakfast

When you are tracking your food intake – You are controlling the biggest factor that will determine your body weight. Typically most diets are focussed on the short term goals, but we are all about a lifestyle change!

Imagine being able to drop the weight you wanted – and keep it off effortlessly…

…With our programs we advice that users have treats once in a while to enjoy the process – then the fat loss or muscle gain you want becomes far easier to achieve, as you can follow it all year round.

 

5. Change your lifestyle, stop changing your diet!

aerobics athlete beautiful

Once you have controlled your calorie intake, you can do weekly weigh ins to see whether you are gaining or losing weight. You can then adjust your calorie intake accordingly.

When eating out don’t worry about eating the healthiest foods, just enjoy it! Then for the rest of the week have a bigger serving of nutrient dense foods like fruit and vegetables to benefit your health and well-being.

It’s all about keeping it balanced! If you restrict yourself from eating treats too much, you are more likely to binge!

Following a sustainable plan will flood your brain with happy hormones called endorphins.

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Top 5 Essential Keto Tips for Beginners! //blog.nuyoo.co/top-5-essential-keto-tips-for-beginners/ //blog.nuyoo.co/top-5-essential-keto-tips-for-beginners/#respond Tue, 15 Jan 2019 17:44:30 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=596 The keto diet is all about improving your health and aiding your weight loss. Once users are in Ketosis it’s common to have more energy & a clearer mind.  ...

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The keto diet is all about improving your health and aiding your weight loss. Once users are in Ketosis it’s common to have more energy & a clearer mind.

 

What is the keto diet?

The ketogenic diet is made up of a large amount of fat and a fair share of protein, with little to no carbohydrates. This means you get to eat lots of meat like steak, chicken & bacon. You can also add olive oil to your meals which adds plenty of flavour, you won’t eat like this with other diet’s!

 

 

  1. Calories Still Matter!

    Weight Loss Scales Keto

Regardless of what diet you are on, if you eat more calories than your burning you will gain weight. If you eat less calories than your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) you will lose weight. Therefore it’s recommended to track your calories which can be done through the Nuyoo program or using a third party app like MyFitnessPal. However you will also find that on a keto diet, weight loss happens far quicker than a traditional diet as your body will lose the initial water weight which is stored from carbohydrate consumption.

 

  1. Replenish your Electrolytes

    Female Drinking Electrolytes

When you are start out on the keto diet you will likely need to go to the toilet more. This is because your body is burning through your glycogen stores which is a good thing. However it’s also important to now replenish any electrolytes that have been removed from your system. This can be done by simply adding some sea salt to your water or by using an electrolyte supplement.

 

  1. Keep your Stress Levels Low

    Stressful Women

Hormones massively effect how we look and feel. Therefore when you can take a step back from life by watching a film/tv series you enjoy, exercise or even go for an brisk walk. Studies also show that meditating & yoga are great for keeping the Stress Hormone Cortisol down.

 

  1. Get Enough Quality Sleep

    women sleeping

Getting better quality sleep is just as important as getting the minimum of 7 hours you need every night. An easy way of promoting better sleep is by decreasing your stress levels this will increase your energy levels and will promote recovery. You will find it far easier to sleep at night if you have less on your mind, the best way to get started is by putting some time aside for you.

 

  1. EAT MORE FAT!

    Brazil Nut Healthy Fat Keto Diet

I know this is stating the obvious but it’s so important. Increasing your fat intake will also increase your energy levels. A quick way of eating more fat by making simple fat bombs, a recipe so many Nuyoo users use. Another option is to add more healthy fats into your diet, a few good foods are Avocados & Brazil Nuts.

If you’re interested in going keto our program is the best place to start.

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Low-carb diets can be healthier – but only if plant-based proteins are introduced //blog.nuyoo.co/low-carb-diets-can-be-healthier-plant-based-proteins-introduced/ //blog.nuyoo.co/low-carb-diets-can-be-healthier-plant-based-proteins-introduced/#respond Tue, 21 Aug 2018 09:51:59 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=548 Over the last decade the introduction of low-carb diets, such as Atkins, have been increasingly popular for its rapid weight loss effects and apparent health benefits. However, the long-term effect...

