The Journal of the American College of Cardiology published a study of 3,000 people that suggested that carrying a potbelly means a high risk of heart problems.
 

Place a tape measure around your middle over your belly button. A measurement of more than 80 cm (32 inches) for women and a measurement of more than 94 cm (37 inches) for men means you are at increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
 

Having a balanced life means that you make time in your day for yourself: to look after yourself and respect your body. Your body is a wonderful machine and it deserves respect. Balance means you take time for exercise, you eat healthy food, make water your main drink of the day and you take time to do things other than work. Balance means your life is healthy.

For many, leading a busy successful life can often mean you have no time at all for yourself, to cook healthy meals or to exercise regularly. If you find yourself in this situation, keep in mind that crash dieting is not the answer. The answer is to make gradual small changes. Most diets encourage eating certain foods while cutting out others. However, there is no such thing really as good and bad foods. All food is good in moderation.
 

You need to eat low-fat meat and low-fat dairy.

You need to make time in your busy routine for the gym.
 

If you're going out for a meal, it is a good idea to drink a couple of glasses of water while you are choosing from the menu. That way, you will eat less and you will not be thirsty. Being thirsty often encourages you to eat more.

If you make small gradual changes, they can become part of a lifelong healthy routine so that you will not only be slimmer and healthier, but you will also glow with good health and well-being.

In order to be successful at keeping your weight under control, you need to be aware of marketing practices that cause us to buy and eat more food than you really need. Food in the Middle East is part of a hospitality culture and portions tend to be larger than in European countries. So, it is important to eat less during the day if you are going out to dinner in the evening. Also, try to choose healthy options without offending your host. If you would like to receive my supportive e-newsletter, e-mail me at: [email protected].

Everyone wants a firm flat stomach; it does wonders for your confidence and means you can fit into all your clothes comfortably. So let’s look at ways to achieve a firm flat stomach before the New Year.
 

If you are carrying weight on your stomach, then it is time to take action. Those who carry weight around their middles are more likely to have health problems, such as heart disease. Be honest: feel your stomach. Is it hanging over your trousers? Can you feel a roll of fat? E-mail me at [email protected] for a fact sheet on how to get a flat stomach.
 
 

Could you be so kind and answer a question for me please? Are there any benefits to cooking with olive oil?

Olive oil is cultivated for its exquisite flavor and also for its health benefits. The vitamin E oil is extracted from the juices of ground and pressed olives. In the past, it has been used to heal wounds, moisturize hair and skin and strengthen fingernails. Research has also shown that olive oil promotes digestion, stimulates metabolism, and lowers cholesterol levels. Consequently, it is much better than animal fat and is good for the body — but use it sparingly as it contains about 45 calories per teaspoon! Put only a teaspoon in your salad and use as little as possible in cooking. For a daily healthy tip, follow me on Twitter “@AlvaCarpenter”