Almost eight Kettlebell Exercises For Fat Loss

Learn why everyone from professional athletes to your favorite Hollywood celebrities are using these kettlebell exercises in their workouts. They’re a phenomenal way to tone your body, build muscle and increase cardio all in the same workout.

Did you know workouts using kettlebells are the best for burning high amounts of calories? In this study undertaken by the American Council on Exercise it was shown that when kettlebells were used in high-intensity interval training participants burned 20.2 calories per minute. That’s the same amount of calories burned as running at a 6-minute mile pace or cross-country skiing up hill!

Kettlebell exercises are super sculptors – the weight of a kettlebell isn’t evenly distributed which forces your stabilizer muscles to go into overdrive. These exercises are targeted at working your arms, shoulders, back, butt and core. Melt fat, increase muscle and improve your endurance – your whole body is about to become more slim and toned!

1- Comfortable Grip Kettlebells For Total Body Workouts

First you’ll need to grab yourself a set of kettlebells. Kettlebells are always a great option for total body workouts. They take up minimal amounts of space and are just so effective and easy to use.

2- Around-the-Body Rotation

Start by holding the kettlebell in front of your torso with both hands. Keep a slight bend in your knees and have your feet at hip-width apart. Pass the kettlebell into your right hand and move it behind your body from your right hand into your left hand. Bring the kettlebell around your body back to the front completing a full circle – that’s one rep.

Do 12 of these reps then swap directions and do another 12 reps without stopping. Repeat for a total of 3 sets in each direction.


Tip: Try to keep the kettlebell at exactly the same height while performing this exercise.

3- Bent over row

Start by holding the kettlebell in your right hand and bend forward at the hips so that your torso is almost parallel to the ground. Let the kettlebell hang at arm’s length and grip the handle firmly. Keeping your arm tucked close to your side lift the kettlebell upwards with your elbow pointing towards the ceiling while keeping your torso in the same position. Lower the kettlebell back to arm’s length and you’ve completed one rep.

Do 12 reps on each side and repeat for a total of 3 sets on each side.

Tip: Try squeezing your upper back and pinching your shoulder blades together while doing this exercise.

3- Dead lift

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and the kettlebell placed between your legs. Keep your knees slightly bent with your butt downward but not in a deep squat position. Keep your head in-line with your spine and with a firm grip on the handles lift the kettlebell up, then lower it back to its starting position. While doing the movement activate your glutes and hamstrings and push down on your heels as you stand up.

Do 12 reps and use a reasonably heavy kettlebell.

Tip: Try flexing your laterals during the lift to maintain good core stability.

5- Figure 8’s

 

Start holding the kettlebell in your right hand and standing with your feet just over shoulder-width apart with your knees bent into a quarter squat position. Remember to keep your chest up and spine straight. Swing the kettlebell between your legs and behind your left leg while grabbing it with your left hand. Grab the kettlebell with your left hand and swing it back around between your legs and behind your right leg, while grabbing it with your right hand and back to the initial position completing a rep. You’ll want to do this for 12 reps.

Tip: Do the movement slowly and controlled while keeping your core braced.

6- Half get-up

Start lying flat on your back with your legs straight and the kettlebell by your right side. Grip the kettlebell in your right hand and press it up while keeping your arm straight so that it is above your shoulder. Bend your left and place your foot on the floor while placing your left hand behind you on the ground for stabilization. Reverse the steps back down to the starting position and that is one rep. Complete 6 reps using your left hand then repeat 6 reps using your right hand.

7- Swing

Start by gripping the kettlebell in both hands between your legs at a stance just over shoulder width apart. Keeping your core braced, drop your hips into a squat position while letting the kettlebell hang just behind your heels. Driving through your hips, stand straight up and swing the kettlebell upwards to shoulder height. As it comes back down, bend your legs and return to the squat position – that’s a complete rep and you’ll want to do 20 of them.

Tip: Look forward while keeping your arms straight and squeezing your glutes when performing the swing.

