Cardio’s effect on Muscle Mass

Posted on June 10, 2024

What are the effects of cardiovascular exercise on muscle mass?

Cardiovascular exercise, also known as cardio, has long been associated with weight loss and improving overall health. However, there is a common misconception that cardio can also reduce muscle mass. In this article, we will explore the relationship between cardio and muscle mass, examining the evidence to determine whether or not cardio can truly reduce muscle mass.

Muscle mass and Cardio explained…

First, it is important to understand that muscle mass is primarily influenced by two factors: exercise and nutrition. Resistance training, such as weight lifting, is the most effective form of exercise for increasing muscle mass. Additionally, consuming a diet high in protein is crucial for providing the necessary building blocks for muscle growth.

Cardio, on the other hand, is primarily focused on improving cardiovascular health and burning calories. While cardio can be a great form of exercise for weight loss and improving overall health, it is not typically associated with building muscle mass. In fact, some forms of cardio, such as long-distance running, have been shown to actually reduce muscle mass in some individuals.

One reason why cardio may lead to muscle loss is due to the body’s adaptation to endurance exercise. Endurance exercise, such as running or cycling, places a greater demand on the body’s aerobic energy system. This can lead to a reduction in the body’s anaerobic energy system, which is primarily responsible for powering short bursts of high-intensity activity, such as weight lifting.

Additionally, cardio can increase the body’s production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can break down muscle tissue. This can be especially true for individuals who engage in excessive amounts of cardio, without adequate rest and recovery time.

However, it is important to note that the relationship between cardio and muscle mass is not always clear-cut. For example, moderate amounts of cardio may actually help to improve muscle mass by increasing blood flow and providing the necessary nutrients for muscle growth. Additionally, some forms of cardio, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), have been shown to improve both cardiovascular health and muscle mass.

Ultimately, the relationship between cardio and muscle mass is complex and depends on a variety of factors, including the type and duration of cardio, the individual’s diet and rest habits, and their overall fitness goals. While cardio alone may not be the most effective way to build muscle mass, it can still be a valuable form of exercise for improving overall health and fitness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cardio can lead to muscle loss in some individuals, especially if it is performed excessively and without adequate rest and recovery time. However, the relationship between cardio and muscle mass is not always clear-cut, and moderate amounts of cardio may actually help to improve muscle mass. Ultimately, the best approach to building muscle mass is to incorporate both resistance training and cardiovascular exercise, while also consuming a diet high in protein and getting adequate rest and recovery time.

Get in touch

If you liked this article and you are thinking about your exercise and nutrition regime our team of highly qualified personal trainers and nutritionists can help. Getting the right balance of exercise and nutrition to reach your goal can be a scientific process where one size does not fit us all. Our experts can tailor make the right approach for you. Contact us today for more information or advice alternatively make a booking online.

The Role of Carbohydrates during Exercise

Posted on June 3, 2024

Carbohydrates play a key role within physical activity by providing energy to the body, brain and muscles. Athletes or anyone taking part in any physical activity needs to ensure they are consuming a large amount of carbohydrates within their diets. If someone does not consume enough carbs it is likely that performance levels and recovery may become impaired.

What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are one of the main three macronutrients we need to consume every day, together with protein and good fats. The main three types of carbohydrates are starch, fibre and sugar. Starch carbohydrates are more so known as complex carbs, these are food types such as potatoes, corn and starchy vegetables. Natural and added sugar foods are known as simple carbs, these can be found in food and drinks such as milk, honey, sweets, sugary drinks and syrups.

Why do we need carbohydrates and how does it aid in exercise performance?

