Fab Female Nutrition

Ultra Processed foods or UPF are foods that have been industrially produced and contain chemicals such as colours, sweeteners, thickeners and stabilisers.

Are they even food? Or should they be labelled as food like substances.

This week I share how much of our modern diet is made up of these substances and how to spot a UPF.

Convenient does not necessarily mean that food is processed or unhealthy.

There are lots of great convenience foods that I include in my kitchen to help me create quick, tasty, healthy meals.

This week I share with you what they are and how I use them.

You might want to eat before you listen to this weeks episode.

Throughout history people have processed foods to make them last longer, improve the taste or make them more transportable.

This week I explain what they are, and how many of them actually make the foods easier to digest and supportive of gut health.

There is a classification called the NOVA scale that rates foods by the level of processing.

The four levels are

• Unprocessed and minimally processed foods
• Processed culinary ingredients
• Processed foods
• Ultra-processed foods

This week I explain how we came up with these levels and what foods are in each.

Using Feng Shui principles along with decluttering can support your emotional well-being. Stephanie Hemstead-Williams shares her insights into ways that we can declutter and improve the energy flow of our home, which will improve our personal energy levels too.

This episode is part of our 'Beyond the Plate' series where we explore what, besides food, is having an impact on our health and wellbeing.

A huge thank you to the podcast sponsor, Revive Active, Ireland's leading Super Supplement Brand, their award-winning powder formulas are designed with everyday well-being in mind.

To find out more about their fabulous range of super supplements visit their website www.reviveactive.com and enter code Wendy10 to get 10% off your purchases.

The Blue Zones, are regions around the world known for their exceptional longevity and vitality, and they offer valuable insights into the role of community in health and longevity. In places like Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia, and Ikaria, strong social bonds and a sense of belonging are deeply ingrained in daily life. From shared meals to intergenerational interactions, community is woven into the fabric of these societies, contributing to the health and happiness of their residents.

Don't underestimate the power of community and connection. Whether it's sharing a meal with loved ones, participating in group activities, or simply reaching out to a friend, prioritising meaningful connections can have a profound impact on our long-term health and happiness. In our increasingly disconnected world, combatting loneliness has become a pressing public health concern.

Show blog post - Beyond the Plate

A huge thank you to the podcast sponsor, Revive Active, Ireland's leading Super Supplement Brand, their award-winning powder formulas are designed with everyday well-being in mind.

To find out more about their fabulous range of super supplements visit their website www.reviveactive.com and enter code Wendy10 to get 10% off your purchases.

Stress triggers the body's "fight or flight" response, releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to prepare us to deal with perceived threats. While this response is crucial for survival modern life means that we are exposed to chronic stress, and this has a negative impact on our health.

Whilst we can't get away from stress there are some practical strategies we can employ to mitigate it's effects - listen to find out more.

Link to blog post - Beyond the Plate

A huge thank you to the podcast sponsor, Revive Active, Ireland's leading Super Supplement Brand, their award-winning powder formulas are designed with everyday well-being in mind.

To find out more about their fabulous range of super supplements visit their website www.reviveactive.com and enter code Wendy10 to get 10% off your purchases.

When we hear the word "movement," we often envision sweating it out on a treadmill or lifting weights at the gym. Our ancestors got enough exercise daily and they would never have stepped onto a treadmill. If you enjoy the gym or classes then please don't stop, but it is still important to incorporate movement into our daily lives.

Moving your body increases blood flow and oxygen delivery, boosting energy levels and reducing feelings of fatigue. Incorporating movement into your daily routine can leave you feeling more vibrant and alive. Choose the movement that works for you and find ways to make physical activity a natural and enjoyable part of your routine.

Beyond the plate blog post

Sleep is often undervalued in today's fast-paced society, yet it plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being. Quality sleep is essential for physical health, cognitive function, emotional regulation, and immune system function. During sleep, the body repairs tissues, particularly those in the digestive system. It consolidates memories and learning, regulates hormones, and supports brain function. Without adequate sleep, these vital processes are disrupted, leading to a host of negative consequences.

Discover the secrets of sleep and how quality rest can supercharge your health and energy levels.

Read the blog post

A huge thank you to the podcast sponsor, Revive Active, Ireland's leading Super Supplement Brand, their award-winning powder formulas are designed with everyday well-being in mind.

To find out more about their fabulous range of super supplements visit their website www.reviveactive.com and enter code Wendy10 to get 10% off your purchases.

Is sugar addictive?

Scientists studied what happens when we eat sugar and found that it activates dopamine, which is the same chemical activated when taking drugs such as cocaine. This has led to the idea that sugar is addictive, but while you may crave it, it's a bit of a stretch to say it is truly addictive.

The key is to first find the extra sugars hiding in your diet.

Then retrain your tastebuds, which I recommend takes 28 days.

You will be amazed at how different your food tastes, and some of the "treats" you used to enjoy will taste overly sweet and artificial.