NuMe healthy eating range from Morrisons

So last week I got invited to a brilliant event by Morrisons.

The UK food retailer were launching it’s newest range, NuMe a healthy eating range that looks and tastes fabulous.

The range is designed for customers searching for healthier alternatives to their favourite meals and snacks who don’t want to compromise on taste.

I was invited by Morrisions for a tasty breakfast and introduction to the range that is already rolling into Morrisons stores all over the nation.

What’s great about the NuMe range is that it’s aim is to give customers healthier alternatives to their already favourite foods at great affordable prices.

When thinking about healthy food, I usually think, boring, tasteless and expensive, the new range is none of the above! NuMe is all about the small steps needed for a healthier lifestyle, it’s not about dieting, yes it will help us drop the pounds overtime but it’s also about purchasing things that are better for us, making sure we get some of our five a day, etc. With its funky packaging with good clear labelling means customers are able to quickly see what it is they are buying, the calorie control whether it forms part of your five-a-day, or whether it’s low in fat or reduced in salt, explaining why each product is a healthier option.

There was a few reasons I was keen to hear more about the NuMe range. One, I want to get back in shape, start making healthier choices for myself and family. Secondly, I wanted to find out how this range was “healthier” and whether this could be a range I could buy to replace some of the items currently on my shopping list therefore getting the children eating more healthy food (especially Little man, who’s diet is very poor).

As many know, little man has Aspergers syndrome. There are very few foods he eats. This is extremely worrying as most of these foods are not the healthiest, they are high in fat or salt etc.

Looking at some of the products in the range, you may ask yourself how some of the products are actually better for you. What Morrisons have done here, is remove some of the ingredients that are not all that good for us and replaced it with something else much more healthier. This could be anything from not cooking something in oil, maybe grilling it instead, reducing the salt content and adding other herbs or spices that are better for us. A great example would be the sausage breakfast I had. Doesn’t sound very healthy but it was healthier than other sausages available, yet still tasted awesome. It’s the last three letters in the word “healthier” that Morrisons have taken and used to create this delicious range.

It’s true, simple small changes can lead to big ones overtime. It’s not about quick fixes but maintaining a healthier lifestyle and keeping it.

The range has everything from ready made meals (frozen and refrigerated) to products from salad dressings to yogurts. They even have a huge range of yummy treats and snacks, such as crisps or cakes.

Looking at the range, I’ve discovered a number of items that the children eat that are significantly more healthy. Little man who refuses to eat anything remotely healthy could really benefit and I’ve already started to introduce the range into our home.

Lastly, can I recommend the Beetroot & Blueberry Salsa, may sound strange but taste amazing.

Disclaimer: This is a review post. I was not paid to write this review. I did receive a goody bag following the event. All opinions are honest and that of my own.

Update – Davina for Next

Last week was a busy one, so I apologise for my late update! On the plus side, I’ve likely done more exercise than I actually think I did, what with all the rushing around! So, I’ve continued with the Davina ultimate workout and fell both on and off the diet wagon more times than I care to mention. I’m yet to take up any form of running but continue to engage in some power walking (unless with the toddler, this is like walking at a snail’s pace)! I’ve walked around our local woods so many times in the past 4 weeks, I could tell you where the squirrel’s hide their nuts!

Sadly, I didn’t do much dancing last week, unless you include my antics at the Lollibop mini disco at the ‘Ministry of Sound’ London, or that of me shaking my butt to a bit of Kiss 100 every morning as I go about doing the horrible task of get the kids out of bed and ready for school (it all counts doesn’t it)!

Most importantly, I’m feeling somewhat better within myself. I’m eating at reasonable hours, despite the odd slip, as well as making simple lifestyle changes that are now fitting into with my daily routine without much difficulty, I mean, it’s not so much of a struggle, I’m naturally making healthier choices without feeling like its a chore! I’ve also found that I am actually much more motivated now then I was a week ago, maybe it just took a while to kick in.
Last week I faced the fear of having to brave my swimsuit in order to take the toddler swimming. I continued to declare I just didn’t have time, but if the truth be told, deep down, It’s the fact that I’m still not comfortable in the way my body looks since baby number 3. Swimming is something that will help me get back in my size 8’s, so to avoid it seems a little crazy (plus Harley is two now and has never been, I can’t be holding him back due to my own body hang ups)!