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Over the last decade the introduction of low-carb diets, such as Atkins, have been increasingly popular for its rapid weight loss effects and apparent health benefits. However, the long-term effect of carbohydrate restriction on mortality has long been a controversial topic and research has suggested this can be depend on whether carbohydrates are replaced by plant-based or animal-based fats and protein.

A new US study, conducted over the course of 25 years, has since indicated that a moderate cut in carb consumption can in fact be much healthier – but only if the carbohydrates cut from your diet is replaced with plant-based proteins and fats, supporting the rise of the vegan and vegetarian diet.

The study, followed 15,428 adults aged 45-64 years from 1987, monitoring their diets and health outcomes for more than two decades. To track the participants consumption, questionnaires on the food and drink they consumed were filled out along with portion sizes. From this, scientists estimated the proportion of calories they gained from carbohydrates, fats, and protein. The foods which were considered carbohydrates included vegetables, fruit and sugar but for most, the main source were starchy foods, such as potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and cereals.


Photo credit: Marlyinbarbone/Shutterstock

The variety of diets were then compared to those rich in animal fats and proteins, with those that are mainly plant based. It was suggested that eating more meat such as beef, and chicken in place of carbs was linked with a slightly increased risk of a shortened lifespan. But those that replaced carbohydrates with more plant-based proteins and fats, such as nuts, had a more positive correlation to reduced risk of mortality.

The researchers found that from age 50, the average life expectancy was 83 years for those with a moderate carbohydrate intake, which was shockingly four years longer than those with very low carbohydrate consumption. In contrast, those with a high carb intake, of greater than 70 per cent of daily calories, lived until an average age of 82.

Overall, the results highlighted that those who got 50-55% of their energy from carbohydrates had a slightly lower risk of death compared with the low and high-carb groups, supporting Public Health England guidelines recommending that an individual should get 50% of their calories from carbohydrates.


Photo Credit: George Rudy/Shutterstock

Here at Nuyoo.co, your personal trainer will suggest consuming ‘healthy ’carbohydrates sourced mainly from high fibre and, wholegrain foods, rather than things like sweet drinks or foods with a high sugar count. This was further confirmed with a review on dietary studies from around the world, reviewing 432,000 people from more than 20 countries. The study also confirmed the health risks of high carbohydrate diets.

With carbohydrates being such a broad category, it is important to understand that not all carbs are the same, and it is the quality and quantity within your diet that is key. As carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, in their absence your body will use fats and protein for energy instead. Interestingly, this study highlights the benefits of replacing carbs with plant-based proteins, such as nuts and seeds, rice, beans, corn and tofu.

Dr Sara Seidelmann, clinical and research fellow in cardiovascular medicine from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, who led the research, stated:

“Low-carb diets that replace carbohydrates with protein or fat are gaining widespread popularity as a health and weight-loss strategy. However, our data suggests that animal-based low carbohydrate diets, might be associated with shorter overall life span and should be discouraged. Instead, if one chooses to follow a low carbohydrate diet, then exchanging carbohydrates for more plant-based fats and proteins might actually promote healthy ageing in the long term.”

It is important to remember that everyone’s bodies are different and our personal trainers here at Nuyoo.co create a nutrition plan that is catered personally to you, factoring in things such as weight, height and age, but more importantly your exercise programme, ensuring your body benefits from the right sources of energy for the fitness routines you will be undergoing.

Feature image credit: Ratmaner/Shutterstock

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Food and drinks that keep you cool when it’s hot //blog.nuyoo.co/food-and-drinks-that-keep-you-cool-when-its-hot/ //blog.nuyoo.co/food-and-drinks-that-keep-you-cool-when-its-hot/#respond Mon, 16 Jul 2018 09:56:54 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=529 The last thing anyone wants during this unprecedented, and lengthy heatwave is a hot drink. But contrary to the heat-fuelled debate that surrounds this very topic, new research suggests that...

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The last thing anyone wants during this unprecedented, and lengthy heatwave is a hot drink. But contrary to the heat-fuelled debate that surrounds this very topic, new research suggests that you can in fact cool down on a hot day by drinking a hot beverage.

Researchers at The University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetics summarised that ‘if you drink a hot drink, it does result in a lower amount of heat stored inside your body, provided the additional sweat that’s produced when you drink the hot drink can evaporate’. And whilst, it seems completely illogical to drink something that makes you feel like you’re burning up, the science behind this old wives’ tale points to some truth.

