Assaggetti, the Italian Bar and Bites restaurant on Haymarket, is celebrating this Sunday’s Euro’s Quarter Finals football between England and Italy with a fun and competitive offer – every time the England team scores a goal, Assaggetti will buy all the Italians watching the game on the restaurant’s big screen a glass of Italian wine to commiserate. But every time Italy scores a goal, all the English supporters in the bar will receive a beer on the house to drown their sorrows. Assaggetti is owned by an Italian family, the Fraquellis, who have lived in England all their lives, so be interesting to see who they’re cheering…! www.assaggetti.co.uk
Category Archives: Sport & Fitness
TRACK CYCLIST JESS VARNISH IS DRIVEN TO SUCCEED
Top UK cyclist and Team GB hopeful Jess Varnish has designs on more than medals this summer, creating a fleet of patriotic delivery vans for online grocer Ocado.
The young star who claimed gold and broke a world record at the cycling World Championships in February has created three stand-out artworks for Ocado’s iconic delivery vans. Each one showcases her favourite foods for winning races as well as the chocolate and champagne goodies she hopes to celebrate with, while capturing the spirit of the Great British summer of 2012.
While her vans set off to deliver shopping to Ocado customers across the UK, the 21-year-old Team GB hopeful said that she hopes to be “the fastest in the world” this summer.
At the launch of her vans Jess commented: “I am incredibly proud to be British, so getting to design three celebratory vans for Ocado was a fantastic opportunity for me to get creative! I love each of my designs so much that I can’t decide which one is my favourite and I can’t wait to see them on the road.”
With the Team GB cycling team announcement to be made this week, Jess continues to train hard whilst balancing her social life. She said: “It’s natural to have a one track mind when training for big events but it isn’t always simple to balance everything. I try to make life a little easier for myself by taking a mental mind break when possible – whether it be a Skype call with my sisters, saving a trip to the supermarket by doing my grocery buy online with Ocado, or cooking a tray of brownies!”
In comments which contrast with the recent weight scrutiny of another famous athlete named Jess, she said: “Being an athlete, you have to be in peak condition and, obviously, food is an incredibly important part of that. You can’t compete or train to the best of your ability without having good fuel. It isn’t such a big deal to everyone’s routine but it is to me.
“I’ve had to gain weight and I was told ‘if you don’t put on weight, you’re not going to get anywhere.’ So I have put on ten kilos of muscle. For any girl to be told they’ve got to put on weight, it’s not very nice.”
FucoCai Review
I don’t really believe in diet pills and have never taken any but I am a big fan of natural remedies. So when I got some FucoCai to review I put my skepticism aside and decided to give it a go.
New Zealand superfoods specialists, Lifestream, have launched FucoCai for weight management. Billed as a ‘new super supplement to help make achieving the perfect, bulge-free bikini body that little bit easier’.
Lifestream call FucoCai ‘a unique blend of two botanicals that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants vital to help protect the body against free radical damage caused by modern living. Additionally, together with a healthy diet and lifestyle, Lifestream FucoCai can help to support weight management’
So I started taking them. After a week I notice a difference to my skin. Many people tell me I am ‘glowing’. The tone of my skin improves, I feel I have more energy and some scars seem less prominent. I exercise while taking the pills by doing the Tracey Anderson method, but only three times a week for an hour (you are supposed to so 2 hours 6 days a week).
I do notice a difference while taking the pills. In fact I lost eight pounds in total. Would I have lost this weight anyway? I actually don’t think so. I put weight on when I was doing a film and found the last stone quite difficult to get rid of. I am also an apple, which means when I put weight on it goes to my stomach, so that is where I could not get rid of the weight, and most of it was gone by the time the pills ran out. And the last was gone thanks to my Zaggora hotpants. So how do they work?
They are packed with the plant carotenoid Fucoxanthin and naturally rich in iodine, a nutrient thought to be effective in normalising thyroid function and energy-yielding metabolism*. Lifestream FucoCai has been specifically formulated to help users achieve a healthy weight, and contains:
Laminaria Japonica (kombu) – a seaweed native to Japan, Kombu contains the active mineral Fucoxanthin which studies suggest could help support weight management** boost the metabolism and may help to support balanced blood sugar levels. In water, kombu also forms a thick gel enabling it to function as a bulking agent to enhance bowel regularity
Acai berries – organically grown in Brazil, the super berry Acai boasts antioxidant capabilities greater than that of other berries such as cranberry, raspberry and blueberry. Naturally rich in flavonoids and polyphenols and bursting with vitamins and minerals, acai is particularly useful for those putting their bodies through the rigours of a new health and fitness regime.
