Author Archives: HLF

Top Tips for Health-Conscious Coal Combustion

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Although statistics suggest that domestic homeowners only account for around 4% of the total coal demand each year, the number of residential burners continues to increase steadily. With this said, coal combustion is a skill that is learnt over time which means that many homeowners can put their health at risk by failing to abide by basic safety practices. Read on as the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness go over everything there is to know about health-conscious coal use…

Ventilation

Burning coal and other carbon-based fuels creates gases like carbon dioxide as a by-product which must be safely removed via the chimney. As a result, it is vital that property owners ensure that their ventilation is in tip top condition or installed by a professional as poor-quality ventilation will prevent carbon dioxide from being removed and puts the respiratory health of those inside a property at risk.

Carbon Monoxide

Another dangerous gas that coal can create when it is burned is carbon monoxide (CO). In fact, CO is incredibly toxic and can put lives at risk when it is inhaled for long periods of time because it displaces the oxygen in the blood with carbon, preventing vital organs like the brain and heart from receiving the oxygen they require. Carbon monoxide is created during the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels and property owners should ensure that they have a functioning CO detector in place as well as effective ventilation.

Anthracite

The oldest form of coal is known as anthracite and it is renowned for being naturally smokeless. After all, it has been subjected to the pressure and heat of coalification for over 350 million years which means that it has a very high carbon content and little to no volatile materials. As a result, many people choose to burn anthracite rather than bituminous coal because it is more eco-friendly, creating cleaner air quality and protecting the health of everybody equally.

Coal is a carbon-based fossil fuel which means that it should always be used safely. After all, incomplete combustion is a common occurrence and the carbon monoxide that it creates can put lives at risk without the correct precautions. To find out more information about burning coal safely, get in contact with the best coal merchants on the market and speak to a member of the Pearson Fuels team today!

What Does a Balanced Diet Look Like?

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It is safe to say that we truly are what we eat. After all, a diet rich in processed food and sugary drinks will leave a person feel sluggish and malnourished whereas a balanced diet is thought to be the secret to a long and happy life. With this said, many people do not know what it takes to formulate a balanced diet. Luckily, the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness are the experts on your side. Read on as we go over everything there is to know about crafting a balanced diet…

Protein

As the building blocks of life, protein is an essential macronutrient that should make up at least 30-40% of a person’s daily intake from food. After all, it is how the body repairs and makes new cells! Luckily, protein can be obtained from a range of different places and is particularly abundant in meat like chicken, turkey and fish. With this said, vegetarians can obtain their protein intake from non-animal sources like tofu, chickpeas and lentils.

Carbohydrates

There are a range of diets that promote the complete removal of carbohydrates from the diet, however this is incredibly dangerous. After all, this macronutrient is how we obtain the energy our body needs in order to function. It can be found in three forms: sugar, starch and fibre and some are healthier than others. After all, simple carbs, the ones that are added in the form of sugar, are the ones that cause weight gain. On the other hand, complex carbs like the ones found in pasta, potatoes and whole wheat bread are starch and fibre sources so should be implemented in a balanced, healthy diet.

Fats

In comparison to protein and carbohydrates, fats are a macronutrient that is incredibly calorie dense. After all, just 1g of fat is equivalent to 9 calories which is why a lot of unhealthy food has a high calorie value even though the portion size is rather small. With this said, fats can be found in two forms: saturated and unsaturated. It is the latter that our diet should include, and these fats can be found naturally in avocados, olives, fish and nuts. After all, unsaturated fats are a necessary part of a balanced diet and help the body absorb vitamins A, D and E as well as creating the cushioning that protects our vital organs.

Although a balance diet should be filled with fruit, vegetables, protein and healthy fats, it is important that people give themselves the leeway to consume traditionally ‘unhealthy’ food too. After all, statistics suggest that most diets fail because people try too hard to avoid takeaways and chocolate when a creamy curry or cheesy lasagne is a perfectly respectable addition to a balanced diet. Royal Nawaab is an authentic Indian and Pakistani restaurant located in Manchester and London and serves traditional dishes that can be implemented as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Reasons to Invest in a Personal Trainer

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Contrary to belief, a personal trainer should not shout orders like a drill sergeant or strike fear into the core of their clients. After all, working out should be an enjoyable experience that provides a sense of achievement for both parties. Here at The Healthy Living and Fitness, we want our readers to get all the facts before jumping feet first into a personal training contract. Read on to find out a few reasons why a personal trainer is a beneficial investment…

Does a personal trainer reduce the risk of injury?

Many people are unaware how much information a PT learns during their training period. After all, many personal trainers are taught nutrition, anatomy, equipment and people skills in order to become the best coach possible for their clients. As a result, beginners may find a personal training session helpful in order to learn the correct form for certain exercises and reduce the risk of injury. 