What the researchers do allude to, is that for this theory to effectively work, the conditions need to be exact. You need high temperatures from dry heat, so muggy, humid weather won’t work as effectively. You also need to be wearing clothes that allow your sweat to evaporate, as if you wear something where sweat can’t escape to dry, your body temperature will not change. And lastly, you should always consider wearing very thin clothes, and items that are as light as possible – without bearing all of course.

So, you may be asking what science is behind this phenomenon? Peter McNaughton, a neuroscientist at The University of Cambridge concludes that your body sweats so much more when drinking something hot because of the receptors on the tongue and in the throat. Likewise, when you eat chilli peppers, and anything spicy/hot causes the same sweating sensation.

And in preparation for this continuing hot climate, here are some of the foods and drinks that keep you cool when it’s hot.

Poppy seeds

Who would have thought this opiate can help keep you cool – but they do. Poppy seeds are known to quench your thirst and therefore keep your insides feeling cool. So, it’s time to ditch the dressings, and opt for poppy seeds to top off your summer salad.

Berries

It is the season of British berries, and it is at this time of year when we become obsessed with berry-based smoothies, yoghurt bowels and desserts smothered in berries. But have you ever considered what the likes of raspberries, and blueberries do for your body? Berries are very alkaline, which means they generate cold energy in your system, in turn keeping your body feeling a little cooler. Not to mention, berries tend to contain a lot of water, ensuring your body remains hydrated at all times.

Water-heavy foods: Cucumbers, celery and watermelon

We all know cucumbers contain around 96% water, making them a perfect accompaniment for summer dishes. Other high-water foods include celery and radish, and studies have shown that eating cucumbers straight after exercising can hydrate your body as effectively, if not better than a sports drink. And if you fancy something refreshing whilst soaking up the sun, try watermelon as an afternoon snack. This fruit contains 92% water, so it’s time to soak up the water you need to keep cool, whilst enjoying the benefits!

Fish

An unexpected food group which can supposedly keep your body temperature low is fish and seafood. Unlike red meat that tends to give you that uncomfortable post-meal malaise, fish and seafood is high in protein, low in calories and high in water – 80% to be exact. So instead of loading up on steak, and overdosing on BBQ’s, try grilling a fillet of salmon or prawns for that juicy but more weather appropriate feeling.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is popular in very hot countries, where temperatures can become somewhat unbearable and intense at the height of day. However, yoghurt can be the god-send you’re looking for because of its high-water content and cooling effect, as it helps promote friendly bacteria in your gut which fights against food poisoning. And why is this relevant? You tend to eat outside during the summer months a lot more, meaning your body is more prone to harmful bacteria.

Coconut water

Packed full of electrolytes, coconut water is the latest health trend hitting the market. Although it has an acquired taste, coconut water is rich in essential minerals like potassium and sodium; key components we lose whenever we sweat. So, when you hit the gym, or go for a morning jog, perhaps consider ditching the sports drink and drink coconut water to replenish your body and keep yourself hydrated.

Ice tea

If a hot drink just doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then really you should be opting for an iced version instead. There are so many flavours available to suppress your thirst and to keep you feeling hydrated in no time, so flavours like lemon, mint, peach and raspberry are good options. Just add plenty of ice, and chill for a couple of hours and you’re ready to go. Just remember to avoid adding sugar, as you will soon dehydrate, not to mention, pile on the calories quicker than you can drink.

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Foods that will give you flawless skin //blog.nuyoo.co/foods-that-will-give-you-flawless-skin/ //blog.nuyoo.co/foods-that-will-give-you-flawless-skin/#respond Fri, 15 Jun 2018 13:32:23 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=487 The famous dermatologist Erno Laszlo once said that “beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle”. Some of his famous clients who trusted his expertise include Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and...

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The famous dermatologist Erno Laszlo once said that “beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle”. Some of his famous clients who trusted his expertise include Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and the Duchess of Windsor. Flawless skin is something most people desire to achieve and spend a substantial amount of time and money on creams and serums that promise do just that. However, in order to achieve beautiful skin, it is important to start from within. The food we eat plays an important role in making our skin either flawless and healthy or dull and prone to break outs, so it is vital we chose our food wisely to keep our skin looking in good shape and younger for years to come.

