Monday, April 4, 2011

Boosting your metabolism



Boosting ones metabolism.......
...... is something many people try to achieve everyday. Having a high metabolic rate increases the amount of calories, or energy, the body burns on a daily basis. Without optimal metabolism the body will store excess calories as fat for future use. The problem for many people is they don't ever use these excess calories and as a result struggle with weight issues.

1. Build lean body mass. As we age our bodies metabolism or ability to burn calories decreases. One way to offset this problem is by exercising. Lean muscle burns calories and the more you have the more calories you burn, even while resting. You can build muscle through resistance or weight training at least twice a week. You can also boost your metabolism by doing cardio exercises. You can choose to do this between or in conjunction with weight training. Simply going for a walk or using the stairs instead of the elevator are good ways to get in an aerobic workout.

2. Eat Breakfast. Many people ignore eating breakfast. What they don't realize is that it's the most important meal of the day. Breakfast gives your metabolism a boost and provides a consistent energy supply throughout the day. The majority of people who eat a healthy breakfast have fewer weight and health issues than those who don't.

3. Sugar is bad. Processed and refined sugar such as found in sweets and soft drinks overload the body with sugar causing many serious health issues including obesity and diabetes. Complex carbohydrates are a better energy source because they supply an even level of blood sugar. The human body just isn't built to deal with the large amounts of refined sugar most people include in their diet.

4. Spicy foods that make you sweat can help boost your metabolism.

5. Get a good night's sleep. There is research that shows that people who do not get sufficient sleep tend to gain weight. This may be because the body uses sleep to heal and regenerate itself, including its muscular system.

6. Drink more water. Water is the lubricant of the body. It also flushes toxins out of the body and keeps the kidneys operating at maximum efficiency. This allows the liver more time to do what it does best, metabolize fat stores.

7. Eat small meals. Eat 5 to 6 small meals per day spaced 0 to 3 hours apart. This gives the body a steady supply of energy and prevents binge eating.

8. Don't miss meals. Skipping meals in order to loose weight is counter productive because it actually slows metabolism and can lead to over eating.

9. Plan your meals. If you have a daily or weekly menu you are much more likely to stick to your plan.

10. Drink green tea. Green tea has been shown to boost metabolism and unlike coffee does not stress the body with caffeine.

11. Include more high energy foods in your diet including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These provide a more balanced energy source and will not cause blood sugar spikes.

Boosting your metabolism can be done if you are dedicated to doing it. This does not mean you need to stress over each little thing but if you eat right and exercise you should see a decrease in body fat and a much more energetic and happy you…


Friday, March 11, 2011

The whole world is Irish on St Patrick's Day!



The whole world is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! And Dublin is the stage for the biggest and best St. Patrick’s celebrations in the world. From March 17th – 20th thousands of Irish people and visitors alike will paint the town green for four fantastic, fun-filled days.

And the fun does not end after the Parade!! The St Patrick’s Day festivities continue in our Turf Club Bar from 6.30pm in the Turf Club Bar where our very own Bar Team will be showing you how to pull the perfect pint of Guinness…. with shamrocks and all! The Hoolie will continue with Traditional Irish Music from 8pm by “Rambling Paddy” . . . perfect for a jig or two!!


5 key phrases to know for St Patrick’s Day in Ireland:

• Dia Dhuit = “Hello” in Gaeilge

• Conas ata Tu? = “How are you?” in Gaeilge

• Hoolie = Traditional phrase meaning “Party”

• Jig = Expression meaning “to dance”

• Sláinte = is commonly used as a drinking toast literally translating as "health"


Here are some clips of St Patrick’s Day Celebrations from around the world!

Dublin


 
New York
 

 
Chicago



For events details and more information on the 2011 St Patrick’s Festival, click the link below:


http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/index.php/events

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Pancakes - What is the Tastiest Topping?



With Pancake Tuesday only around the corner, a good Pancake Recipe is a must have! The topping is your choice & we have suggested some of our favourites!

Ingredients:
125g / 4oz Plain Flour 
Pinch of Salt
1 Egg
300ml / 1/2 pint Milk
Oil for frying

Method:
  • Sieve flour and salt into a bowl.
  • Make a well in the centre of the flour, break in the egg and add about a third of the milk. Beat well, gradually pouring in the rest of the milk and drawing in the flour to make a smooth batter.
  • Pour batter into a jug and allow to stand for about 30 minutes.
  • Brush a pancake pan or frying pan with oil. When the pan is hot, give the batter a stir before pouring a thin layer onto the pan.
  • Fry until golden brown. Turn and fry the other side until brown also.
  • Stack pancakes on a large plate, as they are cooked.
  • Add your topping of choice!


Tasty Topping Suggestions

Sweet
  • Dust with caster sugar, add a squeeze of lemon juice, roll up pancake and serve.
  • Drizzled with Maple Syrup
  • Fresh Strawberries & Warm Chocolate Sauce
  • Freshly Sliced Banana & Warm Chocolate Sauce
  • Fruit served with whipped cream
  • Stewed apples, flavoured with cinnamon and a dollop of fresh cream
 Savoury
  • Diced chicken with salsa sauce
  • Cottage cheese and sliced pineapple
  • Poached egg and Hollandaise sauce


The above are just some of our suggested Pancake Toppings but we want to know what you will be putting on your Pancakes this year?