It is imperative to our bodies that we consume carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen. Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy for our body to function, carbs are broken down and digested into a small molecule called glucose. This is used for fuel and is stored within muscles. The glucose energy molecule aids in delaying the onset of fatigue and help with muscular endurance. Carbohydrates also aid in muscular growth alongside protein and fats (macronutrients) which is so important to athletes to grow in their athletic
performance. Glycogen stores can be limited, so if a person is training and partaking in high intense physical activity, our bodies will need carbohydrate stores to fuel the body, ensuring an individual has increased energy levels. Glycogen is the main source of energy for quick bursts of physical activity and exercise, this keeps people motivated and full of energy. If these stores are low during exercise a person may become fatigued very quickly, lacking overall energy and unable to perform at the best of your ability at the highest standard. It is so important for a person to consume the right amount of carbohydrates to aid in exercise performance. If you are a person who is active and performs the recommended amount of exercise per week, healthy eating and carbohydrate intake is a necessity. Carbohydrate intake doesn’t have to always be food intake, you could have energy drinks and carbohydrate supplements (especially if you are trying to control weight).

Good sources of carbohydrates

Quinoa, Wheat, Pasta, Rice
Oats, yoghurt
Banana
Potatoes / Bread
Apples
Carrots
Corn
Whole grains
Vegetables

As you can see carbohydrates are a key compenent of any diet or nutrition plan. We should not be cutting food groups out of our nutrition plans as they all plan a significant role! So if you are in need of support or advice by qualified nutritionists who won’t feed you down the wrong path, then contact us today for more information.

How important is Protein?

Posted on June 3, 2024

Protein is one of the three main macronutrients needed to fuel the human body, meaning your daily calorie intake should consist of 10%-35%. The rest of our intake is made up of the other two macros carbohydrates & fats, as well as micronutrients such as vitamins & minerals. However, unlike the other two marcos your body does not store protein, which is why it is essential in your diet especially when trying to build muscle.

What is Protein?

Protein is made up of a long chain of amino acids & are considered to be the “building block” of a cell. Every cell contains protein but the role of each cell differs depending on the arrangement of the amino acids within it. They are essential for the structure & function of the tissues in the body. Some of these roles include:

Building structures in the body
Helping to produce antibodies to fight off illness or infection
Repairing of cells & creating new ones
Carrying oxygen throughout the body
Aiding digestion

Another key role for protein is the production of muscle mass. Simply eating protein won’t help to gain muscle but this combined with weight/fitness training & a balanced diet should do the trick. As we all know fitness training is essential for muscle growth, stimulating & even slightly damaging the muscle allows it to grow back bigger & stronger. How? Well, during exercise you create micro tears within the muscle, your body then breaks down the protein you have consumed to repair these tears. In order to do this, the broken down protein fills the tear creating new muscle fibres & therefore healing the muscle while increasing the muscle mass

How much do you need in your diet?

Daily protein intake tends to vary depending on an individual’s caloric needs. The average advised calorie intake is 2000 calories per day for women & 2500 for men. Each gram of protein contains 4 calories, indicating that the average woman should consume a minimum of 50g per day & men should aim for at least 62.5g per day. However, what is the average person? Every individual is different which means so is there daily calorie intake. If you’re not too sure what your daily calorie intake is then you can work it out another way. It is recommended in people aged 19-50 that you should consume 0.75g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. But when exercising with the aim of growing muscle, the Journal of Sport Science suggests upping this to 1.3-1.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight.

How does protein help me to keep fit?

As well as being great for muscle growth & repair, protein has many other benefits that help us to keep fit & healthy. These include;

Speeding up recovery rate after exercising
Reduces muscle loss
Helps to maintain a healthy weight
Prevents binge eating

High protein diets are often advised for people trying to lose weight, as protein combined with fibre helps to keep you fuller for longer.

Good Sources of Protein

When talking about protein most people think of meat, however there are many different types of food that contain lots of protein. Below are some examples of high protein foods:

Fish
Poultry
Lean Beef
Tofu
Eggs
Nuts
Seeds

Overall, whether you are trying to keep your body functioning at it’s best, to gain muscle mass, or loose weight, protein is an essential part of your diet. If you feel you would like to speak to one of our nutritionists then please contact us today.

Digesting Food

Posted on June 3, 2024

How long does it take to digest food?

The amount of time it takes to digest food will always depend on what types of different foods you have eaten. Generally, it takes around 24-72 hours of food to move through your digestive tract. Different factors such as metabolism, gender and whether someone suffers with digestive issues could all contribute to the rate of digestion, either slowing down or speeding up the process.

