Giveaway (50 Subscribers) and a Rant

I decided to do an impromptu giveaway on my HealthyDury channel.

(I have one ready for when I reach 50 subscribers on my NaturallyDury channel *hint*).


My next milestone is 100 subscribers and there will be another giveaway, for sure :)

MINI-RANT

I'm so tired of how the media misleads members of the public, how can a headline read "Reduce the risks of a stroke by chomping on a choc bar"?!?!?

They went on to recommend a popular brand of chocolate that is less than 40% cocoa (which is what contains 'flavanoids' which help reduce this risk).

Its ingredients (in order of highest % first) include: Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Skimmed Milk Powder, Milk Fat, Vegetable Fat, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass.... (and more random stuff). And this is what they're recommending people eat to stave off strokes??? Aarggghhh!!!!

Why couldn't the recommend dark chocolate? Even 65-70% (cocoa) chocolate?

And right at the end of the article, the final paragraph, they finally remembered to state that "chocolate is high in sugar, saturated fat and calories and should be consumed in moderation". 

Most people won't read that last paragraph, they'd be so happy that they can eat a bar of chocolate a day to "prevent a stroke".

Nonsense!

Chocolate brands I like (and would happily recommend) include - Green & Blacks (most supermarkets sell them) and Montezuma (Whole Foods). I'll add more later.

/RANT OVER

Healthy Eating Tip #3

Freeze It!

My friend, Vickii, gave me 2 slices of banoffee pie and pavlova this morning! She offered, I said yes OF COURSE!

Thing is - it's Tuesday and I aim to eat healthy Monday - Friday. So what did I do? I didn't taste either of them, held back during the tube journey back home, wrapped them in cling film and put them straight into the freezer.

I'm going to have one of them on Friday night or Saturday afternoon/evening... I cannot wait!

So if you have something in your fridge that's really calling your name, something unhealthy, wrap it up and freeze it.

Try it, works for me most of the time :)

And while you're here, please subscribe to my YouTube channel:
--> http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=HealthyDury <--

The Other Side of Skincare

Earlier this year, I posted a video on my Skincare routine. I spent a lot of time talking about what I do to my skin from outside. And not much on some other factors.

Well, after almost 2 months of being away, then getting back to London with a lot of work which led to stress, I had to record this video and share a couple of other key factors that affect the health and appearance of my skin.

And.... I will be recording and uploading more videos. Please let me know if you have any requests...

*SUBSCRIBE* To my channel --> http://www.youtube.com/NaturallyDury

That 'Bad-Eating', 'Annoying' and 'Frustrating' Phase in your Healthy Journey? It's very common!

Hi :)

I went through a phase that I might have sometimes, arrogantly, thought was firmly behind me and I just wanted to share my experience.

It was just a reminder that I'm human (duhh!).

So if you have setbacks or just lack motivation on Day 1, Day 20, Day 100 or Year 3 of your healthy journey, you're not alone and it will pass :)

*SUBSCRIBE* to my channel ---> http://www.youtube.com/HealthDury

Energy Drink = Sugar + Caffeine + Carbonated Water + other stuff

I was reading Metro (free newspaper) this morning, full of the usual mix of trashy and important news.

Then I got to page 20 with a headline that included: "25p energy drink..."and I just had to put up this post because it's getting frustrating now!

Thanks to money being injected into advertising these drinks, they are becoming more popular. Not only are they marketed as instant energy providers, you can find cocktails using them as a main ingredient and buy them for as little as 25p! Don't get me started on how 25p is profitable to the company, what are they putting in their drinks that they can be sold for that little??

A popular Energy drink (yes that one you thought about) contains, amongst other ingredients, carbonated water, sucrose + glucose (which adds up to the equivalent of ~6 teaspoons of sugar) and caffeine (roughly the same amount in a cup of coffee).
 So, you drink this and you're getting a sugar high + a caffeine high, a temporary one. People have these drinks 1st thing in the morning, so much sugar and their day hasn't even started. (I won't go on about the other ingredients to avoid boring you but they're not great either).

This article went on to share some more "helpful" information about another brand of Energy drinks (sold for 30p!), I had to share the ingredients:

Carbonated water, Sugar, Glucose-fructose Syrup, Citric acid, Taurine (0.4%), Glucuronolactone (0.24%) (Not in the 1litre bottle), Flavouring (including Caffeine (0.03%)), Acidity regulator (Sodium Citrates), Inositol, Colours (Sulfite, Ammonia caramel, Carmoisine), Vitamins (Niacin, B₅, B₆, B₂, B₁₂), Preservative (Sodium Benzoate)

The 1st 3/4 ingredients make up more than 90% of the drink, Sugar AND Glucose Fructose Syrup is SUGAR AND SUGAR!

Trust me, I am VERY aware of what it feels like needing instant energy. Some mornings I have to drag myself out of bed to get to the gym before 7. This can be achieved in a healthier manner, with longer lasting energy than short, quick sugar highs.

