• Will your work or family commitments allow you to attend group meetings or classes?
• Are you happy recording your daily diet online or interacting with online forums?
• Do you have a problem with portion control or do you need advice on eating healthier?
• Do you want to be free to eat whatever you like or do you need more discipline and prefer being provided with specific recipes  or food from special ranges with healthy proportions of carbohydrates/protein and fats?
• Do you need to change your lifestyle to incorporate more activity such as being encouraged to walk up stairs or leave the car at home for short journeys, or are you already quite active but have reached a weight loss plateau and would prefer to attend fitness classes or follow a workout plan to kick-start your metabolism?
• How are you motivated? Do you want public recognition for your weight loss achievements or are you happier seeing graphs and statistics that record your activity and calorie intake?

No one weight loss plan is right for everybody,  so although joining the same program as you best friend maybe good for support, if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle or personal preferences you won’t stick with it, especially over the long term. So make sure you check out exactly what the benefits of each program are for you before you sign up. We have highlighted a few of the most popular UK weight loss programs to help you decide.

Who?

WeightWatchers

How?

Meetings or Online

What does it involve?

WeightWatchers’ approach is to help members achieve their sustained weight loss goals by adopting a healthier lifestyle and a healthier relationship with food and activity.

Founded over 40 years ago WeightWatchers is now the global leader in weight management services, providing 50,000 Weight Watchers meetings each week in countries all over the world. Scientific Studies have backed up their approach which is based on the underlying premise of behaviour modification, helping you learn how to change their relationship with food and activity.

WeightWatchers have recently launched a brand new plan. This is their biggest innovation since the POINTS® system launched almost 15 years ago. The new ProPoints plan uses the latest nutritional science that reflects how your body processes food. They claim ‘you’ll discover foods that’ll keep you satisfied and that are healthy and foods that’ll make life enjoyable as you’re getting to the weight you want to be.’

Why could it work for me?

Easy to incorporate the diet into your lifestyle as many food products, including supermarket own brands, already list the  Weight Watchers’ points so no need to personally calculate potion sizes and values.

Any special joining offers?

Sign up  now and SAVE MORE THAN £10 WITH their 3-MONTH PLAN!

Who?

Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club.

How?

Online, Classes, Magazine and Food Ranges

What does it involve?

With over 37 years experience in Diet and Exercise, Rosemary Conley has helped thousands of men and woman from all over the world, to achieve their weight loss goals and get fitter for life. Today, the brand has a reach of over 1 million customers who wish to follow a healthy lifestyle.

The Rosemary Conley approach is unique as the only national slimming organisation to include an exercise session in every class, with workouts designed for everyone, no matter what age, size, or fitness level. Don’t be concerned if you haven’t exercised for a long time – you can start with gentle, low intensity movements and walking on the spot, resting whenever necessary.

At Rosemaryconleyonline, their aim is ‘to assist and support members in achieving and maintaining their weight-loss and fitness goals in a friendly, caring and positive environment.’

Online you can also follow Rosemary’s Amazing Inch Loss Plan, which is based on low-fat, low-Gi foods.

If you’re dieting on your own and looking for a proven eating plan which includes tasty meals for one that are both healthy and hassle-free then you can Use the Solo slim diet range of foods.

Why could it work for me?

With an exercise session in every class, it is a great option for people who want to increase their calorie expenditure and fitness through exercise.

Any special joining offers?

This January Rosemary Conley will be offering all new members joining from this link £10 off membership to rosemaryconleyonline. In addition to this they will also get a year’s free subscription to Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness magazine worth £19.99 if you join for a year.

Who?

Fitbug.com

How?

Online

What does it involve?

Since its launch in 2005, Fitbug has helped thousands of people achieve their personal health, weight-loss and fitness goals and to lead far healthier lives. Fitbug provides an all-inclusive, non-intimidating programme which is suitable for all; irrespective of age, gender, location or physical fitness which encourages individuals to improve their lifestyles for the long term.