Food travels fairly quick through a person’s digestive system, the first process may take around 6-8 hours for food to travel from the small intestine to the large intestine. However, once the food has reached the large intestine it can sit there for at least a day to be broken down even more into smaller particles.

The rate of digestion also depends on what foods you may have eaten, for example; fish and meat products can take as long as 2 days to fully digest compared to foods such as fruit and vegetables taking as quick as a day due to being high in fibre. Foods that are high in fibre help the digestive tract course run with added efficiency.

What happens during the digestion process?

The digestive system is made up of five main components:

Mouth
Oesophagus
Stomach
Small Intestine
Large Intestine

Digestion is the process by our bodies which breaks down food, and gives you the main nutrients our bodies need to fully function. Anything else left over becomes a waste product which our bodies remove naturally.

The first process begins with the mouth, as you pass food into the mouth you start to chew the food breaking it down into smaller pieces, this is where your mouth releases saliva. The saliva contains enzymes that breaks down the starch in the food, resulting in the food becoming easier to swallow.
Once you have swallowed the food travels down to the oesophagus. The oesophagus connects your mouth all the way down to the stomach. The oesophageal sphincter opens to allow food to travel and transfer into the stomach.
As soon as the food has entered the stomach, acids that are in the area will break down the food particles even more. This creates partially digested food and gastric juices within the stomach.
When food has entered the small intestine the liver and pancreas also aid in the contribution of breaking down food. The pancreas aids in breaking down fats, carbohydrates and protein. The main three food groups. Other nutrients such as vitamins, fibre and water move through the small intestine wall and into the bloodstream. Then whatever is left over will transpire into the large intestine.
This is the final part of the digestive process where the large intestine will absorb any remaining water and get rid of any nutrients that the body does not need. Turning it into solid waste, where the body will naturally get rid of any of these products, completing the procedure.

Common Digestive System Complications

It is vital to seek help when suffering with any digestive system complications and understand the signs and symptoms. If left for to long other issue may develop and may lead to further serious illness.

Acid reflux- This occurs when the oesophagus sphincter is weakened. Resulting in acid from the stomach to travel back up into the oesophagus, causing a sensation of heartburn.
Food Intolerance- Some digestive issues may have underlying causes of the development in allergies. This is largely triggered by certain food groups/ types not being able to be processed in the body by a certain digestive enzyme.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)- Common signs of IBS can be shown as bad stomach cramps, constipation or diarrhoea. These can all be affected by what food type you consume but are commonly cause by food/drinks such as dairy, alcohol, caffeine and gas producing foods.

Weight fluctuation and bloating- Weight loss and weight gain are common indications of digestive issues. If the body is unable to absorb the nutrients it needs from food then this could explain unexpected weight loss. Bloating is also common with conditions such as IBS which may be mistaken for weight gain; however, this is normally just signs of poor digestion. A person may also suffer with slow bowel movements which may contribute to weight gain.

A Few Tips for Better Digestion

- Limit the amount of red meat and processed foods
- Eat more nutritious foods such as fruit and vegetables
- Get plenty of sleep and be in a good sleeping routine
- Exercise daily
- Manage stress levels
- Eat smaller meals more frequently, rather than larger meals

If you feel you want to discuss more about this and in particular your own personal nutrition, our qualified nutritionists can help. Contact us today or make a booking online.

Diet Trends: should you be trying them?

Posted on June 3, 2024

Over the past few years, obesity has become a consistently increasing public health issue. In response to this, there is now an influx of diet trends that all give you ‘the fastest weight loss results’; and everyone on the internet is suddenly more qualified to advise you than a professional nutritionist.

Now, in no way am I saying I am an expert in nutrition, but I’d like to think my experience and knowledge in the line of work I am in makes me slightly more educated in this field than Sarah on that yummy mummy Facebook group. However, if you genuinely need detailed advice into your own personal nutrition, please seek advice from a professional (I cannot stress this enough).

