Mademoiselle Slimalicious

The Alliance Française French Film Festival - Can't Wait!

2012-02-24T23:31:00.000+11:00

I thought my Francophile readers would be interested in knowing that The French Film Festival is starting in a few weeks time!

I've attended the festival for the last couple of years, it's a great way for me to keep up-to-date with French cinema. I like the atmosphere around the Festival as well as the large selection of movies featuring the most talented French actors (I love Audrey Tautou, Marion Cotillard, Josiane Balasko, Vincent Perez, Cécile de France, Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve, and many more!).

[This actually reminds me of a conversation I had with a very cultured taxi driver from Georgia, in Sydney, who was telling me about his passion for French cinema. He was saying that he loved French cinema because it is always VERY CONTROVERSIAL. French film directors are generally not afraid to show or say "things", too often judged taboo.]

Did you know the Alliance Française French Film Festival is:

- The largest festival of French cinema in the world, outside of France

- With more than 130,000 attendees last year

The Alliance Française French Film Festival has become one of the most important film events in Australia.

Approaching its 23rd year, the festival offers an ambitious national program from 6 March to 9 April in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.
The festival will screen 45 films – action, romance, comedy, thrillers, children’s films, animation and documentaries, including Australian premieres and a prestigious International Premiere. All films were commercially released in France last year.

Visit the festival website to discover the full programme and buy tickets.

Festival tour dates:
Sydney – 6-25 March
Melbourne – 7- 25 March
Brisbane – 14 March – 1 April
Canberra – 14 March – 1 April
Adelaide – 20 March – 8 April
Perth – 21 March – 9 April

I'm planning on attending a few sessions during the first couple of weeks, so if you want an opinion on which movies to go and see, feel free to leave a comment or email me!

Reading Food Labels & Nutrition Information

2012-02-23T19:17:00.000+11:00

To help you make healthier choices when shopping for packaged foods, use the information provided on the packaging such as ingredients list and nutrition information.

The food label list of ingredients

All ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, including added water (it is a requirement). The ingredient listed first is present in the largest amount.

If sugar is listed first, you may want to chose another product!

The nutrition information panel

The nutrition information panel (NIP) tells you the quantity of various nutrients a food contains per serve, as well as per 100g or 100ml. It’s best to use the ‘per 100g or 100ml’ to compare similar products, because the size of one ‘serving’ may differ between manufacturers.

Total Fat	less than 3g of total fat per 100g
Saturated fat	less than 1.5g of saturated fat per 100g
Sugar	less than 10g of sugar per 100g
Sodium	less than 300mg of sodium per 100g
Fibre	more than 3g fibre per serve (note: this is the only nutrient that is more appropriate to compare per serve).

The nutrients listed in the NIP

The NIP provides information on seven nutrients: energy (kilojoules), protein, total fat, saturated fat, total carbohydrates, sugars and sodium. Cholesterol content does not have to be listed unless a claim is made.

Choose healthier products where possible. As a general guide, look for foods that contain the following:

Guidelines for nutrition claims

No added sugar – products must not contain added sugar, but may contain natural sugars.

Reduced fat or salt – should be at least a 25 per cent reduction from the original product.

Fat free – must be less than 0.15 per cent fat.

Low fat – must contain less than 3 per cent fat for solid foods (1.5 per cent for liquid foods).

Misleading nutrition claims on labels

Don’t be misled by labelling tricks and traps. The terms used are often unclear and can confuse you. For example:

Light or Lite - doesn’t necessarily mean that the product is low in fat or energy. It may refer to the texture, colour or taste of the product.

No cholesterol, low cholesterol or cholesterol free - on foods derived from plants, like margarine and oil, are meaningless because all plant foods contain virtually no cholesterol. However, some can be high in fat and can contribute to weight gain if used too generously.

Baked not fried - sounds healthier, but it may still have just as much fat – check the nutrition information panel to be sure.

Also keep in mind that fat and sugar can sometimes be called other names, such as those below:

Fat	Sugar
Vegetable oil, shortening, palm oil, milk solids, tallow, copha, coconut oil	Glucose, sucrose, maltose, dextrose, malt extract, disaccharides, glucose syrup, corn syrup, honey

A few things to remember:

Choose foods that are low in fat (especially saturated fat), sugar and sodium.

Use the “per 100g” column of the nutrition information panel to compare and choose the healthier option of two similar foods.

Ingredient list – all of the ingredients are listed in order of weight.

Percentage of fat – 80 per cent fat free is the same as 20 per cent fat, which is a large amount!

Personally I don't scan every single label, but I tend to compare products before buying or at least have a quick look at the carbs vs protein/fibre content before buying a new product.

It is important to be informed about the nutritional value of the food eat or give to your children to eat. A diet too rich in sugar can lead to diabetes and obesity, too much sodium may cause water retention, products low on fibre will do your digestive system no good, and fatty or high carbs products will definitely show on your waist line if consumed in large quantity!

Don't forget to check my recent post about healthy breakfast too make sure you are buying cereals that would do you good!

Do I Have to Be Coordinated to take Zumba Fitness Classes?

2012-02-21T21:20:00.000+11:00

I get this question a lot... and for those of you that are following me on Twitter, you probably know how passionate I am about Zumba! (read my previous Zumba post to discover how I first started taking Zumba classes).

Do I need to be coordinated to take Zumba classes?

Firstly, Zumba is dancing right, and dancing is a basic form of expression. Almost every culture in the world has some form of dancing.

According to Oxford Dictionary, "coordination" is the organization of the different elements of a body or activity so as to enable them to work together effectively.

Coordination simply means putting things together. When you coordinate an outfit, you start with some basic elements and add accessories. When I learn a new dance move, I focus on the footwork first, then add arm movements. Then I add the accessories: the subtle finger, wrist, chest, shoulder and hip positions that give the dancing its style.

Zumba starts with simple steps that can be modified so you can gradually build up your skill - and fitness! In addition, most Zumba instructors try to create a safe, supportive environment to put everyone at ease. And the routines are simple and fun.

Zumba WILL improve your coordination

Zumba actually will help you improve coordination skills - these skills are especially important as you are getting older and tend to lose a bit your balance. After a few Zumba classes, you begin to notice yourself picking up routines quicker, keeping up with steps, and knowing what’s next.

Zumba classes are DESIGNED for you to develop rhythm, coordination, technique, confidence and fitness. Classes are designed for people from all ages, and all level of fitness. Anyone can attend Zumba classes. Regular Zumba class attendance will definitely improve your coordination and rhythm (it worked for me and for many of my friends!).

Zumba at Home

If you are too shy to attend Zumba Fitness classes yet, you can start Zumba in the confort of your own home. Many DVDs and Zumba kits (even YouTube videos) will help you learn the steps, one by one. Zumba routines are very repetitive. You'll very quickly notice that the same steps are always used. I actually do have a Zumba DVD ("Zumba Fitness Basics and 20 min Express") that I used to watch when I first started Zumba. It helped me understand and practice the different steps. I still watch it occassionally, when I want to do a quick workout on the weekend.

So think again, because Zumba is such a fun way to burn 500 to 1000* calories per hour!

* depending on your weight and level of intensity

More Than French: Recipes & Stories - Cookbook Review

2012-02-20T21:37:00.000+11:00

This week I'm reviewing a new cookbook available in Australia:

More Than French: Recipes & Stories written by Philippe Mouchel with Rita Erlich (foreward by Paul Bocuse).

