Innholdsfortegnelse for 20-Sep-2021 i Woman

This week’s Talking about (p12) is undoubtedly a controversial subject. I’m pretty sure that if I did a straw poll within my friendship circle I’d receive a collective and resounding NO WAY! Variety is, they say, the spice of life, though for me two people are all that’s needed in my marriage. But what do you think? Why not head to the Woman Facebook page and let us know? Perhaps there’s a compelling argument I’m yet to hear! You’ll see that Slimming World is offering a great deal this week (p27) – if you’re looking to lose a few summer pounds you can join for FREE with this issue. Jenny Irons’ story (p28) is inspiring. She lost an incredible 17st and proves that effort, desire and determination really can be…

Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff Boxer Joe dumped his girlfriend of five years, Jo-Emma Larvin, just one week into the 2009 series, and soon began romancing his dance partner, Kristina. But unfortunately, they didn’t cha-cha off into the sunset forever – the pair split four years later. Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff In 2013, rugby star Ben split from his wife of 11 years, Abby, while partnered with Kristina on Strictly. Ben and Kristina were seen linking arms with each other on a London tube but denied there was any romance between them. However, they later admitted to being a couple, and welcomed their daughter, Mila, in 2016. Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev Rachel stunned viewers when she split with her husband of only 15 months, Jamie Gilbert, while partnered…

1 Choose flattering brown Black mascaras have always been popular, but they can look a little harsh on mature eyes. Instead, try a brown mascara such as L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Moonlight Noir Mascara in Dark Brown, £11.99, lookfantastic.com. The softer shade is incredibly flattering and gives lashes definition without being too spider-like — it’s particularly great on blue or green eyes. 2 Use cream blush Petal pink, glowy cheeks are the ultimate age-defying make-up trick, and achieving this look is easy with Refy Cream Blush in Rose, £14, refybeauty.com. This hydrating cream blush blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving cheeks looking plumped and radiant. 3 Ace your base Create a flawless bas with multi-purpose No7 Protect & Per Advanced All-In-O Foundation, £17.50 Boots. This skin-perfecting founda boasts free radic…

✱ Trim all visible fat off meats and remove skin from poultry. ✱ If you feel hungry between meals, snack on Free Food and for the very best weight loss, reach for fresh fruit or vegetables first. Fruit and veg that are lowest in energy density are called Speed Free Food. ✱ For extra health benefits and filling power, choose wholegrains, such as wholemeal pasta or wholegrain rice, where you can. ✱ Aim to have between six and eight drinks a day – choose water, sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee. Remember any milk needs to come from your allowance. ✱ The most successful slimmers join a group or online programme for shared support, inspiration and motivation.…

Is his erectile dysfunction any cause for concern? Q Since Christmas, my husband has been unable to get an erection. We’ve coped with this as a couple – we love each other deeply, have fun in other ways, and the ‘little blue pill’ (Viagra) occasionally helps in the bedroom. But recently a friend joked that any man who can’t ‘get it up’ needs to have professional help. Now my husband’s furious – he feels he’s being told he’s ‘sick’ or ‘mad’ and should take himself off to the doctor. How can I reassure him that he’s fine? SUSAN SAYS: A My advice is simple, although I’m afraid it probably won’t be welcome – your husband does need to see a doctor. Like any other physical symptom, erectile difficulties are usually…

If you have an induction hob, investing in a quality set of induction pans is important if you want to get the best results when cooking. They have a reputation for being expensive, but this is for good reason. Induction hobs use specialist technology that gas and electric alternatives don’t have. This makes them more efficient to use and safer, too. While induction pans are specifically tailored to the specialist technology devised for induction hobs, most induction-compatible pans can also be used on other hob types (unlike standard pans). So they’re a versatile choice, making them ideal if you move house or change cookers later. Best… value set Scoville Neverstick three-piece saucepan set, £40, Asda The non-stick is very good so you can cook with minimal butter and oil. The…

Sleep deprivation has an enormous effect on our general health (heart, blood pressure, obesity, diabetes), our sex drive, our mental health and our ability to focus. Oh, bloody brilliant, I hear you say – now I’m stressed as well as tired! But let’s leave the bad behind and talk positive steps towards decent shut-eye. The best starting points are the obvious ones: less caffeine, less alcohol, less sugar, less late-night screen time. More long walks (which wear you out) and more hot baths (with posh lavender oil). Keep a diary (tracking stuff makes it official) and over the next few days record how many hours of sleep you get. Aim for a minimum of seven hours. With seven or more you wake up feeling refreshed, happy, in control. You’re far…

Walking along the streets, I was exhilarated by how fit and healthy I felt. With each step I took, I wanted to take another, then another. I liked to joke that I was a real-life Forrest Gump, power-walking as if I’d never stop. It was hard to believe that, just over two years before, I couldn’t walk to the end of my pavement without every part of my body aching. The moment everything changed was in the summer of 2018, after I’d been out shopping with my sister Jackie. As I started up the stairs to my first-floor flat, I was paralysed by a crippling pain in my chest. Bright red from the exertion and gasping for breath, I clung to the bannister and Jackie took hold of my arms,…

