Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2022 i Woman&Home Feel Good You

The sun is shining, work is slowing down and it’s time to relax and enjoy yourself. But, for some of us, the season brings with it the stresses of stripping off, staying safe in the sun and making sure everyone else is having a good time! This summer, follow the tips and tricks of the woman&home experts… Boost your confidence with our easy exercise and eating plans, discover the latest beauty bargains every woman should know about, and learn how to get exactly what you want from your hairdresser. We meet seven inspiring readers having the time of their lives, and investigate what’s on the menu in places where people live to 100! We’ve also got some delicious recipes that taste like summer, but won’t leave you frazzled in the…

Being on your A game is no easy feat – there’ll be days when you’re raring to go and others when you feel as flat as a pancake. But when it comes to taking charge of your destiny, do you still believe the world is your oyster? If the answer is no and your drive for life has dwindled, you may be mismanaging your energy. Working with your natural energy resources is the secret to personal transformation and fulfilment – no matter what your age, says life coach Simon Alexander Ong in his new book Energize. ‘Your energy levels determine your state, who you attract into your life and how you do what you do. If you are to take advantage of the opportunities that arise in life, you must…

If you’ve ever found yourself crying at an advert (galloping black horses or bars of chocolate chucked over neighbours’ fences can reduce many of us to a whimper), you may be accused of being a tad too emotional. But we cry for a reason and, as the saying goes, it’s better out than in. In fact, it can do us the world of good. Surprisingly, scientists don’t really know what goes on inside us when we cry. ‘We know that crying is a parasympathetic reaction [the parasympathetic nervous system is our rest-and-digest function], but we’re not yet certain whether this activity is the cause or the result of the crying,’ says clinical psychologist Professor Ad Vingerhoets. Here’s what we do know about crying’s ability to help and heal… THE POWER…

Niggling back pain? Poor digestion? Honing your posture could be the solution. ‘Correct posture helps to reduce a build-up of muscle tension, which eventually leads to pain and abnormal wearing of joint surfaces,’ says physiotherapist Claire O’Kane. ‘Adjusting your posture is a way to feel more energised and look younger. When people slouch, it adds years.’ Try these tips to improve your balance and benefit your health… 1 STRENGTHEN YOUR LOWER BODY MUSCLES This is key to improving your balance. Try the following while balancing for 10-30 seconds on each leg at a time: ✢ Brushing your teeth, talking on the phone, waiting for the bus or standing in the supermarket queue. ✢ Applying make-up or trying to grab a towel with your toes for an added standing challenge! 2 WALK HEEL…

For many of us, having a bigger tummy is our major bugbear, and it’s not all about how it looks. Carrying weight around your middle also ups your risk of many health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. So, for a little extra self-confidence and better health, try our plan devised by nutrition expert Helen Foster. THE PLAN While it’s fine to swap or repeat days, don’t swap meals as days are calculated to ensure you get the right mix of food groups and nutrients. Aim to drink two litres of no- or low-calorie fluid, such as water and herbal tea, each day. It’s also important to try to stick to NHS exercise guidelines: do strengthening activities two days a week plus at least 150 mins of…

Ask your GP for a blood test to find out if you are deficient in any vitamins or minerals. When we put on weight, it’s usually because we are eating too much or exercising too little. Then there’s middle-age spread to contend with, and our genes. But what these all have in common is our metabolism. In short, our metabolism converts what we eat and drink into energy. The ‘faster’ our metabolism, the quicker we burn calories, while having a ‘slow’ metabolism means burning fewer calories in the same time frame. And what a healthy metabolism needs, among other things, are certain vitamins and minerals. ‘Weight is strongly regulated by our metabolism and the subsequent ability of our body to burn fat,’ says Roxane Bakker, a dietitian for Vitl. ‘Although…

