Showing posts with label Health and Healthcare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health and Healthcare. Show all posts

HERBAL MEDICINES

HERBAL MEDICINES
It's amazing just how many herbal treatments and cures there are in Sri Lanka. Almost every herb, vegetable and fruit has a wide variety of medicinal properties. In short, there's a cure for every ailment if you know herbs well enough. Herbal medications are also becoming popular exports in Sri Lanka. 

Welpenela

One of the commonest herbs with an array of medicinal uses is 'Welpenela'. Its botanical term is Cardiospermum halicacabum and some of its other names are heart seed, black liquorice and balloon vine. It is found aplenty in markets and growing in many a home garden.
This small and delicate wiry climber can be used to treat piles, rheumatism, nervous disorders and chronic bronchitis. Its power lies mostly in its leaves which can also be used as a poultice for skin diseases. A paste of the leaves is a dressing for sores and wounds. Crushed leaves can also be inhaled to relieve headaches and the seeds used to relieve fever and body aches.

Karapincha 

A popular flavouring leaf that is used widely in Sri Lankan curries known as 'Karapincha' is also very medicinal. The leaves, roots, bark, stalk and flowers can be either boiled or powdered together to relieve any type of stomach disorder.

Bitter gourd (Karawila)
The leaves of the Bitter gourd plant or 'Karawila' can be crushed and the juice massaged into the scalp for a good growth of hair and to help prevent hair loss. The 'Karawila' fruit, bitter as it is, increases the flow of milk in nursing mothers, when eaten in sufficient quantities. Juice extract from Karawila is drunk by diabetics and get immediate result.
Kikirindiya 
This is known as Eclipta prostrata botanically, and it an herb used in many forms to cure various diseases. In Sanskrit it is known as 'kasaraja' which refers to growth of the hair. This herb prevents the hair from becoming prematurely grey. Diseases of the skin can also be cured through this herb.

Cucumber
Popular in salads, is a herb which is known to keep the kidneys healthy. Cucumber seeds when roasted, powdered and made into a coffee-like drink have been known to relieve colic. Thin slices of cucumber placed on tired eyes is supposed to have a soothing effect.
Pomegranate
For sore eyes, the flowers of the pomegranate (Punica granatum) tree known as 'Delun' can give great relief. The buds of the tree are boiled and the infusion given to stop chronic diarrhoea especially in children. The same infusion also relieves bronchitis. Bleeding from the nose can be checked by powdering the flowers of the pomegranate tree and applying it on the bleeding area.
Jak
The intriguing Jak fruit is extremely nutritious and medicinal. Jak (Artocarpus reterophyllus) comes in two varieties in Sri Lanka. They are soft or 'Vala' and hard or 'Waraka'. The latter is more popular than the soft. The bark of the Jak tree is used mainly for medicinal purposes including sprains and fractures.  Tender Jak known as ‘Polos’ can be made into a delicious curry and, in the diet of ancient Lankan royalty this was a dish that was rarely absent. Nursing mothers are given 'Polos' and boiled Jak to increase milk. 'Polos' curry also helps those recovering from diarrhoea, because 'Vala' or the soft ripe Jak is a laxative which can be eaten as it is. It helps clear the bowels and assists in digestion. It also helps relieve bronchitis when kept in bees honey and given to the patient each morning. 'Waraka' or the hard Jak variety is beneficial to diabetic patients.The leaves are dried, powdered and made into a coffee-like drink to be given to diabetics.
According to an ancient recipe the ripe Jak leaves are pounded and fried in gingili (sesame) oil and given to the diabetic patient each day. It is hard to imagine that such a simple recipe can be a cure for diabetes but the fact that it has been mentioned often in ancient books is proof of its efficacy.
Mango
The delicious mango (Mangitera indica) too has its share of medicinal properties. All parts of the tree can be used medicinally. Tender leaves dried and powdered are given for diarrhoea and diabetes. The smoke from the burning leaves can be inhaled for the relief of throat disorders and hiccups. The ash is an effective remedy for burns. And to remove warts on eyelids, the midrib of the mango leaves is burnt and the ash applied on the warts.
The juice of the mango tree bark has a remarkable effect on the mucus membrane. It can be given as a medicine to stop the discharge of mucus from the uterus, bowels and intestines. Bleeding piles and dysentery can be cured by the juice in addition to the white of an egg and a pinch of opium. The green skin of the raw fruit is dried and powdered and two teaspoons of this powder in half a cup of cow's milk with a teaspoonful of bees honey is another tonic for dysentery and piles. Meanwhile, the white juice that oozes near the stem when unripe mangoes are plucked can be mixed with lime and applied as a remedy for skin infections or diseases. 
Timbiri
An excellent gargle for sore throats is the fruit juice of the 'Timbiri'. Known botanically as Diospyris malabarcia, the tree of this fruit is found commonly in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The ripe fruit is said to contain a high quantity of tannin contained in a gummy juice which is also useful in diarrhoea and internal haemorrhage. A poultice of the bark helps in boils and tumours while a decoction of the bark mixed with ghee is a soothing remedy for burns. A powder of the root bark can be prepared in a manner similar to coffee, which helps cure coughs.