How much does a personal trainer cost?

The most off-putting quality of personal training is the cost as many PT’s will charge at least £20 for a one-hour session. With this said, most clients do not understand the costs that are involved in such a career as a personal trainer will also spend time outside that training session formulating an effective workout and nutrition plan for each of their clients. As a result, the price of a personal trainer is incredibly cost-effective and many also offer discounts if clients book i a block of sessions in advance.

Do personal trainers hold you accountable?

The secret to a successful personal training session is accountability and motivation. After all, the client has to want to be there as much as their PT and a love for fitness is not something that a personal trainer can muster out of thin air. With this said, many people find that a one-on-one session with a PT keeps them accountable and ensures that they stay on track with their fitness plan.

There are many misconceptions about personal training that can cause many potential clients to run for the hills. Luckily, a quick consultation with a qualified PT will bust all the myths and set the record straight once and for all. With this said, a personal trainer is merely a guide and does not do all the work which means that clients must have the gear, motivation and stamina to reach their goals. Check out Laced’s online trainers range to find the correct footwear for all your personal training needs today!

3 Top Tips to Choose the Best Running Footwear

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Running is an art-form which means that the right tools are an essential part of any workout. After all, a painter wouldn’t be able to complete a masterpiece without a brush at their disposal. Here at The Healthy Living and Fitness, we want our readers to exercise with safety and style in mind which is why we’ve put together three top tips that runners should keep in mind when selecting their workout wardrobe. Read on to find out more…

Should running trainers be comfortable?

If there is one thing that tells a runner that something is wrong, it is discomfort. After all, running should never leave a person in pain. In fact, running trainers should always be comfortable and chosen with an individual’s running style, pronation and foot size in mind as this leads to a more effective and successful running experience.       

How much money do running trainers cost?

Although it isn’t necessary to spend an entire pay cheque on a pair of trainers, it is advised that serious and committed runners invest in their comfort and safety. After all, cheap and cheerful footwear is often poorly crafted and cause the majority of running-related injuries. Luckily, it is possible to pick up a decent pair of running trainers for £50-£150 with ease.

Does a workout type affect footwear choice?

When selecting trainers, particularly trainers for running, it is important that a person takes their running type into consideration. After all, trainers for a gym environment will not offer the same level of ankle support and grip as trainers for off-road running. In addition to this, runners must also take into consideration the number of miles that they intend to run as all trainers come with an expiration date based on mileage.

It doesn’t take a professional runner to recognise that uncomfortable footwear is going to leave a person dreading their workout. After all, cheap and poorly fitting trainers are a one-way ticket to serious injury city! Luckily, the Laced team have a wide range of online trainers that are perfect for runners of all varieties. Get in contact with a member of the team to find out more information today!

The Importance of Marinating Meat

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Many people see cooking as an artform because there can be beauty found within a piece of meat that has been well-seasoned and cooked to perfection. In fact, a balanced marinade can enhance the flavour and texture of meat in a way that traditional seasoning just cannot achieve. Luckily, there are dozens of different ways to make a marinade. Read on as the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness go over everything there is to know about the importance marinating meat…

What is a marinade?

By definition, a marinade is a mixture of spices and seasonings that are mixed with oil in order to create a liquid solution. Meat is then soaked in this solution for a number of hours in order to add flavour, retain moisture and make it more tender by starting the cooking process ahead of time. This is especially noticeable when acidic ingredients like pineapple and vinegar are added to a marinade.

How long does it take to marinate meat?

There is a lot of debate regarding the length of a high-quality marinade in the cooking industry. After all, these timeframes depend on the ingredients that have been placed into the solution as very acidic marinades can actually toughen meat overtime rather than make it more tender. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended that amateur chefs marinade meat for 3-24 hours depending on the type of meat and its cut.

Which meats are suitable for a marinade?

The rules of marinating can differ from meat to meat as each type comes with an optimum marinating time. For example, shellfish should be marinated for no longer than 15 minutes whereas seafood can be marinated for 20-30 minutes. Following on from this, white meats like chicken should be marinated for 3-12 hours whereas red meats like beef and lamb can be marinated for 3-24 hours. Luckily, it is possible to marinate every type of meat and the length of time for white and red meat is simply a guideline rather than a compulsory step.

A marinade is the perfect way to improve the flavour of a healthy meal that makes a person want to reach for a burger and French fries. After all, a chicken salad doesn’t have to be boring! Royal Nawaab is a restaurant in Manchester and London that specialises in the creation of authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine. In fact, marinating is an essential process for a curry. To book a table, get in contact with a member of the Royal Nawaab team today!

