Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2020 i Good Health Choices Magazine NZ

I always think February is the month to really get stuck in with any New Year’s resolutions to improve your life. I know I have never successfully kickstarted a new exercise regime or changed my diet on January 1. For me, the first month of the year is a time to soak up the sunshine, hang out with the kids, and enjoy barbecues and a couple of wines with friends. But by the time February rolls around, I’m ready to get serious, and in this issue we’ve included a bumper guide to putting aside the party season and detoxing your life. Now’s the time to really give your liver, gut and your mind a break. It isn’t just about overhauling your eating and drinking habits – although we do have…

I always love your magazine, but January was a particularly good read! The article on Sophie Pascoe was fantastic – what a strong young woman. It’s really good to see such open and frank discussions on mental health and other struggles being put out in the media – I’m sure it will inspire many others going through similar issues. I also really enjoyed the article on dating apps and today’s throwaway society. A very thought-provoking read which I’ll be passing on to my young adult children to read as well.…

Life can change, quite literally, in a heartbeat. After years of snap-happy milestones, red carpet events and romantic adventures, those cute moments are now getting ruined by explosive baby poos, Matilda is cracking jokes about her leaking boobs, and Art is waving around the breast pads she forgot to put on. There’s nothing quite like a new baby to throw a spanner in the works. ‘I JUST KNEW I WANTED TO GIVE BIRTH WHERE I PERSONALLY FELT THE SAFEST’ Although Matilda looks as fresh as a daisy when we meet and seems far more relaxed than you might expect from the mother of a four-and-a-half-month-old bub, the journey leading up to this point hasn’t been an easy ride, and she’s determined to break down the illusion of perfection that social…

Social butterflies and peoplepleasers who regularly dine out with friends often end up eating more. A study on pairs of women found that we tend to mimic our companions’ eating habits. So, if your friend orders those extra sides, you’re likely to eat them too. A busy social life means more dates with high calorie foods, making it harder to resist those fatty, savoury and sweet delights. Research has good news for the conscientious. According to experts, conscientious people tend to make healthier meal choices and eat more fruit and vegetables. For emotional peeps, the chip aisle at the supermarket may hold extra appeal. A UK poll of 2000 women revealed that the main reasons they reached for chocolates or chips is because they were sad, miserable or stressed.…

Along with a good diet and regular exercise, taking care of your skin health should be part of how you take care of yourself. It’s not just about looking good; the skin is our largest organ, a protective barrier and a mirror for what is happening internally. If you treat your skin with love through a good daily regime and regular treatments, you’ll soon be glowing. The team at Caci offer free consultations to give you the best skincare advice. Thousands of Kiwi women have a Caci membership to take care of their skin – just like a gym membership but without the sweat! caci.co.nz…

My 10-year-old daughter still wets the bed most nights. This stops her from having sleepovers at friends and leads to a lot of washing of sheets. A Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting) is common in school-aged children – about 10 percent of 10-year-olds still wet the bed and this can be distressing for both the child and parents. Firstly, see your doctor for a check-up that includes ruling out an urinary tract infection. Effective treatments include bedwetting alarms (that you can hire) or a medication called Desmopressin, available on prescription from your GP. For further tips, go to continence.org.nz ‘About 10 percent of 10-year-olds still wet the bed and this can be distressing’ I have been told I should avoid aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) because I have asthma. Is this…

Fried chermoula cauliflower on herby bean dip with slaw » SERVES ABOUT 2 » COOKING 30 MINUTES 1 medium cauliflower, save the leaves (about 800g) 2 tbsp ghee or oil Sea salt and black pepper CHERMOULA SPICE MIX 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp sweet paprika 2 tsp ground coriander Chilli flakes or ¼ tsp cayenne, to taste HERBY BEAN DIP 240g cooked white beans or chickpeas (1 × 400g tin, drained and rinsed) 1 garlic clove 2 tbsp tahini Juice of 1 lemon 1 big handful of a mix of fresh parsley and coriander, leaves and stems roughly chopped separately Extra virgin olive oil, to serve SLAW ¼ red cabbage (150g), finely shredded 1 green apple, cut into matchsticks 1 celery stick and leaves, sliced 2 tbsp extra virgin…