More than French is the first cookbook from Philippe Mouchel, a chef whose commitment to excellence is matched by his training, technique, and the depth of his cooking skills and recipes.

The book includes a collection of more than 100 French recipes, heavily influenced by Philippes work experience and travels, especially his time in Japan. Each recipe has been thoroughly tested by renowned food writer Rita Erlich, the cook to Philippes chef.

Philippe Mouchel

Rated as one of the world’s finest French Chefs, Philippe Mouchel was born in Normandy, France, and began his career at the age of 16. Since then, the majority of Philippe’s career has been spent in the kitchens of Michelin star restaurants.

After working with Paul Bocuse in France, Philippe continued his career in Japan, in Tokyo (where he was first exposed to Japanese flavours, which continue to play a strong influence in his cooking), Lyon, Hong Kong, and Houston, USA.

In 1991 Philippe and his family relocated to Australia where he opened the restaurant Paul Bocuse at Daimaru in Melbourne. Since then, Philippe has been the Executive Chef at Langton’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, followed by Liberté in Sydney, and eventually coming back to Melbourne to head up The Brasserie by Philippe Mouchel.

In December 2010, Philippe Mouchel opened PM24, a modern French bistro and rotisserie in Melbourne. Anyone who has had the pleasure of dining on Philippe’s exquisite food will have experienced his precision and skill in the kitchen.

Rita Erlich

Rita Erlich is best known for her wine and food writing, in career spanning more than 30 years. Rita has written a number of cookbooks and is also a former Age Epicure editor and senior writer, and was co-editor of The Age Good Food Guide for 15 years.

Mademoiselle Slimalicious' Verdict

♥ Comprehensive cookbook on preparing French-inspired dishes

♥ Includes 100 recipes from appetisers and soups to the finest deserts

♥ Elegant hardcover book

♥ Beautiful photos of the tasty dishes all the way through the book

♥ The book also tells us Philip's personal story and career path including his years working as a chef in Japan, in France and in the US

♥ Highlighted throughout the book are the CLASSICS: dishes that have been part of the life of every French person!...

Including some of my favourite traditional French recipes:

Boeuf Bourguignon
Bouillabaise
Cassoulet (the dish from my hometown!)
Duck Confit
Pot-au-Feu
Ratatouille
Salade Nicoise
Creme Brulee
Tarte Tatin

MIAM MIAM!!!!!!

Book published by The Slattery Media, in March 2011

Price: RRP $49.95

272 pages

Why Eating a Healthy Breakfast is Important?

2012-02-19T16:55:00.001+11:00

Breakfast is a meal taken very seriously in France. The French name for breakfast is “Petit Dejeuner”, literally translated “Small lunch”. French women grow up being told that breakfast is actually the most important meal of the day and that to maintain their slim figure they must have a small healthy and balanced breakfast, every day.

I personally eat my breakfast in the office, first thing every morning:

- A cup of green tea

- A small cup of muesli with low fat yogurt (muesli comparison table of brands available in Australia)

- A few grapes or a couple of strawberries

Why is breakfast so important?

Starting your day with a good, healthy breakfast gets your metabolism started and supports your weight loss efforts, giving you plenty of energy to get you through the day. It also helps start the day in a happy and stress-free mood and reduce cravings during the first part of the day.

But what should or shouldn’t you be eating?

Don’t

If you’re always running late for work, or have a million and one things to do in the mornings, it can leave you with very little time to cook and prepare a healthy breakfast.

However, if losing these extra kilos or maintaining a healthy weight as well as having a healthy body and mind is part of your priorities then don’t:

Don't skip breakfast: if you do, you’re more likely to overeat later in the day, and you miss the chance to kick start your metabolism.

Don't grab a muffin & latte from the coffee shop: inefficient way to get energy, and is likely to leave you feeling sluggish, hungry and craving calorie-heavy foods by mid-morning.

Both of these can sabotage your healthy lifestyle. So it’s important that you keep in the habit of starting your day with a small, healthy meal, even if it’s on-the-go.

Prepare in advance

If you know you’re often rushing around in the mornings and are likely to run out of time to make breakfast, prepare it the night before. Planning ahead also means you have time to think about what you’re making and choose healthier options. Stock up on plenty Ziploc bags and containers so you can easily store what you need and take it with you.

Choose healthy breakfast cereals

It is important to carefully read the nutrition labels as many cereals contain large amounts of refined flours, sodium and often large amounts of sugar.

Here’s what to look for in your breakfast cereal:

Whole grains: Keep you full and help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer. Research suggests that eating whole grains at breakfast can greatly help your weight loss efforts, and improve your concentration and productivity throughout the morning. Whole grains contain fibre, vitamins minerals, and antioxidants and healthy fat

Low in sugar: < 7 grams per serving

Low in sodium: < 200 milligrams per serving

High in protein: 1-3 grams of protein

High in fibre: > 5 grams of fibre per serving

Fruits and proteins for a nutritious breakfast

Combine several of these elements into your morning diet plan and you’ll have a delicious, healthy breakfast that keeps you feeling full and energised.

Fresh fruit: high in fibre, they keep you feeling fuller for longer. Fruit is also a great natural source of essential vitamins of minerals, which are important for giving your body the nutritional support it needs to function effectively, particularly when you are trying to lose weight.

Low fat Natural yoghurt: contains good bacteria that are important for supporting your overall health as well as aiding your weight loss efforts.

Natural raw honey: a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without damaging your diet. Natural raw honey works to break down the bad cholesterol in the body and dissolve fatty acids. So adding a little honey to your low fat natural yoghurt gives you a great sweet flavour and a natural energy boost.

Hard boiled eggs: don’t believe the rumours- eggs are not the weight loss enemy. In fact, they’re a great breakfast option when you’re trying to lose weight, as they’ll give you a big protein kick early on in day. They are also full of nutrients like vitamins B and K, as well as folic acid, which is particularly important for women’s overall health.

Nuts & seeds: can help add extra protein and fibre

Green Tea: is a great source of antioxidant and it helps boost your metabolism and reduce your appetite (read my post Green Tea Can Help You Lose Weight)

In conclusion, to enjoy a healthy, nutritious start to the day, have breakfast every morning, choose complex carbs over simple carbs (the basic rule is choose brown over white, to give you extra nutrition and help feel full for longer), and keep your portion sizes under control!

Cheeki Bottles Competition Winners!

2012-02-19T01:03:00.000+11:00

The "Cheeki Water Bottles" competition closed yesterday and random.org has selected the winning entries!

Thank you to everyone who has entered the competition!

And the Winners are....

Rmk074

Mango79

Kate McLean

Congratulations!

Please email me your postal address.

Keep visiting Mademoiselle Slimalicious for more fabulous giveaways!

Guest Post: "My husband and I lost 15 Kilos since moving to France" (includes before & after photos)

2012-02-18T18:02:00.000+11:00

Blogging is such a great way to meet new people with similar interests.

For the first at Mademoiselle Slimalicious, I would like to introduce you today to one of my new "blogger" friend, Jacqueline Brown from The French Village Diaries.

Jacqui and her family left the UK in August 2004, to live in a small village in the French countryside. Both her husband and Jacqui have lost 15 kg since relocating to France...

Jacqui has kindly accepted to share her story, experience and weight management tips with you my fabulous readers!