Pros and Cons of New Year’s Fitness Resolutions

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According to statistics, around 11% of gym memberships are taken out during January with around 30% stating that it was part of a New Year’s resolution to lose weight and get healthier. After all, it is thought that the majority of these resolutions are fitness related as couch potatoes and exercise avoiders vow to make a change to their body. Read on as the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness go over some of the different pros and cons of setting a fitness related New Year’s Resolution…

Pro: Making a resolution can improve a person’s mindset

For many people, the idea of starting a new fitness regime on a specific day can help them stay on track. In fact, the majority of people will begin a new diet on a Monday morning because the idea of a brand-new week has a psychological influence on their progress. Similarly, a New Year’s fitness resolution that starts in a fresh year allows people to put their previous mistakes to bed and focus on the future more effectively. 

Con: The majority of people will throw in the towel by February

With this said, around 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February. Although these figures don’t account solely for fitness related goals, it is no secret that many resolutions tend to aim too high too soon. As a result, a person attempting to lose a lot of weight in the new year can become demotivated when the results don’t happen as quickly as they expect, causing them to throw in the towel before they have even begun.

Pro: A start date allows people to prepare in advance

A lot of people see New Year’s fitness resolutions in a negative light because it gives people the ability to procrastinate their goals until the 1st of January arrives. On the contrary, this timeframe also allows people to prepare for the schedule they want to adopt by purchasing the correct footwear, workout clothing and a membership from an affordable yet respectable gym without rushing or panicking.

It is important that fitness related resolutions are not overwhelming as many people overestimate their ability by mentally committing to an unrealistic gym routine. As a result, their motivate dwindles quickly and they are left wondering where things went wrong. In fact, preparation is key and the correct footwear is essential for any budding runner in 2020. Check out Laced’s online trainers range today to find out more information!

The Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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There are many laws in place that make it a legal requirement to install a smoke alarm inside residential and commercial properties. With this said, statistics from a 2017 study found that around 46% of homeowners didn’t have a carbon monoxide alarm in place whilst 23% didn’t even know what they were. Since CO poisoning claims around 50 lives a year, the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness have decided to go over three reasons why a detector is so important…

Can carbon monoxide be easily detected?

Many property owners are unaware the carbon monoxide is notoriously difficult to detect because it does not have a distinctive aroma, colour or taste. As a result, people without a detector in place will inhale small amounts of carbon monoxide for several weeks before the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning start to exhibit which is why it is important to invest in an alarm.

Why is carbon monoxide poisoning dangerous?

Carbon monoxide enters the blood stream when it is inhaled and this means that prolonged exposure to the gas can lead to a dangerous medical condition called carbon monoxide poisoning. This occurs when the oxygen in the blood is gradually replaced by carbon, preventing the body from obtaining the oxygen it needs to survive. Known as a silent killer, carbon monoxide poisoning is often mistaken for flue because the symptoms include headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea and shortness of breath. Many homeowners find out they have high levels of CO inside their property after falling ill, however a detector can alert people to very small levels and ensure that the problem is dealt with before carbon monoxide poising manages to take hold.

How does a carbon monoxide detector work?

There are a variety of different types of carbon monoxide alarms available on the market that all work in different ways to alert homeowners to the presence of the dangerous gas. For example, biomimetic sensor systems have a gel that changes colour when carbon monoxide is absorbed which then triggers the alarm; metal oxide semiconductor systems have a silica chip circuitry that lowers the electrical resistance when carbon monoxide is detected, triggering the alarm; and electrochemical sensor systems are fitted with electrodes that are immersed in a chemical solution and sense electrical current changes caused by carbon monoxide to trigger the alarm.

As one of the most dangerous gases around due to its lack of taste, colour and smell, carbon monoxide is often created during the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels like coal, firewood and gas. As a result, the team at Pearson Fuels are urging homeowners to invest in a carbon monoxide detector. To find out more information about burning residential fuels safely, get in contact with the best coal merchants on the market today!

The Festive Spices of Christmas

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Although many people tend to think about sweet and savoury dishes when it comes to Christmas, there is nothing wrong with the implementation of spice too. In fact, there are dozens of different spices that are frequently added to festive dishes in order to improve their flavour and excite the taste buds! Read on the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness go over the top three…

Cinnamon

Perfect for both sweet and salty dishes, cinnamon is a warm spice that simply screams Christmas. After all, it can be found in baked treats, apple sauce, warm drinks and even decorations thanks to its signature aroma. Interestingly, cinnamon is frequently used medicinally in order to treat indigestion and nausea, however it makes a great sweetener in Christmas cookies or sprinkled inside a traditional cinnamon roll.