8- Front squat

Start by standing with your feet at shoulder width apart. Hold the kettlebell close to your chest with your elbows bent and it closed to your body. Bend at the knees and push your hip back until your knees are parallel to the ground. Remember to keep your chest up and back straight. Return to the standing position by pushing off from your heals and you’ve completed one rep. Do 20 front squats.

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7 Best Healthy Snacks Packed With Protein

Trying to cut back on calories but finding yourself craving not-so-healthy foods? Try these 7 best healthy snacks that are packed with protein that’ll keep you on your diet and losing weight.

So cut back the calories, get slim and stay satisfied by choosing from these healthy and high protein snacks!

Satisfy With A High Protein Hit

Snacks high in protein can help you lose weight and stick to a diet. Protein
releases energy slowly and will leave you feeling fuller for longer. As a super slow energy releaser, protein will help you stay satisfied, can fight off food cravings and keeps your blood sugar levels stable. Protein is also essential for healthy muscles and hair.

So with all the positives that protein provides, which snacks will you pack to keep satisfied? See our handy list of high protein foods to keep off the calories and prevent you from reaching for unhealthy snacks, such as crisps or chocolate.

1Go Nuts

Nuts are a great way to get some protein on the go. Whether it’s a peanut butter snack pack containing around 190 calories and 8 grams of protein (per 1.15 ounces), or a handful of your favorite nuts, which can be combined with dried fruit for extra flavor and fiber, nuts definitely pack in protein. Almonds are an awesome way to get extra protein into your diet and with 4 grams of protein for 14 almonds, at only 100 calories per serving, why not go nuts?

2Eat Some Meat

Meat contains high levels of protein, and by cutting up small cubes of chicken or steak you can create a handy protein snack. However, if you don’t want the fuss of cooking, jerky can provide an alternative option with 7 to 11 grams of protein per one ounce serving and only 70 to 90 calories.

3Take Some Tuna Or Turkey

Pouches of tuna contain 16 grams of protein and are an excellent way to get omega 3 into your diet, which is essential for your body to function. Turkey rolls can provide around 18 grams of protein and can be filled them with flavor and turned into a wrap by adding tomato and mustard. Alternatively, make your own version by adding your favorite veg. Cover your turkey wraps in film or take them in a tub so that they are ready to eat on the go, and at 75 calories per wrap, you can’t complain.

4Get Some Wholegrain

Whole grain bars are the latest trend and whether you take a bar with you or eat it for breakfast, they contain between 10 to 15 grams of protein. However, be careful to read the label first because some can come with a high sugar and fat content. Oatmeal can provide a healthier alternative and has around 4 grams of protein per packet. For those on the go, you can grab a pot of oatmeal from your local supermarket and take it for breakfast or lunch. Mix your oatmeal with milk, sprinkle on some almonds and you have a simple and tasty snack packed full of proteins.

5Squeeze In Some Cheese

Cottage cheese is low in fat and high in protein, with 20 grams and 110 calories per 5 ounce serving. This tasty cheese is great paired with tuna and spring onions or put on a celery stick for a snack with extra crunch. Mini cheeses are also a handy way to get some protein; they can easily be added into your bag, are available in different varieties and contain around 6 to 8 grams of protein.

6Do It With Dairy

Greek yogurt, kefir (a drinkable creamy yogurt) and low-fat chocolate milk are all packed full of proteins and will provide calcium to keep your teeth and bones healthy. Yes you heard correctly, low fat chocolate milk, which will not only provide you with enough protein to help you lose weight, but will also satisfy your taste buds, should you get a craving for chocolate. Low fat chocolate milk provides 9 grams of satisfying protein, whilst Greek yogurt can give you 12 to 30 grams a container. Kefir, which provides a great lactose free alternative, has 11 grams of protein per cup with three times as many probiotics than yogurt, so is also good for your gut.

7How About Hummus?

Chickpeas come with 7 grams of protein per a quarter cup serving and can be made into hummus by blending with oil and tahini. Other beans, lentils and peas will provide protein and can be mixed with vegetables and spices for a super tasty snack. However, if hummus isn’t for you why not cook some rice? As rice also contains protein, providing approximately 6 grams per 4.4 ounce cup.