Whilst fad diets have been around for several years (Atkins, Weight Watchers etc), there is now a much greater pressure to try them due to the constant celebrity endorsement we see everywhere. In my personal opinion, I believe social media can be an extremely dangerous place for someone vulnerable to this pressure. You sit on your phone, scrolling through Instagram and catching up on George’s recent holiday photos and up pops an advertisement of that amazing looking celebrity rambling on about how their fat loss coffee has given them great results within a week. Why wouldn’t you want to give it a go? Fat loss in a week, just from drinking coffee, great right? Wrong. News flash people, most of these celebrities are paid a pretty penny to be pushing these products on their followers. Now, I don’t deny that they fully deserve their brilliant figures, but that is through a lot of strength training in the gym and a calorie deficit for fat loss. Most of these before and after photos with the product are taken on exactly the same day, they just put make up on, wear more flattering clothes and find better lighting for their after picture.

In all honesty, all of these diets rely on creating a calories deficit, whether that’s through restricting carbohydrate intake, replacing meals with shakes, only eating between certain times of the day, creating ‘sins’ on certain foods; it doesn’t matter how they dress it up, they aim to make you eat less calories than you use and therefore weight loss will follow.

I’m sure you’ve probably thought which diet is best for me to lose weight at some point. We all have, you’re not alone. Well, in my opinion, the balanced diet that creates a sustainable calorie deficit for you is best. Now, remember a calorie deficit is purely burning more calories than you consume, therefore you can also create this through exercise if you are already happy with your diet, and that is perfectly okay too. Just remember, don’t beat yourself if you have a bad day and eat too many calories, life is too short for scorning yourself for that doughnut; enjoy the doughnut, just take the dog for a slightly longer walk on that day.

Here’s a few quick tips on how to avoid fad diets and poor diet advice:

Promises of quick fixes.
Recommendations of detoxes where you are to avoid certain foods.
Pushing supplements and a number of other ‘fat loss’ products onto you.
Single study or no academic research available (relying on celebrity personal success stories).
Claims of magical benefits of certain foods (e.g coffee or grapefruit).
Promises of weight loss through tablets, without changing any other aspect of your lifestyle.
Recommendations to consume non-food items (cotton wool diet).
Promotion of eating one type of food (e.g cabbage soup diet, raw food diet).

If you are interested in discussing nutrition and a healthy considered approach to losing weight then please get in touch with one of our team.

3 Simple Steps To Achieve Your Resolutions

Posted on May 31, 2024

Christmas is the time for us all to eat as heartily as we’d like whilst pretending to ignore both the scales in the bathroom and the nutritional information on all those boxes of mince pies.

And then January is the time to make the resolutions that you are absolutely going to stick to no matter what: go to the gym twice a week, cut out sugar, stop drinking wine on weekdays…all that good stuff that inevitably gets abandoned after the reduced Quality Street tins start to line the shelves of supermarket. Whilst well-intended, only one in ten of us can actually stick to our New Year’s resolutions for longer than a month, and this is because many of us set unrealistic goals while trying to perform ‘damage control’ after the Christmas dinner.

The easiest way to stick to your resolutions is to make your goals more achievable in the first place – and believe it or not, you can start from December. New Year’s resolutions may be made with the ‘new year, new me’ idea in mind, but if you’re already signed up to and paying for a gym membership in December, chances are that you’re going to find a lot more motivation to continue these habits into 2017.

Step 1: Don’t let Christmas become ‘an excuse’.
This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself at Christmas. You are allowed to make a beeline for the yule logs and indulge in the roast potatoes on the big day. But many of us use ‘oh, whatever, it’s Christmas’ as an excuse to justify out-of-control eating habits. Treat December like any other month (and therefore pretend that you have a pine tree in your living room and tinsel around your lampshades all year round), and it means you can afford to go all out on the 25th.

Step 2: Start making changes.
There’s no unwritten rule that says you can’t join your local gym halfway through December. Spoiler alert: if you sign up and start paying for it, you’ll be far more inclined to use it since you’re already paying for it. And if you’re already motivated to use it, it’s going to make ticking the box next to ‘lose weight’ or ‘get fitter’ on your resolution list far easier. This also applies to food habits: if you’re going to try and eat healthier in the new year, why not start now and slowly work more vegetables and fruit into your diet to make that change easier?

