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Inspired Living SA

Top South African Lifestyle Blog

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Children, Family, Food, Healthy Eating, Healthy Living, Lifestyle

The Low Down on Trans-Fats

Trans Fats

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I have always been aware of maintaining a healthy body weight, what foods I eat and making sure I exercise regularly. Don’t get me wrong I like a delicious fillet steak and chips as much as the next person but that does not mean that I am oblivious to the health implications of eating something deep-fried in oil!

With an alarming percentage of women in SA being overweight, obese or inactive we cannot ignore the fact that consumption of unhealthy foods, is not helping the situation. With these factors in mind it is not surprising that Trans-Fats have been banned in South Africa.

What exactly are Trans-Fats?

Trans-fats are formed, when converting liquid plant oils into a semi-solid spread, like margarine, a so-called industrial hydrogenation process whereby the vegetable oil is exposed to high pressure and heat with hydrogen gas bubbling through it, in the presence of a nickel catalyst.

Under these conditions hydrogen atoms open up double bonds converting unsaturated fats, in liquid oils into hardened saturated fats. Unfortunately some (+/- 40%) of the newly created saturated fats are not 100% identical to pre-existing natural saturated fats. This is due to the fact that they have a “kink” caused by the molecule undergoing a structural change from cis-configuration to a trans-configuration at a double bond usually in the middle of the molecule. Chemically trans fats may be identical to certain natural fats but structurally they are different due to a “kink” in the middle of the molecule. You are basically taking something natural and making it unnatural! The double bonds in unsaturated fats make them less stable and more vulnerable to oxidative damage (e.g. they go rancid very quickly)

What are the health risks of eating Trans-fats?

Eating trans-fats provides no known benefit to human health, however there is definitive correlation between a diet that is high in trans-fat content and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can translate into an increased risk of coronary heart disease, which can be fatal?

Serum trans-fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and there is also an association between fat stores of trans fatty acids and breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

Other emerging risk factors are coronary artery disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia and heart failure.

Last and certainly not least, trans fatty acids contribute more to weight gain than monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Where can we find these nasty’s?

Trans fatty acids can be found in items like certain margarines, baking shortening, oil used for deep-frying chips and chicken, confectionary items such as rusks, croissants, pies, crackers, cookies, doughnuts etc.

 

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So how can we avoid these potentially risk causing fats?

Well the only way to avoid these risks would be to avoid eating food containing trans fatty acids, as I said previously it could be difficult to avoid them altogether, it does however require you to make more informed decisions on what food products you buy and or eat.

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What does the new legislation in SA say about Trans-fats?

The basic low down on the law, is that food products are only allowed to contain a maximum of 2% of trans fats. Major fast food outlets such as KFC, Steers and Wimpy have already aligned themselves with legislation and changed their fats to be trans-fat free. Other major retails chain are in the process of ensuring that the products they sell fall into line with these new laws.

Ultimately the law can only dictate policy, it is up to us as the consumer to be aware of the products we are buying or consuming and exercise a healthy, wholesome approach to food. Especially when it comes to the health and well-being of our children! 😀

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Images: ©FAR Photography & Pinterest

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30 Day Photo Challenge, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

30 Day Photo Challenge

 

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Day 15 of my 30 Day Challenge! The halfway mark, although February only has 29 days so we will have to see what happens!

 

 [quote style=”1″]Objet d’art – something small and decorative that has artistic value.[/quote]

 

Photography: FAR Photography ~ Super Mom Blog

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Fashion, Fashion, Featured Posts, Lifestyle

Fashion Trends – Red "The Colour of Love"

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Red is definitely a colour that is trending this season and one of my favourite, favourites – to me it symbolises love and passion! Red hearts, red roses – the colour of LOVE! Wearing red makes me feel super sexy!

 

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There are so many shades of red when it comes to fashion; I have never been able to wear anything with an orange base – my skin tone suites a “Blue-based” red. I think it is so important to be aware of what shades suit your colouring especially when it comes to a colour like red. If you get it wrong it can be a fashion disaster!

 

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The other important factor to consider is just how much red is right for the occasion or outfit, as it is a very striking colour and too much of it can be over powering!

