Cellulite Solutions.

Here I am...still in sunny Cyprus...and finding myself writing about cellulite. Maybe the source of inspiration is due to observing the abundance of 'flesh' on the beach! Or maybe I am unconsciously 'picking up' a hum of discontentment from the surrounding female population as they discover - to their horror- that their beach body of last year is no more!

Do we ever hear men going on about their cellulite? - nope.

Cellulite is often considered to be a natural characteristic of the female body (not what we want to hear)... and that the majority of women will show some signs of cellulite at some time in their life.
Cellulite is the uneven accumulation of fat in certain areas of the body and is influenced by hormones, genes, lifestyle and stress.

Hormones can play havoc with the female body - do we ever hear men complain about having 'fat days'? - nope.

That's because they don't have the fluctuating levels of oestrogen that we get - simple!

This is why 85-98% of women show signs of cellulite during puberty and also when pre-menstrual, because oestrogen levels are higher...regardless of whether you are slim or overweight.

Now, in today's world of an ever increasing pace of life - stress is undoubtedly a huge contributory factor to our overall health. It increases our free radical production and our hormonal secretions...affecting out metabolism and blood pressure...as well as increases fat storage...and cellulite. A challenging state of affairs.

For me, the solution to cellulite is twofold - healthy eating and exercise.

We now have so much information on healthy eating - yet many still choose to eat unhealthy levels of fatty foods (chocolate, crisps, fries & deep fried) as well as high calories (alcohol, chocolate, ice cream, sweets, biscuits). It's not that you've never to consume these items - just not every day or even every week. If you are - then think about having to have these from an addiction point of view and start weaning yourself off them.

The ideal diet that would prevent the creation of cellulite and help to reduce it would be a typical Mediterranean diet of fish, lean meat, salads, vegetables, fruit, water and an optional occasional glass of wine. It would also be low in salt, and using olive oil instead of butter.

Exercise tones muscles - which in turn improves your lymphatic system - which in turn removes waste products from your cells. This means that your body will function better and you will look and feel better...and cellulite will be reduced. The more you exercise the more you increase your muscle mass...which decreases your fat...and cellulite will be reduced.

So, start taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Wear a pedometer and start walking more - build up your steps to 10 thousand, 3 days a week.

It's all about investing in your Self...after all...you're in it for the long haul!

Holistic Healing in Cyprus

Here I am in sunny Cyprus at a beautiful apartment in Paphos called Faros Beach. It is only a 3 minute walk to the beach, and in the other direction... an easy 2 minute stroll to the shops and bars on Tomb of the Kings Road - fantastic...I can highly recommend it! As I am sitting on my balcony...having watched a stunning sunset...and now listening to the crickets accompanying the distant sound of the Greek Cypriot bazouki...it is another reminder that the Holistic Healing of the human spirit and soul is about being in the moment...being in the Now.

Surrendering to the stillness.

Appreciating the sounds.

So, the biggest change for me being here (other thatn the weather!) is the pace of life. It is wonderful to surrender...and just BE.

This is Holistic Healing in Cyprus...this is Holistic Healing ANYWHERE.

I am getting up earliedr in the morning than at home - around 6.15am, and going for a jog/walk while the day is fairly cool...then some yoga...followed by a shower...and finally one of my super duper smoothies to set me up for the day.

I am also choosing not to have a car...so I walk to the supermarket and do my shopping VERY carefully...because whatever I buy, I have to carry it all back to the apartment - and although it is only a 15 minute walk...it can seem a lot further in the heat with 2-3 full grocery bags. Therefore, I find myself thoughtfully planning my meals - and in doing so, I don't buy the spontaneous purchases that I would at home...when I can just load it all into the car.

What I will say is, that I have been very impressed with the variety of 'healthier options' now available here for those who prefer a wheat and/or dairy free diet.

I actually brought some Orgran Rice & Veg pasta out here in my suitcase, and was pleasantly surprised to see it on the shelf of a large supermarket along with lots of other healthy 'goodies'. So well done to those 'health food conscious pioneers' who managed to get the supermarkets to diversify.

I also noticed some Alpro soya milk & deserts...but no yoghurt as yet.

However, the purchase of the week... has to be my new hand held blender to make my smoothies. As you know, a blender is synonomous with Holistic Healing & health eating... and I found one in a shop called PopLife for only 7 Euros - now that's a bargain!