Step 3: Don’t stress about it.
Your resolutions are not law. You won’t be doing anything wrong by taking a break from them, or not doing exactly what you intended to when you first wrote them. Congratulate yourself on your progress and don’t make it into a very black-and-white, “I either succeeded or I failed” thing.

Those who post their updates publicly on Facebook are more susceptible to feeling bad or stressing about them due to everyone else knowing that they’re trying to achieve something – so when it turns out that you might not be able to do it, the shame of confessing it on social media can make you feel worse. But here’s the thing: social media doesn’t have to know. Tell everyone when you’ve achieved something, not when you plan to. Of course, not having to publicly admit defeat can be a source of motivation for some, but for others it may just increase the stress of it all, thus leading to a bigger ‘crash’ when you give up.

Above all, enjoy Christmas. Eat, drink, be merry, and don’t worry too much, because everyone all over the world is doing just the same as you are. But if you feel like you do need a little kick to help you recover after the Christmas dinner, why not try LiveWell Health’s personal training services or nutrition services to keep you on track? For more information, contact us on 07939 212 739 or drop us an email at info@livewellhealth.co.uk.

How to Prepare for Your Marathon Race

Posted on May 10, 2024

How to Prepare for Your Marathon Race: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Running a marathon is a significant achievement that requires months of dedicated training, mental preparation, and careful planning. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or tackling your first marathon, proper preparation is essential to crossing the finish line strong and injury-free. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline the key steps to help you prepare for your marathon race, from setting realistic goals to fine-tuning your training regimen and ensuring you’re ready for race day.

Setting Realistic Goals

Before diving into your marathon training, it’s crucial to establish realistic goals based on your fitness level, experience, and desired outcome. Whether your goal is to finish the race, achieve a personal best time, or qualify for a prestigious event, setting clear and achievable goals will guide your training and keep you motivated throughout the process.

Building Your Training Plan

A well-structured training plan is the foundation of marathon preparation. It should include a combination of running workouts, cross-training activities, rest days, and gradual mileage increases to build endurance and prevent injury. When designing your training plan, consider factors such as your current fitness level, weekly mileage, preferred training intensity, and available time for training.

Gradual Mileage Build-Up

One of the most critical aspects of marathon training is gradually increasing your weekly mileage to build endurance and prepare your body for the demands of race day. Start with a manageable base mileage and gradually increase your long run distance each week, following a structured progression to avoid overtraining and injury. Incorporate rest days and recovery runs into your schedule to allow your body to adapt and recover effectively.

Cross-Training and Strength Training

Incorporating cross-training activities and strength training into your marathon training plan can help improve overall fitness, prevent injury, and enhance running performance. Activities such as swimming, cycling, yoga, and strength training can complement your running workouts, strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Aim to include cross-training sessions 1-2 times per week to supplement your running regimen.

Recovery Time for the body

It is important to set aside recovery periods and breaks in your training. This is to give your body time to recover. By having a de-load week after a 6 week training section, is a great way to take the foot off the pedal just enough for the body to catch up. Enlisting the help of a qualified sports therapist to give your body the once over, a running MOT and health check and maybe indulge in a sports massage or two during your training is a great option.

Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential components of marathon preparation, both during training and on race day. Fuel your body with a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables to support energy levels, muscle recovery, and overall health. Experiment with different pre-run and post-run meals to find what works best for you and practise your race day nutrition strategy during long training runs to ensure it’s effective and well-tolerated.

Hydration is equally important, especially during long runs and in hot or humid conditions. Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water regularly and replenish electrolytes lost through sweat with sports drinks or electrolyte supplements. On race day, familiarise yourself with the course’s water stations and develop a hydration plan to ensure you stay properly hydrated from start to finish.

Race Day Preparation

Race day preparation begins long before the starting line. In the days leading up to the marathon, focus on adequate rest, proper nutrition, and mental visualisation to prepare your body and mind for the challenge ahead. Lay out your race day gear, including your running outfit, shoes, hydration pack or belt, nutrition, and any other essentials, the night before to minimise stress and ensure you have everything you need on race day.

