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Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
I lost half a stone after trying the Mediterranean diet for a week and one food stood out
I lost half a stone after trying the Mediterranean diet for a week and one food stood out The Mediterranean diet is often discussed online, and the benefits seem to go beyond weight loss, and the diet is simple, and doesn't require you to cut out any foods, writes Matt Jackson Matt holding a chopping board with an open sandwich on. (Image: Reach) The Mediterranean diet has been creating a buzz on social media, with claims that it can aid weight loss and combat diabetes, and Trendswatch Content Editor Matt Jackson recently decided to give it a go and find out for himself if it really works.... Based on the cuisines of the mid-20th century Mediterranean nations, it involves reducing the likes of refined sugar and eating a more plant-based diet. That means plenty more vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts, whole grains and healthy fats such as olive oils. The diet plan also features a good amount of fish, with poultry, dairy and eggs limited to a few times a week. Red meat can be eaten on an occasional basis, as the plan is not meant to be overly restrictive. Having written stories discussing the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, I was curious to see how it would impact my own body. As a 32-year-old journalist I try to stay healthy, I run multiple times a week with my running club, and play weekly football. But I'd been keen to lose a few pounds (or kilograms if that's the way you operate). So I grabbed myself a meal plan – I knew I'd never stick to it entirely, but it made sense – and decided to do a week on the Mediterranean diet. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here The first thing I noticed was that "sugary drinks" were considered a no go. Now, I already don't drink sugary drinks, but I figured this included artificial sweeteners too, so my beloved zero sugar colas that replace coffee come afternoon had to go, instead replaced by the refillable water bottle throughout the day. Seabass with vegetables in a white bowl (Image: Reach) Article continues below With my plan formulated, it was off to the shops, armed with a list and a sense of intrigue. I soon, however, hit a stumbling block. I'd picked my meals with enthusiasm, jotted down the ingredients, and then not actually considered how readily available they'd be in my small Cheshire town. How hard can edamame beans be to find? An ingredient on my first meal of the week – Salmon and Mediterranean veg. As it turned out, they were a step too far, and having visited three different supermarkets, I abandoned hope, and just substituted them for something else on my list. My meal plan suggested batch preparing breakfasts and lunches, which I think definitely helped, particularly working from home, where the temptation is to sit at your desk for long periods at a time. My breakfast for the week - yes week, for pure convenience - was cinnamon roll overnight oats. Enjoyably straightforward, made by chucking your oats portion, fat-free Greek yoghurt, cinnamon, vanilla essence, and oat milk into a container then mix together before popping in the fridge overnight. Another early sign I spotted were snacks. I'm not often a snacking person but there were nuts, clementine, pears, and a variety of fruit and nuts on the menu. It was enjoyable, and a nice bridge between breakfast and lunch, but not something I was entirely used to. Nonetheless, I admit that keeping yourself fuller throughout the day does help stave off any cravings, including diet soft drinks - which have themselves been in the spotlight lately. I did manage to batch-prepare some lunches. I opted for a "super food salad" consisting mostly of grains - quinoa - kale, lettuce, beans, and sliced chicken for the protein boost at lunch. Having something I could just grab out of the fridge at lunchtime was simple and fantastic. Even as someone who spends a large portion of their life working from home, you still don't want to stand at the fridge scratching your head come lunch time. It meant my evening meals could consist of a fish-based dish often with plenty of vegetables with the occasional pasta accompaniment - wholemeal of course. Harissa prawn pasta using wholemeal spaghetti was one of the week's food highlights - and was a quick after work dish (Image: Reach) While the diet took some getting used to throughout the week, and I will confess there were some disasters with a piece of fish that almost caught on fire, several missing ingredients, and one tomato mishap, I think it went well. And although I had no real expectations, at the back of mind, I thought I'd like to see at least a few pounds off on the scales. To my surprise, however, I found myself 3.4kg (7.5lb) down at the end of the week compared to the start. While you always expect a bigger loss after tightening up your diet initially, I didn't quite expect that level - especially not considering I thought my diet was relatively healthy for the most part. Having finished the week, I definitely think there's some take homes to be learnt. Pre-preparing meals at breakfast really helped ease into the day, adding a healthy, natural snack and water reduced the desire for "ultra-processed" soft drinks, and making lunch took away the desire to "nip to the shop" for a pre-packaged sandwich when there was "nothing in". The one food that surprised me the most When I saw houmous was among the items to feature quite heavily on the meal plan, I have to admit I was slightly hesitant. I'd tried it once, back in my student