Coral Tree
 
For an earache 'Erabadu' (Erythrina variegeta) and also known as Coral Tree is highly recommended. The juice of the leaves of this decorative tree with brilliant scarlet flowers can be gently applied in drop form to the ears for relief. The fresh juice of the leaves mixed with a bit of bees honey is a good remedy for tapeworm, threadworm and roundworm and the dosage is one teaspoon once a day. A preventive against worms is the cooking of tender leaves with coconut milk. The juice of the leaves can also be applied to the gums to relieve toothache. A poultice of the leaves can be applied to joints of the body for relief from rheumatic pains.


Nelli
Another important fruit-medicine is the 'Nelli'. This is a small, green sour fruit with a very high quantity of vitamin C.z There is hardly any disease for which the 'Nelli' is not used either singly or in combination with other herbs.
The 'Nelli' is given to strengthen the retina and improves weak and defective vision. If dried 'Nelli' is soaked overnight and the juice extracted and drunk each morning, it makes a good laxative. Leaves boiled and applied on skin eruptions is said to be beneficial.
The ground leaves are said to cure eczema. Two tablespoons of 'Nelli' mixed with a tablespoon of bees honey, taken regularly each morning helps reduce bleeding piles, while raw 'Nelli', sour as it may be, improves complexion. Half a cup of 'Nelli' juice twice a week helps keep bowel movements in order.

Kohomba (margosa or azadirachta) 
this is useful for certain diseases. It has definite antiseptic properties.


Katukarosana (picrorhiza kurroa) 
the roots of this plant have been used to make a preparation for blood purification; it is also employed in cough remedies. These are medicinal properties of just a few of the many invaluable plants found in Sri Lanka. For every ailment there is probably a plant cure with none of the side-effects that strong synthetically processed drugs on the market have. In ancient Sri Lanka such remedies were commonly and effectively used although down the ages many of these medicinal remedies have become extinct. 

Battling dry skin? Use glycerine


Battling dry skin? Use glycerine

All of us struggle to keep our skin and hair healthy during the winters. Glycerine, the colourless and odourless carbon compound, is just the right thing.

Being a humectant that attracts water from the surroundings, here are some beauty benefits of glycerine.

Skin: When diluted with few drops of water,glycerine keeps your skin moisturised. Mix glycerine and honey in equal amounts, and apply this solution on your face or body. Leave it on for a while and then wash with the cold water. It helps you get rid of skin dryness.


Hair care: Hair is known to get frizzy during winters, due to low moisture levels. Mix equal amounts of glycerine and water and dab it on your hair, this works as an excellent conditioner. It also helps manage curly hair.