On the morning of the marathon, wake up early to allow plenty of time for a light breakfast, hydration, and warm-up exercises. Arrive at the race venue early to avoid last-minute rushing and familiarise yourself with the course, start line procedures, and logistical details. Stay relaxed, focused, and positive as you await the start of the race, and trust in your training and preparation to carry you through to the finish line.

During the Race

Once the race begins, focus on pacing yourself according to your race strategy and staying mentally strong and positive throughout the journey. Listen to your body, adjust your pace as needed, and fuel and hydrate regularly to maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue. Break the race into manageable segments, focus on one mile at a time, and draw inspiration from fellow runners, spectators, and the excitement of the event.

Post-Race Recovery

After crossing the finish line, take time to celebrate your accomplishment and reflect on your marathon journey. Rehydrate, refuel with a post-race meal or snack, and engage in light stretching or foam rolling to aid in muscle recovery and reduce soreness. Listen to your body in the days following the marathon, and gradually reintroduce light exercise and movement to promote recovery and prevent injury.

Conclusion

Preparing for a marathon requires dedication, discipline, and careful planning, but the rewards of crossing the finish line are well worth the effort. By setting realistic goals, building a structured training plan, focusing on proper nutrition and hydration, and staying mentally strong and positive, you can maximise your chances of success on race day. Remember to enjoy the journey, celebrate your achievements along the way, and embrace the challenge of the marathon with confidence and determination. Good luck, and happy running!

If you are in need of some support, whether that’s nutrition, strength and conditioning or simply a sports massage, then don’t hesitate to contact our team today. They are highly qualified and have worked within elite sports for many years, so they will be the best people to help.

How Important Is Nutrition To Your Employees’ Well-Being?

Posted on April 4, 2024

In the bustling world of modern workplaces, where deadlines loom and productivity is paramount, the significance of employee well-being often takes a backseat. Yet, amidst the chaos of project meetings and email threads, there exists a fundamental aspect that directly impacts the well-being, productivity, and overall happiness of your employees – nutrition.

Imagine this scenario: it’s midday, and your team is knee-deep in a crucial project. Energy levels are waning, focus is slipping, and tempers are flaring. Now, consider a different scenario: the same midday crunch, but this time, your team is revitalised, fueled by nutritious lunches and wholesome snacks, powering through tasks with vigour and enthusiasm.

The difference? Nutrition.

“It can be the difference between your team having energy and being happy at work or not,” says Steven Hartill, Managing Director of LIVEWELL Corporate, a leading provider of workplace nutrition solutions. And he’s not wrong. Countless studies have shown the direct correlation between nutrition and employee well-being, with factors such as mood, energy levels, cognitive function, and even absenteeism tied closely to diet.

Recognizing this pivotal link, companies like Softbank International, American Express and others are taking proactive steps to prioritise nutrition in the workplace utlizing LiveWell Health and it’s team to consult and plan not just their UK approach but their global approach to nutrition in their offices, leading the charge in fostering a culture of health and wellness among its employees.

“Our nutritionists are putting together office lunches and snack selections with clearly defined traffic light signals showing red (bad), amber (not so bad), and green (good) choices!” explains Steve. “This approach not only educates employees about healthy eating but also empowers them to make informed decisions about their diet throughout the workday.”

The benefits of such initiatives extend far beyond mere physical health. By providing nutritious options in the workplace, companies can enhance employee morale, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. After all, a well-fed workforce is a happy and productive workforce.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of revolutionising your workplace nutrition, LIVEWELL stands ready to assist. “If you are interested in something similar, get in touch, and we can talk you through some great options to spark your team into making healthy choices!” encourages Steve.

In today’s competitive landscape, where talent retention and employee satisfaction reign supreme, investing in the well-being of your workforce isn’t just a luxury – it’s a strategic imperative. And when it comes to nurturing a healthy, vibrant workplace culture, the importance of nutrition cannot be overstated. So, ask yourself: Is your company feeding success, or sowing the seeds of stagnation? The choice is yours.

