Stop Smoking

So we are eating better, exercising more but how many of us are still smoking?  That is definitely something that has to go if we are going to live a healthier life!!  I know, I know it is very easy to say but stopping smoking (and staying stopped) can be very difficult.
 

You will notice that I say stop smoking, rather than give up smoking.  This is deliberate as “giving  up” something suggests depriving ourselves of something we need/ like/ enjoy, when, in fact smoking is something that gives us nothing, but fools us into thinking we need the nicotine to relax, and enjoy life in a way that non-smokers are able to without any stimulation.

If you have decided to stop smoking, the first thing to do is set a date.  Write this date down, mark it on your calendar as a constant reminder and try hard to cut down the number of cigarettes you are smoking each day coming up to this date. I think it is important to be in the right mind set and for this you need to be absolute determined that on that day you will STOP.  Tell your family & friends of the date you have decided upon.  It is important that you receive support from the people you care about most. You are more likely to succeed if they are on your side to offer encouragement and understand if you are a little stressed whilst fighting the addiction! They are the people who will help you find what works for you if you are having a bad day.     
    

Better still if you can find a buddy to stop smoking at the same time.  Someone to provide mutual support. Someone you can ring, at any time of the day, if you feel you are going to give into temptation and they will be strong for you and vice versa.  It will help no end if you have someone who is going through exactly the same as you and understands that you will have good days and bad days before you are finally smoke free. You and your buddy could try going on long walks, perhaps out  in the country or along a coastal path – exercise will really help with the cravings- and remember they don't last forever, it will become easier and easier.               

Next make a list of all the reasons why you are going to stop smoking.  I have written an example list below, but you will have your own reasons to add to this.

●       Health problems - smoking has proven links to various illnesses in particular lung cancer.
●       It is very expensive.
●       Nicotine is an addictive substance our bodies do not need.
●       Smoking gives us bad breath.
●       It makes our clothes smell.
●       Smoking around children can lead to health problems for the child. 
●       Smoking is banned in so many places that smokers are increasingly becoming outcasts.
●       Wanting to live long enough to enjoy the grandchildren
●       The only people who benefit from this addiction are the cigarette manufactures and the tax man!!

Everyone will have their own reasons for wanting to stop smoking and every reason is as valid as the next. It doesn't matter why you want to stop smoking, it just matters that you do!!    

 

So how do we go about stopping? 

Different people choose different ways to stop smoking. Some people are able to stop using will power alone.  They make up their minds to stop and do!  However I feel for many people this is the least likely option to succeed.  I know of friends who have decided to stop smoking and have found themselves walking to the 24 hour store late at night, to purchase a packet of cigarettes, after wrestling with their conscience for hours!  If you feel this is the right way for you then give it a go!

However, I think most of us would prefer a little more help.  And don't worry - there are a whole load of products that you can buy in your local pharmacy that will increase your chances of finally stopping smoking. There are a range of nicotine replacement products including chewing gum and patches that allow you to have a controlled amount of nicotine so that you can wean yourself off cigarettes, without suffering the full effects of nicotine withdrawal. There are also some very clever false cigarettes that allow you to “pretend” to smoke. Breaking the nicotine addiction is one part of stopping – but also you need to break the habit.     

Alternatively, you may decide that you would prefer to try hypnotism and if so I'm sure you will find local therapists in your area who will be willing to help you with this.  It is important that if you decide to go this route you make sure that your therapist is registered and, also, is someone you feel you can trust and that you feel comfortable with.

If, however you are not sure about the idea of finding a therapist I have come across an amazing, complete hypnotherapy programme, designed by one of the UK's leading clinical hypnotherapists, Jon Rhodes. Take a closer look and you may feel that this is the best option for YOU.   The programme covers everything, from getting ready to stop smoking, to dealing with cravings, to finding smoking disgusting!  This is something you can use in the comfort of your own home that can help you achieve your goal of beating the habit of smoking. You do not have to worry about finding the right therapist or talking to a stranger – you can just relax and listen in your own living room.  The programme offers you everything you need to stop smoking and even comes with a money back guarantee – so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!

Remember, it doesn't matter what method you chose to help you to stop smoking - the important thing is that you do stop!! It will take determination and willpower but there is help out there – take it! You do not need to smoke, it gives you nothing, costs a lot and is very likely to damage your health. 

Now I will share with you a little tip with you for when you have stopped smoking. Eat lots of juicy oranges. This will help take away the urge for a cigarette - it is hard to smoke after eating citrus fruit!  Also, eating plenty of oranges will give your body lots of vitamin c to help aid the healing process – so stopping buying cigarettes and buy oranges (or lemons, limes, pineapples etc.) – you get the idea!  

Set your stopping smoking date today .......good luck!!!

