How Vitamin D inhibits inflammation: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/242123.php Citrus fruits may help women reduce the risk of stroke: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/242100.php Our moods affected by even mild dehydration : http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/241890.php Low levels of omega 3 fatty acids may cause memory problems: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227162549.htm Cardiologist says love and chocolate may be good for the heart : http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213153957.htm   Please support me by visiting my website http://www.nurturewithlove.com/ where you can buy the hand crafted ‘love bags’ that I create as well as a variety of specially selected products.  My wish is to provide bag-loads of lovingkindness for women who are used to being givers rather than receivers, who have low self esteem, or those who simply need a juicy dollop of self love. My hand-crafted love-filled bags, make a beautiful and unique gift for a, friend, family member, loved one or for yourself!   Posted by Ani Richardson  

* Research Suggests Omega-3 Fatty Acids Could Prevent And Treat Nerve Damage: Queen Mary, University of London. (2012, January 12). “Research Suggests Omega-3 Fatty Acids Could Prevent And Treat Nerve Damage.” Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/240207.php.   *Processed Meat Consumption Linked To Higher Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer: Grace Rattue. (2012, January 13). “Processed Meat Consumption Linked To Higher Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer.” Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240319.php.   *70 percent of Europeans suffer from low vitamin D levels, experts say: FECYT – Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (2012, January 10). 70 percent of Europeans suffer from low vitamin D levels, experts say. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 14, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­/releases/2012/01/120110102058.htm   * Diet rich in slowly digested carbs reduces markers of inflammation in overweight and obese adults: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (2012, January 11). Diet rich in slowly digested carbs reduces markers of inflammation in overweight and obese adults. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 14, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­/releases/2012/01/120111154043.htm

When deciding to lose and maintain a healthy weight it is helpful to eat nutritious foods that satisfy the appetite. Foods that release sugar slowly into the bloodstream, i.e. foods that have a low glycaemic index (GI) can help us to keep appetite on an even keel and prevent cravings. Including protein with each meal also helps since protein tends to help satisfy hunger more than carbohydrate or fat. If we don’t feel as hungry it is often easier to control food intake and prevent over-eating.   Can fish oils help satisfy our appetites? A study (1) a few years ago looked at long chain omega 3 fatty acids, fish oils, to determine whether intake of these fats affects appetite when given to individuals following a low calorie diet. These long chain fats (EPA and DHA) are found in oily fish such as salmon, trout, sardines and mackerel. The study involved individuals aged around 31 years who were overweight. Their appetite was explored during the last 2 weeks of an 8 week energy-restricted, balanced diet. Half of the participants had a low amount of long chain omega 3 fatty acids as part of their diet and half had a high amount (over 1300mg per day). Blood from the participants was measured to detect any changes in fatty acid levels and a validated assessment was used to measure hunger sensations directly after a 2 hour test meal. As expected, the omega 3 content in blood cell membranes was lower in the….

Welcome to Vitality Within.  It is my hope that I can be of support and provide inspiration for your wellness journey through this website.  Please think of these pages as a place of refuge where you can learn and grow.  Here in the blog I aim to bring scientifically valid information to you in easily digestible chunks, I also want to provide help in a way that makes you feel like you are not alone, that you have companions on your journey. Vitality Within is here to provide details about how to stay healthy in your body and mind.  As you will see from reading the ‘About’ pages – I am a registered nutritionist and also have qualifications in eating disorders and obesity management as well as counselling skills. Currently Vitality Within is in the process of getting up and running so please bear with me as I build the site. With my kindest regards Ani