Now as we start a new week, I’ll also be preparing to write my last update, Yep, it’s all going to be finished, leaving myself and my fellow 9 ‘Davina for Next’ virtual workout buddies, to our own devices. Last week I was a bit worried that I’ll just let it slip when it’s over, one week will turn into two weeks and before you know it I’m back to my old ways! I thought that without the need to send a weekly report I may just sit eating lashings of dessert as I watch Eastenders, going back for seconds and maybe thirds! I actually think I was just having a low week and wasn’t thinking about it properly. You see, I will continue on my journey to get back in my size 8’s and make lifestyle changes that will stick with me, because I want it so much, I want to do this for myself! I really won’t need to share and I’m sure as hell, you’ll all have had enough of my battle to combat the flab anyway! 🙂

So with only one more post to write, I thought that this would be a great time to share some of the lessons I’ve learnt from having started this journey to get fit with Davina and Next!

◆ We, all fall of the diet wagon from time to time, beating ourselves up in the process only makes us depressive, looking for comfort in something sweet. So, instead of embarking on a chocolate eating frenzy, I tell myself off and jump back on the diet wagon.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ We often become more motivated when we have failed at something! If I notice I’m actually gaining a few pounds as opposed to shifting them, I’m disappointed, though it makes me all the more determined to kick my own arse the following week!
◆ Stop being so restrictive! Yes, this one makes me feel like a hypocrite as its one I know to be true, though I do struggle with. You see, I know by putting yourself on a really tight diet you will drop it quicker, but like they say… It’s just as easy and speedy to stick it back on! Not only this, I find myself, moody, irritable, and not all that nice to be around. I’m therefore trying to be less extreme and more realistic yet happy.

◆ If like me, you have a serious disliking to the weighing scales then just don’t go near them. I really dislike weighing myself, it can determine my whole mood for the day and I don’t want to be worrying myself stupid every time I gain a pound or two! I instead go by my dress size and the way my clothes fit. You know when you’re losing weight or toning up in many ways, scales only make you obsessive, I know as it ruined a good few years of my life.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ An important one, that I myself discovered last week, (the hard way) is don’t push yourself to far when your body is telling you you’re getting sick! I think a certain amount of light exercise when uncomfortable (example the time of the month) is a great way to feeling more you again plus it also helps create natural pain relief, however, when you feel like you’re coming down with a horrible flu then rest! I didn’t, I ignored it, and ended up in bed recovering from a horrid flu that then converted itself into the worse ever stomach flu. I know, that for the 3 days I battled on ignoring the messages given off  by my body and that’s why it caught up with me and likely put me out of action longer than It probably would have done if I sweated it out in bed from the start.image from google docs

◆ Eating little and often makes calories easier to burn off, while only eating till your full will likely be the real key to success. My mother always told me as a whining child claiming I was starving not long after lunch, to drink some water! It’s so true, we often mistake thirst for hunger!
◆ When that dreaded time of the month hits and you feel yourself reaching for that family bar of Cadbury dairy milk, grab a handful of Cherry plum tomatoes that have been stored in the fridge, instead. Ok, I’m not going to lie… of course this isn’t the same (give me the family bar over a tom any day of the week) however, they are nice and actually really juicy and sweet! For me it helps put the sweet craving at bay which is just brilliant as monthly’s are usually the time when my willpower runs of without me.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ You really can exercise while sitting on your back-side! Once you have it nailed, you find your engaging in such a task without realising it. When sitting watching my favourite programme… let’s say… “BBC3 Being human, which was on last night & I love it, I’ll do some pelvic floor exercises (so, important and  just doesn’t apply to those new mothers) then I’ll do some leg lifts or when actually really in the mood and trying, I’ll sit on the exercise bike for half an hour or so. I’ve discovered that it’s these little extra things that end up amounting to big differences and once done once or twice they come naturally without becoming a dreaded chore! If I forget one night, it doesn’t matter, I’ll still gain from them,  tomorrow!
◆ Walk as opposed to driving or using any other forms of transportation (buses, taxis etc…) OK, if we are talking long haul distances then go on… I’m with you if you wanna start the car up, but those journeys within walking distance will leave you feeling better (probably not at the time) and will also help you reach any goals quicker. This is especially the case if you are shopping. I’f my bags are heavy but I can mange regardless of a little struggle, I then refuse to call a taxi. Instead I focus on landmarks to help me get back without putting the bags to the ground and wiping the sweat from my forehead just 2 minutes up the hill (yes, I
have to walk the shopping up the hill)! Once I’ve reached the landmark, example traffic lights, I may be half way there, so I then focus on something else, It really seems to work well and is not only a great way to shift calories and tone the tops of your arms, but a good way to penny pinch too!