I’ve had many patients in my surgery diagnosed with prediabetes who, after making changes, have managed to reverse it. Losing weight, if you are overweight, and increasing physical activity reduces the resistance to insulin – this means that the body becomes more responsive to the effects of insulin at controlling blood sugar levels. Losing weight is not easy, but even losing a small amount is beneficial and can have an impact. The aim is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet – one with plenty of fruit and vegetables and fibre to keep you full, low in fat and with lots of water. The fibre in fruit and vegetables can also help control blood glucose as well as having other health benefits, so aim for whole fruits as opposed to juices.…

Scotland is an absolutely stunning country and any trip to it should incorporate a visit to the vibrant city of Glasgow, a dynamic mix of old and new. Set on the banks of the River Clyde, it’s known for its ship-building tradition and beautiful Victorian and Art Nouveau buildings. More recently, though, it has become a cool and creative city with a thriving artistic community. Art lovers will be delighted to know it is home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland. Hop on To get an initial idea of this big sprawling city, an open-top bus tour is the perfect way to start. Buses leave from George Square and, with 21 stops, it’s very easy to hop on and off to visit some of…

A tropical island escape is just what we need after being home so long. A former Dutch colony off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, with an average daily temperature of 27°C. It boasts silky-soft sandy beaches, an unspoilt landscape and a thriving culinary scene. It lives up to its slogan, ‘One happy island’ – wherever you go, you are greeted with smiles and a glass of the local Palmera rum. For a chic getaway, avoid the high-rise resorts on the west coast and head south to award-winning Eagle Beach. Stay at The Mill Resort and Suites (millresort.com), which is just a short walk to its own section of private beach. With spacious, newly refurbished rooms, it’s much better value than beach-front hotels. From here, it’s…

Holding the large bouquet of vibrant flowers to her face, Lucy breathed in their exquisite fragrance. Red roses were a popular choice among her customers, her shop smelt of a sweet cologne. She looked around, colours of every hue bounced off the window panes of the small florist’s shop. Life would be good for Lucy – if only she could stop worrying about James and Charlotte. James was Lucy’s brother and she loved him dearly. She wanted to help him, but how could she, when he refused to be helped? He thought of nothing but work, drowning himself in toil, never coming up for air to enjoy the pleasures that life could bring. He was no nearer to moving on with his life than he had been three years ago,…

The fact is, the majority of us are in monogamous relationships, where both partners are exclusive and just have sex with each other. It’s the norm, the way things are usually done. According to recent figures, only one in 25 of us are currently in open relationships, where sex with other people is allowed, yet you may be surprised to learn those couples have been found to be up to 20% happier.* Non-monogamous people experience less anxiety, stress and depression. They also enjoy a more passionate love life, have greater satisfaction in general, and higher self-esteem. Experts believe it’s because they’re better at communicating, handling rows and less likely to sulk. Despite the mind-blowing stats, it’s probably hard to imagine feeling happy about your partner texting, flirting with and sleeping…

Be bold in bright red like... CHRISTINE LAMPARD The Lorraine host looked stylish at Ant McPartlin’s recent wedding in a cut-out-detail dress by Oscar De La Renta. Channel her statement style with colourful berry tones. Go for patterned neutrals like... DENISE VAN OUTEN Keep it classic in neutral shades with a cool, patterned twist. Add a dash of colour such as ochre and burnt orange for a stylish highlight.…

HOW IT WORKS ✱ Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day. Feel free to repeat meals you enjoy and you’ll find more ideas at slimmingworld.co.uk. ✱ Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the scientific principles of appetite regulation and helps members to reduce their energy intake and lose weight without ever feeling hungry or deprived. It’s based on an understanding of how a food’s nutrient content and energy density (its calories per gram) affect satiety (our sense of satisfaction and fullness). ✱ Free Food is at the heart of Food Optimising. Foods that are Free include, fruit, veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, pulses, lean meat (and some meat replacements eg Quorn), fat-free dairy, fish and poultry. These are low in energy density and higher in…

At first I thought I had a brain tumour. Then, as the forgetfulness increased, I wondered if I was suffering with early-onset Alzheimer’s, aged 47. The day I got into the car and couldn’t remember which side of the road to drive on was a low point. I had to go back into the house and ask my husband. At the time, my two teenage – 17 and 18 –thought this was hilarious. ‘Silly old Mum,’ they giggled. ‘So daft she can’t even work out how to drive.’ I was a busy working mother with four kids, aged five to 15, and I was losing my marbles, unravelling in a inexplicable mid-life rage. My life was a blur of school runs, sports days, packed lunches and epic piles of laundry,…

Barbados When the A-list go in search of sun, sea and sand, Barbados is where they point their private jets. While it’s known for its high-end hotels, restaurants and boutiques, there are more purse-friendly options. Head to the south and west coasts. Where to stay: The Colony Club, with its lush gardens. marriott.com/hotels/travel/bgilc-colony-club-by-elegant-hotels. Jamaica Rum cocktails, palm-fringed beaches and reggae dancing beneath the stars, Jamaica has long been a holiday hot spot. Forget the north coast; those in the know head to Treasure Beach in the south. This secret paradise is a winner… Where to stay: Doubloon Villa in Treasure Beach sleeps up to eight people in four en-suite bedrooms. doubloonvilla.com. Nevis This tiny gem is one of the most under-the-radar islands – and also one of the most relaxing.…