Giveaway :)

To enter, you have to do one or more of the following:

• Subscribe to my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/NaturallyDury
• Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/adura_o
• Follow my blog

Giveaway closes once I have 50 YouTube subscribers :)

It's Not Only About Exercise and Diet... Get Health Checks Too.

A lot of us focus too much on looking good and we neglect our health. We are so used to stress of work, school, relationships or just life in general, we end up ignoring some warning signs.

You need to make sure you're in good health before putting your body through the stress of exercise or a new nutrition plan.

Health checks are very important. Take advantage of what you have, if you have easy access to facilities that can provide you with health checks, GET THEM DONE!

A few things (out of many!):

• Ladies, get your cervical screening (smear tests) done. In the UK, every 3 years is recommended. This helps detect any pre-cancerous cells and although this procedure is a little uncomfortable, it's important and doesn't take more than 5-10 minutes. For more information, read this:  http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cervical-screening-test/Pages/Introduction.aspx
• Get a full medical before you throw yourself into an exercise or diet routine - blood tests, blood pressure, heart rate (pulse), etc. I've been guilty of leaving it until I'm ill to get this done and I want to change that. Low blood pressure, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat and a lot of conditions that can be detected through blood tests.
• Know your boobies so that you can recognise any irregularities. Check for new lumps, change in the shape of your breasts, etc. If you're unsure about anything, seek a medical professional's help. The internet is full of valuable information but can lead to unnecessary self-diagnosis although it's easy to do this.
  For more information of self-examination:  http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/breast_cancer/breast_awareness/?gclid=CNbmw-Hzt68CFaYJtAod8SPhkg
• You know your body, if you feel different eg more tired than usual, have a new, and persistent, symptom that refuses to go away and anything else that affects your livelihood, please get it checked.

Exercise is important for your health and reduces certain risks, so does a healthy diet. BUT you need to keep an eye on your health too.

Have a nice week :)

Photo Credit:

Quick & Pretty Hair Bun Tutorial

If you haven't already, please check out my haircare/skincare YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/naturallydury

Hi!

I finally took out my braids (extensions) over a week ago so I decided to take the opportunity to record some videos on my haircare routine and some hairstyle tutorials.

I posted this picture on twitter:

And I got some requests to record a tutorial. Which, of course, I did ;)

I'll be putting my braids back in this weekend so I'll make sure I record a couple more videos before then.

Enjoy the rest of your week :)

Trim Pregnancy...

Errr... no I'm not pregnant ;)

I wrote this article 'Nutrition Tips for Mummies' (Read: http://www.adura-odesanya.co.uk/2012/01/nutrition-tips-for-mummies.html) last year.

Also, I've been asked by friends, family and readers quite a few questions from nutrition to exercise during pregnancy. This has inspired this new series on my blog (Name is subject to change!).


Each post will have a tip on nutrition, exercise or anything else that might be of use to you. If you have any questions, please ask and I'll address them soon.

Disclaimer: Of course I am not a mother (yet) so my information is from research and experiences that pregnant friends, family or clients have had :)

Cravings and Changes in Appetite
Most pregnant women have odd eating habits, cravings and appetites. You might have little to no appetite, sugar cravings so you want everything 'bad' while surprisingly, some see no changes in appetite or cravings.

To deal with cravings, try to ensure you don't always have unhealthy food within your reach. Avoid supermarket aisles that carry these foods. Also, buy one or two of the things you really crave, and have them as treats. Fruit can also help satisfy some sugar cravings.
You don't want to deprive yourself, neither do you want to over indulge.

To deal with having little to no appetite, try eating small meals often. Also make sure all your meals are rich in the nutrients your body needs: Protein, starchy foods (try to stay away from processed carbohydrates and eat potatoes, yam, plantain, 'amala', brown rice and similar foods) and as always, bulk up your meals with vegetables.

Remember to always stay hydrated - drink water whenever you're thirsty and with meals.

Lucky ladies who have normal appetites and no cravings, enjoy :)

If you're taking prenatal supplements, they must be rich in Vitamin D and Folic Acid.

Photo Credit: Baby Clip Art

'What Not To Wear' (In The Gym)

Sorry it's been a little quiet here in the last couple of weeks.

Check out the 1st two videos in a series I'm doing on my Youtube Channel.



Is there anything you've seen someone wear in the gym that has made you cringe?

I HAVE A LONG LIST ;)

Please watch and share my videos.... and also subscribe to my channel (www.youtube.com/HealthyDury).

Happy Easter!!!!

(I'm going to keep quiet about what I have planned for my fitness channel... and also my products. Until I have more information!)

Grilled Fish

Do you like fried fish? I know I do! But of course, I'm living a healthier lifestyle now so I can't be randomly *deep* frying my fish.

Here's the next best thing:

Ingredients
Fish, Seasoning and a Grill/Oven

Grilled Tilapia

• Preheat grill (high heat)
• Season the fish as you like (I used left over fish prepared for the Tilapia & Efo). I used Ginger, Parsley and a pinch of salt.
• Reduce the heat slightly and add fish to oven (or grill)
• Grill for 10 minutes, flip fish over. Repeat. 
• Serve.