1 L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation, £11.99, Boots Normally I say foundation is like sushi – go cheap and you’ll pay the price later – but I ate my words when I tried this. It melts into skin, gives full yet dewy coverage and really goes the distance. Shades for all skin tones too, hurrah! 2 Sanctuary Spa Wet Skin Moisture Miracle, £8, lookfantastic.com I slap this sweetly scented lotion onto wet skin post-shower, dry off and dress right away, yet somehow it sinks in and softens like I’ve slathered on buttery cream and stood around for half an hour as it dries. 3 Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Pads, £7.99, Superdrug I’m consistently impressed by Superdrug’s skincare, and these new pads give the same brightening and smoothing results as products 10…

If you get hot and bothered during the menopause, you’re in good company – three in four women will experience flushes. This temperature fluctuation can be uncomfortable and even distressing, disrupt daily routines, affect our ability to work and knock our confidence. Hot flushes vary from person to person, but are described as a creeping sensation of heat spreading across the body and face, which is sometimes accompanied by sweating, palpitations and anxiety. It’s thought that these flushes are caused by a decline in oestrogen, which can affect the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. Luckily, there are ways to keep cool and carry on… COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT) ‘If you have a hot flush at work and think, “everyone’s looking at me”, you may…

Ageing can feel like a really daunting prospect and, as we approach yet another birthday, it’s quite understandable that some of us want to turn back the clock. Our body changes, our hair lightens and we can end up looking like a very different person to the way we feel. However, with more years comes more wisdom, more confidence and more experience – often laying aside the worries and concerns of youth and finding ourselves again, after the years of motherhood, when we often move to the bottom of our priority list. As a result, our 50s, 60s and beyond can be a time to reignite passions and interests and truly make the most of this stage in our lives. Here, we speak to Michelle, Susie, Suzanne and Roberta, all…

100% natural fragrance Add subtle colour to your lips New revitalising fragrance Defends against UVA and UVB…

As life gets eye-wateringly expensive, many of us will be swapping a packed social diary and costly activities for a more simple life within our own four walls. But this doesn’t need to be bleak – as we found out when locked down during the pandemic, creating a safe haven at home can be hugely therapeutic. Having a calm space you can retreat to, to rest and recharge from the outside world, is crucial for wellbeing – and mastering the art of it is called ‘cocooning’. Keen to learn more? If staying in is now the new going out, here’s how to make the most of your time spent indoors… POP THE KETTLE ON A cuppa makes most things better. In fact, 32% of people* agree that ‘a cup of…

After living with hearing loss, Lynne Kingston, 57, is now embracing the joys of a noisier world I ’ve struggled to hear for years, but was mostly unaware what I was missing. It became more obvious during my early 40s, and there has been a further decline in my hearing over the past 10 years. I have moderate hearing loss in both ears, which means I don’t hear low tones and struggle to pick up conversations – particularly men’s voices. My children are now in their 20s, but they’d point out my hearing as they were growing up. My daughter speaks softly, so I’d often miss things she’d say – especially if she had her back to me. They’d get frustrated and urged me to do something about it. I didn’t…

Roasted white beans with caesar-style dressing Use any crunchy salad leaves you like here, but I particularly love the combination of gem lettuce and red chicory for the contrast in colour and between the sweeter and more bitter leaves Serves 2–3 as a main or 4 as a side • Ready in 40 mins 3tbsp ghee or olive oil400g tin white beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed1tsp dried thyme or rosemary1 handful walnuts or pecans1 handful bread chunks (about 1 slice sourdough/country style bread cut into 1cm chunks)1 little gem lettuce1 head red chicory or another little gem lettuce For the tahini dressing (makes extra, see tip): 2 anchovy fillets (from a jar or tin)2½tbsp tahini (stirred well in the the jar first)1 garlic clove, roughly chopped¾tsp Dijon mustard2tbsp extra-virgin…

Charred cabbage with almonds, pomegranate and tahini Almonds and cabbage both contain magnesium, which helps the body to regulate the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Here they partner with pomegranate and savoury tahini for a fabulous side dish or light salad Serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main • Ready in 15 mins 1 sweetheart cabbage, sliced into quarters for the dressing: 3tbsp tahiniJuice of 1 lemon1tbsp white wine vinegar1tbsp maple syrup to serve: 30g toasted flaked almonds2tbsp pomegranate seeds, optional 1 Put the wedges of cabbage on a medium-heat barbecue or griddle pan, then cook for 6 mins on each side until blackened and wilting. Set aside while you make the dressing. 2 Mix the dressing ingredients until a thick paste forms, then thin with…

