Weight Loss

Get your daily dose of nutrients with one of these healthy smoothies, each unique and delicious in their own way. FOR FAT LOSS HERO: Matcha (powdered green tea) TIP: Unlike many ingredients with weight loss claims, green tea won’t overstimulate your adrenal glands. If your goal is fat loss, a low-energy smoothie (500 to 750 kJ) is ideal. A smoothie with a low GI level, and high protein and fibre counts, will keep blood glucose levels steady and promote satiety, curbing your hunger for longer than a high GI snack or meal. As a base, try green tea, which has been found to assist with weight control. “Green tea increases general health and improves body weight by increasing the metabolism and the body’s ability to burn fat,” says Dr Joanna McMillan, resident dietitian at NuYu . A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that green tea extract was found to boost energy expenditure by around four per cent for each 24 hours. What you'll need Matcha, or green tea pow...

  Let us take you on a tour of beauty around Australia this Valentine's Day. Whether you fancy a cut and polish or want to reset in a luxe retreat admist Balinese gardens, we've found a spa to suit.   Victoria     New South Wales     Queenland     ACT     South Australia     Tasmania     Western Australia   NEXT >> Check out our beauty section for all your health and beauty tips. {nomultithumb}   {nomultithumb} Read more ...

  For secluded locations and breathtaking scenery, relax your body and soul at one of these spa retreats in South Australia.   PURE LUXE Southern Ocean Lodge The place: Due to its truly secluded location, perched high on a cliff top, you can only access the treatment rooms via a boardwalk through the coastal flora. Once you reach your private oasis, admire the view, rewind and relax, soaking up the sounds of waves crashing in the background. The experience: Their Ligurian Honey and Almond Wrap features ingredients that are locally produced. The 90-minute treatment begins with a Bay of Shoals mineral salt exfoliation before you’re wrapped in a cocoon of nourishing honey and almonds. You’re then treated to a massage using essential oil sourced from around the island, and a spritz of fragrant wild rosella flower mist. Details: Hanson Bay Road, Kingscote, (02) 9918 4355 WELLNESS Kangaroo Island Health Retreat The place: Want your spa treatments served up alongside spectacular ...

For locals and visitors alike, experience a spa retreat like no other at one of these breathtaking locations in Tasmania, Australia. PURE LUXE Waldheim Alpine Spa At Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge The place: The spa well and truly makes the most of its spectacular location, overlooking the Cradle Mountain and its ancient forests, snow-capped pine trees and crisp mountain streams. Drop in and ease your body after a day of bushwalking in the mountains. The experience: There are many luxurious face and body treatments on offer, each using completely natural Tasmanian-made skincare products. Revel in treatments like Highland Healing, where your therapist will customise a 60-minute full-body massage, relieving tension in your weary legs and shoulders. Details: 4038 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, (03) 6492 2100 WELLNESS Harmony Hill Wellness & Organic Spa Retreat The place: This 42-acre bush retreat, perched high in the hills above Hobart, draws on both Eastern and Western the...

  Holistic health and wellbeing experiences awaits at these top spa retreats in Western Australia. PURE LUXE Indijup Spa Retreat The place: A spa retreat surrounded by national parkland, sprawling vineyards and unspoiled beaches. There are 10 luxurious villas, each with a private plunge pool overlooking a secluded beach. As well as massages, they deal in invigorating sea salt scrubs, clay body masks and detoxing baths infused with Australian native ingredients such as juniper berry, cypress and lemon myrtle. The experience: Rather than choose a specific treatment, go in for a private consultation. The gently handed, highly skilled staff will design a treatment experience especially for you. Details: 1 Cape Clairault Road, Yallingup, (08) 9750 1300 WELLNESS Kalyaana SPA & Wellness Retreat The place: This tiny boutique sanctuary with an annexed spa for guests caps its guest list at four, creating an intimate experience amid five tranquil acres of gardens including a kitchen g...

Want to escape the city buzz or relax in exclusive inner city getaways? There's plenty to experience in Victoria.   PURE LUXE Spa de Marrakech The place: A traditional Moroccan bathhouse in Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley. There’s a steam temple, and treatments include colour therapy sessions, aromatherapy massage, radiant facials and exquisite dining. At the centre, you’ll find a Roman bathhouse where guests can relax in hot mineral spring water. It’s the perfect setting for a girls’ getaway, romantic couples retreat or solo R ’n’ R. The experience: After your aromatherapy massage or facial, indulge your tastebuds with a Moroccan feast comprising tagines, pastries, harira soup and Persian love cakes prepared by the in-house chef. Details: 14 Mountain Crescent, Montrose, (03) 9737 0413 Lavanya Day Spa The place: Whether you spend an hour or half a day at Lavanya Day Spa, your experience is sure to be second to none. Nestled inside the award-winning Captains Retreat B&B, ...

