Pippa Middleton stays slim with clever 'choices' - her 'delicious' everyday breakfast

 Pippa Middleton has three children with her millionaire husband James Matthews: Arthur, Grace and Rose.

Pippa Middleton has been recently pictured on the island of St Bart's, in the Caribbean, with her husband James Matthews and their three children. The Princess of Wales's sister looked fantastic in a tiny red bikini, but what is her secret to losing weight after having children and staying slim?

Pippa Middleton explained that exercising is "part of my weekly routine", especially running and fitness.

However, she admitted that this has changed since having children: "Family life and motherhood has consumed much of my spare time.

"I suppose, my running has been more after babies and toddlers than crossing finish lines, which I’m fine with — for now!" she said during an interview with activewear brand Hoka.

Kate's sister continued: "Being active with my son in the park or playground, transporting him on the back of my bike, and buggy running when he was a baby have been ways in which I have been able to include outdoor exercise whilst being a hands-on mummy."

The socialite explained that regular exercise helps "manage my weight" and the time she spends running and playing with the kids "is time efficient".

"It gives us both the chance to enjoy the fresh air and explore the great outdoors," Pippa explained.

But it is a combination of exercise and diet that helps her maintain her fantastic figure as she admitted in the past that she follows a healthy and varied diet.

Pippa explained that she never leaves the house without having breakfast. "Can't start the day properly without breakfast," she said.

Normally, she has "lots of porridge or boiled eggs with soldiers" in the morning but other times she opts for yoghurt, avocado on toast, and muesli.

"My usual breakfast is either plain yoghurt with chopped fruit and toasted seeds, oats and nuts or toasted rye bread with eggs or avocado," Pippa told The i.

She also enjoys "Bircher muesli with fresh berries on top" and "you can even make a batch for the whole week," she suggested.

To maintain the desired weight and stay slim, balance and moderation are key although some sugary treats from time to time are allowed.

"I grew up with the belief that good health is about moderation in all things, so I’ll be celebrating healthy living through exercise, a balanced diet and a little of the naughty stuff sprinkled in - I'm talking chocolate, crisps and an occasional glass of wine," she wrote in Waitrose magazine.

Pippa revealed that she has never tried the Dukan diet, attempted Atkins or "exercised religiously seven days a week" to lose weight.

"But I do believe in making healthy choices - keeping refined carbs such as white bread and pasta to a minimum, and sticking to sensible portion sizes," she said.

Pippa also revealed that after having children, she worked out "for 45 minutes, three or four times a week, depending on my energy levels".

In terms of future fitness goals, Kate's sister said that she would like to participate in the London and New York marathons or the Coast-to-Coast multi-sport event in New Zealand.

Her dream is to take part in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc MCC, the 40km race, and the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

"One day, my dream would be to participate in a sporting challenge or epic adventure with my own children," she added.

Though 100 percent fruit juice is nutrient-dense, some fruit juices can be deceptive. This was highlighted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2012, which stated: “High consumption of fruit juice and other sources of fructose has been shown to promote weight gain and specifically visceral fat adiposity in adulthood. It added: “Fruit juice and additional sources of fructose in food and beverage are well known to contribute to weight gain and abdominal adiposity in adults." It’s important to recognise that different types of fruit juices contain different quantities of sugar, fibre and other micronutrients. Though 100 fruit juice packs a significant amount of sugar, it is unlikely to have the same health as sugar-sweetened drinks like soda.

 One study of more than 52,000 women found those who consumed higher amounts of milk had an increased risk for breast cancer.

Our diet plays a huge role in our health and wellbeing. It is widely accepted that certain foods can raise our risk for certain problems - such as saturated fats and the link with high cholesterol. However, there is one drink that has been shown to increase the risk of both breast and prostate cancer.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Doctor Shireen Kassam - consultant haematologist, lecturer and founder of Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, warned about some of the risks of drinking milk.

She said: “Even though certain animal-derived foods such as dairy are considered healthy despite the processing involved, these foods do not provide the same level of protection against cancer.

“In fact, dairy consumption has been consistently associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and may increase the risk of breast cancer.”

Breast cancer

A study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in 2020, looked at the link between milk and breast cancer.

As part of the research the team considered data on more than 52,700 North American Women who were initially cancer free.

They completed food frequency questionnaires, and more than 1,000 filled out six 24 hour dietary recalls - a quick questionnaire about the last 24 hours.

Participants were followed for eight years, with breast cancer diagnoses noted. In that time there were 1,057 new cases of breast cancer.

Researchers then found links between certain products consumed and the rates of disease.

The study said: “No clear associations were found between soy products and breast cancer, independently of dairy.

“However, higher intakes of dairy calories and dairy milk were associated with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.22, respectively, comparing 90th to 10th percentiles of intakes.

“Full fat and reduced fat milks produced similar results. No important associations were noted with cheese and yoghurt.”

It concluded: “Higher intakes of dairy milk were associated with greater risk of breast cancer, when adjusted for soy intake. Current guidelines for dairy milk consumption could be viewed with some caution.”

