News & Lifestyle
24th January 2012
Botanical medicines for better blood sugar and body weight
Blood sugar imbalances have been linked with a wide range of health problems, and may be an important contributing factor to body weight issues. A healthy diet and a lifestyle that includes regular exercise are the most important factors in maintaining both healthy blood sugar and healthy weight, but herbal medicines such as green coffee extract, bitter melon and gymnema may help too.
24th January 2012
Nutrients to support blood sugar
You’re following a nutritious diet that has a low glycaemic index, and you’re also exercising for at least half an hour on most days of the week. What else could you do to maintain healthy normal blood sugar? Research suggests that supplementation with key nutrients such as chromium, magnesium and zinc may support your diet and lifestyle habits.
24th January 2012
Robbie Deans: Curbing cravings
Do you have moments when the urge to eat chocolate, sweets or starchy carbs feels irresistible? While everyone deserves the occasional treat, eating these types of foods regularly certainly doesn’t do your waistline any good. So how do you develop the willpower to overcome your cravings? We asked Thompson’s brand ambassador and international rugby coach Robbie Deans to get us motivated.
13th December 2011
Coenzyme Q10 – antioxidant support for the heart
If you’re keen to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is one nutrient you can’t afford to ignore. It supports your body’s energy production and also protects the cardiovascular system in a number of ways – but the older you get, the less likely you are to have optimal levels in your body.
12th December 2011
Help your brain age gracefully
It’s become commonplace to expect our minds to become a little less sharp as we get older - to forget things more easily, for example. Sadly some people experience serious age-related cognitive decline that can prevent them from looking after themselves or living life to the fullest in retirement. But research has revealed that healthy habits could reduce the impact of cognitive decline. Here are some to start fostering now.
12th December 2011
4 Tips for Developing Perseverance with Robbie Deans
Are you prone to setting yourself fitness goals or embarking on a new health regime, only to give up a short time later? An ability to keep persevering towards your goals will help you in all aspects of your life. It’s a characteristic of many successful sportspeople too, so we asked Thompson’s brand ambassador and international rugby coach Robbie Deans for his tips on strengthening perseverance.
16th November 2011
4 tips to coach yourself to success!
Elite sports people are lucky enough to have professional coaches on hand to constantly push them to success. For the rest of us though, a healthy dose of self-motivation is usually in order.
9th November 2011
Natural relief for the blues
As many as 40% of adults with depressive symptoms use complementary medicines , but many don’t talk to their doctors about it. If you’re concerned about your moods, it’s vital you seek professional diagnosis and treatment, and that you talk to your doctor about any natural therapies you’d like to try. If you do decide to explore natural remedies, here are some of the most important to consider
9th November 2011
Self-help strategies to lift your spirits
When you’re feeling flat or a bit long in the tooth, there are lots of things you can do to pick your mood up. Happily, many of these strategies are cost-free and use tools and skills you already have at your disposal. You might be surprised at what a difference such simple steps can make to your outlook.
9th October 2011
Robbie Dean's Lessons from Rugby
Like us, have you spent the last few weeks glued to your TV watching the Rugby World Cup? We’re not even at the serious end of the competition yet and already there have been some riveting moments, some surprising wins and some gut-wrenching injuries. In this article, Thompson’s brand ambassador and coach of the Wallabies Robbie Deans encourages us to learn from these elite athletes and use their performances to inspire us to get active and get healthy.
9th October 2011
Tribulus – Traditional Libido and Fertility Tonic for Men
The herb Tribulus terrestris has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, where, amongst other indications, it has been used to treat impotence and support and maintain healthy sex drive in men . A growing body of evidence supports its reputation as a male fertility tonic and libido booster – but it’s important to choose a high quality, standardised product.
6th October 2011
Diet and Lifestyle Habits to Protect Your Prostate
As men get older, they’re more and more likely to be affected by benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), which can cause annoying symptoms such as needing to get up frequently during the night to go to the toilet. While some BPH risk factors (such as your age and genetic history) can’t be changed, scientific research suggests that adopting the right diet and lifestyle habits could reduce your likelihood of experiencing this frustrating problem .22nd September 2011
Poached chicken and asparagus salad
This recipe for Poached chicken and asparagus salad is taken from our GET A GAME PLAN website- sign up for free access to more recipes, health advice, meal plans and exercise plans! www.thompsonsgameplan.com.au
6th September 2011
Robbie Deans' tips for a healthier you
Many of us wish we had healthier diet and lifestyle habits, but implementing and sticking to changes can be tough. When we asked the advice of Robbie Deans, coach of Australia's International Rugby Union team, the Wallabies, he suggested a three-pronged attack.