Guest Post by Jacqueline Brown

"Here is my story of finding the right balance and positive relationship with food in France;

I’m a 40-year-old English Mum and have lived in France for nearly 8 years, but loved it for many more. It was our love of France and the romance of days spent nibbling cheese and sipping wine that helped make our decision to move here. However, I have always battled with my weight; remember the short, tubby kid no one wanted on the sports team? That was me, and getting married and having a baby did nothing to improve my figure.

Food has always been important to me, and still is, but my relationship with it wasn’t a healthy one. I did overeat, eat the wrong things and I didn’t exercise enough. Settling into a new life abroad is difficult, we thought we knew France and had done our research, but it was still a huge change and a culture shock. I soon discovered adding lots of cheese and wine to my diet wasn’t good and I put on quite a bit of weight. It was time to change. The exposure to the French culture, their attitude to food and having more time on my hands has helped me alter my relationship with food. I am now as passionate about good food and where it has come from as I am about France.

BEFORE: Jacqui in 2005

BEFORE: Jacqui in 2004, she had just relocated
to France from the UK

AFTER: Jacqui's fitness level has increased
significantly since her weight loss

AFTER: Jacqui now, growing her own fruits and veggies

BEFORE: Jacqui's husband, in 2005 after just
relocating to France from the UK

AFTER: Jacqui's husband lost 15 Kg in France

My Mum bought me Mireille Guiliano’s ‘French Women Don’t Get Fat’, shortly after we moved here, and this explained the basics to me; the French may eat 3 or 4 courses at each meal, with cheese, dessert and wine included, but portion size and balance is everything. My French friends also helped – they were horrified that it was ‘normal’ for us to sit in the evenings, watching TV, drinking wine and eating cheese. Once their meal is over, so is their snacking and alcohol drinking, it was certainly something to think about. I have learnt that quality is better than quantity, our portions may be smaller but our variety and flavours are better so we get more satisfaction from what we eat. We are lucky to have the time, space and inclination to grow a lot of our fruits and vegetables, these form the basics of our diet with quality meat featuring, but not being the predominant ingredient. We also get plenty of fresh air and exercise whilst working on the ‘plot’.

Before moving to France I was no cook, I’d never cooked a whole chicken, rarely baked a cake, sauces came from jars, pizzas from boxes and curries from a takeaway. My passion for food is now a passion for cooking too. The kitchen is the heart of our home where our meals are cooked from scratch, and although I regularly bake cakes, they contain our cherries or plums and are a fat-free sponge recipe I have developed – definitely nice, but not naughty, and served with a spoon of home made natural yoghurt (thanks Mireille) it’s a delicious way to end lunch.

These daily changes to our lifestyle resulted in both my husband and I losing 15 kgs four years ago that we have managed to keep off, despite still enjoying the cheese, wine and chocolate of France."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you Jacqui for sharing your experience of "losing weight in France" with us. For more of Jacqui's experience of living in France, visit French Villages Diaries, follow her on twitter Loubille, or like her facebook page for regular updates.

To my dear readers, I hope this story has inspired you! Keep visiting Mademoiselle Slimalicious for "real-life" weight management tips inspired from the French Non-Diet Approach.

Don't be shy & leave me a comment if you have any questions!

Product of the Year - Review

2012-02-17T23:10:00.004+11:00

When I moved to Australia a few years ago, I noticed a familiar logo on selected products: the “Voted Product of The Year” logo! It immediately reminded me of home, giving me the guidance I was after as a newly landed consumer, in a foreign country.

Product of the Year - What is it?

POY is the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. Established 25 years ago in FRANCE, Product of the Year currently operates in 28 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation.

Winning products are announced in February each year and receive the right to use the POY seal in marketing communications for one year.

Products review

I was offered the opportunity to select a few of the 2012 winning products to review.

Naturally, I went for the healthy, nutritious products, so I could share my experience with you!

Healthy breakfast for Mademoiselle (& Mr) Slimalicious,
on a Sunday morning

Be Naturals breakfast cereals

Cashew, Almond, Hazelnut & Coconut Cereal &

Pink Lady, Flame Raisin, Fruit Flakes & Clusters Cereal

♥ Delicious nuts and fruits combined with crunchy clusters made from linseed, pepita and amaranth and 5 whole grain flakes

♥ Sustaining breakfast

♥ High in fibre

♥ Low GI

♥ No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives

V8 Smoothies

A non-dairy Smoothie blended from the best real fruits and veggies delivering a velvety smooth texture that is big on taste and goodness.

♥ A delicious treat for a weekend breakfast

♥ 1.5 serves of fruit and 1 serve of veggies in every 300ml serve

Coles Grill range

Coles Grill uses a delicious combination of innovative cuts and spices to maximise tenderness and flavour. Sliced, marinated and packed for optimum freshness, Coles Grill takes the fuss out of barbecue preparation.

As you can see in the photos below, I tried the Teriyaki Salmon fillets and Soy & Ginger pork sirloin steak. Both were delicious.

♥ Wide range of pre-marinated chicken, pork, lamb, fish

♥ Quick delicious meal

Coles Grill Range Teriyaki Salmon
With pommes noisettes and grated carrots

Coles Grill Range Coles Grill soy & ginger pork sirloin steak
with green beans and garlic

For more information about the 2012 Products of the Year

http://productoftheyear.com.au

French Healthy Recipe: Red Berries Clafoutis (Valentine's Day Desert)

2012-02-12T13:47:00.000+11:00

Are you planning on impressing your love one with a great romantic home-made dinner on February 14th?

Here is a great French recipe for Valentine's Day...and most importantly it is:

Delicious
Easy & Quick
Healthy (low fat, low sugar)!

What is Clafoutis

Mademoiselle Slimalicious' Red Berries Clafoutis

Clafoutis Or Clafouti, is a baked French dessert usually made of cherries, in a buttered dish and covered with a thick crepe-like batter. This simple yet so delicious recipe is traditionally made with cherries or prunes. Fruity berries like blueberry, blackberry or raspberry go perfectly in Clafoutis. Frozen berries can be used.

Ingredients

125g plain flour

2 eggs

75g casted sugar (you can also mix with raw sugar)

250g milk

200g frozen red berries (or cherries)

half a tea spoon of butter (for the baking dish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F)

2. Place the flower and eggs in a bowl and mix together

3. Slowly add the milk and sugar

4. Whisk until the batter has a pouring consistency

5. Butter a baking dish and arrange the berries in it evenly

6. Pour the batter in (covering the berries)

7. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the clafoutis is set and golden

Let it cool slightly. Cut into wedges, and serve.

Finally, if the berries taste a little bitter, or simply if you would like a sweeter version: dust with icing sugar or serve with French vanilla ice-cream.

Bon Appetit!

Exercise of the week: Lovemaking

2012-02-11T16:46:00.000+11:00

With Valentine's Day around the corner (Have you entered my Share The Love Giveway yet? It's open to all international readers), topics like Love and Passion are everywhere.

And everyone knows that losing weight requires eating less and exercising more, right? So, can sex help a woman in regard to both? The answer appears to be yes!

Is 'Sexercise' a Good Workout?

- Kissing: 68 calories per hour

If the kissing is vigorous and involves some petting, it could be even closer to 90 calories burned in an hour!

- Getting undressed: 8+ calories total

Even more fascinating, an Italian researcher reportedly found that a man attempting to remove a bra with his mouth burns as many as 80 calories!

- Massaging: 80+ calories per hour

Giving a good massage can get your heart rate up and kick your body into calorie-burning mode.