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Healthy-Fat Foods That Are Good For Our Bodies

Avocado

Eat it on your sandwich, or serve it up in guacamole. Tasty avocado is good for your heart and may help with osteoarthritis symptoms, thanks to healthy fats.

An extra benefit? When you eat avocado with other foods, it helps your body better absorb their nutrients. Half a medium avocado is one serving and about 115-160 calories.

Seeds

Little pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds pack a big punch. They have “good” fats that can lower cholesterol. In general, fats that come from plants are healthier than those from animal products. “Bad” fats are in foods like fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and some packaged foods. Check food labels to see how much fat, and what type, you’re getting. Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats.

Nuts

From hazelnuts to pecans, all nuts are good for your heart. Walnuts, especially, deliver heart-healthy fats. But don’t overdo it. Just because the fats are healthy doesn’t mean you can eat as much as you want. A serving is 1 ounce. That’s about 14 walnut halves, 24 almonds, 35 peanuts, 18 cashews, or 15 pecan halves.

Olive Oil

Whether you’re cooking or dressing your salad, try olive oil. It’s high in good fat. Remember, though: It’s always smart to watch how much fat — even good fat — you eat. So cook with less oil than a recipe calls for. Or use an olive oil spray. In baking, you can use applesauce for half the oil to cut back on some fat and shave calories.

Vegetables

Dark green veggies like spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts offer some omega 3s. Because our bodies can’t make these good fats, you have to get them from food. Aim for 2-3 cups of vegetables every day. Include fish in your diet, too, since fish have a different kind of omega-3 fat that you need. Plants only offer a fraction of the omega-3s that fish do.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of inexpensive protein, and a large egg has less than 5 grams of fat, most from healthy fats. Some eggs are also enriched with extra omega-3s. It will say so on the carton.

Ground Flaxseed

As part of a healthy diet, good-for-you fats can help make your skin look great — plumper and younger. Plus, they add fiber and can help ease inflammation. Get good fats by sprinkling a teaspoon of ground flaxseed on your salad or your cereal, or use it when you’re baking.

Beans

Whether they’re kidney, Great Northern, navy, or soybeans, adding beans to your diet can be good for you mentally and physically. Beans have omega 3s, which may help with mood.

Fish

Naturally fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These are “good” fats that help keep your heart healthy. They may also help keep your brain sharp, especially as you get older. The American Heart Association suggests eating two servings of fatty fish a week. A serving is 3 ounces — about the size of a deck of cards. Try it baked, grilled, or poached.

Omega-3-Fortified Foods

There are also many foods that have added omega-3s to make them healthier. You can find enriched milk and eggs, bread, and breakfast bars, for example. Check product labels to make sure. Plus, you may get more health benefits by getting omega-3s through fortified products than from a supplement.

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Listeria in Your Freezer: How Long the Bacteria Survive

Listeria in Your Freezer: How Long the Bacteria Survive 

The latest Listeria-related food recall includes more than 350 frozen fruit and vegetable products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The recall covers frozen foods produced as far back as May 2014, with "use by" dates through as far as April 2018, the CDC reported. Listeria bacteria represent one of the top causes of food-borne illness in the U.S., according to the CDC.

The seemingly long shelf life for the Listeria in these products results, in part, from how the foods are stored: in the freezer. 

Listeria can live for a really long time in the freezer, said Benjamin Chapman, a food-safety specialist and an associate professor at North Carolina State University.

In fact, freezing is how scientists preserve bacteria when they want to study the organisms in the lab, Chapman told Live Science.

Although freezing temperatures will prevent Listeria bacteria from growing, they don't kill the bacteria, Chapman said. The microbes survive in the freezer, he said.

In addition, Listeria are among the few bacteria that can actually multiply at refrigerator temperatures, according to the CDC. For most other bacteria, these temperatures halt the bacteria's growth, sending them into a state of suspended animation.

Who's at risk?

