Month: October 2024

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Foods With Low Glycemic Index For a Healthier You

Eating foods with low glycemic index can facilitate both weight loss and a more energetic lifestyle. The glycemic index measures how quickly and markedly a given food will impact blood sugar levels. In other words, foods which score high on the glycemic index table will cause sharp spikes in blood glucose. On the other end, foods which are digested slowly, thus imparting a more measured impact on blood sugar, score low on the index.

Those with diabetes were the initial beneficiaries from the glycemic index. Diabetics have a special concern when it comes to regulating blood sucrose levels. However, later research has quantified that following the GI can provide manifold benefits for everyone. Erratic blood sugar levels trigger several unwanted effects.

When blood sugar levels drop after a spike it causes what is termed a “sugar crash”. These crashes are characterized by lethargy and reduced mental agility. Consuming foods which rank high on the GI chart (over 69) heightens the chance of these crashes occurring. The glycemic index ranks foods on a scale from 1 to 100. Those foods scoring under 55 are considered to rank low and not are prone to triggering sugar crashes. As indicated, foods scoring 70 or more are considered high and are to be avoided.

Sugar crashes have other adverse effects in addition to creating feelings of lethargy. When blood sugar suddenly decreases it fools the body into thinking that it must consume more food. This obviously works to the detriment of those seeking to shed unwanted pounds. Those seeking weight loss are advised to stick with low index foods. The good news is that there exist low GI ranked foods within virtually every food group.

Rice is a good example of a food group with both good and poor GI choices. Basmati rice scores a moderate 58 on the index, whereas white sticky rice scores a whopping 98. Referencing the GI chart is a simple step which can greatly assist in crafting a meal which won’t lead to a crash or quickly recurring hunger pangs.

The GI chart might appear complex at first glance; however it is easily learned and understood. The glycemic load (GL) index provides further guidance in addition to the main glycemic index. The GL gives direction while taking into consideration both the food’s glycemic index score as well as the portion of it consumed. This tool allows for further quantification of a meal’s expected impact upon blood sugar levels.

When one can’t avoid consumption of a high GI food there are techniques which can be used to dilute its impact upon blood sugar. Combining a high protein food along with a high GI food is one such technique which can avoid the intensity of increase upon blood sucrose levels. The first step towards controlling blood sugar is familiarizing yourself with both the GI and the GL.

Combined with regular exercise and good overall nutrition the glycemic index is an excellent tool to be used in the pursuit of weight loss, increased energy and better all around health.

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Wild Camping Rules and Guidelines

I have been on many wild camp’s myself and can fully appreciate the freedom it gives you and the sense of wilderness you feel which is difficult on such a small island as the UK.

I have watched the sun set & rise over mountain tops, camped by tarns and lochs that supplied me with ample water with which to cook some hot food and a drink. There is no feeling quite like hearing the howling wind and heavy rain bashing against the side of your tent, whilst you’re tucked up inside your bag with hot brew or your favourite tipple.

You get to see wildlife up-close and personal like you would never get on a park & pay campsite.

Unfortunately, on the other hand I have seen how some people lack the respect wild camping truly needs. The main issue’s being littering and camp fires. From empty gas cans to plastic bags, it really does upset me to see that people would abuse the outdoors like this.

Below is a brief summary and a few rules & guidelines that each and every one of us should follow.

What is Wild Camping?

Essentially wild camping is nothing like camp site camping, it takes place in the hills, well above the farm walls.

Carrying everything you need on your back, water, food, sleeping bag, tent or poncho. There are obviously no toilet or wash facilities, so you basically ‘Go’ outdoors and wash with stream or river water.

The main plus points are the lack of people, cars, concrete and general hustle and bustle of city life.

Is it legal?

Unfortunately the standard answer is ‘No’ however…..

“Wild camping in the UK IS LEGAL IN CERTAIN AREAS with permission from the landowner, there are also land access rights in local regions, such as Dartmoor and Scotland.”

The Laws

Scotland

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and Scottish Outdoor Access Code came into force on the 9th February 2005. The Act establishes a statutory right to camp and the Code describes the responsibilities and best practice guidance that should be followed when exercising your right to camp wild.

A section in the Trespass (Scotland) Act 1985, which contained an offence of camping on land without the consent of the owner or occupier, has been repealed via Schedule 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The 2003 Act confirms that camping is a lawful activity when done by a person in the exercise of the access rights created by the Land Reform Act.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code contains guidance on the responsibilities that accompany the access rights in the Act. The Code provides specific advice on wild camping and recommends that in order to avoid causing problems you should not camp in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals.

England & Wales

Whilst the Land Reform Act in Scotland allows for wild camping, the land legislation in England is somewhat different. The introduction of wild camping in England would be a controversial issue, which would require both significant consultation and legislative change.