For more information on our Nutrition Workshops and Seminars or our Corporate Wellbeing and employee wellbeing initiatives please use the links provided.

Fast Food Facts To Consider

Posted on February 9, 2024

5 Fast Food Fast Facts To Make You Reconsider Tonight’s Takeaway

We’re all guilty of telephone-ordering a Chinese takeaway on a Friday night or popping into the chippy when we can’t be bothered to cook anything. Most don’t think anything of the food that they’re putting into their mouths – it tastes good, it’s satisfying and fills you up, so why not, right? Unfortunately, these kinds of greasy, fat-laden fast foods can be the worst offenders in your diet, so while you may be eating healthily most of the time, those cheeky burgers that you grab on the way back from work will all add up faster than you can say ‘McDonald’s famous Chicken McNuggets contain 50% blood vessels, nerves, bones and feathers’.

Wait, what?

1. Chicken McNuggets only contain 50% chicken.
And the other half is composed of all of the bits of the chicken that nobody else wanted – specifically, ground bones, blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue, feathers, and…well, just pure fat. But considering the rest of the list, fat is probably the part that you’re least worried about.

Try this instead: A grilled chicken breast with salad. All the good stuff of the nuggets (however small that percentage may be) with up to 0.5g less saturated fat and 33g more protein per one single breast than four whole nuggets.

2. Pizza can give you heart attacks.
Not directly. But studies show that the saturated fats in pizzas can lead to a build-up of LDL cholesterol in your arteries, which in turn leads to an increased risk of heart disease and strokes.

Try this instead: Reducing the fat content in your pizzas by opting for thin, whole-wheat crusts and reducing your cheese, bulking up the slices with veggies like onions and peppers instead. If you really can’t do without a lot of cheese on your pizza, try making your own homemade ones and using half-fat mozzarella instead.

3.. Chicken tikka masala isn’t even authentically Indian.
Strictly speaking, chicken tikka itself is pretty good – chicken is low-fat and high-protein, and yoghurt contains plenty of protein and calcium. But the ‘masala’ part (the curry) has become so refined and catered to those savoury ‘Friday night curry’ cravings that it’s hardly a good representation of authentic Indian food at this point, not to mention that most takeaway chicken tikka masala dishes average out at around 1,300 calories per meal. The ingredients may look healthy, but then they’re combined with very generous portions of cream blended into the curry sauce and the whole thing becomes a high-fat and hopefully infrequent treat.

Try this instead: Homemade chicken tikka. Fresh chicken breast marinated in yoghurt, garlic and ginger and cooked dry – some supermarkets even sell the pre-marinated chicken tikka pieces, which average at around 200 calories a portion. Serve with salad and chapati, and you’ve shaved those extra 1,100 calories off your weekend indulgence.

4. Your average Chinese takeaway meal actually makes you take in an extra glass…
…of pure fat. While everyone likes to indulge, and wine with meals is pretty common, most would agree that a whole wine glass of fat in one meal is excessive. Sweet and sour chicken alone can typically contain up to 1,400 calories and 41g of saturated fats, and while the vegetable options might seem like a safe choice for those watching what they eat, they’re usually doused in oil or other sauces for flavouring that can triple the calorie content.

Try this instead: There are many healthy Chinese food recipes floating around the Internet. Stir fry is generally a good option, and can be the best one to go for if your heart is set on ordering from the place down the road. But with fresh vegetables and chicken and no processed foods or oils, making it at home could save you up to 1,000 extra calories (and it’s just as delicious).

5. Deep-fried Mars bars exist.
In case you were wondering, they’re around 800 calories. And no, their birthplace isn’t America – it’s humble old Glasgow.

Try this instead: You can’t mess with perfection, so just stick to a regular Mars bar and save yourself the indignity.

If you’re thinking that it’s time to kick these bad fast food habits to the kerb, book yourself onto one of LiveWell Health’s personal training programmes just in time for the new year. For more information on pricing and the services that we provide, contact us on 07939 212 739 or drop us an email at info@livewellhealth.co.uk.

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