 

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So consider the less is more approach, for the during the day perhaps just a hint of red, in an accessory or red lips or nails can make a dramatic statement and enhance your outfit. You can always spice up your ensemble by adding a pair of “killer’ red heels – super sexy!

 

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For the evening, however, I feel that it is a completely different story, again dependant on the occasion but there is nothing more striking than a long flowing scarlet gown!

 

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The “red carpet trend” is to pretty much wear red from head to toe, red lips, red dress, red shoes – I guess when you are famous and gorgeous, you set the trend! I love these gorgeous gals in their fabulous, red couture!

 

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Ashley Greene, Taylor Swift, Kate Bosworth, and Dianna Agron - Looking Radiant in Red!

 

So step out there, be bold, be daring and embrace this passionate colour – you only live once, so why be boring! Especially if you celebrate Valentines day, really get in the mood and wear something red!

 

Image Source: Pinterest Fashion & Style Trends, Beauty Trends

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Children, Entertainment, Family, Featured Posts, Kids Activities, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Artjamming

 

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A few weeks ago we celebrated my eldest daughter’s 11th Birthday. Luckily being a January baby we have always been blessed with good weather, so a pool party or the like has been the theme. This year however we decided to change it up a bit and book a party at Artjamming, in Cavendish Square in Claremont. Both my girls love art so this seemed like the perfect venue!

 

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What an amazing place, run by a wonderful young lady, Megan, who was both enthusiastic and hugely talented. After the girls were shown the ropes, they went about selecting their choice of paint colours – they all marvelled at just how vast the choice was!  They were then let loose to do whatever their creative spirit dictated. Most of them thought that a more abstract approach was the order of the day and we ended up with quite a few Jackson Pollack inspired pieces!

 

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All in all it was a fun-filled, creative way to spend an afternoon and celebrate a special person’s birthday. If you are looking for a party venue for your kids or just a fun family outing have a look at their website, Artjamming,  it is well worth a visit!

 

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[note color=”F73985″]Contact Details: Cavendish Square, Shop G19, The Link, Cavendish Square Tel: 021-683 5050 Email: [email protected][/note]

 

Look out for more WhatWhereWhen…. news and views of whats happening in and around Cape Town. For other posts in the series click here – WhatWhereWhen….Cape Town’s Popular Coffee Shops

 

Photography: ©FAR Photography by Super Mom Blog

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Cape Town Lifestyle, FAR Photography, Featured Posts, Lifestyle, Local, Travel, West Coast

Jacobsbaai – A Beach Lovers Paradise!

 

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As I have mentioned before one of our favourite places for a weekend getaway is the remote area of Jacobsbaai, it is up the West Coast of South Africa, heading out of Cape Town, in the direction of Vredenberg. We have a beautiful family holiday home there, decorated in distinctly beach style decor, which allows the space to be both tranquil and luxurious! It truly is a beach-lovers paradise.

 

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On a recent trip up to Jacobsbaai, we were fortunate enough to have suitable sea-faring weather! Well when I say we, I mean my eldest daughter, her Dad and Grandpa. We have discovered that our eldest has a passionate love of the sea – or should I say of extreme adventure sports, which include boating, crayfishing and boogie-boarding! Needless to say all a bit nerve-wracking for the mother involved – ME! The interesting thing is that I was pretty much the same as a child, it is only recently that I have decided that swimming with sharks actually does sound dangerous and somewhat life threatening.

 

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The boat trip was rather successful and the fisher-folk managed to catch a few crayfish, crabs and a fish! I was rather happy with this outcome seeing as I love crayfish! So the fishing crew returned rather chuffed with themselves and we could all enjoy the bounty that they caught, as an appetiser before dinner – yum!

 

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A few other places to stay up the West Coast include: Langebaan, the quaint fishing village of Paternoster – where you will find lots of lovely B&B’s and self catering accommodation and the beautiful Shelley Point Hotel & Spa.

 

Images: Collage 1,2 & 3  ©FAR Photography by Super Mom Blog

 

 

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Meet Fiona Rossiter

Hi, I am Fiona Rossiter, from Cape Town, the writer and photographer behind Inspired Living SA Blog. If you love good Food and Wine, reading amazing Travel Adventures, keeping Fit and Healthy, as well following Decor Trends – then Inspired Living SA is just the place for you! Read More…

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