Prostate cancer

Separate research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2022, established a link between prostate cancer and dairy.

Similar to the other study, participants, of which there were more than 28,000 men, completed food frequency questionnaires and 24 hour dietary recalls to establish what they were consuming.

Over the next eight years 1,254 cases of prostate cancer - including 190 advanced cases - were diagnosed.

The study said: “Men at the 90th percentile of dairy intake (430 grams a day) compared with the 10th percentile (20.2 grams a day) had higher prostate cancer risk.

Swap regular cuppa for another tea to blast visceral fat - 'aids' metabolism

 A study showed one certain tea could not only lower visceral fat but also body mass index and waist circumference.

Visceral fat can be found deep within the belly. A certain amount is required to help insulate and protect vital organs. However, too much is known to cause serious health issues including heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.

One major cause of an excess of visceral fat is diet.Cutting back on foods high in calories, sugar and saturated fats is one way to shed weight.

But what you drink can also make a difference.Personal trainer at Bio-Synergy, Nathan Honess, spoke with Express.co.uk to explain more.

“Visceral fat is the belly fat that wraps around your abdominal organs,” he said.

“It’s sometimes referred to as ‘hidden fat’ because it’s stored deep in your body and can be hard to distinguish.

“Too much visceral fat can lead to health problems such as lower back pain, heart disease and diabetes.”

He specifically recommended switching out regular tea for either matcha green tea, green tea or peppermint tea.

Mr Honess continued: “To help reduce visceral fat, there’s a few easy changes you can make to your diet and one involves boiling the kettle.

“Instead of your normal cuppa try switching to matcha green tea – a study found that the key nutrient – catechin – helped reduce the visceral fat in its participants, as well as overall body fat.

“If matcha is not for you, try a cup of green or peppermint tea to aid digestion and your metabolism.”

The study referenced by Mr Honess was published in Obesity journal in 2007.

As part of the research 240 men and women with “visceral fat-type obesity” were given green tea with different levels of catechins every day for 12 weeks.

It concluded that those who drank green tea containing 583mg of catechins (the higher amount) saw a greater reduction in fat.

“Decreases in body weight, body mass index, body fat ratio, body fat mass, waist circumference, hip circumference, visceral fat area, and subcutaneous fat area were found to be greater in the catechin group than in the control group,” it said.

“The continuous ingestion of a green tea extract high in catechins led to a reduction in body fat, systolic blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, suggesting that the ingestion of such an extract contributes to a decrease in obesity and cardiovascular disease risks.”

Start the NHS weight loss plan

Weight loss plan features
promotes safe and sustainable weight loss
learn to make healthier food choices
get support from our online community
a weekly progress chart
exercise plans to help you lose weight
learn skills to prevent weight regain
The plan is designed to help you lose weight at a safe rate of 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lb) each week by sticking to a daily calorie allowance.

For most men, this means sticking to a calorie limit of no more than 1,900kcal a day, and 1,400kcal for most women.

If you find it hard sticking to the calorie limit, use our BMI calculator to get your own personal weight loss calorie allowance.

If you go over your limit one day, don't worry: it simply means you'll have to reduce your calorie intake on the following days.

Download Now Top 5 eBooks For Weight Loss

For example, if you're a woman and you have 1,700kcal on Tuesday, that's 300kcal more than your daily calorie allowance of 1,400kcal.

To stay on track, you'd need to cut out an extra 300kcal from your remaining calorie intake over the rest of the week.

The calorie allowance is based on NICE guidance, which states that to lose weight, the average person should reduce their daily calorie intake by 600kcal.

Weekly packs
The guide is delivered through 12 weekly information packs full of diet, healthy eating and physical activity advice, including weekly challenges.

Each information guide contains a food and activity chart to help you record your calories, exercise and weight loss so you can see how well you're doing at a glance.

Print the chart out and stick it somewhere you can see it, such as the fridge or a kitchen cupboard, and update it at the end of each day.

In addition to a healthier diet, regular physical activity is an important component of your weight loss journey.

Not only will it help you burn extra calories, but it will also keep you motivated and improve your general health and wellbeing.

As you work through the weeks, you'll get lots of ideas and structured programmes to help you get active, from easy ways to gradually build activity into your day, to the popular Couch to 5K, 5K+ and Strength and Flex podcasts.

Getting started
The links below provide the tools and knowledge you'll need from day one on the plan. Before you download Week 1, it's worth taking a look so you can:

try our free calorie checker
work out how much weight you need to lose
learn how to count calories on the plan
download our Easy Meals app from our iTunes and Google Play
line up some non-food rewards to celebrate your progress along the way 
check out our 12 weight loss tips
find out how other people have lost weight on the plan
sign up for weight loss email support
Is this plan for me?
This guide is intended for use by healthy adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 and over. Find out if you need to lose weight using the BMI healthy weight calculator.

It is not suitable for children and young people or pregnant women. If you have a medical condition, you should consult your GP before starting.

