Water for weight loss?

A new study has just shown that drinking 2 glasses of water right before a meal helps keep off the pounds - they found that the people who drunk water before food ate on average 75-80% less calories during the meal. Might be something to think about if you're trying to cut back on your portion sizes.

An added boost

Having woken up with a bit of a headache and feeling groggy and tired, it made me think 'perhaps I need a bit of a daily boost for the next few months while my marathon training has cranked up a notch'.

I don't usually advocate popping vitamin pills and supplements but it's been shown that intense training lowers your immunity - so I'm going to take a multi-vit each day in the hope that it'll keep off those colds.

Even if it's a placebo effect it'll be worth it!

Keep that holiday feeling

Coming back from a relaxing week in the sunshine is always hard - but what can you do to hold on to that Mediterranean way of life a little bit longer? I always find sticking with your holiday food is a good start. Which is why this week I've been having fresh figs, yogurt and honey for brekkie. Even if I am sitting at my desk (and the figs cost 69p EACH!), I can close my eyes and pretend I'm back on the patio by the pool. Bliss!

Get on yer Velib

Having just returned from a weekend in Paris (dahling) I have a renewed love of cycling. You can get around in half the time, soak up the sunshine AND get some exercise at the same time - perfect for when you've had a few too many macaroons!

And the good news is, London's getting it's own bike hire scheme on July 30 (though they're not quite as chic as the Parisian ones - they have an huge Barclays logo on the side) http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/12444.aspx

Pukka

Whether you love him or hate him, it's a pretty cool speech http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jamie_oliver.html

To fit or to flop?

A lot of people have been asking me recently what I think of Fit-Flops (the new flip flop which promises to give you a workout while you walk.

Anything which gives you something for nothing makes me dubious- but could there be something to it? All of these shoes, like MBTs and the new Reebok tone ones work by challenging your balance so you work your core muscles (mainly around your middle). So you will be using your abs slightly more. As for toning up your legs, it's unlikely but if they're comfy then why not?

Word of warning though - none of these shoes are great for exercising in and could cause you a serious injury if you do. They do the opposite to what a good running shoe should do - give you stabality and support.

Here we go again

Eeeeeeek, marathon training officially begins this Thursday!

I always think it's good to start things on the first of the month, hence why I've decided on the 1st July to kick off the torture (sorry challenge).

Bring on three months of blood, sweat and tears, with a few days shopping, bagels and cosmopolitans to look forward to at the end!