How Fitbug has developed a little gadget (essentially a pedometer) which records all the exercise you do – every step you take and every stair you climb. You then simply download the results onto Fitbug.com and you’ll be to view exactly how much exercise you’ve done. By slowly increasing the amount of steps you take each day and following Fitbug’s healthy eating advice, helps you get fitter, slimmer and healthier. Requires inputting your daily food intake online and then it displays just how much fat, protein and calories you have eaten that day and how you need to alter your diet.

An online forum provides support from other members and online challenges to motivate you to become more active by competing against friends, colleagues or complete strangers to achieve your weekly targets.

Why could it work for me?

Fitbug has unique motivation through Nectar, the UK’s leading loyalty programme. Nectar collectors can earn 1,000 points just for signing up to Nectar Fitbug, plus if you’re serious about leading a healthier lifestyle, you can collect up to an additional 80 points a week! Ten points for 12,000 steps. Take more than 10,000 steps a day, five times a week and receive an additional ten bonus points With all the Nectar points you collect, there are plenty of ways to treat yourself sooner.

Who?

Tescodiets.com

How?

Online

What does it involve?

From one of our main high street supermarkets Tesco diets offers some unique approaches. Firstthere is DNA (Diet Needs Analysis), a 1-2-1 consultation service offering a personal 45 minute phone call with a qualified nutritionist.

Personal diet mentor, recipe club and16 different diet plans available from vegan to gluten free to low salt.

There is also an easy to follow personalised fitness programme. Tell them what area of your body you want to work on and they generate a weekly work out plan for you. Virtual online trainers show you how to do the exercises safely. Also included are online support such as exercise journals, workout logs, activity and heart rate calculators.

Why could it work for me?

After you have received your personalised diet Tesco then allows you to order your diet plan shopping list online. OK this gimmick gets you to buy from their store but you will also be able to avoid the temptation to buy treats in the supermarket.

Who?

Bootsdiets.com

How?

Online

What does it involve?

Bootsdiet.com gives you a personalised calorie target, record everything with an online food diary and stay within this target. No meal plans or special foods. Online forums for encouragement and support. Calorie counted recipes for inspiration

Why could it work for me?

No food is banned but the aim is to educate you about food so you can develop a healthier lifestyle. Can also access your account from your iPhone, Blackberry or other internet enabled phone.

Any special joining offers?

Visit  Bootsdiets.com for a free 7day free trial. Or save up to 1/3 on 3 or 6 months membership at Bootsdiets.com by buying a BootsDiets.com Online Weight Loss Service  Membership Voucher direct from the Boots website.

Everyday we’ll suggest original stocking fillers for the active person in your life.

Today Gifts For a First Time Marathon Runner.

Looking through the searches made on Strenua’s World there are a lot of people wanting inspiration for presents for a first time marathon runner. If your recipient is an experienced runner who is just moving up from half marathon to the full then they probably have their own favourite products to wear or use. But if they are new to long distance running and for example have won a place in the London Marathon ballot or a Golden Bond place for a charity then here are some suggestions of what they will be grateful to receive this Christmas.

Training Plan and Motivation

If they are completely new to training, needs some motivation, or help with nutrition and injuries, then I found a subscription to a running magazine useful when I first ran a marathon. An additional benefit for subscribing to Runner’s World is that you can have access to their detailed on line training schedules for whatever time you plan to finish your first marathon in from under 3 hours to just get round. Giving you ideas to vary  your training to keep motivated whilst pushing you but allowing you to recover as necessary.

Currently it costs only £30 for a one year subscription to Runner’s World.

Safety

Chances are that over the next few months a lot of their running will be done in the dark so make sure they can be seen.

Time To Run Men’s High Vis Reflective Running Gilet Bib £10.99 this Reflective Gilet offers superior protection for nightime running. Manufactured from lightweight polyester, the Gilet offers protection from light wind and rain as well as being highly reflective. For additional comfort, the garment also features a half mesh back for added breathability.

Time To Run High Visibility Reflective Running Bib Vest £4.99 this lightweight high visibility breathable yellow mesh vest has three distinctive colours of reflective tape which combine when moving to increase visibility. One convenient size with adjustable velcro to allow ease of adjustment.