It's a good idea to seek the advice of a health professional before starting on any weight loss programme.

The NHS Choices weight loss guide has been developed under the supervision and advice of specialist dietitians from the British Dietetic Association, which represents registered dietitians in the UK. Thanks to dietitians at DOM UK (Dietitians in Obesity Management), a specialist group of the British Dietetic Association.

I Just Got a Filling, and My Teeth Are Suddenly Sensitive! What Should I Do?

Let’s face it: getting a filling isn’t a fun time. While it can certainly help our overall oral health, it’s just one of those things that’s so much better once it’s finished.

But what happens if you leave the dentist’s office after a filling and notice your teeth suddenly feel sensitive? Is this normal? Should you be worried? Are there ways to ease the sensitivity?

Read on for the answers to all these questions!

Why are your teeth sensitive after a filling?

There are a few common reasons your teeth may be painful after a filling. The obvious is that your tooth was just worked on by a dental professional who had to drill into it to remove all the decay — you don’t just get a filling without the cavity, of course! According to Christine Frank, DDS, the procedure “inflames the pulp, which is the connective tissue that forms the center of your teeth, causing pulpitis.”

The procedure could have also slightly changed your bite, which can cause tooth sensitivity (and you may need to go back to your dentist to get your filling reshaped). Other reasons your teeth may be sensitive after a filling are a possible allergic reaction (this is rare) or the cavity went so deep into the pulp of the tooth that the tissue is no longer healthy, and a root canal may be required.

What can you do about tooth sensitivity after a filling? Now that you know what the cause of the sensitivity may be, you need to know what you can do to help the pain go away — fast!

While the pain will likely go away entirely in two to four weeks on its own (and if it doesn’t you should immediately consult with your dentist), Frank says you can also try any of the following remedies to alleviate some of the problem: take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, avoid sweet foods and drinks, and limit your consumption of extremely hot or cold drinks.

Dealing with tooth sensitivity in general

While dental fillings can cause short-term sensitivity, many people deal with sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks on the daily. The good news? This kind of tooth sensitivity can be treated! Brushing twice a day with Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste can bring significant relief from sensitivity in as little as three days, which means you can go back to enjoying the foods you love (hello, ice cream!) without having to give it a second thought.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Your fall baking list is now complete with the addition of these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins! Studded with chocolate chips and pecans, you’re really in for a treat!

‘Tis the season for all the pumpkin goodies – pies, bars, smoothies, cookies, muffins and more. Cooking and baking with pumpkin brings me so much joy. I love this time of year, the flavor of pumpkin spice, the aroma of pumpkin goodies baking away in the oven – it’s simply the best. You know what also brings me joy? Sharing my favorite recipe creations with you so you can experience the joy, too. You’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when you sink your teeth into one of these soft, fluffy, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. Pure joy!

P.S. This recipe was not a planned share. Jess and I have our editorial calendar planned months in advance, but I couldn’t resist sharing this recipe with you as a bonus post for the week. Especially after I saw the gorgeous photos that were taken by Jess of Plays Well with Butter who helps us with about 50% of recipe photos. Girl’s got skills!

Soft, fluffy and made with less sugar, these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are calling your name!
I know you’re going to love this recipe. It’s very similar to our Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, which have become a reader favorite. In fact, this recipe was created when I wanted to make the banana muffins during a meal prep a couple weekends ago, but didn’t have any ripe bananas on hand so I grabbed my lonely can of pumpkin instead. Some of my best recipes are created on a whim and purely by accident, and I love when that happens.

These Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are soft, tender, fluffy and studded to perfection with chocolate chips and pecans. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for weekend meal preps, adding to lunchboxes, breakfast on the go, afternoon snacking, serving at a party or gift giving to a new parent or heck, anyone who could use a little pick-me-up! You’ll also appreciate that they’re made with less sugar yet you’ll never know. They’re just so darn good!

Women's Health Tips for Heart, Mind, and Body

Looking for the path toward a healthier you? It's not hard to find. The journey begins with some simple tweaks to your lifestyle. The right diet, exercise, and stress-relief plan all play a big role.

Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
There's an easy recipe if your goal is to keep away problems like heart disease and strokes.


Eat more fruits and veggies.
Choose whole grains. Try brown rice instead of white. Switch to whole wheat pasta.
Choose lean proteins like poultry, fish, beans, and legumes.
Cut down on processed foods, sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
When eating healthy, flexibility often works best, says Joyce Meng, MD, assistant professor at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at UConn Health. If you like to follow a strict diet plan, go for it. If not, it's OK. "Find what works for you."

Tricia Montgomery, 52, the founder of K9 Fit Club, knows first-hand how the right diet and lifestyle can help. For her, choosing healthy foods and planning small, frequent meals works well. "I don't deny myself anything," she says. "I still have dessert -- key lime pie, yum! -- and I love frozen gummy bears, but moderation is key."

Exercise Every Day The more active you are, the better, Meng says. Exercise boosts your heart health, builds muscle and bone strength, and wards off health problems.