Healthy people are unlikely to get sick from eating foods contaminated with Listeria. Rather, adults older than 65, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are at higher risk for illness, according to the CDC.

People who have been getting sick in this outbreak have ranged in age from 56 to 86, the CDC reported.

While Listeria is not ubiquitous, it is very common in raw foods, Chapman said. Most people ingest some Listeria daily, but not in high amounts, and those individuals are fine, he said. It takes, on average, thousands of Listeria cells to make a person sick, he said.

But when Listeria does make someone sick, "it's one of the most fatal pathogens we have," Chapman said.

Several CDC reports of Listeria outbreaks found that the infection's mortality rate was between 15 and 20 percent among people who became sick enough that they had to be hospitalized.

Staying safe

To protect yourself against Listeria, frozen vegetables should be cooked before they are eaten, Chapman said. Heating the foods kills Listeria, he said. 

In fact, frozen vegetables are not considered "ready to eat" products, meaning that the foods should not be eaten raw, Chapman said. Though eating raw, frozen vegetables may sound unusual, frozen kale, for example, is increasingly being used in smoothies, he said. And it's not uncommon for pediatricians to recommend letting young children chew and suck on frozen veggies while teething, he added.

Chapman noted that microwaving these foods is not the best way to prepare them. That's because microwaves provide very uneven heat distribution, Chapman said. The food will get very hot in some places and not hot in other places, he said. In other words, the bacteria might not be killed throughout the food. 

He also recommended avoiding thawing frozen vegetables in the refrigerator. This can be risky, especially if a person leaves the food in the refrigerator for multiple days, he said. 

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When healthy eating takes over your life

Macros; points; percentages; 80/20; 90/10; the list goes on. In recent times, we have assigned food a value other than sustenance. The "clean eating" movement has taken over the way we view food and eating. The diet industry has flooded the market with hundreds of ways to eliminate food groups and with tips on how to adopt a lifestyle of restrictive eating that has nothing to do with calories and losing weight.

No sugar, no gluten, no bread, no processed foods, no meat other than organic; there are entire books being written around the word "no" as it relates to food. We are proud of our dietary sacrifices and critical of those whose plates represent something other than pure health. Entire conversations are taking place about what we put into our body and value is being attached to people who choose to live a life other than "clean."

There's now a name for people dangerously addicted to all things healthy -- a sufferer of orthorexia nervosa; a term coined in 1997 by Dr Steven Bratman that describes a fixation with healthy eating, to the point where it becomes a crippling compulsion, described as "a disease disguised as a virtue".

Orthorexia differs from other eating disorders in that it is not necessarily about the individual controlling the food; rather, the food controls the individual. It is considered an "unhealthy obsession" with otherwise healthy eating. A person struggling with orthorexia obsesses about purity, not weight.

All you have to do it spend ten minutes on social media, and you are bombarded with clean eating and countless articles and posts on this latest movement. While a diet focused on natural foods can be a great thing, it is when this becomes so obsessive that it can be damaging to your health and well being that it becomes a problem.

It is almost like a badge of honour to be part of the #cleaneating brigade; to live your life by the book of health and clean eating and sacrifice happiness for the sake of a pure diet. The line between being careful about what you eat and being obsessive is difficult to distinguish. One of the problems with orthorexia is that in some ways it is more socially acceptable than other disorders.

Orthorexia takes over a person's life; in many cases, they have lost the pleasure of eating and instead it has been replaced with rigidity and the idea that only "clean" and "healthy" foods should pass their lips. People with this mindset are preoccupied with the make-up of these pure foods and will avoid at all costs those foods that they have identified as unhealthy.

While a healthy lifestyle consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and complex carbohydrates is ideal, those struggling with orthorexia will cross over into the category of obsession and may find that their life begins revolving around the nutritional make-up and constant scrutiny of each of these food groups.

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Essential vitamins and minerals for your child

Essential vitamins and minerals for your child

The body needs essential vitamins and minerals to work properly. Most children and adults will get all the nutrients their body needs by following a healthy and balanced diet.