Reflective Arm Bands- From £1.49 these wrap around reflective strips store flat then click in place round your arm or ankle.

Hilly Lady Hi-Viz Reflect Jacket From £24.99 this High visibility jacket has a fluorescent yellow body with reflective trim for superb night-time and low light conditions and visibility; Zipped pockets; air vents and a drawstring waist.

Adidas Run Safety Running Light- £8.95 A great accessory for late night and poor light runs! Make sure others can see you. Light Weight you hardly feel you are wearing it and doesn’t drag down your arm.

Food Hamper

Whilst some people may be looking forward to loosing weight from their marathon training, it is actually important that you fuel yourself correctly before, during, and after training or racing. Why not make a hamper of runner friendly products.

Find out who is the drinks sponsor for the race they are competing in (in the case of  the London marathon it’s Lucozade Sport Body Fuel ) and help them get used to the energy drinks that will be provided on the race day. I for example used prefer to train with the citrus flavour which is fine until the big race and all that is available on the course is the orange flavour.  After 4 bottles it became too sweet and sickly to drink but knowing that will be the only energy drink available I’ve learnt to train with and tolerate it  on long runs.

The marathon runner also needs to consume protein after long runs to repair their muscles so sports Protein Recovery Powder, bars and drinks are also useful.

But the food doesn’t have to be boring sports products and most can be found on  a quick trip to the supermarket. Before training you want to load up on easily digestible carbs and my favourites are McVities Jaffa Cakes . At 45 calories a cake, they contain only 1gram of fat, but 70g carbohydrates per 100g.

Normally Bassetts Jelly Babies are a high calorie treat, but for runners they are source of instant fuel at 20 calories from each little baby and they contain real fruit juice so they even nutritionally good for you, although not suitable for vegetarians.  Buy them a large box and they can take a handful with them for sustenance on their 13mile plus runs.

Finally post race you want something high in protein such as a 9bar with almost 9g protein per bar. 9bars are widely available across the UK and are stocked by health food stores, Holland and Barrett, Tesco and other major supermarkets.

First Aid

Hopefully not something they will need to use but it is inevitable over the next few months they will need some of this kit. Injuries always feel worse after an expensive trip to Boots to help your recovery, so why not make a gift pack of these injury preventing products, and add a packet of ibuprofen too.

Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Stick £11.29, chaffing, nipple rub and blisters, prevent them all with this easy to use stick. Vaseline is messy to apply and ruins your clothes but like a solid deodorant stick this is water resistant and contains aloe vera and vitamin E.

I always have a supply of Compeed Blister Plasters. Whether it is when wearing in a new pair of shoes, blister prevention during a long race or for recovery after a blister has appeared. These plasters work like a second skin. Prevents and treats blisters providing instant relief from pain and pressure. Ideal for heels and arches.

Deep Heat Spray and also Deep Freeze Cold Spray are convenient ways to provide fast and effective warming relief from muscular pain and stiffness, rheumatic pain, sprains, sciatica, lumbago and fibrositis.

Pampering Treats

Of course if you are looking for a traditional Christmas gift that the runner in your life will appreciate then treat their feet. They will be running over 500 miles before London so how about a Foot Massager to give them an invigorating massage to ease muscle stiffness and tension. This one from HoMedics Deluxe Shiatsu Foot Massager (Model FM-TS9-GB) currently has £20 off at Boots, get it now for £39.99.

Let them Pamper their feet with this unique collection of Royal Jelly products in a Royal Jelly & Pure Honey Pedicure Gift Set from Marks and Spencer. These indulgent formulations combine royal jelly and acacia honey for beautifully soft and smooth skin. Includes foot scrub, wash, and cream.

<<<Personalised Kit<<<More Christmas Gift Ideas>>>Adrenalin Fuelled Experience Days>>>

Everyday we’ll suggest original stocking fillers for the active person in your life.

Today Luxury Chocolates

Chocolate is traditional Christmas present. The problem is getting a regular box from the supermarket shelf can look like you haven’t put much thought into the gift or it was a last minute grab on Christmas eve. The other issue is they aren’t too helpful for people whose New Years Resolution is to lose weight and they have tins and boxes of chocolates stored in their wardrobe.