I was  going to share some pictures of myself in my Davina for next clothing and give an update on whether my chosen pieces have withstood the test of time, especially that of the washing machine. However, given that this is now my final week and in a few short days I’ll give you my final update, I’ve decided to save them till then, when I’ll also share some recipes, ideas, my highs and lows, progress and final thoughts! After all… I want to finish on a bang!

So to discover my final last words and see some photos I was thinking about burning… then get yourselves over here on Wednesday the 15th February

To checkout the ‘Davina for Next’ fitness range of clothing and innovative footwear click Here

Related articles

• Making Progress with Davina (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Week one – Getting fit with Davina (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next – Week 2 (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next, working out in style (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next – Week 3 (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)

Making Progress with Davina

Getting fit with Davina and Next has been a blast and sadly we are now coming up to our last few weeks of the challenge. 😦 

 This week has been intense as I’ve struggled to get back onto the “Diet Wagon” though with the receiving of a gift from the those lovely people at Next and Davina herself, I have managed to keep going on the exercise front. Yes, I was sent the all new “Davina, Ultimate Target” DVD and have done the workout at least 4 times this week. It would also seem that I have inspired my 9 year old daughter because every time I turn around their she is working out beside me, bless her.

The DVD consists of a “Fabulous Fat Burner” Cardio workout with funky Latino moves, “Brillent Boot Camp” A squats and toning fest, “Target Abs” fifteen minutes of tummy toning and lastly “Target Workouts” 3 short but effective routines targeting specific problem areas such a them horrid bingo wings, summer shoulders and bikini bum.

I am loving the DVD and the fact it aims to sort this specific problem areas is nothing short of a god send!

 There is some more good news this week! I’ve not had one Redbull… NOT ONE! So, I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself on that front.

 I do at times worry, that without this challenge, I will flake and fall back into my old dirty ways (well, I say dirty, what I mean is lazy)! Yes, I’m enjoying it and I think this should be enough to get me going, though I’m just so used to worrying I guess that explains the reason I’m doing so now. I do however have my picture of my old sized 8 super bod and that of Davina’s super abs which I’m sure will be all the kick in the backside I need. 

 I’ve continued with my crunches and struggled on with my push ups. I’m enjoying long walks in the park with the toddler and having fun dancing with the 9-year-old daughter! 

 I’ve done loads of skipping with Little man and if anything this is turning into a family fitness plan.

 Next week I intend on doing my new Davina DVD workout DVD every night before bed… I may even brave it and share a clip of me doing it… (of course with Alice by my side)! Otherwise I’ll just carry on with what I’m doing (apart from eating like a piggy)!

 I’m also planing on trying some Zumba, as I’ve been inspired by the lovely Clairejustinoxox who has been way braver than myself in sharing a video of herself working out (umm, yes, maybe next week). I’m also considering doing a little running as opposed to power walking, though I’m a little worried about “Killing myself” in the process.

Above: Some of my many Workout DVD’s

 I do hope you are all enjoying my journey to get fit and would love to hear your own stories or any super tips you may have (all are very welcome)!

Checkout some some the fabulous “Davina for Next” workout wear by clicking HERE

A boy with Asperger’s get’s sponsored for the Mad blog awards

 This is it guys, it’s almost here, on September the 30th I’ll be of to the “Mad blog awards for the awards ceremony in London’s Soho.

 What makes this all the more exciting, is the fact that somebody likes the blog so much that they have agreed to sponsor me!

 These day’s it isn’t just footballers and big name brands that get sponsored, but bloggers too! 

 When looking for a sponsor I wanted to find a brand or company that were passionate about what they do, in the same way I’m passionate about my family, raising awareness for autism and my love of writing and of course blogging. As well as this pretty huge requirement, I also wanted the companies brand/product to fit in with the overall theme of the blog.  So, for me this would be a brand that deals with parents but with the added addition of autism.