  From resorts and spas, to lifestyle and beauty retreats, find an escape at one of these top locations in New South Wales, Australia.   PURE LUXE Nature’s Energy The place: Everything is based on earthy elements at Nature’s Energy in Sydney’s Balmain. The spa baths are surrounded by dark cobbled stones, creating an experience akin to being in a secluded rainforest. Just leave the kids at home. The experience: Book yourself in for an indulgent massage with hydrating, sweet-smelling products such as shea butter and coconut, sunflower and jojoba oil. Your skin feels amazing after! They also perform massages tailored to expectant mothers and sports professionals. Details: 312 Darling Street, Balmain, (02) 9555 5533 Pañpuri Organic Spa The place: Pañpuri Organic Spa combines traditional Indonesian and Cambodian influences with a truly modern feel. Walk in from the street, entering through wooden, black-lacquered doors into a peaceful haven. Everything is organic, from the we...

  Experience a true Balinese spa escape at these top spa retreats in Queensland, Australia.   PURE LUXE Ikatan Balinese Day Spa The place: Voted best destination spa in Australia, Ikatan Balinese Day Spa is set on an acreage just a few minutes outside of Noosa. Truly tranquil, it boasts gorgeous Balinese gardens and villa-style treatment rooms that truly embrace nature – slightly redolent of a traditional Balinese village. Set deep within the trees, their air-conditioned treatment rooms and open-air pavilions are mini paradises within a paradise. You feel deeply relaxed almost straight away. The experience: Go all out with a Retreat Day Package, which includes yoga, meditation, meals and spa treatments. Alternatively, opt for the Kharma Rejuvenation Package which includes a coconut scrub and skin wrap followed by an hour-long Balinese massage and personalised anti-ageing facial, ending with lunch and tea in the garden, and a deluxe pedicure. Details: 46 Grays Road, Doonan, ...

  Treat yourself at one of these beautiful escapes in the nations capital, Australian Capital Territory and let your body heal and relax. PURE LUXE Geranium Day Spa For Women The place: This picturesque bush retreat for women is perfect for a getaway with your favourite lady pals, or by yourself if you’re partied out or just need to reflect and relax. The day spa, situated just 30 minutes outside of Canberra, is sustainable; meaning every drop of water is recycled and directed back toward their gorgeous gardens and tree-planting program. The experience: Geranium House’s detox spa package — a two-hour body buffet including litho-cal body peel, detox-thalasso body wrap, and aromatherapy massage. Details: 154 Fairview Road, Springrange, (02) 6230 9220 WELLNESS Live Well Spa and Wellness Centre The place: Get back in touch with your spiritual self and allow your body to heal and relax at Live Well. Located in a restored heritage building, this holistic wellness centre amalgamates l...

  Retrain your brain to decrease those unwanted cravings with these 6 tips.   If your food choices disappoint your tastebuds, you’re more likely to resort to an unhealthy sweet treat to make up for feeling deprived. Here’s how you can reduce those hunger pangs. 1. Choose low-GI foods “Foods with a lower glycaemic index (GI) of 55 or less are more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolised and cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose and insulin levels,” says Melanie McGrice , accredited dietitian and director of Nutrition Plus clinics in Melbourne. “Low-GI foods also help you feel more sated after a meal and reduce risk of weight gain and conditions like diabetes.” Every day, aim to eat five serves or more of fresh vegetables and two of fruit plus wholegrains and some lean protein at every meal. 2. ‘Healthify’ takeaway meals with homecooked makeovers Prepare homemade burgers with wholemeal buns and stacks of salad vegetables. Make fish and chips but grill the fish and ...

    Learn how to achieve your fitness goals with the help from someone other than a fitness guru.     For motivational speaker, self-love teacher and author of Mastering Your Mean Girl Melissa Ambrosini a healthy lifestyle is all about slowing down, listening to your body and living from the heart. Here are her top 4 tips to help you achieve your goals: 1.         Get crystal clear on what your goals are. 2.         Figure out the actions you need to take each day to achieve your goals. 3.       Hold yourself accountable each day. Add it to your calendar and to-do list so it actually gets done. 4.       And don’t forget to reward yourself with your favourite self-love activity, such as a warm bath, a meditation or a cup of herbal tea in the sun. For more self-love inspiration, download Melissa’s Self Love Menu . Read more motivational tips an...