- Making love: 144+ per half hour

The key for high-calorie-burning sex is making it hot and making it last, say experts. And try a position change for a better workout. Experts estimate that women who orgasm during sex burn more calories during lovemaking than those who don’t.

Reasons women loses weight at the start of a new relationship

Euphoric high created by a new passionate relationship suppresses emotional eating
Excitement of a new relationship can temporarily speed up your metabolism
Busier schedule that leaves little time for eating
Motivation to improve your appearance to further attract the one you love
Thermogenic energy of all that body heat!

But once the "Honeymoon Period" is over...

... the kilos often quickly return. Couples eventually reach a level of comfort with each other and spend more and more of their time together socialising while eating and drinking. They begin to feel more secure and often “let themselves go.” This is when being part of a couple can negatively influence eating habits, particularly when one partner is less health-conscious than the other. The bad habits of each partner inevitably begin to transfer to the other.

So make sure you keep burning the calories while having "FUN" with your partner!

Want more exercise ideas? Check my other "exercises of the week" posts

Briskwalking Burns up to 300 calories per hour
Rope Skipping Burn up to 600 calories per hour
Zumba Burn up to 1000 calories per hour

Housework Burn up to 400 calories per hour

Share The Love for Valentine's Day - Giveaway

2012-02-11T01:25:00.003+11:00

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, and Paris - where I was born - being the City of Love and Romance...

I thought it would be nice to spread and share a little bit of love on my blog – and what better way to celebrate the loving holiday by giving EVERYONE (not just Australians) the chance to win some French inspired goodies:

A gorgeous "Je t'aime" necklace by Lovisa

AND

A cute A5 France themed spiral notebook

(it could even be your food diary)

You can have up to 7 chances to win these beautiful goodies if you do all of the following...

To enter: You MUST

Like my Facebook page AND +1'd this post
(leave me a comment below or on my FB page to say you have done so)

For additional entries and TO SHARE THE LOVE: (leave an additional comment here for each)

- Follow me on Twitter @Mslimalicious and leave a comment here with your Twitter name(1 entry)

- Tweet about the giveaway and leave a comment here to tell me you have done so (1 entry)
- Share the giveaway post on Facebook and leave a comment here to tell me you have done so (1 entry)
- Post the giveaway link on your blog and leave a comment here with the URL (1 entry)
- Follow me by email or RSS Feed (1 entry)

Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY and closes on 29th February 2012 (for Leap Day) at 5 pm (EAST). A winner will be chosen at random with the help of random.org and the name of the winner will be posted on my blog. If the prize is unclaimed after 5 days, a new winner will be drawn. This post is non-sponsored and the prize is kindly donated by Mademoiselle Slimalicious herself to share the love with her blog readers (prize value: AU$ 16.95).

Bonne Chance

et Bonne Saint Valentin !

For more chance to win, don't forget to enter my other giveaways - you could win

1 of 2 Beaute Pacifique Anti-Cellulite Gel 200 ml

1 of 3 pairs of Skechers Shape-Ups Liv

1 of 3 Cheeki Stainless Steel water bottle

2x SlimPasta packs

Beaute Pacifique Anti-Cellulite Gel - Review & Giveaway

2012-02-08T21:25:00.001+11:00

Anti-Cellulite gels are quite popular in France, and like many French women I have been using them for years (just in case it would make a difference). To know more about cellulite read my post about Cellulite Myths and Truths.

Did you know that there are over 80 different brands of anti-cellulite gels available on the Australian market? Impressive!

I’ve recently been given the opportunity to review Beaute Pacifique Gel Sculpture Du Corps Anti-Cellulite Gel.
I was very pleased because I am a big fan of any skin-care/cosmetics products!

About Beauté Pacifique

Beauté Pacifique is a Danish company founded in 1997 by former Novo engineers Flemming K. Christensen and Gunnar Svendsen. Beaute Pacifique cosmeceutical range has become a cult product used by leading dermatologists, physicians and clinical skincare specialists all over the world.

Beauté Pacifique products

The Beauté Pacifique line currently consists of 36 products within the category of dermacosmetic or cosmeseuticals. Dermacosmetic means beauty care which always fulfils the cosmetic (directive) but the effect is close to the border between cosmetics and medical remedies. Each product has a mission to heal, restore and improve skin conditions (not to “decorate” the skin but to repair it).

Mademoiselle Slimalicious testing the product

Gel Sculpture Du Corps Anti-Cellulite Gel

This anti-cellulite gel has been clinically proven to reduce the unevenness of cellulite skin by a striking 22% (average) after just 30 days treatment. 80 volunteers were measured by high resolution ultrasound scanning. Thigh circumference was reduced by 7% (average) and 3 out of 4 participants found the anti-cellulite gel the best ever experienced.

Mademoiselle Slimalicious’ verdict

(after using the product for 4 weeks)

Giveaway
2 x lucky winners will receive a 200ml bottle of Beaute Pacifique Gel Sculpture Du Corps Anti-Cellulite Gel, valued at $140 each!

To enter - You MUST

Like my Facebook page AND 1+'d this post (leave a comment to let me know you have done so)

For additional entries: (leave a comment here for each)

- Tweet about the giveaway &/or share on Facebook using the buttons below
- Leave a comment on my Facebook wall with some feedback about my blog
- Follow me by email or RSS Feed

Giveaway is open to Australian readers only and closes on 11th March 2012 at 5 pm (EAST). Two winners will be chosen at random with the help of random.org and the names of the winners will be posted on my blog. If the prize is unclaimed within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn. Prizes kindly donated by Equipmed (prize RRP: AU$140 each).

Cellulite Myths and Truth

2012-02-06T22:00:00.000+11:00

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is the name for collections of fat formed under a person's skin, causing the surface to look lumpy. Recent studies have found that different oestrogen and progesterone levels can aggravate cellulite. It can also be affected by increased water retention, tight connective tissue that pulls down on the skin, enlarged fat lobes and poor circulation.

Most women are extremely self-conscious about their cellulite (including me), but the truth is that 90 percent of women have it (which is still a little re-assuring).

Cellulite and more importantly, "how to get rid of cellulite" has become a very popular and controversial subject in the world of health and fitness and many myths surround the topic of cellulite.

MYTH #1 Drinking more water will reduce cellulite.

FALSE. In fact, the idea that drinking more water will help any skin condition is erroneous unless you're truly medically dehydrated. Nor does drinking more water eliminate any cellulite-causing toxins. (but of course drinking water is still important for a healthy body).

MYTH #2 Exercise will eliminate cellulite.

FALSE. Even the fittest female athlete can develop cellulite. Still, the less fat you have, the less likely it is to spill over that web of fibrous bands, so by all means, exercise away to burn fat and increase muscle (Why not try Zumba Fitness, boxing, rope jumping or simply brisk walking? It will help you feel more confident for sure!)

MYTH #3 Liposuction removes cellulite.

FALSE. While we think of liposuction as a quick fix for extra fat, it can actually make cellulite worse. Doctors cannot remove cellulite itself, just the fat that sits below it. This removes the "cushion" that the cellulite rests on, leaving nothing but cellulite to cover your thighs and butt. The risk of liposuction backfiring and increasing the appearance of cellulite grows with age because your skin loses elasticity as you get older, so it is less resilient and looser all around.

MYTH #4 Creams and gels are easy solutions to cellulite problems.

FALSE. In fact, creams and gels don't eliminate cellulite, but they can have other effects on your body that help hide cellulite or change the texture. For example, vitamin A-based products can help thicken your skin, so cellulite may not be as visible.