 Well, I’m pleased to say, that I think I found this and a whole lot more in my sponsor. Yes, I’m both incredibly excited and delighted to be working with them!

 So, without further delay…

 My Sponsor for the Mad blog awards is…  Drum roll please …

 … “OPTIBAC PROBIOTICS”

OptiBac are an independent family run business with a passion for Probiotics almost as big as my passion to create awareness for autism and help families dealing with diagnosis and the challenges it may bring.

 For those who have no idea what Probiotics are and how they relate to autism, let me explain!

 What are Probiotics?

 Probiotics are live microorganisms  (more commonly known as friendly bacteria) and are something we all have, and need within our own bodies. This bacteria, alongside Pathogens, (Bad bacteria) can be found living in our intestines. It’s the good bacteria’s (Probiotics) that are needed to ensure good digestive health, while playing an important roll in keeping our immunity and energy levels high.

 It is important to have a good balance of both good and bad bacteria, and although we produce both, it is often the case that the balance needed becomes fragile. This is a common occurrence what with, Stress, ageing, travelling, high sugar levels and more, all being contributing factors.

 When our bodies experience an imbalance of the two, a person may experience symptoms, Such as, low energy, bloating, allergies & food intolerance, skin conditions such as eczema, heartburn, Diarrhoea, constipation, thrush, IBS and more.

 Probiotics and autism

 It is well documented within the autism world that the link between autism and digestive health is a pretty big One, with hundreds of thousands of children and adults with an autism spectrum diagnosis, having some type of ongoing digestive/Gut problem, that quite possibly requires some form of treatment, medication or diet requirement. 

 I, myself have heard a mass of stories from other parents of children on spectrum speaking of their child’s poor and problematic digestive health. 

 Just a few days back, a thread on my facebook page,“A boy with Aspergers” highlighted the high number of children with poor digestive health against a very minute few who have little or no issues, to be rather substantial.

 Though my own little study proves little, there has been a great deal of research involved in discovering if there really is a link between the two? Most results indicated that, yes there is!

Check out these few sites, ‘Food for the brain‘ & ‘Incredible Horizons’,  

 I have come across many parents and individuals who are trying to improve their child on the spectrums digestive health by changing the way they eat. If you are a parent to a child on the autism spectrum or you yourself are on that spectrum, its pretty likely that you have come across terms such as, lactose, gluten or casein! These naturally occurring proteins, can all be found within the foods we eat and children and adults with autism can be extremely sensitive to such ingredients (food intolerance) however it is thought that such occurrences could be due to the imbalance of probiotics and Pathogens (friendly and not so friendly bacteria).

 Most children with autism, already have a very limited diet and although there are plenty of Gluten-free and Casein-free foods now on the market, many parents experience a great deal of problems trying to introduce this to the child with ASD. Another important factor to remember, is the differing finds within scientific studies when it comes to eliminating these food groups and the true benefits for the child with autism.

 Little man is a child who has some degree of problems with his digestive health, mainly maintaining his regularity and the stomach cramps this causes him. His diet has improved over the years though not greatly! It lacks a lot of the healthy foods. His eating habits are quite limited and he therefore quite shamefully gets by on chicken or bacon. He also has a great fear of public toilets and certainly wont do a number two anywhere but when at home or when visiting one of his two grandmothers, which of course does nothing for his digestive system. So, of course I put these issues plus his terrible habit of wind breaking down to the above, but lately I’ve been forced to rethink, looking at the whole picture. You see, I don’t really know if little man has any food intolerance, though even if  he did, the work needed to change his whole outlook on food would be a great challenge! So, if there is a possibility that a supplement of probiotics could help balance out his good and bad bacteria, I’m up for giving this a try!

 You see, it’s not just problems with the gut that children with autism experience, but also a mass of other problems, such as, behaviour problems, poor sleep, anxiety and more! Again little man suffers quite severely from all listed.

Research into the probiotics has found that a daily dose of certain strains of probiotics given to a child with autism can dramatically improve areas of concern such as those listed above (especially poor behaviour and concentration levels).