Aim for 2 and a half hours of moderate activity, like brisk walking or dancing, every week. If you're OK with vigorous exercise, stick to 1 hour and 15 minutes a week of things like running or playing tennis. Add a couple of days of strength training, too.

If you're busy, try short bursts of activity throughout the day. Walk often. A good target is 10,000 steps a day. Take the stairs. Park your car far away from your destination.
Montgomery exercises every day, often with her dog. By adding lunges, squats, and stairs to a walk, she turns it into a power workout. "I also am a huge Pilates fan," she says.


Lose Weight When you shed pounds you'll lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Does Lemonade Helps in weight loss?

Does Lemonade Helps in weight loss?. Lemonade is a bargain juice and that prepares quickly. In addition to delicious and very refreshing, the lemon is an important ally of diet, thanks to its powerful detoxifying effect. This happens because the fruit contains a high content of citric acid, which helps to dissolve toxins and fats, in addition to improving the circulation and immunity.

Before breakfast, lunch or dinner, take half glass of water with lemon (place sweetener if you prefer), or use the juice to temper the tomato grated to put in the bread. If you prefer larger quantities of fruit early on, it is best not to drink the juice in fasting, that can attack stomachs more sensitive.


Two to three units per day is enough to notice a difference in the balance – provided, of course, the consumption of lemon is coupled with a balanced diet. In addition, the lemon reduce fat helps lower cholesterol, detoxify and alkalinize the blood and activates the immune system. Some of those responsible for all these benefits are a rich source of vitamin C and a substance called D-limonene, an active principle present in their shell, which helps to combat anxiety, depression, cancer, in addition to dissolve calculations renal and unclog the arteries.

For being a big aide in the treatment of all these diseases physical, psychological and emotional, the fruit ends up being used in floral, therapies and also in aromatherapy, as a way to re-balance the body and the mind.

Detox Weight Loss Supplements - The Pros And Cons Of Taking A Supplement To Lose Weight

Several health professionals have discovered a relationship between weight gain and toxin overload. The reason is because a significant build up of toxin in the body prevents the proper functioning of the liver to eliminate toxins and metabolize fats. When the body's liver is not working properly, the other systems like digestive and cardiovascular system are also badly affected. Because of this malfunction, the body will not be able to take in the harmful toxins and these toxins accumulate in our body resulting in weight gain. To prevent this from happening, people are advised to go on a colon cleanse or detox diet.

A colon cleanse is applied to help remove excessive, accumulated waste stored in body fat cells or waste such as undigested meals or other substances left in the digestive tract. Taking laxatives, forcing to remove waste in an unnatural approach, or improper colon cleansing methods will make you ill and will not help you cleanse or remove excess pounds. Colon cleansing includes a healthy diet plan that consists of fresh fruits, whole grains, natural proteins (lean meats, poultry, eggs, beans, seeds, nuts, sprouts), and legumes.

On the other hand, a detox diet helps remove these toxins through urine or waste. There are different detox diet programs and some of these include taking detox supplements for weight loss. Doing exercises to sweat out is also recommended since toxins are also released by way of perspiration.

A big question that people ask is whether detox weight loss supplements work or not. Detox weight loss supplements contain antioxidants and other active ingredients that work more than to help you to lose weight, but also boost your metabolism and improve your immune system for you to stay healthy. These detox supplements for weight loss make you feel more energized and healthier by removing the toxins from your body and improve the health of your digestive system. This is a huge factor in losing weight because it helps you absorb more nutrients from your foods and makes you feel fuller thus suppressing your cravings to eat more.

Your weight loss goals will determine the effectiveness of several detox weight loss supplements. Oftentimes, the main reason why people use a detox or colon-cleanse is to lose weight and improve the digestive system's functions. If losing weight is your main goal, you should choose the detox pill you are going to take very carefully. Most of these detox weight loss supplements claim to help you lose weight, but usually they are referring to water weight which oftentimes comes back quickly.

For you to lose weight and keep it off, you need to know several common ingredients among detox pills and metabolism boosters. Choosing a product that contains ingredients that work as diuretics can effectively help remove toxins out of the body but fail to reduce some excess body weight. So look for a detox diet pill that offers more than the average product. Find a product that has some good ingredients like ChromeMate, Phase 2, Super CitriMax, Forslean, and Fucoxanthin to eliminate toxins from your system and helps reduce weight.

Check out the amounts of each ingredient contained in detox weight loss supplements to be sure you are getting what you need for the product to be effective in your weight loss goal. Several of these detox pills contain patented ingredients which are clinically proven to be effective but if they are not in the right amounts you will not get the results you expect when it comes to weight loss.

There are generally 3 key ingredients in detox weight loss supplements and they are:

1.                 Fiber - This ingredient plays an important role in eliminating toxins from the body. When dissolved in water, soluble fiber becomes a thick gel that infuses toxins and attaches them to fatty acids, which are later on eliminated during digestion. Fiber which cannot be digested or insoluble fiber improves bowel movements by accelerating the removal of toxins from the body.