Eyes: Using glycerine as an under-eye cream at night, helps get rid of dark circles and leaves your under-eye skin fresh and smooth. It is better than most regenerating creams available in the market. 

Injuries: Glycerine helps in accelerating the healing process of injuries, be it big wounds or just bruises. It creates a repair system for tissues and cells.

How age Affects Women's Fertility


When a woman reaches the age of 18, she should become more aware of her personal health and make annual appointments with aphysician for a health screening. Especially if a woman wishes to become a mother someday, she should be aware of how healthy she is and her chances of conceiving during her different life stages. 

The younger a woman is, the better chance she has of conceiving a child. In fact, a woman is born with over 1,000,000 eggs. However, at the time of her first menstruation, the number of eggs is reduced by 90% to only 150,000 until she reaches menopause between the age of 40 and 50. Each month, more eggs are lost, whether the eggs are genetically normal or abnormal. 

Between the ages of 20 and 30, a woman will carry only about 30% of normal eggs but this severely decreases by about half each decade. During her late 30s, a woman will have 16% of normal eggs and the number continues to reduce to as few as 2-9% of normal eggs between her late 30s to mid-40s. If a woman is having difficulty conceiving a child, there are many services available to help her find a solution. The younger a woman is, the longer she can wait before seeking help, but by the time she is in her mid-30s to 40s, she should seek help after 3 months. A very popular solution for natural conception, is to use donor eggs to conceive a healthy baby. 

Not only should a woman be aware of her health and her chances of conceiving a baby, but she should know the chances of her baby being born healthy as she ages. Especially during her late 30s to mid-40s, she will be carrying fewer eggs with a higher chance of them being genetically abnormal. By carrying more genetically abnormal than normal eggs, there is a higher chance of a miscarriage or conceiving a baby with Down syndrome. To fully understand her chances of conceiving a healthy child at any age before menopause, again, she should seek help from health services to understand and consider her options. 

(*Data Courtesy: Ashley Williamson, a freelance writer and an occasional guest-blogger interested in health, lifestyle and sport related articles. She shares her thoughts on various blogs and is a regular contributor on different sites. When she is not working she likes to travel and do yoga. )

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

How to keep your eyes healthy



Dr Keiki Mehta, eye surgeon gives us tips


Protect the eyes from the sun. Sunglasses once thought of fashion accessory have now been proven to be essential for good eyesight . Ultraviolet light rays emitted from the especially UV-B is the most damaging to the crystalline lens and causes cataracts, corneal changes, and macular degeneration. Regrettably all sunglasses cannot protect you unless they specifically stipulate UV protection.

Especially at risk are people who spend long hours in the sun, who have had cataract surgery or who are taking certain medications such as tranquilizers, tetracycline and diuretics, are more sensitivity to sunlight. During driving sunglasses reduce glare and bright stray light preventing accidents.

Regular eye checkup: It is amazing how people will service the car or motorbike regularly but do not think of servicing the eyes. And eye checkup does not refer only to a spectacle number check done casually in an optical shop. It refers to examination on a slit microscope followed by an eye pressure check for glaucoma, with a detailed retinalexamination. If there are any symptoms of irritation, poking, visual changes, seeing spots, or even tiredness, it merits a detailed exam.

Eye strain during reading: The book should be well lighted , but the area surrounding the book should also be well lit . Reading in a dark room leads to eye strain. Ideally the light should come over your left shoulder. When you concentrate hard , the blink rate of the eye drops significantly. This leads to blurring and defused vision. Blink frequently when you study for long periods of time.

Computer care: Position the computer screen/ laptop so that you are not looking at the screen straight on. Eyes are designed to work in a position of depressed convergence, ( ie looking down and in. ). The top of the screen should not be higher than your eyes. The brightness of the screen should be the same intensity of the lighting of the surroundings. Try and scheduled your study sessions early morning rather than late night it induces far less strain. And remember to take a 5 min break after every 40 min of reading.