Here at Nuyoo, we have pulled together 5 key foods that will help you achieve beautiful and healthy skin!

Berries

Image Credit: Natasha Breen/Shutterstock

These fruits are not only delicious, but they are also packed with vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin C, which is very beneficial for your overall well being. Strawberries in particular are great for your skin as they are known to promote collagen production, which will make your skin smooth and supple.

Walnuts

Image credit: Krasula/Shutterstock

In order to have beautiful clear skin, it is important to maintain the levels of moisture, and walnuts does just that, due to their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, these tasty nuts are packed with biotin and vitamin E, which act as a protector of your, so if you feel like snacking, walnuts are a tasty and healthy option with unbeknown benefits.

Green Tea

Image credit: 5 second Studio/Shutterstock

It is well known that drinking green tea is beneficial to our bodies, and its goodness is immediately noticeable on our skin. It contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) which is a type of catechin used in many dietary supplements. This antioxidant is known to boost your metabolism and overall health.

Cucumbers

Image credit: HandmadePictures/Shutterstock

Considering that we are 60% water, we need to remain hydrated in order to maintain healthy skin and while drinking water is one way to do so, eating cucumbers can also enhance your skin, keeping it smooth and healthy for longer. These tasty vegetables are 95% water, which is more than a single watermelon contains. They are also great at helping your body produce hyaluronic acid, as they contain silica.

Espresso

Image credit: Valeria Aksakova/Shutterstock

It might come as a surprise that espresso made it to this list, however, coffee lovers will be pleased to know that it contains antioxidant polyphenols, a nutrient meant to repair UV damage, therefore a shot of it in the morning can do wonders for your skin!

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5 myths about gluten free products //blog.nuyoo.co/5-myths-about-gluten-free-products/ //blog.nuyoo.co/5-myths-about-gluten-free-products/#respond Mon, 14 May 2018 13:05:52 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=457 While those suffering from celiac disease are advised to stay away from gluten, it seems like removing this protein out of your diet has become a trend, rather than a...

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While those suffering from celiac disease are advised to stay away from gluten, it seems like removing this protein out of your diet has become a trend, rather than a medical necessity and gluten free EVERYTHING has become the catalyst of change for the younger generation. We have become accustomed to trusting nutritionists, fitness instructors, dietitians and celebrities over the diets they are following, thinking they know the exact benefits and drawbacks of certain food groups. And what’s more, we’re a nation that trusts what the media spews out, and the food labels we see. But have you ever taken a moment to consider what gluten free products are, and whether you have been deceived by their health benefits.

Here, at Nuyoo.co, we know how important it is to teach and not to encourage or convince, so here are 5 myths about gluten free products.

A gluten-free diet is healthier

This is a huge misconception, unless you are suffering from celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, there is no evidence that removing gluten from your diet is in fact healthier for you, especially if you do not suffer from any conditions. If you are consuming large amounts of pasta and bread (whether gluten-free or not), a diet containing more vegetables and fruits would be healthier, not because it is gluten-free, but because it’s richer in nutrients and vitamins that your body naturally needs.

Image credit: Lolostock/Shutterstock 

You will feel more energised if you eliminate gluten from your diet

Another misconception regarding the benefits of a ‘non-gluten’ diet is the fact that some claim it will make you feel more energised. Again, there is no scientific proof. Some anti-gluten campaigners believe that gluten takes longer to be digested by the body, causing you to feel tired, however there are no studies to back up this assumption.

Image credit: A. and I. Kruk/Shutterstock 

When a label says gluten-free it means that the food contains no gluten

This is not true. In fact, these products are allowed to contain a small amount of gluten. If a product is labelled as ‘gluten-free’ it means that it contains less than a legal amount of gluten (that amount depends on the country you are in). Some people suffering from celiac disease might even react to products that are deemed ‘gluten-free’.

‘Gluten-free’ equals ‘wheat-free’

Products labelled ‘wheat-free’ can’t be called ‘gluten-free’ because they most likely contain rye or barley. This can be quite confusing as ‘gluten-free’ products are great for those suffering from allergy, but they can easily be mistaken for ‘wheat-free’ product.

