What is stretching, actually? Why do we do it, and how do we do it properly? Stretching means “to extend” or “lengthen” specific muscles. Stretching improves the flexibility of muscles and joints, which we also call mobility or suppleness. Muscles and joints can hardly be seen separately when it comes to movement. A joint is…
For many, chocolate is a relaxing treat. But then the panic sets in: news reports say that chocolate might disappear? The cacao tree produces fruits that contain beans. These beans are ground to make cocoa butter and cocoa. Due to climate change, the cacao tree could become extinct. It’s a sensitive plant: the air and…
Are you always hungry? Or not at all? Here’s a breakdown of how hunger actually works.Hunger is influenced by several factors, but it mainly comes down to mental triggers and hormones. Mental: Stress uses up a lot of energy, and your body responds by increasing appetite. Stress also rises when you don’t sleep well. In…
There was a lot of discussion this month about pesticides on fruits and vegetables. Here’s everything you need to know. Pesticides are used to prevent grains, fruits, and vegetables from being eaten by pests. These substances are often chemically formulated. The plant is sprayed with the product, but the substance usually breaks down due to…
More and more Dutch people are choosing to seek the sun during the Christmas holidays. Instead of gloomy snow, we prefer to head to palm beaches. Unfortunately, this also means that beach holidays during the Christmas period are becoming more expensive, and hotels are more likely to be fully booked than in previous years. Roughly…
LIIT – Low Intensity Interval TrainingWe’ve been doing HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) for a while now—short, intense workouts of 15–20 minutes. But some exercises, like burpees, are very demanding. LIIT takes a different approach: workouts last 30–40 minutes but are less extreme and easier to sustain. It might involve different walking techniques—changing directions or…
Starter: Warm Stuffed Avocado Ingredients (serves 4): 2 avocados 1 tomato 1 tbsp (fresh) lemon juice 4 tbsp breadcrumbs 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste 75 g lamb’s lettuce Preparation:Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Scoop out a little extra flesh.…
How can you prevent wilted lettuce and spoiled fruit?You can use many products longer if you store them properly. How does that work again? Store potatoes, onions, and tomatoes outside the fridge in a dry, cool place. Keep ethylene-producing products (bananas, avocados, kiwis, tomatoes, melons) away from ethylene-sensitiveitems like apples, broccoli, carrots, and lettuce. Use…
It’s that time of year again – time for “kruidnoten”! Normally, they’re a sugar bomb, but here’s a healthier version that you can whip up in no time. Makes 10 portions of approx. 40 grams each Ingredients 200 grams whole wheat flour 25 grams sugar ¼ teaspoon stevia drops 5 tablespoons margarine 4 tablespoons plant-based…
Exercise offers many benefits, and one of them is how it changes the way your body stores fat. Especially for people who are overweight, physical activity brings several additional advantages. Being overweight can lead to insulin resistance, meaning the body has more difficulty handling high sugar intake. Over time, this can result in diabetes. Not…
Want to successfully quit smoking? Then try seeing yourself as a non-smoker. In a study conducted in Leiden, researchers found that people who continued to identify as smokers — even after quitting — were more likely to relapse. People tend to behave in ways that match their identity. If someone sees themselves as healthy, they…
Sustainable food is tastier, healthier, and better for your peace of mind. That’s what more and more people believe. The trend of eating sustainably continues to grow. In 2016, spending on products with the following labels increased by 26%: ASC, Organic, Better Life, Fair Trade/Max Havelaar, MSC, Milieukeur, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Label Rouge, Free…