If you are present buying for an active person then the chances are they won’t be looking to cut down their calories, in fact I love chocolate as a quick post training energy boost on the way to the shower. But if you are looking for a present for a chocoholic who is looking to cut down then buy them quality dark chocolate to satisfy their cravings with fewer calories.

To ensure your chocolate gift doesn’t look like a last minute gift, why not buy some luxury chocolates gift set and hampers from these chocolate suppliers.

Chocolate Trading Company

Champagne & Chocolate Hamper (Large)

This stylish hamper contains a bottle of Perrier Jouet, NV Grand Brut Champagne, a 24 assorted box of Superior Selection chocolates, Michel Cluizel Premier Cru dark chocolate neapolitans and Superior Selection drinking chocolate flakes. Stylishly presented with brown tissue, gift wrap and satin ribbon and tag. Suitable for vegetarians.

Price £77.95

Organic Chocolate Hamper

This organic chocolate hamper contains a selection of the finest, organic chocolates from around the world. Includes; four boxes of award winning, Booja Booja, dark chocolate truffles from England. A milk and dark chocolate bar from Valrhona and a single origin, dark chocolate bar from Pralus. Incredibly good chocolate and certified organic. Stylishy presented and finished with satin ribbon and gift tag. A gift card is already included in the price.

Price £36.99

Organic Luxury Gift Box

This colourful, hand painted gift box contains a second wrapped chocolate box holding an assortment of 30, award winning Booja Booja truffles. Made in Kashmir this velvet-lined, hand painted gift box, made from papier-mch, certainly is different from any other and will surely be treasured long after the chocolates have been enjoyed. Each box is unique and so the design styles and colours do vary from this particular picture. Dairy, Wheat and Gluten Free, it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Price £49.50

Thorntons

Personalised Thorntons Chocolate Boxes

Upload a photo, create your own chocolate box AND choose your own chocolates.

Price from £12 for one layer to £22 for 3 layers and 36 chocolates.

Winter Wonderland  Hamper

Grab a piece of  Winter Wonderland with these scrumptious festive treats and cute models. This wonderful winter hamper is bursting with delicious chocolate, fudge and toffee treats. Now at half price, this hamper not only makes a great gift for the serious chocolate lover but is fantastic value too. There are so many chocolate treats in this hamper, everyone can have a taste! Was £120.00 Now £60.00

No Added Sugar (Diabetic) Selection Box

There are just so many amazing treats here, including Fruit Drops (85g), Mint Truffles (115g), Assorted Chocolates (115g), Vanilla Toffee (100g), Turkish Delight (45g), and Milk and Dark Chocolate bars (75g each). Oh, and the best bit is, they’re all made with no added sugar and an improved taste. There are just so many different types of lovely chocolate, truffles and toffee here – and they’re all made with no added sugar. Vegetarian, Gluten Free and Diabetic Friendly. Price £11

Virginia Hayward Hampers

Use code ‘VHL-WGAFGEN’ when prompted at the checkout will entitle your user to claim a 5% discount on all products on the Virginia Haywood site, excluding delivery costs.

<<<Secret Santa Gifts & Stocking Fillers under £10 <<< More Christmas Gift Ideas >>>Personalised Kit>>>

9Bar is a deliciously nutritious seed bar designed to get the maximum nutritional goodness from seeds in a convenient and tasty way.

To find out more visit 9Bar and read our review.

We’ve teamed up with 9Bar to offer Strenua’s World’s readers the opportunity to get their hands on a box from 9Bar each containing 16 nutritious bars of either pumpkin or original flavoured 9bars.

UPDATE 18.08.10 The competition has now closed. Congratulations to our winners Tabby B from Swindon and Julie T From Aldridge who win a box of Pumpkin and Original 9bars respectively.

Terms and Conditions.