Contact lens care: If you are into contact lenses which is perfectly okay, be sure to select a good manufacturer.Clean lenses twice a day with the advised solutions regularly. Adhere to your lens schedules . A monthly wear disposable is to be "disposed "in a month. If there is any redness or poking see your eye professional immediately

Avoid smoking
It can lead to cataracts , increases risk of macular degeneration. And can , if combined with alcohol, lead to optic nerve disorders,.

Diabetes? Extra caution: If you have diabetes, if untended can lead to the retina being damged with the chance of a retinal vessels leakage, bleeding and even , if left uncontrolled, retinal detachment and blindness. Irrespective of your age, 4 monthly checkups are mandatory.

Eat antioxidant-rich foods
Nutrients like Vitamin A, are essential for good retinal health and aid in both color and night vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin, both carotenoid nutrients, help in preventing macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids were shown to help prevent recurrent eye infections and improve dry eye symptoms.

20 ways to gain weight fast



How to gain weight is as difficult as losing weight. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration; but we all know someone who is skinny as a stick and does not shy away from food. Most of us are envious that they never put on weight, but they too wish to have a lean well toned, even curvy or muscular look.



How to gain weight: People may be underweight due to various reasons
Inadequate feeding habits, prolonged meal time gaps, poor selection of foods, increased physical activity without increasing the food intake can lead to energy deficit, are a few of the major reasons for being underweight. Other reasons can be malabsorption due to prolonged illness, diseases such as tuberculosis, cancer, hormonal imbalances (hyperthyroidism) and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
How to gain weight: Healthy weight gain
Gradual weight gain is always advisable. An increase in 500 kcal per day can result in increasing the body weight by 0.5 kgs per week. Objective should be to restore a desirable weight/ ideal body weight according to one's age, gender and height. To rebuild body tissues, to maintain a good nutritional status and to maintain ideal body weight are a few reasons why healthy weight gain is important.
How to gain weight: Exercise
If you're indulging where food's concerned, beware of the inevitable skinny person's paunch. No matter what your skinny status, as you grow older, you will develop an unsightly paunch. To avoid this, you must endeavour to maintain a toned body. For this, exercise is essential. Participate in a balanced mix of cardio, weight training, and flexibility exercises every day.
How to gain weight: Lift weights for lean mass
If you haven't figured it out already, you're going to be doing some heavy lifting in order to put on lean mass. The foundation of your routine should be the big compound lifts: Squats, deadlifts, presses (bench and overhead), pull-ups, rows, dips, snatches, power cleans, clean and jerks. These engage multiple muscles while triggering your hormonal response systems.
How to gain weight: Exercises for beginners
A
Squat 5x5
Pull-ups 5xFailure (add weight if "Failure" is becoming more than 12 reps)
Overhead Press 5x5
B
Squat 5x5
Deadlift 1/2/3x5 (your choice; deadlifts can be incredibly taxing, and with exhaustion comes poor form, so be careful; sometimes it's better to do a really heavy load for a single set)
Bench Press 5x5
C
Squat 5x5
Pull-ups 5xFailure
Overhead Press 5x5
Do this sequence every week (maybe Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and steadily increase the weight each session. Once you're making progress, feel free to add in other exercises like dips or more Olympic lifts.
How to gain weight: Healthy diet
You may take dietary supplement, but you need a balanced diet more. You need the right amount of protein, carbs and fats. Help yourself to nuts and dairy products. Protein is the key for muscle building; this will help you gain weight.
How to gain weight: Healthy heart and weight gain diet
Add pistachios or roasted channa to your diet. Make them your evening munchies, as they help you lower risk of heart disease. Other snack ideas include whole wheat or multi grain bread/ soy sticks with hummus or peanut butter. Opt for salsa dips and chutneys as they are high on fibre and very healthy. How to Gain Weight: Increase liquid intake
If you want to gain weight, you need to build an appetite; and while this might be a tad non-traditional, you can rely on wine as a hunger stimulant. A small glass of wine before your evening meal will help you appreciate your food a whole lot more. Also, avoid drinking water before meals and in between meals, you don't want to ruin your appetite.
How to gain weight: Eat less
If you eat in between meals, cut it out. They say you should eat three large meals or five to six small meals in a day. Eating less is more. Choose food with nutritional calories and increase intake of starchy foods like potatoes. Remember, the more junk food you eat, the more you deprive your body of healthy nutrients. A thin person who gorges on junk food will suffer the same unhealthy consequences as an obese person with poor eating habits.
How to gain weight: Indulge the right way