Healthy eating for kids

Okay guys we are into December – can't believe where the time has gone – nearly the end of the year already!!  We have spent most of November preparing for the winter.  Our garden had become overgrown (honestly one day no weeds, next day they are about 6ft tall!) so plenty of time outside pulling weeds and lighting bonfires.  We have also been demolishing some of the outbuildings that are not needed, we are making in-roads but still have a lot more to do!  Lastly, and perhaps most importantly we have been cutting our wood for the onset of winter - and that's a statement I never thought I would hear myself say!  My partner has discovered talents with the chainsaw he never knew he possessed and is extremely proud of the woodpile we now have nestled close to the outside kitchen (under cover of course to protect it from the snow we KNOW will be arriving at some point!)

Anyway, the weather has been brilliant so far.  Apart from about half an hours drizzle a couple of weeks ago November was dry. It is a bit chilly first thing in the morning but once the sun is shining we have been working in the garden wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Mind, I always keep a jumper handy cos when you stop working you need it!  Late afternoon when the sun is setting it gets cold, and late at nights it is freezing.  We are not worried as by this time we are nicely settled in the house with a cuppa and the log burner (plechka) roaring and we are as toastie as can be.

It is great to have some sun this time of the year and to see the children out playing after school, kicking a football and racing up and down.  It was after one afternoon such as this that I realized that it is very unusual to see overweight children in the village.....and that started me pondering.....and there is nothing I like better than a good ponder! 

I realized that children in Bulgaria generally have more freedom than most in the UK, mainly because it is still considered safe for them to play outdoors. The school grounds are left open in the evenings and weekends and you will always see children playing on the football and basketball pitches.  The countryside is amazing and those with bikes can have great fun exploring along the tracks made by the horses and carts.  Also, when it comes to planting & getting in the crops the whole family join in and everyone has a job to do.   Children are not being driven home from school and plonked in front of the TV - they are getting exercise every day and enjoying it! This is surely a better way, out in the fresh air, laughing with their friends it just has to be better for both their physical health and developing their social skills with their peers.

And then I pondered some more......why have countries such as USA and Britain got such problems with obesity in children when other Countries have not.  Yes, exercise is certainly part of it but is it also our attitudes towards food​?  I have eaten in enough Bulgaria homes to know that children are generally not going hungry but they are eating healthily.  You do NOT see children walking home from school eating chocolate bars and bags of crisps (although these  are available  in   the local shops)  they are a treat not for consumption a few times a day. 

I do not believe in “banning” any food for children, they should eat a variety of food from different food groups. Children need food for fuel such as bread / pasta/ rice and cereals, a variety of fruit & vegetables to provide them with vitamins for healthy skin, hair and eyes, dairy produce for strong bones and teeth, and protein which is found in meat, poultry and fish.  They do not need lots of high fat, oily foods like crisps, chocolate, fizzy drinks and sweets. 

However, in my way of thinking to have a little, now and again is not the end of the world. I wonder if we try to ban these foods from our kids’ lives altogether it might just make them want them more?  But the key has to be moderation – a little now and again.  Children living on a diet of high fat take aways, sweets and fizzy drinks are not only likely to be overweight but also they will not be getting the nutrients they need and their health will suffer at a later date. I wonder if over the years we have fallen into the trap of trying to do the best for our kids by giving them the things we remember as being treats when we were young?  But when we were young that was just what they were – occasional treats!

Also our children learn from us, and often their attitudes to food will reflect what we have taught them. We teach them that they should eat fruit & vegetables because they are good for them whereas perhaps we should say try this fresh pineapple, it’s delicious! Also we tend to use the “bad” foods as bribes (and I must admit I am as guilty as everyone else.) We may say things like “if you're good I'll buy you sweets on the way home”. Perhaps we could try “if you're good you can help me cook dinner when we get home.”  Kids love to help with the cooking....ok it may take twice as long but they are also learning an important skill. 

 Living in our village the children are eating fresh, organic, locally grown fruit and vegetables generally from their own gardens. So as you can imagine the taste is terrific!!  This may not always be possible for everyone but try and buy local produce whenever possible.  

Lastly remember that children tend to eat with their eyes – if it looks good they will try it!  So have fun, make smiley faces out of the peas & carrots, put fresh fruit on skewers – make it appetizing! As a general rule try to get an assortment of coloured food on the plate as this tends to mean your child is getting an assortment of vitamins and minerals, and always encourage your child to eat their dinner because it tastes good rather than it's good for them!   




If you are interested in healthy eating for your family, have a look at this and this for more ideas.

 

                                                

My first ever Blog - WOW !!!

Hi and welcome to my blog!  This is the first time I have ever blogged (is that a word??) so it is a very exciting time for me!  All in all this year has been a time of change, and I just wanted to share my positive experiences.  My adventure began when my partner and I decided to pack in our nine to fives and emigrate to rural Bulgaria.  Oh yes it was a bit scary but also a marvellous feeling of liberation, no stressful job, no mortgage AND sunshine!      

