High Intensity Training

High Intensity Training is also referred to as HIT exercise. 

Short bursts of high intensity activity within a period of exercise can improve aerobic fitness, insulin sensitivity and muscle strength. 

HIT breaks down the stored glucose in muscles very rapidly, activating more than 70% of your muscle cells.

Just 3 minutes a week of 20 seconds or 30 seconds where you push your body to its limits is needed. Start with a warm up, then alternate 20 to 30 seconds of HIT with 30 seconds of gentle exercise for 3 minutes.

HIT exercise can be cycling (including using an exercise bike), swimming, running and skipping.

Sunscreen Allergy

Some people develop an allergy to the usual range of sunscreens. The sun filters in the products break down in bright sunlight, a process which can cause an itchy, eczema-like rash on some skins.

Kalme Day Defense uses plant based ingredients; in trials it was found to reduce redness and sensitivity by 70%.

(Source unkown, noted May 2011)

Baking pastry and biscuits

Chill pastry and biscuits before baking for best results. Wrap and place in fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 5 – 10 minutes.

Crops in Unheated Greenhouses

Many people only use their greenhouse for growing plants in the summer, and for storage (e.g. plant pots and seed trays) in the winter. But your unheated greenhouse can be used for growing crops most of the year.

An unheated greenhouse is up to 5° warmer than the temperature outside and will keep plants frost free in all but the worst of winters. So here are some tips to make the most of your greenhouse.

• Keep plants on the dry side and they are less likely to freeze. 
• Dry conditions also lessen the risk of fungal infections.
• Maintain an even temperature. Close the door and window vents in frosty or windy weather, and open on warm sunny days to prevent overheating.
• Keep plants away from contact with the glass.
• Remove summer shading to miximise light levels.
• Clean thoroughly between summer and winter use.
• Either a pile of bricks or a bucket of water in the greenhouse will absorb warmth by day and release it over night. 

What to grow? Try the following:

• Lettuce
• Basil and other herbs
• Chard and spinach beet
• Late sown carrots (no problems with carrot fly!)
• Chillies grown in summer will continue to fruit, just reduce the watering in autumn.
• Potatoes for Christmas; grow and early crop and cover with fleece on cold nights.

Portion control (1)

When beginning to eat healthily, it is important to learn portion control. So here are some ideas that will help you.

• Put food onto individual plates, not in serving bowls (and you will eat 20-25% less). 
• Remember your last main meal before snacking (this will help you eat up to 30% fewer calories). 
• Drink water 30 mins before a meal (and eat 13% fewer calories).