Often times, well meaning folks will tell you to eat cakes and other sugar-heavy desserts in order to help you gain weight. While normally this strategy works perfectly for some, for others it could just lead to visceral fat - a state of being skinny fat. Skinny fat essentially means that a person appears skinny on the outside, but has fat accumulated in the wrong places (around vital organs) on the inside. Besides, sugar-heavy foods deplete your body of whatever little nutrients it might be getting from other foods.
How to gain weight: Eat lots and lots of healthy vegetables and meat
You are going to have to eat far more than before if you want to gain weight. Since body composition is 80% diet, you are going to have to stuff yourself. You need to provide lots and lots of proteins for those hormones to synthesize.
How to gain weight: Eat healthy fats
Eat plenty of healthy fats. Eat your egg yolks, meat with animal fat, coconut oil, and other healthy fats. Increase caloric intake - of the healthy kind ofcourse. So those bananas count well here.
How to gain weight: Increase protein intake
Never let your protein intake go lower than 1g/lb of body weight when you are aiming to add long-term muscle. It's the building block of muscle, and your body is going to be starving for it.
How to gain weight: Foods that help you gain weight
Whole eggs: It is economical and loaded with protein, vitamins A,D, E and good cholesterol.
Butter: Butter is linked with long term weight gain. Intake of butter should be in moderation, as regular consumption of butter is bad for your heart.
Tuna: The vital fatty acids in tuna contain a host of healthy fats, which not only aid in weight gain but also help in maintaining physical well-being.
Natural fruit juice: A healthy and nutritious way to gain some pounds, sip 100-per cent fruit juice that's full of sugar and added nutrients.
Whole wheat bread: You can eat healthy and pack on pounds at the same time by eating whole wheat bread which accounts for approximately 69 calories per slice.
How to gain weight: Food rich in good calories
Peanut butter - Spread - soft, salty peanut butter on bread. It gives you approximately 192 calories plus it is extra high in protein.
Energy bars - It is loaded with good-for-you nuts and oats. One bowl packs around 500 calories, which is healthy as well as yummy for breakfast.
Cheese - One serving of cheddar cheese packs a good 69 calories. Cheese is concentrated milk, so it is high in protein and calcium, fat, cholesterol and cheese calories.
Oil - Adding extra fat to your food is an easy way to add calories, choose olive oil, canola oil, etc. which is good for your health and will add those much needed calories too.
Banana - One banana contains approximately 100 calories. Not only are bananas rich in carbs and nutritious, they're also great for workout fuel.
How to gain weight: Daily tips to gain weight
Include three- four servings of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. It is best to consume fruits in their natural form to get all the nutrients.
Make sure you get enough rest.
Instead of stocking up on chocolate as glucose boosters, try high-fibre, low sugar oat bars. These take care of your cravings.
Oats: A bowl of oatmeal is the perfect nutritious breakfast. It is high in fiber, and it also provides the body with vital nutrients.
Yogurt: The healthy fruit-flavored, fatless yogurt can give you as much as 118 calories. Include it in your daily diet for quick weight gain.
How to gain weight: Dietary supplements for gaining weight
Supplements should be taken only in consultation with a doctor/ dietician, only if required in case of nutrient deficiencies. How your body processes these supplements depends on what your body's needs are. The supplements that are usually associated with weight gain needs are usually carb-enriched supplements.
The same thumb-rule of focusing on your body's needs before buying supplements, applies to vitamin and mineral supplements as well. Excess of multivitamins can cause hypervitaminosis leading to various problems as diarrhoea, vomiting etc.
How to gain weight: Food habits that help you gain weight
Chew the food properly to improve digestion. Avoid excessive intake of beverages such as coffee and tea immediately after meals, as this hinders the absorption of minerals like iron. Keep a track of your weight gain as this is essential; it is healthy to increase approximately 5 to 6 kgs weight per month.
Cook smartly, using a wide variety of food choices that are beneficial for health. Use a variety of fruits and vegetables to make salads, and rely on healthy appetisers (ex: Amla pudina chutney).
How to gain weight: Unhealthy habits for gaining unhealthy weight
- Lack of sleep may be making you fat
- Eating in the car
- Eating in front of the TV
- Food rut - eating the same thing day in and day out
- Finishing everything on your plate and peer pressure
- "Coffee shopping" or for some of us it is the "meet up for a drink"
How to gain weight: After gaining the right weight
The right combination of healthy food, exercise, right breathing, rest and sleep go a long way in a happier and healthier you. Once you've gained the right amount of weight that you desire to gain, you'll realise that your naturally thin body will look far more toned and curved at the right places, than you ever thought possible!