Gluten sensitivity doesn’t really exist

Unfortunately, until a couple of years ago, doctors were unable to understand why some people who were not suffering from celiac disease, were still getting symptoms associated with it. Today the condition is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Although the symptoms are similar, metabolically, the two conditions are different. While people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity can consume small amounts of gluten, those with celiac disease, eating anything with gluten is not allowed.

Photo credit: petereleven/Shutterstock 

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How to prepare for the London Marathon in the heat //blog.nuyoo.co/how-to-prepare-for-the-london-marathon-in-the-heat/ //blog.nuyoo.co/how-to-prepare-for-the-london-marathon-in-the-heat/#respond Wed, 18 Apr 2018 14:58:33 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=320 Whilst temperatures are set to hit a high of 27 degrees towards the end of the week, the forecast for this Sunday’s London Marathon is due to get a little...

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Whilst temperatures are set to hit a high of 27 degrees towards the end of the week, the forecast for this Sunday’s London Marathon is due to get a little cooler; much to the delight of the runners. Brits love the weather – they love talking about it, moaning about it and basking in it, and so as the rest of the country jumps for joy with the heatwave, (an anomaly for this time of year), more than 40,000 runners are preparing themselves for how best to tackle the 26.2 miles in the heat.

And if the marathon wasn’t difficult enough, a sudden spike in temperature makes training a whole lot harder, and potentially quite dangerous if you don’t know how best to cope. But no matter the weather, taking part in a long-distance event like the London Marathon takes months of strength and dedication to achieve your goal and the phrase ‘poor preparation predicts poor performance’, is easily true when you do not understand how best to prepare.

As the heatwave continues to settle over most parts of the UK, marathon runners will be thinking how best to streamline their training regime until then.

Fitness and training experts, Nuyoo have therefore put together some important tips on how to prepare for the London Marathon in the heat.

Photo credit: bikeworldtravel/Shutterstock 

Protect your skin from the rays

You may have already considered applying sun cream before you hit the streets of London, even if the temperature was considerably lower, as spending that much time in the sun can still cause you to burn and dehydrate. But with more than a 10-degree difference, wearing sun cream is essential, and you will perhaps need to buy something a little stronger, and one that lasts anywhere between three to six hours. You may also consider buying a waterproof brand so it is less affected by sweating over a long duration.

Your expectations may need to change

Before the sudden heatwave, you may have set yourself a goal to have completed the marathon in a certain time and like any professional athlete, you want to show you can achieve something great if you put your mind to it. But, the weather can dictate your performance. If this is your first race, perhaps forget your time goal, and just take it as it comes. At the end of the day, you want to finish the race, and not collapse mid-way through. Nick Anderson of Running with Us, and a Cancer Research UK coach for the marathon has commented that ‘it if’s super-hot, don’t think about personal bests, but embrace the challenge of completing a marathon on a hot day’. After all, that will be an achievement you will cherish forever.

Photo credit: Ms Jane Campbell/Shutterstock 

Hit the heat beforehand

The Met Office has predicted that the heat is to stay. So what better way to get used to the heat before a marathon than by facing it head on. It’s always a good idea to try and acclimatise, and to be outside in the heat of the day, to understand how your body copes. This is something most runners and athletes do before trying events in tropical and desert like countries. Another easy way to get used to the soaring temperatures is by spending long periods of time in a hot bath.

Drink less, but often

Ironically during a race, you would think that drinking litres of water in a shorter space of time to keep yourself hydrated is the ‘done thing to do’. WRONG. The trick is to drink little, but often, and experts recommend at least every, one to three miles at the very minimum. Also, contrary to how thirsty you may feel for water, only drinking H2O will result in your body losing salts, but not replacing them. Choose a sports drink with plenty of electrolytes and carbohydrates to keep your levels balanced. Also, it will ensure your muscles do not cramp and hit that ‘wall’ in the race, which discourages you to continue.

Photo credit: Michaelpuche/Shutterstock 

Eat and drink plenty before the big day

Stay clear from caffeine and alcohol before the race, as they can dehydrate you. Some fitness experts claim that some people find it difficult to sleep and recover prior to the race if these levels are too high. Not to mention, your body needs between three and three and a half litres of water every day before the race. The most important days to keep on top of your water intake is Friday and Saturday. And although caffeine is not advised beforehand, some runners like to have caffeine based drinks during the race, to give them a quick ‘high’ and boost of energy.