MYTH #5 Cellulite only occurs in women.

FALSE. Some men do get cellulite. Recent research suggests that cellulitic males may have lower levels of the hormone androgen. Besides hormone differences, male fat cells are shaped differently from women's and they don't stretch as easily (as women's do in order to accommodate pregnancy), so cellulite is not as apparent. When men do have cellulite, it usually appears on their neck (yuk) or stomach, as opposed to women, who experience it most on their legs, thighs and bottom.

MYTH #6 Only people who are overweight get cellulite.

FALSE. Cellulite does not discriminate against size. Even if you are a petite lady, cellulite can (and likely will) find you! (it found me!) Cellulite occurs when the fatty tissue immediately underneath your skin is damaged, which has nothing to do with other layers of fat or muscle.

Many experts agree that cellulite can be genetic as well, because it is heavily affected by hormones. Women from the same family often have similar degrees of cellulite – so no matter your size, it is important to keep an eye out for early signs of cellulite and be proactive about keeping your skin and body healthy.

MYTH #7 Massage can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

FALSE. The concept behind this is true – the appearance of cellulite can be improved through massage. But it has to go deeper than the outer layer of skin that a self-massage can reach.

MYTH #8 Coffee can help minimize the appearance of cellulite.

FALSE. Your morning coffee addiction can't be justified so easily. Caffeine is used to draw water out of the fat lobes, but this is not the most effective method to hide cellulite.

However, studies show that applying liquid caffeine to the skin can help boost metabolism and burn fat, but its efficacy of ridding cellulite is unknown.

Mademoiselle Slimalicious's advice

While a cellulite gel and a few strong massage won't hurt, a healthy diet and exercising several times a week will definitely help reduce the damage! Good luck!

"French Women Don't Get Fat" competition Winners!

2012-02-06T19:59:00.002+11:00

The "French Women Don't Get Fat" competition closed yesterday and random.org has selected the winning entries!

Considering the success of the giveaway, I decided to select not 1 but 3 winners!

I hope the winners will enjoy the book which will give them great insights into the French culture and the French paradox.

And the Winners are....

Elise (from Mummy Hearts Money)

Jasmine 1485

em_angel23

keep visiting my blog for more fabulous giveaways!!!!!

Food Diary of a French Girl (& why you should use a food diary too)

2012-02-04T18:37:00.001+11:00

Have you always wondered:

"What do French Women eat?"

First of all, you have to know that my diet has changed A LOT since living outside of France. Portions in Australia are significantly larger than in France. Also eating habits, type of cuisine and food available are different (read my post about the French paradox for more information on the French Diet).

While I was trying to lose a few kilos, back in November/December 2011, I started recording my food intake in a diary.

Why keeping a food diary?

A food diary is a very effective tool, because you can use it to help you determine if your current eating habits are healthy. A food diary will help you understand where your diet goes wrong. It can also help you know if you are eating enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins each day and help you keep your carb-fat-protein ratios in healthy proportions.

Benefits of keeping a food diary

- Accountability: Writing everything down and seeing your daily intake increases your perception of how much you actually eat.
- Helps to truly portion out your foods: When individuals are asked to keep a food diary, they often must measure all their food for the most accurate assessment. Once individuals use more accurate methods of measurement, they have a better understanding of their overall portion distortion.

- Ties in the connections to stress, emotion, timing and location: if you record your food choices and amounts but also the time of day, location and emotional level during your meal or snack, this can help you assess how stress may be controlling your food choices.

Mademoiselle Slimalcious Food diary

I found recording everything I ate & drink in a food diary (including alcohol & caffeine consumption, as well as exercise type and duration done during the day) very useful.

My focus was to slightly diminish my dinner portion and to reduce my carbs intake on the evening. To help me keep motivated in filling out my food diary, I got into the habit of taking a photo of my daily dinner.

I eat heaps of vegetables and only small amount of meat or fish. Nutritionists advice is that your piece of meat shouldn't be bigger than the palm of your hand.

Carbs are probably my weakness, I love pasta and bread! I've switched to wholemeal to make sure I get more nutriments and fiber.

Also you should know that:

I NEVER drink soft drinks type Coke, lemonade etc. I'd have a Coke Zero or Diet Coke on very rare occasions (less than once a month).
I consume 2 to 3 litres of water a day (as a minimum)
I drink several cups of green tea and peppermint tea during the day (unsweetened, no milk).
I drink alcohol only occasionally. While I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, I watch out for the hidden alcohol calories!

If you have any questions or want to know more about my current diet and the results I had so far, leave me a comment!

And remember:

You don't need a personal dietitian to start a food log, all you need is the time and commitment to track everything you put in your mouth.

Exercise of the week: Brisk Walking

2012-02-03T21:48:00.000+11:00

Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit. You may have a busy life, but try and introduce physical activity in your life.

A moderate dose of physical exercise for 30 minutes (if you can’t manage that much, even 15 minutes is okay to begin with) a day is enough to keep you healthy. This form of aerobic fitness can lift your mood, make you physically fit, and improve the quality of your life.

(Mademoiselle Slimalicious brisk walking on a Sunday)

Before you start
Wear the right pair of walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Also remember to carry and drink water while you walk, to hydrate yourself. You can use a pedometer to count the steps you take or use a Nike+ wristband.

Benefits of brisk walking

- Burns up to 300 calories per hour and reduces body fat

- Helps increase your flexibility and tones your body

- Lowers your cholesterol levels

- Decreases the risks for cardiovascular diseases

- Strengthens your heart, muscles and lungs

- Helps prevent the bone disease osteoporosis

- Relieves from backache trouble and also acts as a great remedy for arthritis problem

- Stimulates the blood flow and provides oxygen to the brain resulting in improved functioning of the brain and better ability to recall

- Eases stress and anxiety and reduces depression

- Helps to keep you energetic, positive and happy throughout the day

- Increases the longevity of your life, by maintaining your fitness

- Low risk of injury

- Free form of exercise

How much & how often?

A 30-minute brisk walking every day is recommended by doctors. You can also do it in three sessions each of 10 minutes in a day. The more walking you do, the better.

Brisk walking consists in walking the way you would if you were late to an appointment or hurrying to catch a bus. You should be able to walk and talk at the same time.

Perfect your technique

To burn fat quickly and effectively, you should master power-walking.

Stand tall with your arms by your sides. Focus your eyes five to six metres ahead and keep your shoulders relaxed. Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle and swing your arms toward the centre of your body. Swinging your arms properly will give you a better aerobic workout, burn more calories, and engage more muscles throughout your torso. Also, you will be able to move faster than if your arms are dangling at your sides. Just keep your hands in a lightly curled fist (avoid clenching).

Finally, contract your stomach slightly and keep your spine tall . This will also help you maintain your posture, as well as avoid straining your lower back.

Warm up, Stretch and Cool down
Spend about five minutes walking slowly to warm up your muscles. Increase your pace until you feel warm. After warming up, stretch your muscles before walking. Include the calf stretch, quadriceps stretch, hamstring stretch and side stretch. Cool down after each walking session, To reduce stress on your heart and muscles, end each walking session by walking slowly for about five minutes. Then, repeat your stretches.

So remember,

Walking is free, enjoyable and already a part of everyday life. All you need to do is correct your technique, walk faster and for longer, watch what you eat and you will lose weight naturally.