However, it's not always that easy, particularly when your children start school and you have less control over what they're eating during the day. If you are worried your child isn't getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they require, supplementing their diet may be a good idea.

If you are worried about your child's health or nutrition then ask your GP for advice and a referral to an appropriately trained dietitian.

Below we outline why vitamins and minerals are important, as well as how much your child should be consuming daily for optimum health.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential because it aids the absorption of minerals like calcium. It also works to build strong teeth and bones in children. Vitamin D functions as a hormone and is vital for immune health, insulin production and cell growth.

The Department of Health recommends that young children aged between six months and 5 years old take a daily supplement of vitamin D. If you live in the UK then it's unlikely that your child will be getting enough sunlight for their vitamin D requirements. It's therefore worth considering giving children over the age of one a 10 microgram (mcg) supplement per day.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is crucial for vision and bone growth in children. It also promotes the health and growth of cells and tissues within the body, as well as playing an important role in protecting the body from infections. This is especially important when you child first starts going to school.

From the age of four, children should aim to be getting 400 mcg of vitamin A per day.

Vitamin C

This vitamin works to keep your child's gums healthy, as well as to form and repair red blood cells, bone and tissue. Importantly, vitamin C also supports the immune system, helping to keep your child cold and infection-free.

Children aged four to eight years should aim to consume an average of 25mg of vitamin C per day.

Calcium

Calcium works to build strong bones and teeth, aids blood clotting and promotes nerve and muscle function. Children whose parents are lactose intolerant, or who believe their child to be, often don't consume the milk and dairy products that provide the calcium that is vital for growing children. This makes it especially important for these children to increase their calcium consumption, or take a daily supplement.

Children aged five and over should aim to consume an average of 700mg of calcium per day.

Iron

Children who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are often iron deficient. Iron is important in helping the body make hemoglobin. A lack of it can lead to anaemia, potentially resulting in tiredness and irritability in your child.

However, it's important to note that high doses of iron can be fatal when taken by children. So if you do decide to supplement your child's diet, keep the supplements out of their reach and limit the dosage to 10mg per day.

Zinc

Zinc is a very important mineral for the body as it is essential for growth and aids digestion and metabolism.

Children aged four to eight should aim to be consuming around 5 mg per day of zinc.

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12 Signs of Uncontrolled Diabetes

12 Signs of Uncontrolled Diabetes

Blood tests tell you and your doctor when your glucose levels are too high. But signs of uncontrolled diabetes can appear all over your body. High blood glucose can damage nerves, blood vessels, and organs, resulting in a wide array of symptoms. Talk with your doctor if you spot any of them, so you can stay in control of your diabetes and improve your quality of life. 

 1. Your bowels and bladder don’t work properly.

Nerve damage can make it hard to tell when you need to use the bathroom, even when your bladder is full.As a result, you may develop frequent bladder infections. Constipation and diarrhea occur if nerves to the small intestine sustain damage. And your stomach may lose the ability to move food through your digestive system, causing vomiting and bloating.

2. You lose your hearing.

Sound travels a complex path from the outside world to your brain. Many small blood vessels and nerves in your ear play a role in transmission. High blood glucose can damage these vessels and nerves, making hearing loss twice as common in people with diabetes.

3. Your gums bleed.

Besides bleeding, you may notice your gums pull back and form pockets around your teeth. This is a sign of periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. Without treatment, you may begin to lose teeth. And in a vicious cycle, gum infections can make blood glucose harder to control.

 

4. Your mouth is dry or sore.

High blood glucose robs your mouth of moisture. You may develop pain, sores, infections, and cavities as a result. Prevent oral problems linked to diabetes by brushing properly and visiting your dentist every six months. Also, quit smoking and clean dentures regularly, if you have them.

5. Your vision changes.

You may notice you have trouble reading, or you see rings around lights at nighttime. Fluctuations occur in how clearly you can see at near and distance. Your vision may blur, and dark spots or flashing lights may appear in your field of view. Also, it may take longer for your eyes to adjust when you move from dark places into bright light.