Finally…

Enjoy the race, but listen to your body

The beauty of the London Marathon is you can take just as long as you need to complete it. Anything from seven hours to eight days, the purpose of the race is to enjoy it, and to accomplish something you would never have put yourself forward to do. Similarly, you are running for a charity of your choice, perhaps one close to your heart, and you may be dressed up to mark the occassion and really pull all the stops out. The most exhilarating part is crossing the finish line, but before you reach the Mall, thousands and thousands of supporters will be lining the streets to support every individual they see.

Hugh Brasher, Virgin Money London Marathon event director has commented: ‘We monitor the weather forecast for race day very closely. We have a number of contingency plans in place in case of hot weather, and we will be sending advice to runners and spectators later in the week that will be proportionate to race day’. The most important thing is to enjoy it, but if your body is struggling, listen, slow down, take a break or find some shade, and continue when you feel ready.

Photo credit: yampi/Shutterstock 

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The Danger of Healthy Food Alternatives //blog.nuyoo.co/the-danger-of-healthy-alternatives/ //blog.nuyoo.co/the-danger-of-healthy-alternatives/#respond Wed, 28 Mar 2018 10:52:49 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=304 It’s easy to get confused about health and nutrition, when every day there is a new headline about what is good and what is bad for our bodies to digest....

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It’s easy to get confused about health and nutrition, when every day there is a new headline about what is good and what is bad for our bodies to digest. One day it is fat, then sugar or carbohydrates and gluten! As a result, stores across the nation now stock as many healthy food alternatives as you can shake a stick at. The danger is, many people may not realise the “good option” which are substitutes for what you are replacing may contain a number of unhealthy additives to compensate for missing ingredients, making healthy food alternatives not so healthy.

Inspired, Nuyoo.co delved into the danger of healthy food alternatives and what to look out for.

Skim Milk

Nutritionists suggest skim milk is helpful to people who consume a lot of milk, because it contains zero grams of fat and will reduce calorie consumption. But research shows there are more health benefits associated with drinking whole milk than skim milk.

A study published in the journal, Circulation found that people who ate or drank full-fat dairy products had a 46% lower risk of developing diabetes than those who consumed low-fat or skimmed milk. It is believed the saturated fats, vitamin D, and omega-3 fats found in dairy may defend consumers against insulin resistance and help to control body weight.

It is also known fat helps people to feel full for longer. When people cut out fat, they tend to replace it with sugar and carbohydrates to satisfy their hunger.

Image credit: 123object/Shutterstock

Gluten-Free

Gluten is responsible for the shape and texture of baked goods. When this protein is removed, it is substituted with sugar and chemicals to make up for the loss.

A growing number of people believe gluten-free products are healthier alternatives. But often, these products lack necessary nutrients. Amazingly, 72% of people who follow gluten-free diets have no health reasons to, such as celiac disease or sensitivity to protein.

In a study published by the Journal of Human Nutrition, it was found, apart from crackers, gluten-free foods contain more fat, salt and sugar than their gluten-containing equivalents and have lower fibre and protein content. Further, it has been noted people on gluten-free diets have an inadequate amount of nutrients, including folate, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium and iron.

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Fresh Produce

It’s true, by the time fresh produce is purchased at a supermarket, stored and finally eaten, it’s likely to hold far fewer nutrients than frozen fruits or vegetables. Freezing fruit and veg will preserve vitamins and minerals and prevent nutritional depletion.

Per a 2017 study, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, it was found ‘frozen produce outperformed “fresh-stored” more frequently than “fresh-stored” outperformed frozen when assessing nutrient and vitamin contents.’ In other words, frozen food may have just as much or greater nutritional value than its fresh counterparts.

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Agave Sweetener

To source agave, it is extracted from the cactus plant. Recently, it has been heralded as the Saint of sweeteners.

Many people believe agave sweetener and coconut sugar are healthier alternatives to refined sugar. It is true it is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes, due to it having a lower glycaemic index – a value that determines how slowly or how quickly those foods cause increases in blood glucose levels.

Despite this, agave sweetener and sugar contain virtually the same number of calories per teaspoon.