6th September 2011
Putting your weight management game plan into action
Are you one of the 60 percent of Australians who are overweight? If you’re ready to take action, we’re standing by to help. Inspired by the advice of Robbie Deans, our brand ambassador and the coach of Australia's International Rugby Union team, the Wallabies, the team at Thompson’s have put together your Weight Management Game Plan. Here’s how it works.
29th July 2011
Nutritional support for your bones and joints
If you want to enjoy an active lifestyle for years to come, it pays to look after the health of your bones and joints. Guarding against osteoporosis and osteoarthritis is particularly important, because by the time we’re in our 60s, one in two Australian women and one in three men will experience a bone fracture due to osteoporosis, and up to 50 percent of us will have some degree of osteoarthritis. Here we discuss key nutrients to help maintain musculoskeletal health.
29th July 2011
Exercise for aching joints
If you’re experiencing joint pain, it may be tempting to avoid exercise and activity for fear of aggravating your condition. But for most people with arthritis, moving more could actually be beneficial. Similarly, exercise plays a valuable role in the prevention of osteoporosis. You need to choose the activities that are best suited to your current state of health though, so talk to your doctor or physio before you get started.
29th July 2011
How flexible are you?
Flexibility is just as important in your behaviour as it is for your joints – especially if you’re trying to develop better habits. If unexpected events have thrown you off course, don’t lose motivation. Instead, use these tips from international rugby coach and Thompson’s brand ambassador Robbie Deans to get back on track and prevent things having the same impact next time.
20th June 2011
Remedies against colds & flu
With so many winter health supplements on the market, how do you know which to choose? Here we recommend three of our favourite cold and flu remedies.
20th June 2011
Curb your cold sores
Did you know there are steps you can take to reduce the frequency of your cold sores and help them to heal more quickly?
20th June 2011
What’s stopping you?
Are your diet and lifestyle habits as healthy as you’d like? We asked Thompson’s brand ambassador and international rugby coach Robbie Deans for some advice on getting past the excuses.
12th May 2011
Why women need exercise
Results of the 2007-8 National Health Survey suggest that nearly two-thirds of Australian women don’t participate in the moderate exercise that’s recommended for good health, and among the one-third of women that do exercise, many don’t do it often enough to enjoy all its benefits. There are many reasons why women should exercise – here are just a few of them.
12th May 2011
Make your health priority number one
Many women – especially those with young families – look after everyone else before taking time for themselves. But as Robbie Deans explains, if you prioritise your children, partner, parents or work ahead of your own needs, you run the risk of becoming so overwhelmed and run down that you’re not much use to anyone at all. It’s time to make looking after yourself your first priority.
12th May 2011
Herbs & nutrients to support women’s health
A woman’s body undergoes a staggering array of hormonal changes every month, and throughout the course of her life. Add the stress of managing a busy family or hectic job, and its no wonder we often feel out of sorts. Maintaining optimal nutrition is vital to good health – and taking herbs can help too. Use this handy guide to help determine which nutrients and herbs are most important for you.
19th April 2011
Age well with a Mediterranean diet
If you want to enjoy a long and healthy old age, adopting healthy eating habits is one of the smartest decisions you can make – and a Mediterranean-style diet has more scientific evidence behind it than any other way of eating. Here we discuss how to add a taste of the Mediterranean to your meals, and why you should.
19th April 2011
Antioxidants for healthy arteries
Antioxidants for healthy arteries As you get older, your risk of cardiovascular disease increases, due in part to declining blood vessel function. Arteries are particularly susceptible to free radical damage, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), so it pays to include plenty of antioxidants in your daily diet and supplement regime. Some of the most important to consider include vitamins C and E, resveratrol and Grape seed.
19th April 2011
Exercise to stay young at heart
Keen to live a long, healthy life? Exercise more. Even if you don’t get started until you’re middle aged, every extra hour of exercise you do could extend your life expectancy by double that time. As Thompson’s brand ambassador and international rugby coach Robbie Deans explains, it’s never too late to start – and doing so might just give you a new, more youthful outlook on life.