Time to glow Charlotte Tilbury make-up is known for creating a sexy, luminous glow, so a new addition was inevitable for summer. Glow Cream Bronzer, £42, charlottetilbury.com, is richer and creamier than the original bronzers and it glides beautifully onto the face and body. But the pigment, even in the fair shade (there are four), is rich, so go gently and buff in well. SUPERCHARGE YOUR SPF Whether it’s sunny outside or not, we all know that wearing a daily sunscreen is paramount to healthy skin. But did you know research has shown that you can up the ante on your protection by adding vitamin C to your SPF? We love the Sanctuary Spa Vitamin C 20% Daily Glow Face Serum, £16.50, Sainsbury’s, and struggle to find a better face…

The sun is finally letting its most vibrant self shine, and it’s time we did the same. We might have grabbed for full coverage foundations in winter, but longer days and hotter holidays dose us up with a radiance that we want to show off. It’s time to master a low-key look that glistens on the beach, and reels in gasps of “you look well” back home. Nowadays we are, quite rightly, more concerned with protecting our skin from the sun than using it to tan, so a warm, sun-kissed look requires a boost from your bag. Just remember that less is more – the only thing you should be laying on thick is SPF. THE EYES HAVE IT For natural holiday make-up, go steady. A little concealer under your…

Fit For Life is your first step towards a healthier, happier lifestyle. Showing you how improving your fitness level now is the best thing you can do for your long-term wellbeing. The first section contains the tools you need to start out. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to set achievable exercise goals, or a regular gym bunny wanting to find out which parts of your body to target, we’ve got all you need. The next sections cover ways to tone, flex and strengthen your body, while getting your heart pumping and mind stimulated. Check out demonstrations from personal trainers, learn how to lift weights, and even set a 30-day flexibility challenge. Lastly, we share tips on how to stay motivated and set your sights even higher. WORTH £9.99 Check…

Now that British summertime is in full swing and the days feel like they’re stretching on forever, it’s the perfect time to kickstart your fitness routine. Whether that means a sweaty HIIT workout in the gym or going for a sunset jog in the park, getting your workout game on has plenty of benefits for your body and state of mind. Sound therapy has become the go-to self-care trend for those in the know, with studies showing that listening to the meditative sounds of gongs, wind chimes and tuning forks helps to boost our mood and lower stress and anxiety. The good news? This therapeutic concept is starting to be used in fitness circles to help crank up exercise sessions. ‘Sound washes over you, which is why sessions that use…

THIS MONTH ✢ Aching jaw ✢ Power of attorney over ageing parents ✢ At-home sexual health clinics Q I got very stressed during the pandemic, with issues around my job and relationships. For the past year or so, I have noticed that I wake up with my jaw clenched tight. It aches to open it and now I am getting pain in front of my ears and, occasionally, headaches. What can I do? A I would recommend visiting your dentist as your first port of call, as it sounds like your symptoms are coming from your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) at the back of your jaw. Clenching your teeth or jaw, or grinding your teeth (called bruxism) are common, and can lead to pain and tightness in the muscles around the jaw,…

You can’t beat a summer break – no hectic schedules, no groaning to-do lists, just R&R and a dose of healing sunshine. It’s no wonder we feel more mentally balanced when on holiday. But the bad news is that in day-to-day life, it’s harder to maintain this lighter, brighter outlook. We cram our time – and our brains – with commitments and a swirl of information that often leaves us drained, anxious and overwhelmed. What’s more, researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that each stressful incident in life could accelerate brain-ageing by one-and-a-half years. So, even if you have a relaxing trip on the horizon, it’s important to find daily ways to unwind the mind. Ready to check into a calmer, happier headspace? Here’s how to trick your brain…