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Diabetes Diagnoses Doubles in 20 Years and is Five Types Not Two //blog.nuyoo.co/diabetes-diagnoses-doubles-in-20-years-and-is-now-five-types-not-two/ //blog.nuyoo.co/diabetes-diagnoses-doubles-in-20-years-and-is-now-five-types-not-two/#respond Fri, 02 Mar 2018 14:24:36 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=283 Diabetes UK is calling for further action as the number of UK people diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled in the last 20 years. Diabetes UK has analysed recent...

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Diabetes UK is calling for further action as the number of UK people diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled in the last 20 years. Diabetes UK has analysed recent figures released by the NHS, and though the data is not broken down by Type 1 and Type 2, recent research uncovered by Diabetes UK understands that Type 1 is increasing around the world.

The new figures show that there is now almost 3.7 million people living with the condition, which causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. Diabetes is the result of the hormone insulin which is produced by the pancreas, and controls the amount of glucose in the blood. This figure of 3.7 million people, is an increase of 1.9 million since 1998; a shocking and alarming rise. The research collated also identifies that those with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes has increased by nearly 100,000 – from 3,590,501 to 3,689,509. What’s more, regionally, Bradford in Yorkshire has the highest prevalence of the disease, where more than one in 10 people are living with the life-long condition. Contrastingly, residents in Richmond, a wealthy borough of London has the lowest rate for diagnosis, with only 3.6% affected. In context, the national average is 6.6%.

Although there are two types of Diabetes, Type 1 isn’t preventable and anyone with Type 2 can prevent or delay the onset of the condition by making lifestyle choices to their diet and exercise. Three in five women, around 59% and two in three men (68%) are overweight and obese, which can increase the chances of developing Diabetes and so making significant lifestyle changes can ultimately decrease your chances of being diagnosed with Diabetes.

In light of the news, Diabetes UK is calling on the government to take further action to tackle childhood obesity, as more than 22% are overweight or obese. Diabetes UK are suggesting introducing stricter measures on junk food advertising and the way supermarkets price promote unhealthy foods and snacks which would be appealing to young children. Targeting the younger generation is one way to eliminate the number of adults diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes and if the government starts when they’re young, NHS figures could drastically change.

In a statement released by Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, he comments:

“Diabetes is the fastest growing health crisis of our time; and the fact that diagnoses have doubled in just twenty years should give all of us serious pause for thought.

“Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are serious conditions that can lead to devastating complications such as amputation, blindness, kidney disease, stroke and heart disease if people don’t receive a timely diagnosis and begin receiving the right care.

“With more than 12 million people across the UK at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and prevalence of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes still on the rise, it’s clear there’s a huge amount of work to be done.

“We want the Government to recognise the seriousness of the growing diabetes crisis, take action to help those at increased risk, and help us turn the tables on this devastating condition.”

What’s more, not only have figures for the disease increased drastically, scientists have recently uncovered a revised classification for Diabetes, which could effectively help doctor more accurately predict any life-threatening complications and develop better treatments. The research has found that there are five distinct types of the disease in adulthood, rather than two variations commonly known at present.

The findings are implicit of the way different types of Diabetes must be treated. Sub-types need different treatments, and so individuals can manage their own condition, based on what they need to assist. Scientists have also identified different types of microbiome, which is the bacterial ecosystem in our digestive tract. This reacts differently to the same medication, making some treatments less or more effective for individuals.

The study comprised of 13,270 diabetes patients who had been only recently diagnosed. The patients ranged in age from 18 to 97. The researchers isolated measurements of insulin resistance, insulin secretion, blood sugar levels, age, onset of the illness and subsequently discovered five clusters of Diabetes; of which three are considered more serious than the other two which are milder.

Lead author Emma Ahlqvist, an associate professor at Lund University shed light on the study, claiming that ‘this will enable earlier treatment to prevent complications in patients who are most at risk of being affected’.

The study has identified that among the serve types, one group of patients with insulin resistance, were at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. Senior author Leif Groop, an endocrinologist at Lund University in Sweden claims that it is these patients who have incorrectly treated, and so this research will help treat patients like this.

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Organ Donation 2018: The UK’s “Most-Giving” Region //blog.nuyoo.co/organ-donation-2018-uk/ //blog.nuyoo.co/organ-donation-2018-uk/#respond Mon, 05 Feb 2018 15:42:16 +0000 //blog.nuyoo.co/?p=260 Highly personal and complex, recent news on the subject of organ donation ranges from Selena Gomez revealing her best friend gave her a kidney on social media, to Jeremy Corbyn...

