When you look at old photographs of yourself, you generally think, “Gosh, didn’t I look nice, wasn’t I slim then.” But as the years pass, we often put on extra weight. This is because on the whole we tend to eat slightly more and use up less energy because we move around less, as we grow older. Therefore, if we want to maintain a nice svelte figure, we need to cut down and eat less as we grow older. And try to add more healthy exercise into our days. I know that when I was younger I did a lot more walking as I lived in London and walked everywhere, whereas now I live in the countryside and drive a car everywhere. In the Gulf, you really have to make an effort to walk, as it is so easy to jump into the car. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and everyone should try to walk at least twice a week. You can avoid gaining weight as the years go by just by dropping a hundred calories a day. The easiest way to do this is to cut out a snack — swap a biscuit for an apple — swap a chocolate bar for a banana — or cut out fried rice and eat boiled instead. Or else, build some walking into your day. Park the car and walk the last 10 minutes to your work place. Use the stairs for three floors instead of the lift. Don’t say you are too tired, because exercise breeds energy.
Join Me in My Weekly Task
Ditch processed foods and go simple and natural. Simple fresh meals can be cooked just as quickly.
Why? Processed foods can be high in fat and salt. Adding natural unrefined food boosts your fibre intake and fills you up.
How? Eat whole grain breakfast cereals and bread. Eat fruit; jacket potatoes with salad; include broccoli — one of the best vegetables you can eat.
Recipe of the Week
Pepper Baked Hamour
Serves 6
Ingredients
680 g Hamour fillets
tsp. salt
tsp. turmeric
tsp. cumin powder
tsp. ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp. sunflower oil
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Method
Place fish fillets in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and garlic, tossing to coat well. Cover and marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 200°C. Coat the bottom of baking dish with the oil. Place the fish in a single layer and pour the marinade over it. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The fish should be firm to the touch. Fish is done when it easily flakes with a fork. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
Ask Alva
My skin has spent too much time in the sun and is lacking in tone. I have also noticed sagging around my jawline and eyelids. I feel that my face is starting to look old, whereas my body remains toned, but I am afraid of cosmetic surgery. Angie
There is good news, because there are many things that you can do to make a difference naturally:
• Always use a factor 15 UV protection (or higher) on your skin.
• Facial exercises are very important. You exercise your body to stop it sagging, so why not your face? I do facial exercises myself and after a time, you will notice that you have a tighter jawline, fuller cheeks, and wider eyes. If you email me at [email protected] I will send you a copy of my Mini-morning Facial — anyone else over thirty who would like a copy can do the same. The exercises only take 5 minutes and you can do them in bed before you get up in the morning. By the time you reach the bathroom mirror you will feel so much better!
• Massage your face every morning to improve the circulation and muscle tone. The only secret to this is to do it every day. I use a fairly simple moisturiser and spend time massaging it into my skin.
• Drink hot water and lemon as your first drink of the day.
• Exfoliate your skin in the shower every morning using a facial loofah.
Alva
