Woman's Weekly Living Series May 2023

This time last year I was making plans for a multi-generational but active family holiday with my 78-year-old mum and my two daughters in their early 20s. And, to be honest, I was stressing. How to keep them all happy while having a fun break myself? I needn’t have worried, because it worked a treat. Find out all about it on p50. You can also find out all about how to spring clean your health this issue, with expert advice on boosting your energy levels, beating hay fever and blasting your belly fat, as well as keeping your heart healthy and your sex life on track. Plus there’s plenty of inspiration for filling but wholesome food. So what are you waiting for? Dive right in……

Walk 11 minutes a day That’s all it takes to help prevent early death and disease, according to new research. Just that amount of walking each day at a brisk pace was enough to prevent one in ten early deaths, say findings from 196 studies involving more than 30 million people measured by Cambridge University. The researchers found that 75 minutes a week appeared to substantially reduce the risks of early death, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. 3 WAYS TO... Spring-proof your skin 1 GET ENOUGH SLEEP Skin cells regenerate during sleep and a lack of it can create an imbalance in serotonin and melatonin, triggering a rise in cortisol and a break down of collagen, which can lead to increased inflammation, acne and dull, sensitive skin. 2 EAT SMART…

She has been on our screens for over 50 years and now that Dame Joanna Lumley is in her eighth decade, she has zero plans to slow down. The energetic presenter, who is almost as well known for her travel shows as she is for her roles in Absolutely Fabulous and The New Avengers, has just completed a tour taking in the Banda Islands, Zanzibar and Madagascar for a future programme. And when asked about plans to retire, she said, ‘I can’t see it – if you love what you’re doing, you keep doing it – of course, there comes a point where “it” will retire you.’ For now at least, the work keeps coming her way. Part of that work has seen her travel the globe, but being a…

CHEST PAIN It’s one of the most common signs of a heart attack, but may be missed in women because heart disease is often seen as a ‘man’s problem’. Watch for pain or discomfort – pressure, tightening or squeezing – in your chest, which occurs suddenly and doesn’t go away. The pain may spread either to arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. British women are twice as likely to die within a month of a heart attack than men – and less likely to have their heart problem correctly diagnosed. A report in medical journal The Lancet highlighted inequality of care for women with cardiovascular disease, despite it affecting as many women as men. ‘Here in the UK, women who have a heart attack receive poorer care than men at…

A low-sugar diet doesn’t need to be dull and tasteless. It’s possible to shed pounds and tantalise your taste buds. And by eliminating added sugars, you’ll have lower insulin and steadier blood-sugar levels, which can help regulate appetite and target fat around your tum more effectively. Simply pick from our selection of calorie-counted, no-added sugar breakfasts, lunches and dinners. You’re also allowed 300ml of semi-skimmed milk each day for teas and coffees. SUGAR SAVVY It’s added or ‘free’ sugars that are the worst – these are sugars that are added to food and drinks, and also those in honey and syrups, including agave syrup. SNACKS (Approximately 150 calories) Choose one a day ✱ 1 plain rice cake topped with 20g (no added sugar) peanut butter ✱ 30g Cheddar cheese and…

BOOST 1 Step it up Walking is fantastic for your health generally, strengthening bones, lowering blood pressure and making you less prone to stroke, heart problems, diabetes and cancer. It’s also a great way to recharge your energy levels. ‘A daily walk is a great habit to get into,’ says physiotherapist Sammy Margo. TRY THIS ✱ GET UP AND GO A morning walk will set you up for the day. Early exposure to daylight helps to maintain a healthy body clock and could also help you to sustain day-long energy. ✱ BREAK IT UP You don’t have to do a long walk in one go – you can break it down into 10-minute chunks and build up longer times from there. ✱ DRESS THE PART Discover comfortable and stylish ‘athleisure’…