Fucoxanthin is thought to be one of the most exciting natural compounds discovered to date in the fight against obesity. The carotenoid gained notoriety when a group of Japanese marine biologists discovered that it could help white fat cells mimic the thermogenic behaviour of brown fat cells, ultimately resulting in a safe increase in metabolic rate and fat burning in the use ***.
Since then, studies have identified Fucoxanthin as a critical adjunct in enabling a controlled diet and increased level of physical activity to produce meaningful fat loss, even in ageing humans who as a result of reduced metabolic rate can find weight management a challenge.
Formulated without artificial additives, preservatives, colours or flavours, Lifestream FucoCai is vegan, and free from gluten, dairy, yeast, nuts and other allergens.
Lifestream FucoCai is available from all good health food stores, and online at www.grumpygorilla.co.uk, and costs £24.75 (RRP) for 90 vegetarian capsules (one month’s supply). For further information, visit www.healthyfoodbrands.co.uk.
Five Pair of Zaggora Hotpants To Give-Away!
Frost Magazine has teamed up with the Zagorra to give-away five pairs of Zaggora Hotpants! Frost’s editor, Catherine, recently tried them and they work. All you have to do is subscribe to the Frost Magazine newsletter or follow @Frostmag on twitter and tweet ‘I want Zaggora Hotpants @Frostmag’. Good luck!
In preparation for sun, sand and sea, Zaggora announces the launch of its colourful new Viva Hotpants which accentuate the body and help it to burn more calories, with weight loss 4 x greater* when worn during exercise.
The new range will help you create a slimmer body so you can enjoy reaching the beach and exposing yourself with confidence.
In July 2011, Zaggora launched Hotpants to the world with huge success – to date selling over 400,000 pairs. The concept is focused on harnessing body heat which stimulates calorie burning and helps to reduce cellulite. Zaggora has now expanded its range of technology-advanced active wear to give workouts in Summer 2012 more punch.
The new Viva Hotpants include five, new and bright colour leggings with contrasting seams ending just below the knee. Viva’s new cut have a curved seam construction that is narrower at the back, widens around the bottom and then narrows in on the thighs to accentuate the body shape, slim the thighs and create a flattering silhouette.
Like the original Hotpants and the rest of the Zaggora range, Viva Hotpants target the thighs, stomach and bottom with the ability for women to lose 2 jean sizes in 2 weeks, as reported by thousands of women at www.facebook.com/zaggora
Dessi Bell, Founder of Zaggora and the brain behind the product’s advanced technology, comments
“We’re so excited to launch this limited edition colourful range. Viva Hotpants are brighter and better than our original, with a more comfortable fit but just as effective at reducing cellulite and waist inches. It’s going to be a Viva summer!”
How Zaggora products work:
By increasing perspiration during workouts, Viva Hotpants follow the same concept as Hotpants, helping you get more out of your time and effort, burning more calories and creating smoother legs. They were made to fit into every woman’s lifestyle no matter how busy you are and can be worn whilst at the gym, on your lunch run or at home.
Scientific studies show Weight loss is FOUR TIMES GREATER in Hotpants
Hotpants increase the energy expenditure during exercise
Hotpants increase energy expenditure in the resting stage after exercise by 16%
The core temperature in Hotpants increased by an average of 18% compared to the control
Thermal sensation was significantly greater but safe in Hotpants
*Research from the Chelsea School of Sport at Brighton University
Deemed the celebrity’s ‘secret weapon’, loved by the likes of Tess Daly, The Saturdays, Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton, Holly Valance and many more, the super comfortable ‘magic pants’ have become an essential ‘must-have’ accessory for every woman.
The new products were officially available for pre-order to the Zaggora Facebook community of over 218,000 fans on Thursday 3rd May. Available to pre-order purchase from www.zaggora.com on the 3rd May, price £50.00.
How Does Zaggora work?
All Zaggora products are specially designed with Celu‐Lite™ technology which increases core body temperature while being active leading to increase in calorific expenditure during and after working out as well as short term weight loss immediately following working out. The Celu-lite technology has specifically designed lining which insulates and increases heat generation during working out to deliver better results in the short and long term.
Does making you sweat mean you burn more calories?
What makes you burn more calories is the raised body temperature which is also the reason for the increased sweat generation. Zaggora’s advanced technology safely raises body temperature during physical exercise, making you sweat, which is a sign the body has to work harder and increases metabolic rate during and after exercise.
Zaggora products make you sweat – does this mean you are only losing water?
The short term weight loss immediately following your workout is water loss indeed. However, the fact that the metabolic rate goes up during and after exercise means that in the long term your body burns more calories which means you get real and long lasting results.
What underwear should you use with Zaggora products?
Personal preference is obviously key however as with any form of physical activity it is advised that you wear cotton underwear to help the skin breathe.
Can working out with Zaggora products cause de-hydration?