Want more exercise ideas? Check my other "exercises of the week" posts
Lovemaking     Burns 150+ calories per hour
Rope Skipping  Burn up to 600 calories per hour
Zumba             Burn up to 1000 calories per hour

Housework Burn up to 400 calories per hour

Skechers Shape-Ups Liv - Review & Giveway

2012-01-31T18:30:00.000+11:00

Walking and brisk walking are great ways to burn off calories and keep fit! Brisk walking 20 minutes every day helps you burn up to 200 calories and reduces body fat. Walking can also lower your cholesterol levels and decrease the risks for cardiovascular diseases.

I have recently discovered the combined benefits of walking with the new Natural Stride™ Technology in Shape-ups Liv by SKECHERS, ultra-lightweight toning shoe.

(Mademoiselle Slimalicious exercising at the local oval, after work)

The Skechers Shape-up Liv design is meant for walking, running and comfort wear.The Skechers Shape-up Liv are designed to enhance the benefits of walking. The LIV uses a rocker sole for toning, but the motion and appearance are much more muted from the original Shape-ups designs.

Why I love SKECHERS Shape-ups Liv

- Intuitive motion: curved bottom that guides you back to the body's barefoot stride
- Toning: your stride is adjusted so the motion of each step naturally aligns your body's center of gravity and promotes fluid transitions

- Comfort: Lightweight, flexible with a cushioned base that protects your joints. These are a joy to slip into and easy to walk in.
- Multifunction: you can wear SKECHERS Shape-ups Liv to walk, jog or even run!

Mademoiselle Slimalicious' Verdict

These trainers make walking and running easier and help cushion your joints from impact. I can’t say they have toned me just by wearing them; but as they encourage me to move more and push me to jog further they are definitely worth buying! They are also just amazing to wear every day for support while you walk. And they look good!

Giveaway

3 x lucky winners will receive a pair of Shape-ups Liv by SKECHERS, valued at $129.99 each!

To enter

Visit Skechers Australia and leave a comment on this post letting me know: “What's your favourite Skechers product and why?”

For additional entries: (leave a comment for each)

- Tweet about the giveaway or/and share the post on Facebook
- Like Skechers Australia Facebook page
- Like Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook page
- Follow Mademoiselle Slimalicious on Twitter
- Follow me by email or RSS Feed

Giveaway is open to Australian readers only and closes on 4th March 2012 at 5 pm (EAST). Three winners will be chosen at random with the help of random.org and the name of the winners will be posted on my blog. If the prize is unclaimed within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn. Prizes kindly donated by Skechers Australia (prize RRP: $129.99 each)

Exercise of the week: Boxing

2012-01-24T20:48:00.002+11:00

Did you know boxing is of the best cardio weight loss workouts around?

I've recently started taking on occasional boxing training classes and realised that boxing provides a complete workout without separating your time into cardio and strength training components. Boxing can definitely help you rapidly get in shape and build confidence.

What's boxing training about?

Scrap any ideas you have about beating a punching bag by yourself, boxing is very much a social sport. Classes are usually made up of around 5 to 15 people and concentrate on pad work and sparring. This means you face opposite someone and throw combination punches at them which they block with their padded gloves. Then you swap and block theirs.

What can I expect at a class?

A typical class will start with a 10-minute warm-up, followed by about half an hour of boxing and finishing with a 10-minute warm-down. Classes will teach you how to punch properly — it's about technique not strength.

There are three main moves to employ: hooks ("side" punches), jabs (straight forward punches) and up-cuts (punches going upwards). Your instructor will tell you which combinations you'll be doing, and may also get you to change partners part-way through the work-out.

Why should you Start Boxing?

Because boxing for weight loss can be a lot of fun on top of being an intense cardio exercise. Running or jogging doesn't even compare to the cardio workout you get from boxing so if you're looking for a little more intensity then you've found it.

Fitness & Mental benefits of boxing

Full body aerobic workout
Develop agility, balance and cardiovascular fitness
Improves strength and increases muscle definition
Build confidence
Release stress

Boxing is hard work: a high intensity, full body workout that will keep you moving the whole time. When you're not throwing a punch, you're ducking and weaving — or doing squats and abdominal work.

Want more exercise ideas? Check my other "exercises of the week" posts

Lovemaking!     Burn 144+ calories per hour
Briskwalking     Burns up to 300 calories per hour
Rope Skipping   Burn up to 600 calories per hour
Zumba              Burn 500 – 1000 calories per hour

Interview: Sally Asher, author of “Losing It in France”

2012-01-22T14:25:00.003+11:00

Last week, I was offered the opportunity to interview Melbourne based author Sally Asher.

Sally's book "Losing It in France: Les Secrets of the French Diet" is a personal story of how she found the courage to quit dieting and lose weight safely and permanently, while she was living in France. She learnt from the French how to enjoy gastronomic pleasures and lose weight at the same time.

I found interviewing Sally particularly interesting because of the similarities between her and I: she is Australian and lived in France, I am French and live in Australia, hence we have been exposed to the same cultures of food and body-image. Enjoy!

1. What do you think are the main differences in diet between Australia and France? How do you think these differences can be explained?

"One of the main differences in diet between Australia and France has to do with portion sizes. I know a lot of Aussies who eat a fairly balanced diet, but just eat too much food. This happens because they often eat when they’re not physically hungry (ie. stressed or bored) or they keep eating past the point of satisfaction because they are disconnected with their internal cues, and they don’t listen to their stomachs to tell them when they’ve had enough.

Many Australians often eat while distracted (ie. in front of the TV, computer or while driving) and this results in being left strangely unsatisfied and wanting more. The French culture expects that people sit down and eat with intention and attention as a sign of respect for the food. It is also not customary for the French to overeat or overdrink to the point of being uncomfortably full or intoxicated.

Snacking is another difference between France and Australia. The French rarely snack and if they have a coffee in between meals, it’s a short black and often sugarless. Australians, on the other hand, often snack and are big “liquid calorie” drinkers. If you walk down the street, every second person is carrying a take-away latte, a smoothie, a jumbo juice or an energy drink. These all contribute to our expanding waistlines, whereas the French generally stick to water most of the time. Traditionally, the French stick to three meals a day, which is not only a safeguard against mindless eating, but helps to provide structure and boundaries to their eating." (SA)

2. Would you say Australian diet is closer to the French diet or to the American diet?

"Having lived in both America and France, I would have to say that Australians enjoy good food and mostly do their best to eat healthily, like the French, but American habits like snacking, oversized portions and fast food have well and truly infiltrated here as well. And like the Americans, Australians often turn to restrictive dieting to lose weight, an approach that robs them of their ability to experience real pleasure with eating and creates a “love/hate” relationship with food. The “diet mentality” then leads to feelings of deprivation, guilt and ultimately leads to rebound overeating.

What I see more and more these days is people grabbing fast food meals and eating them on the run – I call it “gulp, gobble and go”. They don’t take the time to sit down and savour their meal. Feeding ourselves has become something we slot in to our busy days as an afterthought and often we reach for what is cheap, convenient and fast. Many Australians now eat “chaotically” and often turn to food to calm the anxieties of the fast paced world we live in. Food is no longer just fuel – for many Australians it’s become an all-purpose medication.