  Caffeine may be contributing to your sudden cravings for carbs and sugar . Here's how to prevent it.   That sustainable double shot could be responsible for your hunger pangs by 11am. Caffeine stimulates a rush of adrenalin, which puts it into fight or flight mode. As you’re not on the run from mammoths, the adrenal hormones that would once have given you energy for a quick getaway circulate in your system, making you feel depleted and worn out. This fatigue can promote cravings for carbs and sugar as the brain screams for its favourite fuel source, glucose. Prevention: Switch to herbal tea or a coffee substitute like dandelion tea – caffeine can be dehydrating. Choose single shots rather than double. If you must have a coffee daily, don’t have more than one. Avoid energy drinks and colas, which are also high in caffeine. When suffering an energy dip, stop for five minutes, drop your shoulders and slow breathe, instead of reaching for some Java. NEXT: Read more about the ...

    We’re sure you’ve heard it all before, ‘ healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring’ and it’s true.     Bianca Cheah is an advocate to leading a healthy lifestyle and making healthier choices, here she shares her insights into becoming more radiant, nourished, happy and energised. As the founder of leading digital publication Sporteluxe and successful businesswoman she’s one of the most influential minds to when it comes to health and fitness. For Bianca, leading a healthy life wasn’t a one-time thing nor was it a sudden overnight revelation but a lifestyle she’s proud to be living. Although always having an active lifestyle with her dad introducing Taekwondo to Australia and with her mum running a few healthy cafes, her wellness philosophy is one to take note of.     So you’ve gotten this far and you’ve probably done all of the above but you find your food is so bland and downright boring? You’re not alone. “If you eat bland food, you will feel mise...

  If you think that vitamins , particularly antioxidants such as A, C and E help maximise your workouts, think again. There's emerging evidence that antioxidant supplements may adversly effect: Insulin benefits of exercise “One previous small study found that trained and untrained people who dose up on antioxidant supplements impair important exercise training adaptations such as improved insulin sensitivity and production of special proteins that actually help defend the body against oxidative stress caused by exercise,” says Tim Crowe, Associate Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University and founder of Thinking Nutrition . Oxidative stress during and after a workout “Now researchers have extended this study by looking at the effect of antioxidants in trained female runners,” says Crowe. “The study, which was published in the European Journal of Sports Science, found that when blood was measured, the markers that indicated oxidative stress wer...

  Finding you're not getting enough sleep each night? Here are 4 reasons why you NEED to get your beauty sleep.   Dullness & wrinkles Skin loses life and luminosity when you don’t sleep for at least six to eight hours per night, says Tracey Beeby, head of training at Ultraceuticals. “With insufficient sleep, cortisol levels can rise, leading to a variety of skin dysfunctions,” she says. Your skin follows a regular schedule in cohesion with your body clock, fighting off damaging trespassers such as UV rays during the day and replenishing itself overnight. This nighttime wind-down allows for DNA repair, cellular energy production and detox, which peak after dark due to an increased blood flow to the skin. (If you often find yourself with rosy cheeks late at night, that’s your body telling you it’s time for bed.) So the less sleep you get, the less time your skin has to bounce back, leaving your face looking dull and lifeless the next day. Acne & sagging Severe sleep dep...

  Change up your post-gym snack with this salted caramel smoothie by @ silverspies.     3 heaped tbsp (approx. 30g) of natural whey protein ( WPI or WPC) 2-3 medjool dates (depending on desired sweetness) 1/8 tsp pink Himalayan salt 1 large frozen banana ¼ tsp cinnamon 1 cup rice milk Simply place all ingredients into a blender & blend until smooth and creamy. Pour and enjoy. NEXT: Choc chip banana protein ice cream ... yum! {nomultithumb}   Read more ...

  We chat to clinical nutritionist Jess Sepel on how to stay on track this FebFast - are you up for the challenge?   The festive season is over, the January hangover has slowly subsided and it’s time to rekindle the healthy routine you’ve been avoiding so far in 2016. Lacking motivation? The annual Febfast event encourages a month-long pause from alcohol and sugar, while raising money for underprivileged youth. Enter as a team or go it alone; just use it as an opportunity to give your body a break from the vino and the sweets for a good cause. We spoke to clinical nutritionist and all-round health guru Jess Sepel to get her tips and tricks on how to stay on track for the challenge. Stay hydrated Make sure you’re drinking your two litres of water every day. If this isn’t exciting enough for you, swap to a few glasses of sparkling water with fresh lemon or lime, or freeze your favourite fruits into ice cubes and pop them in your drink. Not only is this refreshing on a hot day,...