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Highly personal and complex, recent news on the subject of organ donation ranges from Selena Gomez revealing her best friend gave her a kidney on social media, to Jeremy Corbyn laying out plans to make everyone an organ donor and for it to become an opt-out system, rather than opt-in. A topic of great importance, a vocation for health in mind, body and soul, led fitness experts Nuyoo to explore organ donation futher, and to analyse the NHS release Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report, 2016-17 to reveal the UK’s most-giving region. 

“Every transplant is the result of a collaboration between donors and their families, a host of clinicians working in different parts of the NHS and finally the transplant recipient and their family. Ensuring that this collaboration works smoothly every time is a significant challenge.”

Nuyoo found in 2016-17, that the UK had proved its ability to improve the chain of collaboration in organ donation by increasing the number of deceased organ donors to 1,413, a 4% increase on the previous year. In addition, there were 1,043 living donors. Altogether culminating in 4,753 live-saving and life-transforming transplants. It was also revealed the NHS succeeded in reaching a milestone figure, with 50,000 people alive today thanks to a transplant.

HOWEVER, despite this encouraging progress, opportunities for donation continue to be missed and it is “family refusal” that has been coined the “biggest obstacle.”

In fact, more than 500 families in the UK have said no to organ donation since 2010, despite knowing or being informed their relative was on the NHS Organ Donor Register and wanted to donate. These refusals made by families have resulted in an estimated 1,200 people missing out on a potentially life-saving transplant.

Further figures indicate there were 6,388 patients waiting for a transplant at the end of March 2017, with 3,357 suspended from transplant lists. 457 patients died while waiting for their transplant on the active list, while 875 were removed from the list altogether. The removals were mostly due to deteriorating health and ineligibility for transplant. Unfortunately, many of these patients died shortly afterwards.

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In learning there has been a 4% increase in deceased donors (to 1,413) but a 3% fall in living donors (to 1,043), Nuyoo decided to focus on data that highlights the number of “deceased” organ donations* (2016-17) to determine the “most giving” region, in terms of donation, whilst highlighting the issue and raising awareness.

*NHS figures include the number of donations after brainstem death (DBD) and the number of donations after circulatory death (DCD) across the UK by region, in the year 2016-17.

Nuyoo found that the North West gave the highest number of organs, at 162, followed by the East of England (150) and London (146.) With fewer organ donation totals found in the East Midlands (74), North East (75) and South-Central England (89.)

The North West was also found to donate the most kidneys and cardiothoracic organs. While pancreas donation numbers are highest in the West Midlands, the East of England is highest for liver donations.

If we take the figure of organ donation per million population* regionally, the outcome changes ever-slightly to afford the North East the higher outcome, with a rate of 28.6% per million of the region’s population who donate. The North East was followed by the South-East Coast (27.2%) and East of England (24.7%).

*Organ donor rates per million population (PMP) for 2016-17 are given by country and former Strategic Health Authority according to where the donor lived.

About Donation – advice from organdonation.nhs.uk

Organ donation is where a person elects to give their organs and tissues for transplant to someone else. By signing up to become a donor, you can help the NHS to save thousands of lives in the UK every year.

Anyone can register to donate their organs and tissue when they die, regardless of their age or medical condition and when you register for the first time, you will receive an organ donor card. If you are already an organ donor, but you have lost your card or need a new one call 0300 123 23 23.

Most organs are donated by those who are deceased and used to help someone who needs a transplant. Some organs, like the kidney and liver, can be donated by living donors. Incredible advances in medical science mean that more and more people each year can benefit from donated tissue, including corneas and bone.

If you are interested in being a donor, make sure to tell your friends and family your wishes – it is very important that they understand and support your decision because your family’s support is needed for donation to go ahead. Dealing with the death of a loved one is a difficult time to make an important decision quickly.

5 Reasons to Donate:

  • Organ donation saves lives but there is a shortage of donors. You can make an extraordinary difference.
  • One organ donor can save or transform up to nine lives.
  • Patients are dying while organs are going to waste.
  • Even if your organs can’t be used, you could still help others by donating sight.
  • Leave your family feeling proud that you saved lives.
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