Healthier options to get quick energy, on the go include:

• A protein bar: Eg 9-Bar (Read Review HERE) and Bounce Ball (Read Review HERE)
• Peanut/Almond (or any nut butter) on a slice of toast or on it's own (1 teaspoon or tablespoon)
• Fruit eg Apple, Banana, etc

So please... step away from that Energy Drink! Thanks ;)

Photo Credit: A.C.T

Recipe: Suya Chops!

I'm envious of you all in Nigeria - you have easy access to Suya! On July 4th this year, my brother-in-law made suya and I stuffed my face - I love it :)

Thanks to my Aunty T, I have suya pepper here in London. I hadn't put it to good use in a while until I bought some pork chops 2 weeks ago.

Now after eating this about 4 times in the last 2 weeks, I'm happy share one of my new (and favourite) recipes with you. It's high in protein which is great!

Ingredients

• 4 Pork Chops
• Mixed Herbs
• Mixed Spice
• Rock Salt
• Suya Pepper
• 1/2 an onion

Steps

After 3 hours in the fridge.

1. Season the pork chops with the salt, herbs and spices.
2. Slather (yes, slather) the pork chops in suya pepper
3. Chop the onions and add.
4. Allow to marinade, in the fridge, for at least 3 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 200C
6. Add the pork chops and roast for 15 minutes (I like my meat well cooked).
7. Turn them over and roast for another 15 minutes.
8. Done :)

Serving Suggestions

• With steamed vegetables

• With roasted sweet potatoes and vegetables

Exercise Class Review: Zumba

"Are you ready to party yourself into shape? That’s exactly what the Zumba® program is all about. It’s an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health."

I'm yet to try a Zumba class, I keep meaning to but the class that's easily accessible is on the same day I teach 2 spin classes so I'm always exhausted. I will soon though so I can share my thoughts on it :)

This is another review by Ogo (she reviewed Fitter London Kettlebells last week), her review is on a class in Lagos, Nigeria. I will hopefully (finally) try out a class here in London and post a review soon...

I have taken Zumba classes for a couple of years now, and I am absolutely addicted. Zumba is a form of exercise that combines elements of Latin, swing and ballroom dance (and sometimes hip-hop dance as well). A typical class at De Baile, for example, incorporates bachatta, cha-cha, jive, samba, merengue and salsa moves, along with lots of body conditioning exercises.

The instructor builds high-intensity movements into each dance style, and then allows you to slow down a little before kicking it up again, so Zumba utilises high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Each of these dance styles has its own unique movements and qualities – for example the jive is a really energetic and fast-paced dance, the cha-cha is sassy with lots of fierce attitude, and the samba is earthy and sensuous. Each dance style also targets certain parts of your body while engaging the entire body – for example the samba provides a great core workout, while the cha-cha is great for the hips and thighs.

I love to dance – I just love to move my body to the beat of music, which is why Zumba is the perfect form of exercise for me. It allows me to do what I enjoy while still getting a good workout. After consistent ‘Zumba-ing’, I’ve definitely noticed greater flexibility, more energy, a more toned body (especially my legs and butt), and most satisfyingly, I am much more aware of, and in tune with, my body. I also love that Zumba never gets boring, because I’m constantly trying to improve my technique. There is always something new, fun and challenging to learn, especially because my instructor, Bunmi Olunloyo, constantly introduces more advanced steps and dance routines to literally keep us on our toes. And after dancing my heart out in each class, it feels really good to do my stretches at the end of the class as a reward for all that hard work.

I would definitely recommend Zumba for anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced, energetic and effective workout. It’s really easy to follow if you have a good instructor, and it’s really enjoyable into the bargain. You just might feel a little silly shaking your hips to the Latin beat in your very first class, but trust me, before long, you’ll be hooked.

Venue: De Baile Studio, 33 Moloney Street, Lagos
Times: Mondays & Fridays at 6.30pm, Saturdays at 10.30am
Contact no: 08023005649

Another company running classes in Lagos is Zumba Fitness Nigeria

I've heard some good reviews from others about these classes.
Venues/Times:
BNatural Spa, 11 Oduduwa Way GRA, Ikeja on Monday & Thursday, 6pm to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 9am.
DaYoga Studios at Zebra Living, 33 Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island on Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Contact: Facebook Page

Community Center, Glover Court, Ikoyi on Mondays and Thursdays 6:30pm and Saturdays 9:00am.
Contact: Website

Do you attend Zumba classes? Where? Would you recommend?

Healthy Eating Tip #2

Keep unhealthy food out of reach!

This might sound obvious but I know many people who leave temptation right in front of them! How do you expect to fight the urge to eat a bowl of ice cream (this is aimed at me!) if you have a tub of ice cream in the freezer? Or chocolate? Or biscuits? Or... okay, enough of the day dreaming ;)

Seriously, I've found that keeping unhealthy foods away means I'll eat healthier. Simple! On the days I decide to treat myself, I always buy enough to last only a couple of days.

Unfortunately for some of you, I'm sure it's tougher at work. People bringing in random treats to celebrate one thing or the other. It is soo hard! The solution, and what worked for me, is to have healthy snacks with you - fruit, nuts, etc. If you absolutely MUST have a treat, keep it to a minimum. Don't keep going back and always remember your goal(s).

Photo Credit: http://www.erganicliving.com/