6. Your skin cracks, itches, or changes.

Your body retains less moisture when you have high blood glucose, leaving your skin dry and itchy. Cracks allow bacteria to penetrate the skin and cause infections that heal slowly. Other signs may erupt on your skin, including dark velvety patches, blisters, rashes, scales, or hard pea-sized lumps. Some areas may turn stiff, waxy, cool, or hairless.

7. Your hands and feet tingle or feel numb.

Nerve damage disrupts signals between your extremities and your brain. You may feel a pins-and-needles sensation, but not heat, cold, pain, or even pressure on your feet when walking. The muscles in your legs and feet may weaken, leaving you unsteady.

8. Or, your hands and feet frequently hurt.

In other cases, frayed nerves send scrambled messages, triggering sensations out of sync with external stimuli. Even a light blanket on your feet may cause you to ache, especially at night. Also, you may experience extreme hot or cold sensations, or feel like you’re wearing gloves and socks when you’re not.

9. Your legs cramp or ache.

Circulation problems can cause your calves, thighs, or buttocks to hurt when you’re walking or doing other physical activities. This pain may decrease with rest. Still, report it to your doctor. You may need to take extra steps to protect your blood vessels.

10. Sex becomes difficult.

Intimate parts of your body aren’t immune from nerve damage. Men may have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. Women may experience vaginal dryness or notice they don’t feel aroused or have orgasms as easily. However, these changes don’t diminish sexual desire.

11. You sweat differently.

Some diabetics sweat more frequently, especially at night or while they’re eating. Others stop sweating entirely, even in extreme heat. Check your feet—if the skin there is very dry, your sweat glands probably aren’t functioning properly.

12. You feel dizzy and lightheaded.

You may faint when you stand up too quickly. Your heart may beat too fast. If these symptoms develop suddenly or come with shortness of breath, chest pain, slurred speech, or vision loss, get help immediately. Blood flow to your heart or brain may have slowed or stopped.

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10 ways to trim your waist

So you've over-indulged a bit, and the waistline has expanded again. But here's a novel way to start your year - forget about dieting! It's just a short-term activity that might get you quick results. Success in the long term will only happen if you make positive, sustainable changes to how you eat and how active you are.

1. Take your waist seriously . There is a wealth of evidence that suggests that if you have excess abdominal fat, where your waist is bigger than your hips, you could be more at risk of conditions like metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So don't feel helpless when you look down at that tight waistband; give it some serious thought and take action. Decide today to take one small step - it could be one of these tips, or something you've been meaning to do for ages. Even losing 5% of your body weight could make a significant difference.

2. Choose just one goal. Often we set ourselves targets that are unachievable in the long term, so we end up feeling deflated, disappointed and perhaps guilty. This year, simply choose one change that you believe is realistic for you. Keep it up for a month, and pat yourself on the back for maintaining it.

3. Become a neater eater. When you look at your plate and dive in for another forkful, consider whether you could be a bit tidier with your dining. But, why on earth would that make a difference to your waistline? Well, it's all about consciouseating. By concentrating on how neat your food looks, you have actively engaged your brain. Being aware of what and how you're eating is a great way to help train your brain to think twice before you overindulge.

4. Eat little and often. Regular meals help to keep your blood glucose steady, which is particularly important if you have diabetes. Eating regularly also means you won't be waiting too long until the next meal or (healthy!) snack, which can reduce the temptation for a cake as you pass the bakery. Eat smaller meals at regular intervals and avoid large, rich meals, especially late in the evening.

5. Move more . You don't need to join a gym or do a fitness class, unless of course you want to. Get into the habit of adding simple and easy activities into your daily routine. It could mean you lose the TV remote control, or use the stairs instead of the escalator. Even walking up the escalator is better than standing still. Consider using a shopping basket rather than a trolley in the supermarket - it might help you avoid unnecessary spending too!

6. Tuck it in . Your posture has a lot to do with your waistline. Try this now: sit up tall, push back your shoulders, hold your tummy in (but make sure you're still breathing). Imagine you have a belt on that has 10 holes. Fasten your imaginary belt to the 10th hole, so it's really tight. Now release it so you're on about hole 4. Get into the habit of staying at hole 4 as you do your daily tasks. Your tummy muscles will get a mild workout and your upright posture could help you feel more confident. Clothes also tend to look better when you carry yourself well.