I’d like to start doing push-ups but I’m not strong enough to do them on my toes and it hurts on my knees, is there another way? A Absolutely! Rather than starting in a horizontal position on the floor, you can perform a similar movement in a standing position. All you need is to find a sturdy horizontal base such as a bed up against a wall or a gym bench. Ideally the base/bar will be lower than your chest (the lower, the more challenging). Place both hands on the bar a little more than shoulder-width apart, straighten the arms and walk the feet out until you are on your tippy toes. Keep your body completely straight and lower your chest to the bar bending at the elbows, brace the…

“I am loving aubergines at the moment. Firstly, preheat the oven to 190ºC. Peel an onion, four cloves of garlic and a chunk of ginger, and put in a food processor. Add the stalks from half a bunch of fresh coriander, two fresh red chillies (deseed, if you like) and blitz until you have a fine paste. Next, place 1 tsp each of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, ground turmeric, garam masala, fenugreek seeds and a big handful of fresh curry leaves into a roasting tray on a low heat with 2 tbsp oil and fry for 1 minute, stirring continually, until it smells fantastic. Tip in the paste from the food processor and cook for five minutes, or until softened. Stir in 2 heaped tbsp of crunchy peanut butter, 1…

In your makeup bag WE’RE ALL GUILTY OF NEGLECTING OUR MAKEUP BAGS, BUT THEY CAN HARBOUR A FEW NASTY SURPRISES IF WE DON’T LOOK AFTER THEM… CLEAN 1 Makeup brushes can be pretty unpleasant if you don’t clean them. Oil, debris, dead skin cells and dirt can get trapped in the bristles and transferred back into our makeup and onto our skin. Wash your brushes with a mild soap in lukewarm water, then leave them to air dry lying flat so that moisture doesn’t seep into the top of the handles and dislodge the glue that holds them in place. Ideally, you’ll want to do this on a weekly basis. 2 Our eyes are one of the most sensitive areas for infection, so anything we use near them needs to…

WHAT’S THE HEALTH FOOD THAT YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD EAT MORE OF, BUT YOU JUST CAN’T STOMACH IT? Brussels sprouts – ‘orrible! And I know that’s negatively profiling them, but they are really quite disturbing to eat. What does the perfect weekend look like for you? A Friday flight to Queenstown with my mates Malcolm, Doppel and Ajun to spend the weekend playing ‘smack the white dimpled ball’ at Millbrook, Arrowtown and Jack’s Point – and then enjoying a bowl of fries, a toasted sandwich and a wine or two at the 19th! WHAT NEVER FAILS TO MAKE YOU LAUGH? The British TV sitcom Open All Hours with Ronnie Barker and David Jason. Best ever. What’s your trick for learning lines? Golly, there’s no trick – learn by rote! You…

Healthy habits for wellness Health trends from around the world Clear out and clean up your makeup bag Techniques for finding calm amid tension Delicious plant-based eats Sweet treats full of natural goodness Healthy recipes to get more greens in your life A vibrant, vegetarian Mexican fiesta! Make a fresh start Detoxify your mind, body, finances and possessions Party time! Marvellous mocktails and canapés A dreamy wish list to get you back on the right track Become your best self: be informed, be nourished, be energised, be inspired, simply be... Inspiring people Art and Matilda Green’s new family of three Meet the woman behind an alcohol-free cocktail bar Jamie Oliver talks weight loss and eating more veg Our editor-in-chief takes a trip to India Look after your body Suffer from…

» You tend to crave sugar » You’re often tired or foggy » You suffer from constipation » You have seasonal allergies » You eat healthily but don’t feel healthy » Your skin is congested and you may have acne » Your skin is itchy » You have joint pain » You’re overweight » You’re sensitive to chemicals, smells, or medications » You have bad body odour » You’re stressed or anxious » You can’t seem to lose weight » You have frequent mood swings » You have bad breath » You often have gas and bloating. Benefits of a detox Sign up for a week of liver-cleansing for: » An increase in energy » Clearer skin »A reduction in PMS » Reduced sinus congestion » A stronger immune system…

I can honestly say Mexican food is my favourite cuisine. I still have fond memories as a child requesting tacos for every birthday dinner – and this tradition continues today with my own daughter. For me, Mexican food is all about a mixture of flavours; fresh, healthy, wholesome ingredients; and vibrant and colourful dishes that are quick and easy to make. It also represents fun, family, sharing and coming together, which was the inspiration behind my fiesta platter and bowls. These vibrant dishes can be shared and mixed together to make up healthy and tasty Mexican bowls. Mexican fiesta platter and bowl MEXICAN BEANS 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ½ onion, finely diced 1 can 400g chopped tomatoes 1 can 400g organic chilli Mexican beans 1…