In short, camping on private land without permission is trespassing and on open access land wild camping is prohibited under Schedule 2 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, a recent petition to the Government to address this gave the following response:

“This Government appreciates the potential benefits of wild camping in England and its attractiveness to campers who already have the opportunity to camp in the wild in Scotland.

So if you want to camp wild in the UK, generally you need to seek landowner’s permission. You may find in some national parks or tourist areas they do have recognised preferred camping spots that they recommend. So use the tourist information where possible.

The Wild Camping Code

Other People

  • Always pitch late and leave early
  • Pitch away from the main paths and trails
  • Keep noise to a minimum
  • Keep groups to no more than 4 to be as unobtrusive as possible
  • Leave the camp spot as you found it, there should be no sign you were there
  • Vegetation
  • Take out what you carry in (all rubbish)
  • Change camp spots often to avoid damaging the vegetation
  • Avoid camp fires

Hygiene

  • When going to the toilet ensure you are always 30-50 meters away from running water and paths
  • Always dig a hole and bury excrement where the vegetation is not sensitive
  • Take all rubbish with you including other peoples
  • Tissues, tampons etc (these should not be buried as animals can dig them up)

All of the above is just common sense. When outdoors, respect other people and the environment.

Most of all HAVE FUN!

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How to Pick the Right Hotel for Senior Travelers

Your hotel experience can make or break a trip. If you are a senior traveler, it is important to make sure that you get the right accommodations. Here is some practical advice…

Priority

Before you book a hotel, you need to determine what is most important to you. Ask yourself:

– What type of accommodations do you want?

– Do you need a hotel with a spa and fitness center or would you rather stay at a small bed-and-breakfast with lots of local charm?

– What does your budget permit?

For example, are you limited to lodging under $150 a night?

Once you decided on your priorities, then you can make a more targeted search based on price and location. Below you will find the most important criteria in choosing a hotel, as well as tips for finding properties that suit your particular needs.

Price

Nearly every major booking engine gives the option to sort your results by price. Don’t limit yourself to the big three (Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz) — you should also pay a visit to other booking sites like CEOmobile and kayak.com. And don’t forget to check our very own discount hotel deals!

If price is your only concern, you may want to try bidding on Priceline.com, where you won’t see the name of the hotel (only the star rating) until you’ve actually booked it.

Location

Ask yourself the following questions when evaluating a hotel:

Does it offer airport shuttle service?

Is it close to major attractions and local restaurants?

How safe is the neighborhood?

What is the hotel’s cancellation policy?

What facilities are available for the disabled?

Is it noise-free? Seniors who are sensitive to loud noise might prefer a room in a peaceful alley, away from the noises of the restaurant or nearby playgrounds.

Amenities

Once you pick a hotel that has a satisfactory price and location, check to see if it includes senior-friendly features that apply to you, such as accessible building access and accessible bathrooms. Other senior-specific amenities to consider include:

Accessibility equipment for the deaf and hearing-impaired

On-site restaurant

Roll-in shower

Handicapped or valet parking

Hotel room telephones with amplifying options

Pet accommodations

Most of the major hotel booking websites allow you to specify certain amenities in your search, such as a fitness center, swimming pool, spa, or restaurant. CEOmobile, the travel site dedicated to senior travelers, makes the process easier by allowing you to search based on factors such as star rating, amenities, rates, room types, and free meals.

Next, spend some time reading hotels reviews online and contact hotels if you have specific questions. You may also want to take advantage of various money-saving hotel loyalty programs.

Hotel Reviews

Many review sites allow users to post photos of their hotel — which are usually more realistic and less glamorous than the professional snapshots provided on the hotel’s website.

Thumbs up/thumbs down ratings — Of course, it is always a good idea to take traveler reviews with a certain degree of skepticism. Overly fawning reviews may actually have been written by hotel employees in disguise, while some negative reviews may come from super-fussy travelers who simply have an ax to grind. Despite the occasional misleading review, traveler ratings are usually honest, unbiased, and valuable resources when deciding on a hotel.

Contact Local Hotel

Although you can do most of your research online, it can still pay to contact the hotel directly by phone. Hotel employees can tell you more about the available amenities and possibly provide accommodations at the last minute or during peak travel times.

Hotel Loyalty Programs and Frequent Flier Miles

You may want to consider joining a hotel loyalty program if you plan to travel a lot during your retirement. This will help earn points toward a future hotel stay and accumulate airline miles if your hotel is partnered with your frequent flier program. Some programs also allow you to redeem points for your travel toward cruises, car rentals, and entertainment. Visit your favorite airline or hotel websites to see a list of qualifying partners.