2.                 Vitamin C - also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C have detoxifying benefits by thinning and decongesting the bile, improving the liver's capability of breaking down fats. Vitamin C can also help suppress appetite and boosts the production of glutathione, which is the vital ingredient needed by the liver for its detoxification function. Studies have shown that Vitamin C deficiency is one of the factors that cause people to gain abdominal fat.

3.                 Probiotics - these are good bacteria found in the digestive tract that helps in breaking down toxins. These good bacteria, however, can be diminished by the different foods and chemicals that the body takes in. There are probiotic pills and supplements that you can take to maintain a balance of good and bad bacteria inside your body and which can also be very helpful in losing weight.

Advantages of Detox Weight Loss Supplements

Weight loss is just one of the many benefits of taking detox diet supplements or pills. Detox pills help you get slimmer since there is a considerable reduction in water weight. It improves the functioning of the digestive system and the liver, helping you get more nutrients from the foods you eat. There is also noticeable acne reduction and surface wrinkles removal. Above all these benefits, your health will greatly improve while you still lose weight.

Disadvantages of Detox Weight Loss Supplements

Detox diet program is not recommended for pregnant women and to people who have been diagnosed with cancer or other health issues.

A number of detox weight loss supplements may cause unpleasant side effects associated with cleansing. These side effects are only temporary signs that the cleansing process is effectively working and toxins are being removed from your system.

Fiber supplements might interfere with other medications such as aspirins and can also lower blood sugar levels. High dosage of vitamin C and probiotics, on the other hand, might trigger upset stomach or gas and diarrhea.

Side Effects of Detox Cleansing

Change in bowel movements - people might experience frequent bowel movements, loose stools, or bowel movements just stop. This is because toxins are being released into the bloodstream making the kidneys and bowels to excrete too much waste from the body. This is a very important part of the cleansing process although it can be quite inconvenient for most people.

Headaches - the 2nd most common side effect in detox cleansing and, depending on the toxin level of the body, can range from mild to severe and which may last from a few hours to a couple of days. Dehydration or hunger might have triggered the headaches so it is important to continue drinking plenty of fluids during the detoxification, especially drinks high in electrolytes to relieve the headaches.

Sore muscles and stiff joints - already signs that the body needs a detox and are exaggerated by the release of toxins from the body during the detox cleansing. Drinking water is very important during this process and taking digestive enzymes like bromelain to relieve the muscle and joints inflammation. Joint pains will decrease after the detox cleanse and the body will once more become lithe and mobile.

Changes in sleep patterns - which include mild insomnia, nightmares, and irritability. These happen as a result of toxins being released into the bloodstream. It is recommended to take supplements like 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) to help regulate the hormones that affect sleep and mood changes. Again, these side effects are temporary and will be back to normal after the cleansing is done.

The above-mentioned side effects make most people question the safety of detox diet. Whether it is safe or not depends on how long you are going to use the detox plan. Some health experts do not recommend colon cleanses because they can change the body's fluid balance and electrolyte. Prolonged fasting can sometimes lead to more serious health issues and nutrient deficiencies like calcium and protein.

Summary

Weigh loss can have certain difficulties and changes you have to go through before you can actually reach your desired results. One particular method of living a healthy life while shedding off excess pounds and which is gaining popularity these days is the detox weight loss supplements. A large number of people usually start their diet plan with a detox pill to help them prepare their body with the weight loss process and at the same time improve the chances of getting the necessary nutrients they need from the foods they eat. These supplements help remove harmful toxins from their body, especially in the liver, kidneys, and digestive tract, through detoxification and colon cleansing. In general, most of these detox weight loss supplements are effective in helping people lose weight and in improving their overall health. These supplements contain antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients to enhance their immune system and give them a healthier body. 


Losing weight can be challenging, but it doesn't mean that you have to starve yourself or give up everything you enjoy. It's simply a matter of finding balance.

Starting a new lifestyle for the new year

A fridge full of fresh food for reporter Laura Peters. (Photo: Laura Peters/The News Leader)

I've got a fridge full of fresh food. I'm trying to shop along the outskirts of the grocery store as much as possible and it's working.

So far, I haven't lost a massive amount of weight. The last time I weighed myself I was down five pounds. What I have noticed is that my clothes are fitting differently.

Putting the number weight aside, I feel better, happier and I have more energy. I'm now pursuing a new lifestyle. It's not about shedding pounds, it's about getting healthier.

Days after I posted about my weight gain and the goal to get happier and more fit, I took the plunge into the deep end of the fitness pool — I joined a CrossFit studio in Staunton.

Now, most people think that CrossFit is for crazy people. That's somewhat true, the group I workout with is a bit insane, but in a good way.

This isn't a PSA for CrossFit. I've done the gym thing and I wasn't getting the results I wanted. I became lazy at the gym, there wasn't someone pushing me. What I need is someone pushing me and to have a class community behind me, pushing me.