The French, on the other hand, don’t really eat unless they are hungry. They appreciate quality food and are prepared to pay a little more for the best – because they’re worth it! The French will make the time to sit down and connect with friends and family over a meal. They are also intuitively aware of balancing out their consumption over a day or a week. They achieve this by eating a little of everything but not too much of anything." (SA)

3. What are your views on the “French paradox”? How do you think it can be explained?

"I believe the French paradox is really not so paradoxical at all, but a perfectly logical truth – eating real foods in moderation and for the right reasons – for fuel and often pleasure too. The real secret is that the French eat what they really love, but no more than they need, within the boundaries of hunger and satisfaction. This is called “natural eating”. This inner wisdom to know what and how much our bodies need is something we are all born with. The difference is that the French culture nurtures this wisdom from birth, but in cultures like America and Australia we often become disconnected with our internal cues and encouraged to eat more than we need.

I believe that camembert, red wine, chocolate and foie gras only become a problem when they are over consumed. To me, the French paradox really means “all things in moderation”, which is easy to achieve when food is in its proper place. When guilt is not a factor, common sense prevails." (SA)

4. According to different sources, Italian and Japanese Women are as slim as the French ladies. Why do media seem to focus primarily on the latter to promote healthy eating?

"I agree. I lived in Italy too and their approach to eating is much like the French. I also lived with a Japanese flat mate for a year while I was studying and she was as thin as a rail. Again, both the Japanese and Italians are in tune with their hunger and satiety and eat mindfully, with their full awareness, in accordance with their body’s needs.

They are also passionate about good quality food and make the effort to shop, cook and prepare it lovingly – but they don’t overeat - they don’t need to because no foods are off limits, so there is never a legitimate reason to overeat.

I’m not sure why the media seem to focus primarily on the French to promote healthy eating. To me, the three cultures may differ in what they eat (ie the Italians eat pasta, the Japanese rice and the French bread and cheese), but how and why they eat are very similar. By this I mean they all eat for physical rather than emotional reasons and remain attuned and responsive to their inner satiety signals." (SA)

5. You managed to lose a lot of weight while living in France. Did you expect it to happen before going?

"Not really. I had tried so hard to diet for 15 years and every year I got a little fatter. I was stuck in a cycle of either being really “good” on my diet or being really “bad”. So I was disillusioned about my ability to manage my weight but didn’t know of a better solution.

What happened when I moved to Paris to live with a French family is that I quit dieting and transformed my relationship with food. Under the influence of my French family, I stopped worrying about calories, carbs and fat grams and began to eat the foods I love between the boundaries of hunger and satisfaction. By giving myself permission to eat all foods, the desire to overeat naturally diminished.

It was quite scary at first, but slowly I began to gain confidence in my ability to eat with balance, moderation and variety. The weight loss happened naturally because I no longer had the desire to eat when I wasn’t hungry and I trusted my body to tell me when I had had enough." (SA)

6. Do you think most French women consider themselves to be “beautiful”? Is it true that French Women are arrogant?

"Yes, I do believe that most French women consider themselves to be beautiful because beauty for them is not about perfection it’s about self-acceptance and self-love. I think French women do a great job at emphasising their best assets – whether it’s their eyes, their legs or their hair and developing their personal style.

They also inherently cultivate character and charm, because they understand that personality and charisma is sexy and powerful, even if one is not aesthetically perfect. French women embrace their femininity, but I don’t think they are arrogant, they are simply self-assured. I believe they learn this from their mothers and grandmothers. Intuitive self-care is part of the French culture, especially for women. Most of all, they enjoy looking and feeling beautiful – and at the end of the day – beauty is in the eye of the beholder." (SA)

7. What is your best weight loss tip for Mademoiselle Slimalicious’ readers to try?

"I have so many, but what continues to work for me is eating good quality food with intention and attention, taking care of my hunger with food and taking care of my other needs in more effective ways than eating. I drink plenty of water, herbal teas, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and protein at every meal, drink moderate amounts of alcohol and eat small amounts of dark chocolate. I don’t diet and no foods are off limits but I am now a “food snob” in the best possible way. The French taught me to eat with freedom and joy to fuel my active life, rather than use food to help regulate my emotions. I am profoundly grateful for the wisdom I’ve gained, which is why I wrote “Losing It in France”. I am also a weight loss coach via my website www.sallyasher.com" (SA)

I would like to personally thank Sally Asher for taking the time to answer my questions.

You can purchase a copy of Sally Asher's book

“Losing It In France” on Amazon

Fashion Tips to look Slimmer

2012-01-21T12:10:00.001+11:00

Do you want to feel confident in what you wear and look slimmer at the same time? Of course you do!

Buy clothes that fit you . If you wear the wrong size clothes, you'll end up looking bigger than you are
Choose darker solid colors such as black, navy blue and gray
If you want to wear patterns, go for smaller ones that overlap

Wear a tailored Jacket: single-breasted is best

A thick waistband helps flatten the tummy
Highlight your good bits
High heels add height and shapes your legs
Work on your posture: stand up straight, pull your stomach in, and your shoulders back
Feel confident about what you wear, that’s the most important

DON'T

Avoid horizontal stripes, as they make you look broader, opt instead for thin vertical stripes
No pleats: flat front pants and skirts are instant slimmers
Forget the frills: extra ruffles and material add to your overall size
Avoid shiny fabrics such as velour and satin
Don't overdo chunky jewellery: choose one large piece and keep the others in proportion to your frame

Avoid small handbags: stick with a medium-sized bag in proportion to your body

Finally, French women are well know for their fashion sense and elegance but also for their confidence. This is because making the right wardrobe choices reinforces and improves self esteem as well as making you look slimmer and beautiful!

And now juts for fun....a little extra info especially for my francophile readers!

Fashion in France: A bit of history

The association of France with fashion and style dates largely to the reign of Louis XIV

(17th Century) when the luxury goods industries in France came increasingly under royal control and the French royal court became, arguably, the arbiter of taste and style in Europe. The rise in prominence of French fashion was linked to the creation of the fashion press in the early 1670s which transformed the fashion industry by marketing designs to a broad public outside the French courtand by popularizing notions such as the fashion "season" and changing styles.

Do you have more fashion tips for us?

Don't be shy, share with us by leaving a comment below!

Green tea can help you lose weight!

2012-01-20T20:30:00.002+11:00

Green Tea is my favourite hot drink. I drink a cup every morning in the office, and after lunch on most days.

Did you know?

Drinking a cup of green tea everyday can help you to burn an extra 70 calories per day?! It will also boost your metabolism and reduce your appetite.

Green tea benefits were discovered 4,000 years ago and since then has been considered a wonder drink! Polyphenols, and particularly its subgroup called catechins, are responsible for most of the health benefits of green tea.

Antioxidants

Catechins are considered the most effective of all antioxidants. The antioxidant levels of green tea is hundred times more effective than vitamin C and twenty-five times better than vitamin E in protecting our immune systems.

Health benefits of reen tea antioxidants

Eliminating free radicals within the body / detoxify the body
Absorbs and blocks cholesterol
Helps prevent heart related conditions within the body
Works to normalise blood pressure levels
Helps to fight bacteria and viruses
Helps to stabilise diabetes
Slows the ageing process
Can assist in weight loss (see below)

Green tea and weight loss

There is strong evidence that green tea has fat-burning properties and promotes weight loss, especially when combined with increased physical activity and a healthy diet.

Green tea helps by:

Increasing the metabolism of fats by the liver (thermogenic effect)
Inhibiting lipase (fat absorption enzyme) in the digestive tract
Providing a feeling of satiety and fullness

An indirect weight-loss benefit of green tea is that if you drink it instead of coffee or other beverages, and you can save on the extra calories. Green tea still has caffeine, so it can wake you up in the morning without all the milk, sugar, chocolate, or whatever else goes into your coffee.

