quote

Health and Well Being Newsletter
contact us
Health and Well Being Newsletter myVitality > Newsletter > August 2006 - Daily affirmations, useful websites
AugustHealth and Well Being Newsletter
Daily affirmations
Affirmations are thoughts that do not seem very solid, but when translated into words and repeated often can influence thoughts and behaviour.

They can change desires into truths. Often we get caught up in negativity and find it hard to get out of the 'ruts'. The pressures of daily living see us not really participating in our lives; we are merely swept up in day to day activities. I have a calendar sitting on my desk that has an affirmation which I look at every day. This is sometimes a fantastic way of bringing an air of positive thinking to your day, and to reaffirm the positives that already exist in our lives.

Affirmations can possess great power. They can neutralise the negative 'self-chatter' that is continually happening inside our heads, and acknowledge that you can create the beautiful and happy life that you deserve. If you would like some further information on how to create personal affirmations for yourself please email and ask for a factsheet.

"I give only positive energy to others"

Glycaemic Index (GI) website
www.glycemicindex.com
For those of you taking a keen interest in the GI of foods there is a great website to have a look at, and join their monthly newsletter. The website has been created by Professor Jennie Brand-Miller of Sydney University who has pioneered much of the research on the GI. The newsletter contains updated information on foods, research, laws and also provides low GI recipes. There is a useful database in which you can search for the GI of any food.

Some fantastic bits of info which pop out as I scan through past newsletters:
  • Potatoes have a high GI when hot and mashed. They have a lower GI (and are therefore better for you) when they are cold and combined with other ingredients in salads. This increases the resistant starch and slows digestion. Steamed small new potatoes (chats) are the best low GI way of eating potatoes.
     
  • Book: 2006 Shopper's Guide to GI values $13. This is a handy book to use when planning the grocery shopping for the week. Contains names of well-known brands to give a clear indication of what is good and bad for you in GI terms.
     
  • There is likely to be a ban on selling soft drinks from vending machines during 2007 - well let's hope so anyway.
     
Other useful websites
www.nutsforlife.com.au
useful info regarding the nutritional components of various nuts

www.drinkbetter.com.au
useful info regarding tea and its health benefits

www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info
the website of Sue Dengate who does extensive work with food additives, food intolerances, and children's learning and behavioural problems. Keep up to date with the latest information on food additives and their negative effects on the body.

www.avn.org.au
Australian Vaccination Network - a very worthy group who requires your support. Also a very useful website with interesting information regarding health and vaccination

Information sessions
Please let me know if you belong to a group, or know of one, who would like to have a naturopath inform them of health related issues. No matter how big or small the group is, I can tailor an information session based on the needs of the group.

Some examples of groups include playgroups, Lion's Club, sporting groups, parents groups, support networks etc. Some possible topics may be... dietary control of high cholesterol, how to have good digestion, healthy food choices for children, health in pre-conception or during pregnancy, tips on boosting energy... the list goes on.

Please call or email me with your suggestions.

Bach flower of the month - WHITE CHESTNUT Bach flower of the month - WHITE CHESTNUT
While on the subject of negative 'mind-chatter' I am reminded of the ideal Bach flower to help with this.

White Chestnut is the Bach of choice for people who have endless 'mind-chatter'. When our minds are cluttered, we are often unable to concentrate, feel excessively worried and exhausted, and are unable to think straight. Sometimes this mind chatter wakes us from our sleep and we lay awake continuously throwing ideas around in our heads.

White Chestnut can help to release the mind from constant chatter and bring peace and clarity to our thoughts. It can help the mind to switch off and find relaxation.

To find out more about Bach Flowers and how they can help you, click here.



  
join the vitality health club

Health and Well Being Newsletter