Often, knowing how you should be standing or sitting, and being able to put your body in that position for longer periods of time, are two very separate things. “Pilates is a great exercise to improve posture because it gives you awareness of the body, along with the general strength and core stability to physically make those changes,” explains Lynne. “With bad posture, you might have some muscles overworking and some underworking, so it’s all about rebalancing those too.” THE RELAXATION POSITION Taking 10 minutes a day to relax in this position can make a huge difference to your posture. It allows the spine to lengthen out and your shoulders to open and relax. 1. STARTING POSITION Lie on your back, knees bent, feet hip-width apart and parallel. Have a…

Whether it’s aromatherapy, investing in your diet and fitness routine, or simply running a bath to carve out a little ‘me time’, awareness around wellness – and its role in boosting mental health – is on the rise. According to the latest statistics from the Global Wellness Institute, the industry is worth some $6.6 trillion and is showing no sign of slowing. But why are we so keen to ride the wellbeing wave? The latest Workplace Wellness report shows heavy workloads and personal relationships are the main drivers of growing stress and anxiety among Kiwi workers. And 23.5% of surveyed businesses said their staff were more stressed than before. Couple that with the rise of technology and a faster pace of life, and it’s no wonder we want to hit…

Sheer and summery For a pretty hit of colour that keeps lips sun-safe, try Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour x Olimpia Zagnoli Limited Edition Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sunscreen SPF15, $43 each. Get in quick for your pick of these new sheer tint shades: Rose, Cabernet, and Coral. And for all-day moisture, we’re loving Clinique iD Dramatically Different Moisturizing BB-Gel, $75 (includes your choice of serum cartridge to insert). Blend onto the back of your hand to release its light-diffusing pigments and smooth over your face for a dewy glow that keeps skin hydrated all day long. Spf top-ups When you’re on the go, it can be tricky to keep on top of sun protection, which is why we welcome these two handbag-friendly options. Skinsmiths Daily Defence Compact SPF50+, $59, is…

THIS THERAPY IS STEEPED IN HISTORY AND HAS BEEN PRACTISED FOR MORE THAN 5000 YEARS Reflexology is based on the theory that different areas on the feet, hands, face and ears correspond with parts of the body. “The basic principle is that the two feet together as a whole represent an exact mini-map of the entire body, incorporating all of the body’s systems,” says reflexologist Andrea Hurst. By activating these points through pressure, you can treat multiple ailments within the body. This complementary therapy is steeped in history and has been practised for more than 5000 years, but it is still relevant to our hectic lifestyles today. “Touching different areas helps aid relaxation, improves mood, releases tension, enhances sleep and generally helps improve wellbeing, therefore allowing us to cope better…

A BLESSING Getting a Good Health & Wellbeing subscription as a gift from my mum has been such a blessing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read a piece of information in the mag which has directly related to me. From the little tips and tricks on how to practise wellness, to articles on health issues and warning signs, the magazine has helped me change parts of my day-to-day life for the better. Feeling great inside and out – thanks team! – Andrea GREAT ADVICE The summer holidays are always such a good opportunity to sit back and relax, and your magazine is always my favourite relaxation tool. Once the kids are off playing and the hubby is busying himself with his next outdoor project, I make myself…

GET ACTIVE A new study has shown that 35 extra minutes of exercise daily can help curtail episodes of depression, even in those who have an increased genetic risk. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston found that participants in the study who were physically active were less likely to experience depression, even if they were at higher risk due to genetics. “Our findings strongly suggest that, when it comes to depression, genes are not destiny and that being physically active has the potential to neutralise the added risk of future episodes in individuals who are genetically vulnerable,” says lead researcher Karmel Choi. “On average, about 35 additional minutes of physical activity each day may help people to reduce their risk and protect against future depression episodes,” she adds. Smart…

In the not-so-distant past, changing your lifestyle habits in the name of environmental protection and sustainability was extremely alternative and might have earned you a badge of “greenie”, “hippie” or “eco-warrior”. Fast-forward to 2020 and the game has changed. In light of all the alarming climate change and environmental damage as the human population continues to expand, adopting habits that have Mother Nature in mind is just common sense. To drive less, go plastic-free, pay more attention to where your clothes are made, or start a compost system are not just accepted choices, they are encouraged and applauded. It’s almost a sin to drink from a plastic straw or arrive at the supermarket without carrying your reusable tote bag. One area of life that is intricately woven into our daily…