Victory pose It’s what champions do at the finish line and you’ll see performers in this position as they lap up their 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 IT… when you have a moment alone before an important event. 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, helping you dominate any room or space. TRY IT… for a power surge during a disagreement. Lady boss Placing your hands behind your head, with elbows flared out, opens up the body and…

Stripping down to a swimsuit can leave even the most body positive of us feeling overexposed and underconfident. While the pleasures of the beach are bountiful (sun, sand, sea and, if you’re lucky, chilled rosé), the trade-off is anxiety about blotches, bumps and blue-tinged skin. But to give you ultimate confidence this year, we’ve gathered tried-and-tested products and tips from A-list make-up artists Ruby Hammer and Caroline Barnes. Both women have spent years prepping models and celebrities for beach shoots and now they’re giving us the inside track on looking good and feeling great à la plage. Follow their advice and you’ll soon be daring to bare… AT HOME Smooth skin starts in the shower. It may not be news, but the first thing is to invest in a body brush.…

Q My last haircut didn’t work for me. Do I need to use hair lingo to get what I want? A “Before going into the salon, it’s worth understanding your hair type, face shape and lifestyle before you decide on a style. For, example can you commit to styling time or do you need a low-maintenance look? Having said that, your stylist should also help you determine this during the consultation. If you struggle to articulate the exact style that you want, bringing an image into the salon is always a good idea, the stylist will then let you know if that look is achievable. It’s not up to the client to learn the lingo, any well-trained stylist should be able to interpret your needs.” James Galvin, style director at…

COME ON IN… …the water’s lovely! We’ve noticed the world has fallen in love with wild swimming recently – there’s hardly a loch, stream or lake that isn’t filled with bathers, these days. But it’s not the only way to be a water baby this summer. If you fancy paddleboarding, or even water yoga, don’t miss our H2O workout. We also meet three readers whose passion for keeping fit has zero connection to a desire to lose weight. We’re inspired!…

Has the holiday season inspired you to get in shape, but don’t know where to start? We’re here to help kick-start your weight-loss journey with a new fitness programme that promises to help you lose fat and firm up in double-quick time. Meet Giles Salter, the fitness coach whose mission is to educate women about their bodies and revolutionise the way you get in shape with his push-pull-lift plan – a total body workout that aims to build up muscle strength, increase metabolism and ramp up calorie burn. So many exercise regimes concentrate on specific parts of the body. But this method aims to target your whole body at once. Plus, you’ll even keep burning calories after your workout, too. Ready to get results? Follow Giles’ simple steps to success……

TIME OF YOUR LIFE Get ready to meet readers Michelle, Susie, Suzanne and Roberta, whose stories are guaranteed to inspire. Each of these amazing women has a reason to believe that life gets better with age – and they’re celebrating every birthday with gusto! We also have the expert guide to self-discovery and the reasons why gossip is good for us. You heard it here first!…

Although it won’t be listed between M and O on your multivitamin pack, this nutrient is just as important for you as vitamins A, B and C. We’re talking about N for nature – and the fact that none of us get enough time outdoors. ‘Walking in the sunshine can make us healthier and happier, improving our eyesight, building strong bones, reducing blood pressure and even helping us sleep better,’ explains Jeraldine Curran, founder of The Food Nutritionist (thefoodnutritionist.co.uk). It can also increase levels of vitamin D, improve energy, lower stress and boost creativity and focus. What’s more, you don’t need to head out for hours to reap the benefits. One study* revealed that just five minutes in the park, woods or your garden, is enough to help your wellbeing.…

My exercise routine… I really enjoy how exercise makes me feel as I get older. I like the fact that I can climb three flights of stairs and I don’t get worn out. The Fitbit has changed my life and I walk to work, making sure I do five miles a day. I do like a bit of Joe Wicks at home, too, and I’m toying with weights. My workout buddy… My beautiful cockapoo Bea. I love my Saturday-morning walk with her. It’s the end of the week, and it’s not a walk to get somewhere or to go to work: it’s a walk for walk’s sake. My diet… I’m a pescatarian. I went vegetarian in my early 20s, and at some point I reintroduced fish. I really enjoy food.…