• Competition open to UK entrants only.
• You may enter by email, Twitter AND Facebook, but must only enter by each method once (i.e. three entries in total).
• Tweets not including the tags #9barOriginal or#9barPumpkin indicating which box they wish to win will not be considered for either prize. Entrants must still be following @StrenuasWorld on the closing date.
• Email entries not including ‘Pumpkin’ or ‘Original’ in the subject line indicating which box they wish to win will not be considered for either prize.
• Facebook entrants must still ‘Like’ Strenua’s World’s Facebook page on the closing date. Entrants must comment under the competition post indicating which box they wish to win or they will not be considered for either prize.
• Closing date for entries is 11:59pm 18th August 2010 and late entries will not be considered.
• Prizes are to be donated by 9Bar and 2 winners will each win one box of either 16 bars of pumpkin or original 9bars
• Prize winners will be chosen at random and notified by method of entry (i.e. email, Twitter, Facebook). If after 7 days the entrant has not responded with their contact details the prize will be redrawn.
• Strenua’s World reserves the right to cancel or amend the Competition or these Rules at any time without prior notice.

GOOD LUCK

9bar is described as having been designed to get the maximum nutritional goodness from seeds in a convenient and delicious way’.

The bars are great for active people as the unique mix of seeds and other natural ingredients provide a valuable source of nutritionally dense energy for both physical endurance and immediate impact. The company has many endorsements from a variety of competitive sports people who claim that it is easily digestible and that they have no problem eating them during an event or training such as ultra running and triathlons.

As a sports person looking to refuel without empty calories a 9bar is great. Each 50g bar is free from egg, dairy, gluten, lactose, wheat, yeast, preservatives and artificial colours. It is also approved by the vegetarian society.

9bars come in five different varieties: pumpkin, organic, nutty, flax and original. As an example of the nutritional content here is the nutritional information for the flax bar:

• 262 calories,
• 8.7g protein,
• 16.75g carbohydrate
• 17.75g fat of which
  • 5g saturated
  • 4.8 mono unsaturated
  • 7g polyunsaturated
  • <0.1g trans fatty acids
  • 0.6g omega 3 fatty acids
  • 6.5g omega 6 fatty acids
  • > 3g fibre
  • <0.1g sodium.

With an average egg or 150g pot of low fat yoghurt each containing only 6g of protein a 9bar is a good hit of natural people protein to help rebuild muscle after competitive exercise or training.

The Taste Test

I have to admit that looking at the packaging it doesn’t look that appetising.  I know this as before being asked to review them I received a bar in a post race goody bag and I chose to give it away. The description of a nutritious carob topped mixed seed bar with flax and hemp combined with the images or piles of dried seeds conjured up thoughts of seed bars we leave out for birds and did not seem appealing after a race compared with the post race food I had bought with me.

Fortunately for the benefit of our readers I agreed to give them a taste test and I am glad I did. Firstly 80% of the time cereal bars are hard, crunchy and dry which always puts me off or hurts my teeth. These 9bars are soft and chewy.

The second important discovery was carob. I had never eaten carob before and didn’t realise that it tasted like chocolate.  In fact even when I was really concentrating on trying to describe the taste it could only come up with chocolate. As such a healthy alternative to chocolate I’m surprised that there aren’t more products using it.

Most cereal bars are made up of rolled oats and bran. But the mixed seeds in this 9bar comprised of sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, poppy, flax and hemp making a tasty combination. I was unable to distinguish great differences between the various flavours when I ate a different bar every day. Pumpkin may have been slightly sweeter although it did not have the carob topping and the Nutty may be slightly nuttier but fortunately the texture and chew-ability remains the same.

After this taste testing I certainly won’t be complaining if I receive any flavour 9bar in my next post race goody bag.

Overall

For active people who are looking for nutritious energy source 9bars are a great source of calories and protein, before or after exercise. They are easily digestible making them ideal for taking on long walks, cycles, runs, or paddles.

For those dieting I feel that a whole bar is quite high in calories, although half may be suitable when you are craving something sweet, without stocking up on empty calories and the fibre will help fill you up.

9bars are widely available across the UK and are stocked by health food stores, Holland and Barrett, Tesco and other major supermarkets.