11th March 2011
Get out of your comfort zone
Many of us travel through life every day via a series of well-worn paths that we don’t even think about. You might get home from work, grab a beer from the fridge and settle into the couch with the remote for the evening. Or perhaps you scoop ice cream into your bowl after dinner without even thinking about whether you’re still hungry. What does it take to break the pattern?
11th March 2011
Could coffee help you lose weight?
Need to give your weight loss efforts a boost? It might be time for some coffee. Don’t reach for a cappuccino though, because roasted Coffee beans don’t contain much in the way of chlorogenic acids. In scientific research, these compounds, found in significant quantities in unroasted green coffee beans, have been shown to promote and enhance weight loss. Read on to learn more.
11th March 2011
7 reasons to love Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but for many of us is a guilty pleasure. We’re conscious that the caffeine it contains is addictive, and that drinking too much of it has the capacity to interrupt our sleep or frazzle our nerves. But not everything about coffee is negative. Why not put the kettle on and enjoy a cup while you read about why coffee could be better for you than you think?
10th February 2011
Supplements to improve exercise performance
If you exercise regularly, you’ll already be aware that being active is a great way to add energy to your day. But what happens when you need some extra oomph to fuel the exercise itself? In this article we discuss two important supplements that may help boost your energy levels while also improving your exercise performance – spirulina and rhodiola.
10th February 2011
Push through the pain barrier
Have you been watching the Biggest Loser? One of the most addictive aspects of the show – especially this early in the season – is watching the contestants fling themselves at their new challenge, only to come to a grinding halt at the first sign of difficulty. It’s something many of us can relate to, so we cheer for them when they ultimately dig deep and push on. Do you need some help pushing through the pain barrier yourself? Read on.
10th February 2011
Sleep soundly and wake refreshed
Optimal daytime energy requires a good night’s sleep. If that’s a rarity for you, you might need to work on what scientists call your ‘sleep hygiene’ – the habits and environmental factors that affect your sleep quality. Try these ten tips to help you sleep better – you might just be surprised by how much more effective you are during the day once you’re catching more Zs at night.
14th January 2011
Detoxing- The Smart Way
While many people swear by a “detox” to kick off the new year, medical science doesn’t always agree. In part, that’s because a detox regime that’s too extreme can lead to unpleasant side effects – or worse, to serious health consequences. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your detox is a healthy one.
14th January 2011
Supplements to support Your detox
You might decide to detox because you want to lose weight, brighten up your complexion, think more clearly, or simply “feel lighter” and more energised. From a physiological perspective though, the key objectives of a detox are to help your body eliminate stored wastes and to improve the functioning of your liver, gall bladder and bowel so they can continue operating more efficiently after your detox is complete. These supplements may help;
13th December 2010
Six Tips for Surviving the Silly Season
The festive season brings a steady stream of parties, barbecues and drinks nights, so over-indulgence is virtually compulsory. To top it off, work deadlines loom, diaries are jam-packed and the shopping centres are like hell on earth. Luckily, we’ve got six tips to help you sail through the holidays unscathed.
13th December 2010
Lighten Your Christmas Lunch
Christmas lunch is traditionally regarded as an occasion to stuff yourself as well as the turkey. But that doesn’t have to be the case. It’s possible to get up from the table feeling full of good cheer without also feeling as though you’re full enough to burst. All it takes is some fresh ideas and a little planning.
13th December 2010
What's the Price of Change
No matter how hard you try to stick to your game plan for a healthier you, sometimes you’ll find yourself sliding back into old habits. What makes behavioural change so difficult to implement, and even harder to sustain? Could it be that change costs more than you’re prepared to pay? We asked Australian Rugby Union Coach and Thompson’s brand ambassador Robbie Deans for his advice.
4th November 2010
Natural strategies for cholesterol management
Your cholesterol reading is more than just a number. It’s an indication of your likelihood of accumulating plaque in your arteries (atherosclerosis), and consequently provides your doctor with a measure of your risk of developing heart or blood vessel disease. Luckily there are a number of natural health supplements that can help you maintain your cholesterol at a normal, healthy level. 4th November 2010
Persistence pays off
It’s simple enough to stick to your game plan for a healthier you when there’s an end goal in sight. There’s nothing like a wedding, a high school reunion or the approaching finals of your amateur sporting competition to motivate you to keep training hard and eating well. But how do you stay motivated when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel?