Ginger

Grown in Jamaica, Africa, India, Australia and China, ginger is the root part of the plant and is a popular spice used in order to make Gingerbread Man cookies. In fact, no Christmas is complete without attempting to construct a gingerbread house that stands for longer than five minutes! Known for adding warmth and spice to a dish, ginger naturally reduces inflammation and is often drank in tea.

Nutmeg

With its warm and spicy aroma, Nutmeg is a popular Christmas ingredient that is traditionally used in both mulled wine and Christmas pudding. In fact, it can actually be added to ginger tea in order to settle the stomach after a big meal. With this said, the spice is toxic in large quantities which is why it is typically used sparingly.

According to statistics, the traditional turkey Christmas dinner is going out of fashion each year as families are starting to look for more convenient and interesting alternatives. In fact, a surprising number of British people actually go out to a restaurant rather than cooking themselves and many will entertain foreign delicacies too. If you’re looking for spicy and authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine this Christmas, Royal Nawaab, a restaurant found in Manchester and London, has got you covered! Get in contact with a member of the team and book your table today!

3 Ways to Burn Christmas Calories

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Although it is said that ‘calories don’t count’ during the festive period, many people will discover that they have put on an extra pound or two in the New Year. Luckily, it is possible to combat Christmas calories with a few simple steps. Read on as the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness go over three easy changes that will help shed winter weight and encourage a healthy lifestyle…

Set a New Year’s Resolution

According to statistics, the majority of new year’s resolutions are weight loss related, however just 1 in 10 people will achieve their goals by the following year. As a result, it is important to create small tasks that break down the full weight loss aim as this provides a sense of achievement each time and people are more likely to stick to their resolution rather than give up when the going gets tough.

Make Healthy Changes to Your Diet

Everybody is guilty of consuming too much during the festive period by telling themselves that ‘Christmas calories don’t count’, however the reality is that they do. Luckily, it is possible to shed the pounds by swapping mince pies and chocolate for fruit, vegetables and home cooked meals. After all, weight loss is 80% diet related because it is impossible to out-train a poor diet.

Start a Fitness Related Hobby

It is not uncommon for gyms to get busier in January, however this can be an off-putting environment for those who are unfamiliar with how the equipment works or feel uncomfortable inside the building. Luckily, it is possible to get a good workout from a fitness related hobby too! For example, dancing, running, playing sports and swimming are all examples of cardio related exercise that will provide the same results as using a gym facility.

The biggest challenge that many people face when it comes to fitness goals that start after the Christmas period is staying on track. After all, most gyms get quieter in March because many people decide to throw in the towel before they’ve even really started. Luckily, an investment in the right footwear will ensure that an injury doesn’t get in the way. Check out Laced’s online trainers range today to find out more information!

Diet vs Exercise: The Lowdown on Weight Loss

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With 2020 drawing nearer, it is safe to say that there are thousands of people who make weight loss their new year’s resolution and fail to stick to it by the end of the first quarter of the year because they overcomplicate the process. In fact, many people will spend hours upon hours running on a treadmill when exercise makes up just 20% of every weight loss journey. Read on as the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness go over everything there is to know about losing weight…

What is a balanced diet?

For a diet to be considered balanced, it should include the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables, at least two litres of water per day and a sweet treat every now and then. In fact, tracking the consumption of macronutrients is the most effective way to ensure that a diet is balanced because protein is required to preserve muscle mass and encourage fat loss, carbohydrates provide our body with energy and dietary fats support cell growth and help our body make vital hormones.

Is cardio necessary to lose weight?

Cardiovascular exercise is the name given to any type of workout that gets the heart beating faster than usual such as running, cycling, swimming, boxing, dancing, and even hiking. It is important because it allows our muscles to adapt and ensures that blood is transported around the body effectively. With this said, exercise makes up just 20% of a person’s weight loss regime because it is impossible to out-train a bad diet. As a result, it is entirely possible to lose weight without exercising and following a healthy diet plan, but this is not recommended.

Is weight training just for body builders?

Many people incorrectly presume that lifting weights will leave them looking like a body builder, however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, weightlifting is a popular form of exercise that can actually assist weight loss when coupled with the right diet because the weights help the body preserve muscle and encourage it to burn fat instead. After all, muscle is much easier to burn for energy than fat so the body will use it first unless a diet and exercise regime actively prevents it.

In order to lose weight at a sustainable rate, it is important that people track their calorie intake and ensure that the food they put in their mouth is nutritious and beneficial. After all, chocolate and cake may increase our energy levels but the result is short-lived. With this said, exercise is also important for our cardiovascular health and should never be neglected! To find the best workout shoes for all your weight loss needs, check out Laced’s online trainers‘ range today!