With any form of exercise it’s really important that you keep your body hydrated to restore moisture lost through perspiration. Due to the increase in body temperature and sweating whilst wearing Zaggora products it’s particularly important that you drink water in regular intervals before, during and after physical activity.
Do you have male products? Why not?
Unfortunately not at the moment, however we are in the process of developing a specific male Zaggora range. Currently Zaggora products are not suitable for men as the bodies core temperature is greatly increased during exercise while using Zaggora products (+0.93 degrees centigrade) compared to a standard garment ( +0.78) which means there is potential risk to the male genitals. Watch this space – male products will be coming soon.
Can Zaggora products cause bacteria from the heat?
Zaggora products promote good a detox for the body and increase your body temperature. If not used in an hygienic way however, they can cause a buildup in bacteria, so it’s important that you wash them as directed on the products care instructions after each use. If you are prone to yeast infections, we advise that you don’t wear Zaggora products for a long period of time.
When should I wear my Zaggora products?
Zaggora products were made to fit into every woman’s lifestyle no matter how busy they are and can be worn under your clothes at work, whilst at the gym or at home. There is also now a pair of nude HotPants so you can burn calories while wearing your favorite frock and no one will notice!
Can I sleep in my Zaggora products?
The best results from Zaggora products are achieved when doing physical activity therefore we wouldn’t recommend sleeping in your products as you wouldn’t notice a difference and we believe it is best to let your skin breathe through the night.
BBC Dragons’ Den star Kirsty Henshaw takes on the UKs top selling ready meals
BBC Dragons’ Den star Kirsty Henshaw takes on the UKs top selling ready meals with a new range launching in Sainsbury’s, July 2012
Working mum Kirsty Henshaw, 26, shot to fame when her allergen-free dessert range – inspired by her food intolerant son, Jake – won over Dragons’ Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne in 2010.
Today, Kirsty is taking on the UKs top selling ready meals, introducing her range of healthier, irresistibly delicious and naturally nutritious chilled everyday meals.
The new range is super-charged with goodness; each meal is lovingly made up of nutrient-rich ingredients such as quinoa, aduki beans, brown rice and lentils to help you live life to the full.
Kirsty has created natural food swaps to provide healthier alternatives, and uses brown rice instead of white and sweet potato instead of white potato mash. Sugar has been replaced with natural Agave syrup for fewer calories. The meals are also free from wheat, dairy, lactose and nuts so they are suitable for everyone.
Kirsty adds: “A lot of ready meals on the market appear healthy however they are often packed with high levels of saturated fat, sugar or artificial flavours.”
“This new range is about providing people with something that is genuinely healthy as an alternative, and most importantly the meals taste fabulous!”
The meals have a low ‘green light’ for saturated fat and sugar content and have been designed to give a happy balance between salt levels and taste, they use natural sea salt and will at most register an ‘amber light’. At least one portion of your five day is provided for and the meals are low in calories (ranging from 276 to 420 for a Chicken Tikka Masala).
Kirsty’s chilled everyday meals will be available to purchase at Sainsbury’s nationwide from July 2012; the range includes:
ü Moroccan Vegetables with Brown Rice and Quinoa
ü Sausage with Onion Gravy and Carrot, Sweet Potato & Potato Mash
ü Chicken Tikka Masala with Brown Rice
ü Cottage Pie with British Beef mince and topped with Sweet Potato, Carrot & Potato Mash
The kirstys.co.uk website, which Kirsty has designed with her father, Darren a nutritionist and homeopath who runs health shop Aphrodite in Penwortham Lancs.
Zaggora Hotpants Review: Do They Work?
I have heard of leggings and tight with special technology that makes people slimmer or improves cellulite, but I have never heard of a product which claims it can do it that has such a following. Zaggora have over 250,000 likes on Facebookand have sold over 420,000 pairs of their ‘HotPants’
The Hotpants have Celu‐Lite™ technology which increases core body temperature while being active leading to increase in calorific expenditure during and after working out as well as short-term weight loss immediately following working out. The Celu-lite technology has specifically designed lining which insulates and increases heat generation during working out to deliver better results in the short and long-term.
So, that is the science over, but do they work?
I have been exercising to lose the last bit of extra weight I still had from Christmas (ahem) and there was just this bit from my stomach that would not budge. I tried everything; working out 6 days a week, not eating dessert, spanx, but it would not budge. Until the hotpant. I decided to do the two-week challenge, but to be honest, I did not need the other week.
All I did was exercising in them three times that week for one hour and wore them (underneath my clothes) for another day. I lost about 2 inches from my waist and an inch and a half from my hips. My legs are also slimmer. The little bit of annoying weight in my stomach has gone. The hotpants would also be amazing in winter: brilliant thermals!
