Having written an article on sugar and refreshed my memory about all of the reasons we should avoid white sugar, I recently enjoyed sugar in a whole new light. I was lucky enough to have been given a voucher for a body treatment which included a massage, a body scrub and a spa bath - utter bliss! What was in the body scrub? You guessed it - sugar. Who knew it was a such a great exfoliant?
We all need to take time out for ourselves, especially at this time of year when we are all just a little bit over winter! We can't all regularly indulge in gorgeous spa treatments but there is nothing to stop us replicating them at home. Run a bath, throw in some flower heads or petals, light some candles and indulge in a body scrub. Soak in your luxurious bath then follow this up by moisturising with some almond oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil or body lotion and a glass of water in a stemmed glass, yes, you know you need it on the inside too!
You can capture that feeling of enjoying some pampering and time out on a more regular basis without blowing the budget. Check out "Bathroom Relaxation" on this website.
What does a bath have to do with nutrition? Our body is strongly influenced by our state of mind and reducing stress not only improves digestion but puts less pressure on the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems.
Constant stress can exacerbate many chronic conditions. Taking time out is not something to feel guilty about, it should be treated as part of your overall health plan!
I digress - if you feel you are consuming too much sugar have a look at the article on my website for some healthier alternatives. We can still enjoy the sweet things in life and provide some nutrients at the same time.There is still some debate around sugar being an addictive substance - sugar is a carbohydrate and these appear to encourage addictive tendencies.
The NZ Medical Journal recently cited the case of an obese woman who experienced "withdrawal syndrome" for about a month after giving up sugar and white flour. Read the article.
For those with a sweet tooth, don't despair! Go ahead and enjoy that favourite treat, just aim to keep it on a weekly, rather than daily basis.