4th November 2010
Diet and lifestyle tips for cholesterol management
The Heart Foundation estimates that more than half of all Australian adults have high cholesterol. That’s over six million people! If you’re one of them, it’s time to start paying attention to your diet and lifestyle, because there are plenty of things you can do to help lower your cholesterol levels, and improve your heart health at the same time.
12th October 2010
Surround yourself with a winning team
Having a support crew behind you can spur you on to bigger and better things. With the right folk in your corner you’ll feel more inspired to stick to your game plan for a healthier you, and you’ll have more incentive too. After all, none of us want to let down the people who have the most faith in us. So who should be on your cheer squad?
12th October 2010
Natural ways to support weight loss
There’s no magic pill that will make you lose weight, so don’t believe anyone who tries to tell you otherwise. However, there are some natural ingredients that can support your weight loss efforts. Here we discuss four of the most important, which might just add some extra oomph to your diet and exercise program.
12th October 2010
Low-GI eating for weight loss
You’ve probably heard a thousand times that the only way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories and exert more energy. Sounds simple enough, but the reality is that many people find low calorie diets hard to sustain. In conjunction with increasing the amount of exercise you do, switching to a low glycaemic index diet could be the answer, helping you cut back on calories by making your blood sugar more stable and reducing your appetite.
14th September 2010
Maintaining motivation
Ever been powering along, making good progress towards your health goals, only to find your momentum slowing down – or worse – grinding to a halt? What’s happened to your motivation? And more importantly, how do you fire it up again? As an international rugby coach, Thompson’s brand ambassador Robbie Deans is no stranger to this phenomenon, so we asked his advice.
14th September 2010
Omega-3 overview
The days of fats and oils being considered dietary evils are long gone. We now know that some types of fats have health benefits while others are detrimental - especially when consumed in excess. The omega-3 fatty acids, which are mostly obtained from fish (but also present in some nuts and seeds), have been the focus of much scientific research. Now it’s time to focus on including them in your diet.
14th September 2010
Heart-healthy salmon with apple, walnut and bean salad
Salmon is one of the best dietary sources of omega-3 fats, so it’s fabulous for the health of your heart. In this recipe , we’ve teamed it with a crunchy salad packed with ingredients that offer even more support to your cardiovascular system. This meal is as good for you as it is tasty! 4th September 2010
Diet and lifestyle tips for cholesterol management
The Heart Foundation estimates that more than half of all Australian adults have high cholesterol. That’s over six million people! If you’re one of them, it’s time to start paying attention to your diet and lifestyle, because there are plenty of things you can do to help lower your cholesterol levels, and improve your heart health at the same time.
18th August 2010
Preventing Osteoporosis
You see the ads on TV all the time, but have you taken on board that the message about looking after your bone health to prevent osteoporosis actually applies to YOU? Bone health is a bit like your superannuation account. The more deposits you make in the bone bank now, the better off you’ll be in years to come.
18th August 2010
From little things, big things grow
If you watch the Wallabies or any other professional sporting team" says Robbie, "you'll notice they celebrate every tiny milestone on the way to the victory they're ultimately striving for. The players greet every try that's scored and every goal that's kicked with hugs and high-fives. With every little victory, they become more confident of their chances of holding up the trophy at the end of the game. That's the secret to getting and staying pumped in your personal game plan too.
18th August 2010
Are you missing out on minerals?
In Australia we tend to pride ourselves on being healthy eaters, but despite our best intentions, many of us don’t consume enough of several key minerals – with potentially detrimental consequences to our health. Here we outline why you need to make sure you’re getting enough calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium and iron.
12th July 2010
Supplements to support a healthy frame of mind
When it comes to supporting your emotional wellbeing, there are many nutritional and herbal ingredients to choose from. But it’s important to know which are most suitable for your personal circumstances, as some ingredients may interact with prescribed medicines.