Reporter Laura Peters is drinking lots of water these days. (Photo: Laura Peters/The News Leader)

CrossFit isn't this iron pumping, muscle man thing. When I started I used no weights when I did my first class. I used a PVC pipe for the bar that everyone else was lifting. I did modified pull ups with rings and straps and the coaches at CrossFit Staunton made sure that I was using the correct technique and not hurting myself.

Yes, my quads, arms, legs and basically everything hurt, but that is because I've rarely used those muscles.

Anyone can do CrossFit. You work at your own pace and build up, as with any good workout regime. I will get there. There will be pain, but the more I move my body, the faster my muscles will be able to bounce back and become strong.

The CrossFit Staunton studio at the Staunton Mall. Not as intimidating as it seems. (Photo: Laura Peters/The News Leader)

I've also realized, since I'm building muscle, I'm not going to be dropping a bunch of weight. I also need to feed my body so I am capable of building muscle. Diets and cross training is like a recipe for disaster.

Instead of opting for the overly processed meals or snacks, I grab some carrots or snap peas. My fridge is filled with mainly green things. I am also constantly drinking water.

Another key factor of this experiment is having a cheat day, or some cheats. Denying yourself treats like a piece of chocolate or some gelato will make you miserable. Portion sizes are key. I'm not going out and eating a large pizza and downing a bunch of soda. I'll eat a scoop of gelato or have a piece of chocolate. I'm not doing that everyday, though.

Homemade vegetable soup with tofu, by reporter Laura Peters. (Photo: Laura Peters/The News Leader)

Do you really want to go through life denying good food? I don't. I love food. I enjoy eating. Now, I'm just cleaning it up. Fresh is key.

One of my new favorite meals is this veggie soup I made up. Vegetable broth, a bunch of fresh veggies like carrots, cabbage, celery, mushrooms and broccoli, along with tofu for protein. So good and super filling. I've also started making more veggie pasta, which I have a little machine that I can crank out zucchini into pasta strands. I usually add red sauce and some type of fish, like shrimp or scallops to the dish. Yum.

It's become a fun experiment. I get to make up new dishes all the time and it makes me want to cook. If I'm going to spend all this money on fresh products, I'm going to use them!

Although I'm not seeing huge results number-wise, everything else seems to be falling into line. How are you doing with #TheMeChallenge?

MP Seamus O’Regan seeking to adopt ‘alcohol-free lifestyle’

OTTAWA—Liberal MP Seamus O’Regan announced he has entered a wellness program in order to lead an “alcohol-free lifestyle” after consultation with his family.

“I will return to my duties as the Member of Parliament for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl prior to Parliament resuming in January,” O’Regan said in part on Twitter Sunday afternoon. “I will have more to say on this subject later. In the meantime, my family and I ask for privacy.”

O’Regan was elected to represent the Newfoundland and Labrador riding in October’s federal election. He replaced NDP incumbent Ryan Cleary.

Family members and supporters took to Twitter in response to O’Regan’s announcement.

“So proud of my husband,” Steve Doussis, O’Regan’s husband, said. “I love this man so much!!”

“Very proud of @SeamusORegan for making a change to represent us as his best possible self,” Mark Critch, who stars on the CBC show This Hour Has 22 Minutes, tweeted.

O’Regan is a former journalist and hosted CTV’s Canada AM for almost a decade.

Prior to his career in journalism, he was a senior policy adviser to then Newfoundland premier Brian Tobin.

O’Regan was also an ambassador for Bell Let’s Talk, a campaign aimed at removing the stigma of mental illness.

He has also served as executive vice-president for communications at the Stronach Group, a racetrack operator, and a media innovator in residence at Toronto’s Ryerson University.

“Sedentary lifestyle prime reason for type 2 diabetes”

Diabetes was the most dangerous diseases posing a great challenge to medical fraternity.

Sedentary lifestyle was one of the prime reasons for sharp increase in type 2 diabetes, said Madurai Medical College Dean M. Vairamuthu Raja.

Inaugurating a conference on diabetes here on Saturday, he said that lack of physical exercise was a known risk factor for not just diabetes but a range of chronic diseases, including cardio vascular diseases.

Caution

Medical surveys already cautioned that India will have 109 million diabetic type 2 cases in 2030. It will be a big challenge to the country.

Work sites, schools, homes, and public spaces have already been minimised human movement and muscular activity.

“Physical inactivity is hazardous to health.”

Briefing on the recent technological developments, he said that advanced research on various gene therapies, including virus mediated gene therapy and leptin-based gene therapy, was on to control diabetes.

The government had been also been taking massive efforts to scale down production costs of medicine to enable patients to get medicine at affordable costs.

Diabetic patients who have been taking drugs and checking health condition regularly were leading a long life.

Those who failed take care of their health died early.

Stating that a Lancet survey indicated the overdose of drugs was also a prime reason for death, he said prescribing appropriate medicine was need of the hour to control diseases effectively.

Experts and specialists delivered lectures on recent trends in diabetes.

Seamus O’Regan checks into wellness program seeking ‘alcohol free lifestyle

OTTAWA — Newly elected Liberal MP and former broadcast journalist Seamus O'Regan says he has entered a wellness program to adopt "an alcohol free lifestyle."