7. Downsize your plate . Something as simple as choosing a smaller plate can help you to eat less. Filling up a smaller plate tricks your brain into thinking you're still getting a lot of food. You could find that you are actually satisfied with less food and it might help to prevent you overeating. Smaller cutlery also helps to slow down your eating.

8. Go dense. You may have heard of "energy density". In simple terms, low-energy-dense foods, weight for weight, are lower in energy/calories than other foods. They tend to be bulky and filling, so you can feel fuller, but at a lower calorie cost. So eating foods that have a low-energy density can help to fill you up and yet have fewer calories. Fruit and veg have a low-energy density, then foods like beans and bananas are next in line and, hardly surprisingly, foods like butter and burgers are higher and give you the most calories per 100 g. Check out the British Nutrition Foundation's Feed yourself Fuller chart.

9. Slowly does it. Eat consciously rather than hurriedly, or on the go. Rushing your food whilst you're punching a keyboard or scurrying from one place to another isn't going to do your digestion any favours. Try sitting down whenever you eat, and use a plate where practical. Put your fork and knife down after every mouthful; perhaps have a sip of water in between.

10. Make a note. Write down what you're eating, making a note of what you ate, how much, what you were doing at the time, and what your mood was like. Do this for a few days and look to see if there are any patterns. Do you overdo it when you're bored, or upset, or at night in front of the TV? People who keep a food diary tend to be better able to manage their weight.

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Life, death and the beauty of unknowing

Caffeine is a bitter substance derived from the leaves, fruit and seeds of various plants and acts as a natural pesticide against threatening insects.

Caffeine is of course found in high amounts in the seeds of the coffee plant and the leaves of the tea bush but it's also commonly found in:

• Kola nuts - used to flavour cola drinks

• Cacao pods - used to make chocolate products, and guarana berries - which contain about twice the amount of caffeine as coffee beans.

The effects of caffeine on the body

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant which can increase your alertness and give you an energy boost. In the short term it can reduce physical tiredness, make you think faster and more clearly, increase your focus and improve your physical coordination.

However, this same stimulant effect can cause sleep problems, especially if you take caffeine too close to bedtime. If you are having problems sleeping, try cutting out caffeine (decaff alternatives are fine) after about 5 pm. If the problem persists, try cutting it out altogether for a couple of weeks to see if it helps.

At moderate levels (up to 400 mg a day - that's 4-5 cups of coffee or 8 cups of tea a day) it does not increase your risk of high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, type 2 diabetes or cancer.

However, if you're pregnant, you should limit your caffeine intake from all sources to 200 mg a day. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bladder, menopausal hot flushes or migraines, caffeine may make your symptoms worse.

Give yourself a trial of two weeks caffeine-free to see if your symptoms improve. Not everyone with these conditions is caffeine-sensitive, and there's no need to deprive yourself if it doesn't make a difference.

The main sources of dietary caffeine

Here is a rough indication of how much caffeine there is in common sources:

• Coffee - depending on type, generally between 60-150 mg

• Tea - standard black tea contains between 40-80 mg

• Cola drinks - 330 ml contains around 30-40 mg

• Energy drinks - a 250 ml can contains around 70-100 mg

• Chocolate - a 50 g bar of chocolate contains around 30-50 mg

Other sources of caffeine

Caffeine is also found in a number of different types of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including some weight control products, cold and flu treatments and painkillers.

Some tips for reducing your caffeine intake

Although caffeine can be addictive to some degree, cutting back to within healthy limits doesn't need to be difficult, especially if you do it gradually over a week or two - here are some effective tips:

• Switch to decaffeinated coffee or tea

• Try alternative hot drinks such as fruit and herbal teas, green tea, chai and roasted grain drinks

• Replace energy drinks with caffeine-free soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, fruit smoothies and squashes (diet versions preferably).

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