 What I have discovered is that this move has brought so many more benefits than I could have ever imagined. Indeed, I have stumbled upon an easy way to lose weight quickly and keep it off without giving up any of my favourite foods or spending large amounts of money on slimming aids. In the past I tried to eat healthily and made a conscious effort to achieve my five a day, but was also partial to the odd take–away (or two!) and, have to confess to sometimes giving in to the temptation of convenience food (readymade curries, pasta sauces etc. etc.)    I was also over weight and generally felt unfit, tired & run down.

In less than a year all this has now changed and the reason is simple - Healthy Food!  I have lost over a stone in weight without dieting and I feel great!  I still enjoy all the same variety of meals I used to, but gone are the readymade dinners and take-aways – I eat what I want -but cook it myself using fresh, organic ingredients. I have not given anything up, indeed the meals I am eating now are so much more tasty and satisfying...... but I am eating healthy food! 

This mega change in my lifestyle came about after one of my new neighbours knocked at my door with a bag of tomatoes and peppers that they had grown in their garden. That day I ate the tastiest lunch I had eaten for a long time, a beef tomato sliced with a little drizzle of olive oil and a chunk of fresh bread.   Believe me it was delicious – and I was inspired. That night I dusted off my wok and made a stir-fry using the peppers and tomatoes, wow, better than any readymade meal I could have bought. Since then my whole philosophy on food has changed.  I only buy fresh fruit and vegetables that are locally grown -or those I manage to blag from my neighbours!  This means that the food I am eating is really fresh – not something that has been chemically enhanced and stored in warehouses for months, and guess what, it tastes so good.  Fresh garlic, chillies to add a bit of spice, carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, onions, courgettes and even cabbage (baked in the oven with plenty of paprika) tastes terrific. Hey, I have even boiled and pickled fresh beetroot – this may not seem a momentous occasion to you, but it was truly a revelation to me to find out that beetroot did not only come in jars ready to eat! Oh, and have I mentioned parsnips, par boiled and roasted with a drizzle of honey, the list is really endless.  I have been so impressed by taste of home grown vegetables that next year I am going to have a go at growing my own – imagine that!!      

I am also far more adventurous in my eating habits and have tried food I would never have thought of before. This is partly due to the fact that some things, such as red meat are difficult and expensive to find locally so I have had fun finding and creating new recipes for chicken, fish and vegetables.  I am not suggesting you all follow me and emigrate, although it would be good to see you, but wanted to share my find with you as I know how much better I look and feel from this healthy way of living and you too could have the same `benefits by making some changes to your eating habits where ever you live.

Below are some of my tips to help you lose weight quickly and healthily, without the dreaded “Diet” word.    

1. Never use convenience foods – have you tasted homemade tomato soup? So easy to make & cheap - you'll never go back to tinned.  Locally grown tomatoes also make a great base for curries, casseroles and pasta sauces.
2. Use fresh, locally grown vegetables that are in season, they will taste wonderful.
3. Eat less red meat and more chicken and fish. 
4. Use olive oil when cooking.
5. Throw out your readymade salad creams & mayonnaise – fresh salad needs no more than a drizzle of olive oil to bring out the flavours.
6. Use fresh lemon juice in your cooking 
7. Be adventurous – try something different each week

If you are wondering if this means I have given up alcohol the answer is a definite NO!  I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, especially when friends are around.  But if you are hoping for rapid weight loss I would certainly suggest that you cut down on your alcohol intake and definitely keep within recommended limits.

Another bonus to my new lifestyle is that I have more exercise.  There is nothing I enjoy more than exploring the countryside that surrounds us, Bulgaria really is a beautiful country.  The view from my garden is looking towards the mountains and a beautiful lake is less than thirty minutes walk away, of course I want to be out and about!  If you also want to improve your health and lose some weight quickly I would suggest that you also try to incorporate some exercise into your weekly routine.  Does this mean joining a gym?  I would say no!  In the past I have tried this but found I was spending vast amounts of money and finding every excuse not to go!   Find something you enjoy.  Like me, you may discover that you like to walk, or cycle.  Swimming is also an enjoyable way to burn off some calories, lose weight and improve your health.  These are hobbies that the whole family can enjoy together – cost little and will improve the way you look and feel.

I hope my experience will be of some help to you.  If I have, in just a small way inspired you to make some lifestyle changes I will be thrilled.  Honestly, I am no fitness fanatic but the change to the way I look and feel is so overwhelming I just had to share!  If you are still not convinced I can only say - go on try it.....just for one month.  I know you will look & feel so much better there will be no returning to your old ways!  

If you are interested in healthy eating and losing weight, the following may be of interest to you:-

Click here for a cooking revolution

Click here for a diet solution

Click here for fantastic Chinese cooking ideas

Bye for now and good luck, catch up soon!