7 Day flat belly diet plan (Weight Loss)


Here is an exclusive plan to help you shape up in 2012...
Celebrity trainer James Duigan's Clean & Lean diet plan can help you lose all the unwanted flab. The diet involves cutting out 'toxic' foods that encourage the body to store fat - including alcohol, sugar and processed foods. Meals on James's diet plan are full of fish, lean meat - including turkey and chicken - and fresh, preferably organic vegetables.
James says, "My diet works on the principle that your body's natural state is lean and fit, not sluggish and fat. But processed foods and drinks and excess sugar pollute the body, causing fat to cling to the hips, thighs, bum and tummy. However, as soon as you stop doing the wrong thing, your body responds very quickly, and you'll get lean fast. But you have to believe you can do it. It doesn't matter how often you have failed in the past. What matters now is focusing on what you want and taking action."
Food rules Make these changes to your diet to lose weight and get a flat tummy fast!
1 Cut the C.R.A.P: Avoid the four main food groups that cause fat to cling to our bodies: caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol and processed foods.
2 But allow yourself a weekly cheat meal. Once a week, enjoy an indulgent meal of whatever you fancy, from creamy pasta to a slice of chocolate cake with cream. As ong as you're eating clean, healthy food the rest of the time, an occasional high-fat treat actually speeds up your metabolism.
3 Take fish oil supplements: They burn fat and supply essential fatty acids.
4 Always have breakfast: Eat within one hour of waking up. If you don't have time for a proper breakfast, just grab a piece of fruit and a few nuts.
5 Don't eat after 8pm: Eating a large meal in the evening when your body is slowing down or sleeping is a bad idea for your digestion and weight.
Five food swaps for flat Abs
Bad croissants: Full of fat, sugar and no goodness Milk Most non-organic milk is filled with hormones Standard yoghurt Most are full of sugar Margarine Full of chemicals Beer High sugar and calories
Better wholemeal bread: Fibre is good for digestion Organic milk It's chemical-free Organic yoghurt It's free from pesticides Olive oil spread Full of essential fatty acids Organic cider Less alcohol and calories.
Best spelt bread: No tummy-bloating gluten
Organic almond milk: Doesn't contain lactose that can cause bloating Organic full-fat yoghurt Makes you feel full and is less sugary than low-fat options Organic butter Natural and additive free Good red wine Grape skin contains resveratrol, a great antioxidant
Tummy toning moves
James Duigan says, "Exercise smarter, not harder. So, if you are trying to lose weight, don't go mad with exercise - get more out of less." These moves can help you get a flatter tummy as they reduce levels of stress hormones in the body, which encourage fat around your middle.
Breathing squat
- Go slow and low and repeat 10 times
- Stand with feet shoulder width apart, arms out and parallel to floor
- Inhale through the nose, then lower your bottom down as far as is still comfortable while exhaling l Pause for a few seconds, then inhale as you come up