  More about the, ‘A boy with Aspergers’ sponsor, ‘OptiBac’

 These guys are awesome, and yes, they know all there is to know about probiotics! They are in-fact the UK’s best selling probiotic range and are unique in the fact they use specific probiotics for specific health conditions, meaning there is a probiotic supplement right for each and every one of us. OptiBac Probiotics are so safe most can be used while pregnant, breast-feeding and some can even be given to children as young as 6 months old. With this and the fact OptiBac offers its customers affordable probiotics, aimed at each ones particular concerns, makes this a really trusting brand.

 Strains of Probiotic

Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 is one of the most commonly known probiotics and is actually used within five of the nine OptiBac supplements. The probiotic strain is often combined with prebiotics (prebiotics, is a source of food for probiotics to grow, multiply and survive in the gut) and is a good aid for health conditions such as IBS, reducing the risk of yeast infections and can even minimise the risk of diarrhoea, especially in travellers. Rosell-52 is used within the children’s range (from 6 months-12 years) This same supplement is also safe to take when pregnant or breast-feeding , so is therefore recommend to both children and expectant and breast-feeding mothers. (this is the supplement Alice-Sara and little H started today). The species ‘acidophilus’ can also be found within the premium range, such as, ‘Extra strength’ which consist of a further four strains of probiotic and contains 20 billion live probiotic microorganisms per capsule. This is the species we have started little man on this morning, which is given in the form of a capsule! Little man is used to these as he takes Melatonin to help aid his sleep at night, so, he had no problems taking it!

 There are many other strains of Probiotics that OptiBac use in their products and with each strain a different dosage helping to combat a persons health concerns in the most natural and healthy way possible . The above example is just one of many strains and more detailed information can be found over at the OptiBac website within its resource centre, You will also find a full list of the probiotics on offer and what each can do to benefit your health. 

 You will find that most if not all, probiotics are approved for use, if you are a vegetarian or on a gluten or Yeast- free diet. They all contain no added sugar, (Sugar can actually counteract the benefits of the added friendly bacteria, which is while Probiotic yogurts are not really recommend, due to the added sweeteners and sugars) lastly they are free from artificial colouring.

 OptiBac really impressed me, yet we’ve only just began our journey discovering the potential benefits for children on the spectrum, like my little man, and my families health as a whole ( Yes, that’s right we’re all having a go !) 

Alice-Sara and baby H are taking the, ‘For your children’s health‘ supplements (for their general everyday good digestive health) £16.34

Little man is taking the, ‘Extra strength’ capsules‘ (to help with digestive health and improve his bloating and stomach cramps, that maybe a symptom of his autism). £22.49

and as for me, Im taking the New, ‘Maintaining Regularity‘ (for my IBS and bloating, though don’t worry, I’m not about to start blogging bowel movement updates). £24.98

 Other products that look great are, ‘Flat stomach’ and ‘For those on antibiotics’ (That’s the actual name of the product) which is a fantastic supplement designed to replace the bacteria’s that antibiotics kill, causing symptoms such as trash (it’s happen to me and I only wish I had known about Optibac)!  This is just one of the many side affects that can result from taking a dose of antibiotics. 

 So, there you have it. The brilliant OptiBac are my Mad blog awards sponsor and will be so kindly putting me up in a lovely hotel on the night of the awards. 

In the meantime I’ll be taking my daily supplement and hoping my bloating stays away on and before the 30th

 Make sure you all look out for updates, to discover how the probiotics are working for little man! Will there be improvement in his digestive health, sleep, behaviour, or very poor concentration? Let’s just wait and see.

 Please show some Love and like OptiBac on ‘Facebook‘ or follow them on ‘twitter‘. Also don’t forget to check out the OptiBac ‘website‘ Just pop on over to any one of these and say hi. I would really appreciate it and I bet they would too!

OptiBac in London … Catch OptiBac in London between the 5th-9th September 2011

The guys at OptiBac, have one of their very own Naturopath’s visiting a number of London stores and are inviting you along for some free health advice and special offers. Check out the site for locations. 

NOTE: We are not after a cure, we love Little man the way he is. OptiBac nor myself are claiming such nonsense. I’m just pointing out that yes, children with autism do tend to have digestive/gut problems and Probiotics may help improve this and maybe some of the difficulties listed above. If you’re looking for a cure, then I’m afraid you wont find one in probiotics or any other source for that matter!

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