While we haven’t quite got to the stage of popping pills as meal replacements, it has become incredibly normal to be taking supplements or powders as part of a health regime. One product that has boomed in popularity is collagen, touted for its benefits for skin and joints, so we investigated how it works, where it comes from and what the evidence says. Understanding collagen AS WE AGE, IT IS NATURAL FOR OUR COLLAGEN PRODUCTION TO DECLINE Collagen is a type of protein found in bones, muscles, skin, ligaments and tendons that works to give structure to the body, as well as being responsible for multiple biological functions, such as strengthening bones and maintaining skin elasticity. As we age, it is natural for our collagen production to decline. By the…

Is wheat bad for me? A No! Wheat is incredibly nutritious, which is one of the reasons why it is the most cultivated cereal crop in the world. Its benefits include: » It’s low in fat, most of which is unsaturated » It is high in carbohydrate (mainly starch) and high in insoluble dietary fibre » It is relatively high in protein compared to other major grains » It’s high in potassium and low in sodium » The endosperm contains glucofructan, which functions as a prebiotic » It contains B-group vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate and pantothenic acid » It contains vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant, as well as iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. ‘Wheat is relatively high in protein compared to other major…

Do this workout at home two or three times a week. » Do a gentle warm-up and then do four rounds in succession of each of the exercises. Spend a minute on each one, which includes the exercise and the rest, then move on to the next. The whole workout will take 16 minutes. Aim to do as many of each within the time frame as you can. Stretch thoroughly afterwards. » When weights are required, use dumbbells if you have them, but cans of food or bottles of water will also work. » If you’re new to exercise or high-intensity training, start with two rounds at beginner level. Always stop if you feel pain or become dizzy or excessively breathless. » When you’ve finished a session, drink plenty of…

1 Victory pose It’s what champions do at the finish line and you’ll see performers in this position as they lap up the applause on stage. To get into the victory pose, raise your arms into a giant V and hold your head high. Being in this pose for just two minutes will immediately increase your energy and boost your confidence. TRY: Before an important event. 2 The super stance Standing face forward with your feet planted wide apart gives the body a strong, stable base. This position physically takes up space, so you will dominate with your shape and give yourself immovable confidence. It’s also a quick and easy pose to get into, which can be done anywhere. TRY: For a power surge…

Celebrity cook, author, restaurateur, father, husband, and political activist – Jamie Oliver wears many hats. Since bursting onto our screens in 1999, the cheeky ‘Naked Chef’, has evolved from Essex-born, mop-haired man-child into one of the world’s most successful foodies, forging a culinary empire that most chefs can only dream of. He has amassed a string of top-rating TV shows and best-selling cookery books, but more importantly he’s used his celebrity status as a platform to lobby for important issues, whether it’s decent school meals, better health for kids, or training troubled youngsters as chefs. And right now the heroic activist is tackling his next public awareness project – he’s on a mission to make us eat our greens. “I want veggies and veggie dishes to be something to celebrate,…

I’m six months into a new relationship. It was great until my partner told me he’s bisexual. I’m wondering if there is any point pursuing it? A It seems to me your concern about his bisexuality is more about you than him. Most people who are confused or hurt by their partner’s disclosure don’t understand the concept of bisexuality. It’s often based on the assumption you are either gay or straight and that bisexual men are gay, but in denial. It’s a misconception to think that just because someone is bisexual they are incapable of monogamy, they don’t want children, or are unable to commit to a relationship. Maybe some of these misunderstandings can be resolved if you gain a greater understanding of your partner’s bisexuality. Ask what bisexuality means…

So here we are in Valentine’s month. What are your stars looking like? Actually, very positive. The same alignment which is strongly influencing February 14 is the one that is influencing the whole month. It’s the biggest planetary combination of February, and in fact, one of the signature planetary alignments of 2020. It’s between the planet of good luck and all good things, Jupiter, and the planet of the numinous, the Divine, soulmates and poetry, Neptune. In other words, there is a lot of romance in the air this month! The Jupiter/Neptune link takes place on February 20, so we will all be feeling it on February 14. If there’s someone in your life who you want to romance, who you feel is a soulmate, who you want to imagine…