Energy push Great for digestion - breathe slowly and repeat 20 times
- Take a comfortable stance with feet shoulder width apart, arms in front of you, palms facing down
- Inhale and pull hands back towards your shoulders
- Exhale, pushing your arms back out to starting position Leg tuck Great for lower abs - repeat 10 times
- Lie back, feet on floor, knees bent l Inhale then bring knees into your chest as you exhale
- Inhale again as you return your feet to the floor
Your food plan
Stick to this eating plan for two weeks to start your weight loss. It's best to begin on a weekend, when you have more time to get everything ready. Plus, you won't feel so stressed or rushed, which means you'll be less likely to succumb to a mid-afternoon chocolate bar.
Day 1 Breakfast: Omelette made with three egg whites and filled with 75g chopped mixed peppers and a handful of spinach
Mid-morning snack: 100g chicken with ½ red pepper, sliced
Lunch: One grilled chicken breast, mixed salad leaves, red peppers, green beans and ¼ tbsp olive oil
Mid-afternoon snack: 100g turkey breast with ¼ cucumber, sliced
Dinner: 100g grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli
Day 2 Breakfast: Baked chicken breast with a handful of stir-fried kale
Mid-morning snack: 100g turkey breast and ½ green pepper, sliced
Lunch: Baked haddock fillet with mixed green salad, with ½ tbsp olive oil
Mid-afternoon snack: 100g turkey breast with 75g steamed broccoli
Dinner: One salmon steak with chopped dill and steamed green beans
Day 3 Breakfast: 100g smoked salmon, plus spinach
Mid-morning snack: 100g chicken breast with ½ yellow pepper, sliced
Lunch: One grilled chicken breast with garden salad and ½ tbsp olive oil
Mid-afternoon snack: 100g turkey slices with ¼ avocado
Dinner: One grilled lamb steak (or two cutlets); steamed broccoli and spinach
Day 4 Breakfast: Scrambled eggs (one whole, two whites), tomatoes, green beans
Mid-morning snack: 100g turkey slices with ¼ cucumber, sliced
Lunch: Baked cod fillet with salad, tomato, spinach and ½ tbsp olive oil
Mid-afternoon snack: 100g chicken breast with ½ grilled courgette
Dinner: 100g chicken breast stir-fry made with ½ tsp oil and green veg
Day 5 Breakfast: 200g turkey breast with ¼ avocado and ¼ cucumber, sliced
Mid-morning snack: Two hard-boiled eggs with ½ red pepper, sliced
Lunch: 150g grilled prawns with a green salad and tomatoes, ½ tbsp olive oil
Mid-afternoon snack: 100g turkey breast with five almonds
Dinner: 100g chicken breast with steamed broccoli
Day 6 Breakfast: One grilled haddock fillet with roasted peppers and courgettes
Mid-morning snack: 100g chicken with one tomato, sliced
Lunch: 150g turkey with green salad, steamed broccoli and ½ tbsp olive oil
Mid-afternoon snack: 100g chicken with five pecan nuts
Dinner: 150g-200g steak served with steamed green beans and broccoli
Day 7 Breakfast: Three-egg-white omelette, grilled tomatoes and steamed spinach
Mid-morning snack: 100g turkey with five Brazil nuts
Lunch: 150g chicken breast with steamed asparagus and green salad
Mid-afternoon snack: 100g turkey with ¼ cucumber, sliced
Dinner: Grilled, skinless duck breast with steamed oriental greens or broccoli.