For more information you can visit www.9-bar.co.uk

]]> http://strenuasworld.com/2010/07/21/review-9bar-energy-bars/feed/ 3 http://strenuasworld.com/2010/06/17/review-higher-natures-organic-cold-milled-hemp-protein/ http://strenuasworld.com/2010/06/17/review-higher-natures-organic-cold-milled-hemp-protein/#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:40:10 +0000 Strenua http://strenuasworld.com/?p=3342 As a non-egg eating vegetarian with a nut allergy, I find it difficult to find healthy sources of protein. It’s not only body builders that need to consume large quantities of protein athletes also need protein for muscle growth and repair. Current daily recommendations are around 45g protein for women and 56g for a man or about 0.75g-0.8g protein per kg body weight. Certainly it is suggested that athletes and more active people may need up to 1.2-1.4g per kg body weight. For a woman on a 2,000 calorie diet, this equates to 50-175g of protein daily and for a man on a 2,500 calorie diet, a day this equates to 62-220g.

Following a marathon or even just a hard training session I try to increase my protein intake but I find it difficult to consume enough. Whilst 1 chicken breast contains 39g, my vegetarian option is a high fat option of Cheddar cheese (10g protein in a 40g chunk) or a 150g pot of low fat yoghurt (6g), with sports protein bars really hard going to eat.

Now there is a new alternative product to animal, whey or soya protein from Higher Nature – Organic Milled Hemp Protein. Just one 30g scoop contains 15g protein – more than 2 boiled eggs! This protein powder is not only powerful enough for athletes and bodybuilders but is perfect for the whole family: from children to seniors. It is an excellent protein source for vegans, vegetarians, dieters and for travelling.

Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein Nutritional Information Per 100g:

• Energy: 440kcal
• Protein: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 19.24g
• Total fat: 12g of which Saturates1.2g and Polyunsaturates 9g

Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein is also:

• High in omega 3 (2.4g/100g) and omega 6 (6.6g/100g) essential fatty acids (EFAs). These EFA’s cannot be produced by the body and are important for supporting numerous body processes, including brain health, cardiovascular function and immune health.
• Cholesterol-free.
• Easy to digest.
• High in fibre, (15.54g/100g) which can help balance blood glucose levels, reduce fat absorption and manage appetite making hemp protein a popular choice with dieters too.
• Cold milled ensuring that valuable enzymes are not destroyed and vitamins, minerals and nutrients remain intact.

The Taste Test

Higher Nature did send me some recipes to use with the hemp powder although most included coconut which I’m not a fan off so I decided to try it in some of my own meals. The label says you can ‘blend it into drinks, smoothies and yoghurt, or sprinkle over cereal and fruit.’ I am admitting I am a very fussy eater and don’t believe that vegetables belong in a dessert such as in carrot cake, nor will you see me choosing to drink wheatgrass juice. So maybe it was unsurprising that I didn’t enjoy my first attempt of mixing 15g of hemp protein to my bowl of strawberry, banana and cold custard. It did have a nutty taste but the combination on my taste buds reminded me of eating un-ripened strawberries or tasting like I had accidentally left the stalks or leaves on. It wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t finish the bowl, although the green colour of my food didn’t add to the appeal.

I decided then that I would try it on savoury food. The label also recommends ‘you add to salad dressings, sauces, soups and cooked dishes. But is not suitable for cooking or baking’. I like to cook my pasta, cover in tomato sauce straight from the jar then sprinkle with grated cheese before grilling to toast the cheese and heat the sauce. I decided to sprinkle about 10g of the hemp protein on top of the sauce before hiding the greenness with cheese. I found that the taste of the hemp protein actually complimented the tomato and I enjoyed the nutty flavor. I even tried it on pizza sprinkling it over like parmesan cheese and again I found it added something to the taste of the food.

Overall

Whether you’re looking to maximise energy levels, tone your body and build muscle or shed a few extra pounds Organic Hemp Protein is a great alternative product to animal, whey or soya protein.

As a source of supplementary protein to a savoury meal I found it was a tasty addition. The nutty flavour of 30g of hemp powder in one smoothie drink may be a little too much every day, but on occasions when I need a high intake of protein I would probably choose it over a sports protein bar.

Organic Protein is available from Higher Nature (RRP £10.90)