Women's Fitness April 2017

Which healthy foods and snacks do you rely on to fuel your busy life? That’s the question we asked you last autumn, to kick off H&F’s Healthy Food & Drink Awards 2017. Your answers flooded in and, in ‘It’s Awards Time!’ (page 61), you can discover the results and new brands to try out. Want to eat to perform? Forget about pricey sports drinks and supplements. In ‘8 surprise endurance superfoods’ (page 58), sports nutritionist Matt Fitzgerald reveals the humble, store-cupboard staples that help elite athletes go the extra mile. We’re stocking up now! If it’s flat abs you’re after, look no further than our second workout instalment from PT Emily Skye. In ‘My top core-strength moves’ (page 94), the Instagram star shows you how to sculpt a rock-hard midriff.…

STAR LETTER GUT REACTION ‘The Healthy-Gut Diet’ (March issue) was a great read. I’ve had my share of winter colds and bugs and thought my diet wasn’t helping so I was pleased to discover that if I eat more gut-friendly foods it will not only help boost my well-being and stave off winter ailments, it can help me lose weight too. Brilliant! The problem is that modern cuisine, and even some medicines such as antibiotics, can have a harmful effect on the digestive tract and eating too much sugar and processed foods doesn’t help either. Now I realise how important it is to bring balance back to my gut for optimal health. Natural yoghurt, garlic, asparagus, nuts, seeds and fermented veg will help me glow on the outside, too. Suzanne…

1 TRY STARGAZING Forestry Commission England is opening up its forests after dark so you can learn more about the night sky, away from light pollution. Look out for astronomy events being held at locations across the country, including Dalby Forest; Sherwood Pines; and Kielder Forest, which has an observatory. Walk the self-led trails, learn ‘Why stars matter’, gain tips on how to take night-sky photos and loads more. Check out all the activities for small and large budding Patrick Moores at forestry.gov.uk/stargazing. 2 GO SNOW BOMBING! Love a bit of après ski? Head to the famous Snowbombing festival in the Austrian resort of Mayrhofen from April 3-8 and experience music from Chase & Status, Eats Everything, Hot Since 82 and many more producers, DJs and bands as you get…

‘I studied homoeopathy and practised on my family’ ‘I get up by 6.15am, 30 minutes before my husband and two children wake, to connect with my mind and body, and plan the day. I body brush, apply an exfoliating face mask, plus toner, serum, eye cream, face and body moisturiser, which makes me feel great. After a cappuccino, I eat anything from eggs to bircher muesli, then drink a shot of carrot, ginger, lemon and turmeric, before taking my son to school and going to my head office in Acton where everything’s managed and made. I oversee Sales and Marketing, covering everything from distribution and staff training to customer feedback and developing new products. Lunch is a homemade dip with veggie sticks at my desk. I miss not having the…

Love tennis? You’ll be pleased to know it can help you live longer, according to a study by Oxford University and researchers in Finland and Australia. The study followed more than 80,000 people for an average of nine years and found that people who played racquet sports regularly were the least likely to die over the study period, reducing their individual risk by 47 per cent, compared with people who did no exercise. ‘Combining physical activity with a sociable recreational activity is a concrete way to a healthy, long and happy life, and tennis in particular ticks these boxes,’ said orthopaedic surgeon Simon Moyes.…

RUNNER’S KNEE Contrary to popular belief, running isn’t bad for your knees. In fact, the latest data from Brigham Young University in America suggests running could even reduce joint inflammation. The researchers measured levels of cytokines – markers of inflammation in the knee joint fluid – in people aged 18-35, before and after running. After 30 minutes of pavement pounding, the concentration of the cytokines decreased, meaning running had created an anti-inflammatory effect. Even better? The scientists claim this could mean running helps delay the onset of osteoarthritis. Happy days. 57% OF 16- TO 24-YEAR -OLD WOMEN IN ENGLAND MEET W.H.O. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES* A SHOE FOR EVERY WORKOUT Run or jump? Lift or lug? With so many popular exercises to choose from, it can be tough to decide which…