12th July 2010
Improve your moods by moving more
Do you struggle to maintain a positive state of mind? Regardless of whether you’re suffering from depression or anxiety, or are simply overwhelmed by stress, maintaining a regular exercise regime may improve your mood and help you cope better. Even just a short walk around the block is enough to get you started. Here we explain how incorporating exercise into your lifestyle could help you overcome the blues.
12th July 2010
Duplicate what's already working
How are you going with your game plan for a healthier you? Hopefully you’re now well on your way to meeting your health goals and incorporating better habits into your lifestyle once and for all. But if you’re still struggling from time to time, don’t despair. We’ve got more inspirational advice for you from Wallabies Coach and Thompson’s Brand Ambassador Robbie Deans.
15th June 2010
When the going gets tough…
Sticking to your game plan for a healthier you becomes much easier if you have strategies in place to help you stay on the straight and narrow when the going gets tough. We asked Wallabies Coach and Thompson’s Brand Ambassador Robbie Deans for his advice on staying motivated and disciplined for the long haul.
15th June 2010
Three good old-fashioned cold and flu remedies
Got a sore throat? Feel a sniffle coming on? Grandma was right. These traditional cold and flu treatments will have you back on your feet in no time. Blast cold and flu bugs with garlic, fight fevers with olive leaves, and dose up on cod liver oil to support your immune system this winter.
15th June 2010
Congestion-clearing chicken noodle soup
Your grandma was right about the recuperative properties of chicken soup too. This Asian-style chicken noodle broth is probably a bit too spicy for the kids, but is perfect if you’ve got a stuffy head, a chesty cough or are just generally feeling run-down. To make a vegetarian version, simply leave out the chicken.
18th May 2010
Set yourself up for success
Making long-term changes to your diet and lifestyle habits can be difficult, even when you're highly motivated to achieve your goals. This month, we asked Wallabies coach and Thompson's brand ambassador Robbie Deans to help formulate a game plan for a healthier you in a way that sets you up for success.
18th May 2010
Stress less and stay healthy this winter
Ever noticed that when you're tired and run down you're also more likely to get sick? It's no coincidence! Stress lowers your immunity, and could increase your susceptibility to respiratory tract infections like colds and flu. On the flip side, taking steps to help your body and mind cope with stress may help boost your resistance at the same time.
18th May 2010
Ten wonderful winter foods
Getting ready for a winter of warming soups and comforting casseroles? Including these ten immunity- and vitality-boosting foods on your winter menu will ensure it's nutritious as well as delicious!
13th April 2010
Heart-healthy stewed fruit
If you think eating for a healthy heart means missing out on the good things in life, think again. This delicious stewed fruit recipe is just what the doctor ordered: full of fibre and cholesterol-lowering pectin, rich in resveratrol, and packed with powerful antioxidants. Whether you serve it for breakfast or dessert, it will make your heart (and your tastebuds) very happy indeed.
13th April 2010
Get a game plan for a healthier you
Sticking to a healthy diet and lifestyle can be hard work, and it’s easy to slide into bad habits. Ever wish you had a coach by your side to keep you on track and inspire you to be your best? We’ve enlisted the support of Wallabies Coach Robbie Deans to help you get motivated and get results. 13th April 2010
Get the benefits of red wine - without the headache
It just doesn’t seem fair that the French can munch on croissants and camembert and stay slim, svelte and super-healthy, while the rest of us only have to glance at the window of a patisserie for our cholesterol levels to rise. How is it that French people have one of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world, despite eating a diet that’s loaded with saturated fat? 1st November 2009
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Age Related Macular Degeneration
In a large 12 year study of elderly people at moderate to high risk of progression to advanced Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), persons who consumed the highest intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids were 30% less likely to develop AMD, reports a recent US National Eye Institute study .
1st November 2009
Mediterranean Style diet may prevent depression
Consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, nuts and legumes along with fish, olive oil and non-refined carbohydrates may prevent depression, according to recently released research.
1st November 2009
Over 65s Should Take High Dose Vitamin D to Prevent Falls
A daily supplement of vitamin D at a dose of 700-1000 IU reduces the risk of falling among older people by 19% according to a recently published study in the British Medical Journal.
1st October 2009
Thompson's launches new brand campaign
Thompson's has launched a new brand campaign featuring brand ambassador Robbie Deans. Advertising will appear in selected Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle and Newspaper inserted magazines between October 2009 and June 2010.
26th May 2009