I recommend these. I don’t know if you could just wear them and sit around the house, but as long as you exert yourself in them they definitely work. You can even wear them doing housework. They at least double the benefits of your workout.
Zaggoro Hotpants: Frost loves.
[Disclaimer: I received a free pair of hotpants to review]
Play the Very Lazy Footie Feast Challenge during the Euros this summer
Play the Very Lazy Footie Feast Challenge during the Euros this summer
New online game for super fast footie food!
Forget junk food and pizzas for half time. With a new online game from cooking ingredient specialist Very Lazy, you can now whip up a quick and tasty half time treat for you and your mates and be back in front of the TV for the second half. Easy Peasy.
The challenge is simple. All you need is a few key ingredients, a pan or wok and the Very Lazy Footie Feast Challenge online game! Here’s how it works:
• Start off with a base of noodles during the first half of the game
• Every time you spot one of the listed events, click the circle on the pitch [right] to add an ingredient to your dish
• Get in the kitchen at half time and cook your dish in 10 minutes
• Relax and watch the second half of the game with your Very Lazy dish
When a red card is produced the game won’t be the only thing hotting up as you add some Very Lazy red chillies to the mix! The Footie Feast Challenge is more fun and a lot healthier and quicker than ordering a takeaway. Footie fans have an easy recipe for half time and begrudging viewers will have a fun game to pass the time while the match is on!
The ingredients needed to play the full game are: Very Lazy red chillies, Very Lazy ginger, Very Lazy garlic, cooked chicken, prawns, mushrooms, spring onions, soy sauce, cashew nuts, red pepper, sesame oil, bean sprouts, honey, greens and nutmeg. But don’t worry if you are missing some of the ingredients – feel free to swap them for one of your family favourites.
Very Lazy may not be able to give England an advantage on the pitch, but its range of top notch essential cooking ingredients does give you an unfair advantage in the kitchen, allowing you to whip up a footie feast in just ten minutes.
Have some Very Lazy fun by visiting www.facebook.com/VeryLazyFood and clicking on the Footie Challenge icon. But don’t worry if you miss the first match, here’s a list of some other key fixtures:
• France V England: Mon 11 June, 17:00
• Sweden V England: Fri 11 June, 19:45
• England V Ukraine: Tues 19 June, 19:45
• Quarter finals: Thurs 21 June – Sun 25 June
• Semi finals: Weds 17 June – Thurs 18 June
• The final: Sun 1 July, 19:45
WORLD RECORD FREERUNNER BEATS THE UK’S FASTEST TRANSPORT
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FREERUNNER BEATS THE UK’S FASTEST MODE OF TRANSPORT
CHASE ARMITAGE flaunts his win to London actor TAMER HASSAN.
New footage hits social networks this week of record-breaking athlete proving it’s quicker to freerun through the UK’s most congested cities than to use public transport.
The ‘Man vs. Tube’ race saw the UK’s quickest mode of public transport fail to win by an incredible 11 minutes and 10 seconds. Top Freerunner and Guinness World Record holder CHASE ARMITAGE was challenged by top British actor TAMER HASSAN (DEAD MAN RUNNING, THE BUSINESS) to beat the time it takes to travel a 1.3 mile course on the London Underground. While TAMER HASSAN relied on public transport, freerunner CHASE ARMITAGE back-flipped and wall jumped his way to the finish line first, despite getting lost on the way.
RESULTS:
* Chase Armitage completed the challenge in 11 minutes and 21 seconds.
* Tamer Hassan completed the in 22 minutes and 31 seconds (the projected time for this journey is 14 minutes).
* The total time difference was 11 minutes and 10 seconds.
TAMER HASSAN was inspired to test out the method after starring opposite Danny Dyer in the action adventure film, ‘FREERUNNER’, out now on DVD and Blu-ray (Revolver Entertainment). The movie depicts freerunners crossing an entire city in 60 minutes, to fend off dangerous gangsters – arguably a similar pressure felt by commuters in the UK every day, in their race to get to work on time.
CHASE ARMITAGE commented, “Freerunning is not only fun, but it’s the quickest and fastest way to get around the UK’s bustling cities. It’s cheap to learn and helps to you to keep fit – physically and mentally. You don’t get all the stress of commuting; no fretting over whether you’ll be late for work, worrying if your train service has been cancelled or anxiety about the bus or tube being overcrowded. I’m glad I’ve finally proved to the public that they have an alterative, and no longer have to rely on expensive and unreliable transport methods.”
TAMER HASSAN said, “After today’s race, I think that I think I may have to invest in a pair of running shoes, because the whole journey took me over 22 minutes and Chase looked like he’d be resting for ages by the time I reached the finish line.”
If unhappy British commuters were to invest in, and switch to freerunning to reach their workplace, they could potentially save over £2,000* a year each in travel costs (see below).