O'Regan, who hosted CTV's "Canada AM" for nearly a decade, announced from his Twitter account on Sunday that he had checked into the program over the holiday break.

"I've decided after consultation with family that I can be most effective as a Member of Parliament by adopting an alcohol free lifestyle," O'Regan tweeted. "To that end, over the holiday break, I have entered a wellness program."

O'Regan added that he will return to his duties as a MP for St. John's South-Mount Pearl before Parliament resumes later this month.

He also noted that he'd have "more to say" on the matter in the future, but asked for privacy until then.

O'Regan's husband expressed his support shortly after the announcement was made online.

"So proud of my husband," Steve Doussis said on Twitter.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not comment on the matter on Sunday.

But many others expressed their encouragement for O'Regan on social media.

"VERY proud of my good friend @SeamusORegan for getting the help he needs," tweeted Olympian and mental health advocate Clara Hughes. "I look forward to welcoming him back after treatment."

"Hugs and strength to you," added O'Regan's former "Canada AM" co-host Beverly Thomson.

O'Regan, originally from St. John's, was elected in October as part of the Liberals' sweep of the Atlantic provinces.

Prior to his career in journalism, he was a senior policy adviser to then Newfoundland premier Brian Tobin.

O'Regan was also an ambassador for Bell Let's Talk, a campaign aimed at removing the stigma of mental illness.

He has also served as executive vice-president for communications at the Stronach Group, a racetrack operator, and a media innovator in residence at Toronto's Ryerson University.

Topekans' New Year's resolutions focus on healthier lifestyle

Being healthier is a top priority for Topekans in 2016.

Lissa Staley, a librarian at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, said the library has a range of resources for those looking to eat better or get more exercise, from cookbooks to exercise equipment that can be checked out. Staley even wrote a blog post for the library about making healthy choices in the new year. Her New Year’s resolution has two parts — to stop reading on her phone at bedtime when she should be sleeping and to wake up earlier to exercise.

Fourteen-year-old Washburn Rural High School student Reno Groggins said “I want to make better food choices and exercise a lot.”

Mark Brown said he wants to “stay in fantastic condition,” which he accomplishes by playing basketball every day.

And Lora Durst said her resolution is always the same — to lose weight and get in shape.

People with fitness goals should start slow and set achievable milestones, said Beth Kossoy, owner and instructor at MidLine Pilates, 1047 S.W. Gage Blvd. Otherwise, they may take on too much and get discouraged or overwhelmed. Eventually, they can start to build up their fitness program.

In terms of eating healthier, junk food, soda and sweets should be cut out, Kossoy said. People should concentrate on the main food groups — meat, vegetables, fruit and wheat bread.

Some Topekans around town had different goals for 2016.

Mike Bohannan and Krista Frisbie’s resolutions were to argue less.

“We’re not doing too bad,” Bohannan said, though Frisbie reminded him they were only a few days into the year.

They listed a variety of strategies, including biting their tongues, questioning whether the issue is worth arguing about and using a lot of patience.

Devrin Forte said he wants to spend more time studying so he can improve his Mandarin language skills. Though he only knows a few phrases right now, hopefully by this time next year he will be able to say a lot more in Chinese, he said

Learn How One Colorado Man Makes the RV Lifestyle Pay

My wife and I have been RVers for over 25 years going off on weekends and summer vacations. We love the lifestyle, but there are costs that go along with it that we wanted to defray. I discovered there are a number of ways retirees can “Make RV play Pay” and it’s a talk I’ve given at many RV shows across the United States. After all, so many of us enjoy the RV lifestyle, but may want to supplement our retirement budgets so we can visit the many fabulous places our country offers.

In 2006 I got serious about researching how to make the RV lifestyle pay. Many people defray their travel expenses by serving as “hosts” at campgrounds doing all the usual chores that most of the time include toilets. I was hoping to find something a little different that didn’t have me stuck at the campground all day. I did some homework and determined that being a tour guide was worth a try.

In 2006, I landed a summer job driving a historic red bus all over Glacier National Park. It was perfect, we parked our RV near the Glacier Park Lodge (east side of the Park) on the Blackfeet Indian reservation. The work was considered full-time but if “bookings” were slow I had an extra day off. The job paid for our driving to and from Massachusetts where we lived at the time, living and playing expenses for the entire summer and it was a pretty good gig driving a “red” bus at Glacier National Park in Montana and to the Prince of Wales hotel in Waterton, Canada. I was called Jammer Bernie. Here’s a link if you are interested in checking out job opportunities there:

Member of the Colorado Rocky Mountain Guides Association (RMGA)
Former National Park Ranger or private tour guide at 7 National Parks including Rocky Mountain National Park.
Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI)
Docent for the City of Colorado Springs at the Garden of the Gods.

To date, we have spent summers in seven National Parks, east coast to west where I worked either as a tour guide, for the park concession, or as a National Park Ranger. I absolutely love the opportunity to call a National Park my home for the summer and meet the people who visit.