Though recommendations vary, generally 3 to 5 cups of green tea a day is considered optimal for losing weight.

Are you a Green Tea drinker?

Swap It Don't Stop It - Australian campaign to fight Obesity

2012-01-18T20:51:00.000+11:00

Every country has their occasional media campaign to tackle obesity.

The cost of obesity is not only a personal one but also a huge drain on the nation’s economy. In 2008 alone, obesity cost Australia a massive $58.2 billion.

Current campaign: Swap It, Don't Stop It

In March 2011, the Australian Government launched the current Swap It, Don't Stop It campaign – a call to action to all Australians to make healthier lifestyle choices. The multi-media campaign (TV, radio, web, print) highlights the fact that you can lose your belly without losing out on all the things you love.

Previous campaign: Measure Up

The campaign follows on from the Measure Up campaign of 2008. The 'Swap It' message is similar to the strategy used by the UK Government in their Change4Life initiative launched in 2009, which included the Great Swapathon.

Campaign name	Date	Phase	Campaign Cost	Key messages & Objectives
Measure Up	2008 - 2010	#1 Why?	$30 million	Highlight the dangers of excess intra-abdominal fat.
Swap It, Don't Stop It	2011- 2013	#2 How?	$41 million	Swapping some food choices for healthier options and looking for opportunities to be physically active doesn't mean you have to stop doing what you enjoy.

Like

'Swap It, Don't Stop It' campaign includes a campaign website which features swap suggestions where you can submit your own swap ideas.

I personally like to tweet my suggestions in order for my followers to find some inspiration #swapitdontstopit. Follow me on Twitter

Don’t like

'Swap It, Don't Stop It', features Eric, a blue balloon figure who becomes a 'swapper' - trading unhealthy habits for better lifestyle choices. I personally don’t really like the design and colours of the campaign but the concept itself is pretty good.

Leave a comment below to suggest your own swap!

Cheeki Stainless Steel Water Bottle - Review & Giveaway

2012-01-17T22:38:00.000+11:00

Water is the most important nutrient for life and has many important functions including regulating temperature, lubricating joints and transporting nutrients and waste throughout the body.

That why staying hydrated is particularly important during exercise. And the more you exercise, the more important it is to drink the right amount of water before, during, and after your workouts.

Mademoiselle Slimalicious doing sit-ups

Stainless steel water bottles are more and more popular around the world. This is because in recent years many studies have highlighted the fact that plastic water bottles contain chemical (bisphenol A or BPA), which can be harmful to our health. BPA has been connected to causing hormonal problems and even cancer.

Why use a stainless steel water bottle?

- Eco-friendly (can be filled over and over)

- No after taste or seepage

- Keeps your water cool

- Easy to clean to ensure bacteria and harmful growths don't affect you

Do you know Cheeki?

I am very keen on supporting eco-friendly lifestyle and I had the opportunity to review two of the Cheeki stainless steel water bottles.

Cheeki was established in May 2009 and grew rapidly to be the Number 1 Stainless Steel Bottle Company in Australia. Cheeki supplies a healthy, fun and environmentally friendlier alternative to plastic bottled water.

600ml Sports Water Bottle – Ideal for exercise!

Cheeki's rugged Sports bottle features a straw lid with a generous 2cm opening allowing the water to get to you faster and uninterrupted, when you really need it. When the lid is removed this bottle has a huge 5.32cm opening which allows ice to be easily added to your drink.

500ml Water Bottle – Fits in your handbag!

These stainless steel water bottles are eco-friendly, safe to drink from and painted with bright & colourful non-toxic inks.

Note, Cheeki Bottles are made out of a premium grade of Stainless Steel known as Grade 304 or 18/8. All Cheeki lids are BPA Free. They contain no linings and hence will not leach chemicals. These bottles are designed for cold liquids only.

For more information about Cheeki's products, visit www.cheeki.net.au

Mademoiselle Slimalicious stretching after a run

Giveaway - CLOSED

3 x lucky winners will receive a Cheeki stainless steel water bottle!

To enter

Visit Cheeki’s website and leave a comment on this post letting me know “What's your favourite Cheeki item and why?”

For additional entries: (leave a comment for each)

- Like Cheeki Facebook page
- Like Mademoiselle Slimalicious Facebook page
- Follow Cheeki and/or Mademoiselle Slimalicious on Twitter
- Tweet about the giveway or share on Facebook
- Follow me by email or RSS Feed

Giveaway is open to Australian readers only and closes on 18th February 2012 at 5 pm (EAST). Three winners will be chosen at random with the help of random.org and the name of the winners will be posted on my blog. If the prize is unclaimed within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn. Prizes kindly donated by Cheeki (prize RRP: $16.95 each)

Ultrasound Fat Cavitation/Lipocavitation/Non-invasive ultrasonic fat removal - NUFR - Session#3

2012-01-17T20:32:00.003+11:00

I went to my third Ultrasound Fat Cavitation (also called Non-invasive ultrasonic fat removal - NUFR) session yesterday.

Read my posts about my first session, and about my second session

Definitely not convinced by this fat loss technique…and glad I only paid AU $99 for the three sessions! My target area was my inner thighs and I have seen NO difference.

In addition, as I mentioned in previous posts, the studio I went to in Sydney CBD near Town Hall, called “Paragon Studios”, was extremely disappointing.

I went there anonymously (didn’t mention the blog), expecting to receive "normal" treatments which I had paid for in advance through Scoopon Australia (AU$99 for 3 sessions).

The owner (Kelly) was VERY unfriendly to me on each occasion. She didn’t explain once the machinery or technique (despite my questions) and only gave me brief after care instructions (only after my first session). Her assistant (the one performing the treatment), had a generally friendly attitude, but couldn't speak or understand English, which offered no way to communicate with her either. All of my questions were left unanswered, I've received a very poor service is the least we can say. If you are in Sydney don't go there.

Mademoiselle Slimalicious' verdict

Done three sessions and wasted my money

No visible results after the three sessions
Still think it can be armful to health (it's harmuful to foetus - they tell you to not do it if you are pregnant - so how come it wouldn't be harmful to us too?)

If anyone has tried Ultrasound Fat Cavitation/Lipocavitation/NUFR and had positive results, I would like to hear your story! Don’t be shy, leave a comment!

Exercise of the week: Rope Skipping

2012-01-16T14:09:00.001+11:00

Did you know you can get a great workout just using your jump rope!

Rope jumping/skipping is a great way to improve your cardio fitness, strengthen your bones and test your coordination.

Fitness benefits of jumping rope

Jumping rope for 30 minutes will burn approximately 300 calories.
Increased Cardiovascular Fitness
Great way to improve the muscle tone in your arms, legs and abs
The exercise is easy to learn, no need for a coach.
Can be performed anywhere, either be at your home or a nearby park
It's inexpensive as you only need a rope.
It enhances your coordination and rhythm between hands and feet movements.
Strengthens your bones and increases your stamina and endurance.
Skipping enhances flexibility and athletic abilities. It improves your reflexes, balance and posture.

Tip: before you jump rope, stretch well to loosen up your muscles, and do the same after your workouts.

Want more exercise ideas? Check my other "exercises of the week" posts

Briskwalking Burns up to 300 calories per hour

Lovemaking! Burn 144+ calories an hour
Zumba Burn up to 1000 calories per hour

Housework Burn up to 400 calories per hour