One of my well-attended RV show talks is “Make RV play Pay”. The talk introduces a number of web sites a traveler can search when looking for campground or State/National Park work. Because web sites are always changing, I include some late 2015 tested links here. When you join me at the Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show, I can provide a more detailed list.

I’d like to help you navigate the crazy world of summer RV work so you can say, “I can make RV play Pay!” Join me at the 26TH ANNUAL COLORADO RV ADVENTURE TRAVEL SHOW January 6 – 9, 2016, Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver. At the show, you can view 2016 motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, truck campers and tent trailers, as well as RV and camping accessories. For more information, check out CORVShow.com. Whether you’re into RVing or just want to enjoy the great American experience of travel, join Bernie J for his multi-media, audience-involved story of:

§                     “See America First” (who said this phrase first and when?)

§                     Finding great recreation jobs for couples or as a single, and

§                     Trip planning

What experiences has Bernie racked-up so far, while in retirement?

Host of a weekly Colorado Springs based radio travel show
Member of the Colorado Rocky Mountain Guides Association (RMGA)
Former National Park Ranger or private tour guide at 7 National Parks including Rocky Mountain National Park.
Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI)
Docent for the City of Colorado Springs at the Garden of the Gods.

Experts share healthy lifestyle advice for the new year

BEAUMONT -With health and fitness goals topping the list of the most popular resolutions, 12News spoke with health experts to help you on your journey.

Dietician Courtney Wilson said make a plan if weight loss or a healthy lifestyle is your resolution.

"The biggest part to me is getting organized,” said Wilson. “Once you get organized, you do planning ahead – what am I going to eat? What is this going to look like? The people who aren't organized, the ones who are trying to throw together meals at the last minute – that’s where success gets hard."

She suggests starting a “food diary,” writing down what you eat that day. Apps like MyFitnessPal or MyPlate can help you log your calories on your portable device.

Wilson said diet accounts for 70 to 80 percent of all success in any weight loss plan. The rest, is exercise.

Membership director for Exygon Health & Fitness Holly Bacon said experiment if you cannot find a workout you can stick to.

"If you find something that you like, you're more likely to come in and be consistent and keep trying it,” said Bacon.

Both experts said weight loss should be part of a lifestyle change.

Wilson said avoid diets that ask you to eliminate a food group and promise "quick fixes." Also, eat whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, avoid too much sugar and watch your portion sizes.

That way, you will “taste” success.

Wilson also said that what you do in the winter, health-wise, will affect how you look in the summer.

Many of the prints were given to Deepak Puri, former photo editor of Time-Life News Service's South Asia bureau, by photographers out of respect and affection

Red handprints frame Australian photographer Stephen Dupont's 2001 photo of a woman wading through the waters during the Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage that takes place every 12 years.

On it, Dupont - who for two decades has travelled the world, shooting for publications such as Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone - has scrawled a mock suicide note and fond words for Deepak Puri, the legendary general manager and photo editor of Time-Life News Service's South Asia bureau.

"A damn good bloke!" writes Dupont. "Thank you... would be an insult!"

His photo is one of more than a hundred that make up the Deepak Puri Collection, a stunning chronicle of defining moments and personalities from the past two decades.

And with most of the photos in the collection signed and addressed to Puri, they are also testament to his friendship with some of the biggest names in photojournalism, among them Sebastiao Salgado, Raghu Rai and Steve McCurry.

Puri, 63, this year donated most of the photos he has amassed over 25 years to the Museum of Art and Photography in Bangalore. The collection, which is travelling around India , can also be viewed online.

From war photographer James Nachtwey's sobering photos of the 1992 famine in Somalia to Diane Barker's 1997 photo of the Dalai Lama, hands clasped in deep meditation, his collection of photos used to plaster the walls of his Delhi office.

Puri, who retired seven years ago, says: "I remember very fondly the compliments paid by Steve McCurry, Jim Nachtwey and Raghu Rai during their visits to my office. They would say, 'Deepak, nobody in the world has this kind of photo collection. It is exclusive.'"

When Dupont stopped by in 2001, after covering the pilgrimage, he was amazed by the collection.

"He wanted to thank me for my help during his Kumbh assignment and offered me a couple of prints for my gallery," says Puri, who is married with two children. "I jokingly told him that if you want to see your photos hung here, then send your prints with a 'suicide note', which he literally did."

Puri has long been regarded by correspondents from all corners of the world - regardless of their publication - as fixer and handyman, mover and shaker, jetting photographers in and out of dangerous places, and winning their regard and fierce admiration.

When Salgado was stuck in the Congo looking for a helicopter ride, Puri made that happen.

In thanks, photojournalists would travel to Puri's office, offering up prints for his collection.

Loved for his generosity and perseverance, Puri says he had always hoped to make his collection public. And in the Museum of Art and Photography, he found a good and caring home.

He says simply: "I wanted to share my 20th-century archive of iconic photos with students and lovers of photography all over the world... My dream of sharing is fulfilled."