days, and wasn't the most impressed, but here I was, staring at a meal plan that included it daily in my lunch, and with a baptism of fire with a houmous-based sandwich as the very first meal of the week. I must say though, it did win me over. It offered a solid option for bulking out that daily salad, worked well with the mashed avocado. I can definitely see myself including more of it into my diet going forward. Typical daily meal plan on the Mediterranean diet A salmon and Mediterranean vegetables dish (Image: Reach) Breakfast - Cinnamon roll overnight oats with walnuts and blackberries - 453 cal Morning snack - pear and an easy peeler - 104 calories Lunch - chicken super food salad - 546 calories Dinner - Roasted salmon and vegetables - 422 calories Total calories - 1,525 What to buy on a Mediterranean diet Walnuts in a tub (Image: Reach) There were definitely some staple ingredients whatever diet plan, website, or book I read about the Mediterranean diet. These included: Olive oil Fish Beans and pulses Nuts - walnuts were a hit! Grains - I stuck to mostly quinoa but a good number of recipes out there used cous cous too! Herbs and spices - for that flavour kick Healthy fats - avocado, olives etc What the NHS says about the Mediterranean diet The NHS recommends following a balanced diet if you are looking to lose weight. This includes having five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Article continues below According to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, there are many benefits that come with following a Mediterranean diet. These are: Weight loss – plants are naturally lower in calories and high in fibre, which helps you feel fuller for longer Reduced risk of having a heart attack or stroke – replacing saturated fat, found mostly in meat and dairy, with healthier fats in nuts and olive oil, lowers your cholesterol levels. This is good for your heart and blood vessels Diabetes – eating a diet rich in plants can help prevent type 2diabetes. For people with diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational), it can help lower blood glucose levels and may allow them to reduce their medication Reduced blood pressure Lower risk of developing certain cancers - bowel, breast, prostate, stomach, bladder, head and neck, lung and pancreatic cancer Lower risk of developing dementia Better balance of good gut bacteria, which can lead to better digestion Improved mood and mental health Environmentally friendly – Mediterranean diets have a lower impact on the environment due to lower greenhouse emissions, and less land and water use
Yahoo
13-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Netherfield move up to second in league after big win
Netherfield has moved up to second in the Northern League Division One following a 127-run victory. The victory was against in-form Settle at Parkside Road. New Zealand professional Cole McConchie played an important role in the win by scoring 76 runs off 70 balls in the first innings. Other contributions included Richard Everett (54), John Huck (30), and Oli Wileman (25). Isaac Medhurst after taking a wicket (Image: Supplied) Netherfield managed to finish their 50-over session with an imposing score of 257-8. Matt Jackson's performance stood out in the second innings as he took three Settle wickets in return for 33 runs, helping Netherfield wrap up the victory as Settle was dismissed for 130 runs off 38.1 overs. Netherfield made several changes to their starting eleven, and after winning the toss, decided to bat first. Matt Jackson (Image: Supplied) Ben Barrow and Richard Everett successfully forged a first-wicket partnership of 47 before Settle disrupted the rhythm of Barrow, who was bowled out by Will Davidson. Everett and McConchie took control thereafter, with McConchie hitting out for a quick-fire 76. Everett's innings came to an end at 54 when he was caught and bowled by Amar Ullah. The partnership of McConchie and Huck added more runs for Netherfield, pushing their score onto 190 runs before Huck was bowled out by Ullah for 30 runs. Richard Everett keeping wicket (Image: Supplied) More wickets followed in quick succession before professional McConchie was stumped after scoring 76. Settle began to regain some equilibrium when Will Davidson claimed the wicket of Lee Hogg before bowling out Dave Darley. By this stage, Netherfield was at 207-8 before Wileman and Oliver Sanday upped the score to 251. Cole Mcconchie (Image: Supplied) Sanday was caught by Will Vause, bowled by Davidson, after an impressive 18 runs off 24 balls. The game saw Wileman stay undefeated with 25 off 37 balls, helping Netherfield close at 257-8 off 50 overs. Settle started strong in their reply with Davidson and Zane Nirodi posting a first-wicket partnership of 48. Isaac Medhurst (Image: Supplied) Matt Jackson claimed the wicket of Nirodi before Isaac Medhurst took Davidson out of the equation. Settle's resilience began to wane as further wickets tumbled thanks to the protean Netherfield fielding, which included additional wickets for Jackson, Medhurst, Sanday, and McConchie. Netherfield will now play an away game against Garstang before heading to Leyland in the 40 Over Cup Semi-Final.
BBC News
17-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Wildlife trust tells dog owners to keep pets on leads at reserves
Dog owners have been warned to keep their pets on leads at nature reserves after a series of incidents where dogs have attacked people and Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire put out the caution after a sheep was killed by a loose dog at Pegsdon Hills nature reserve in Bedfordshire, despite signage stating dogs must be kept on leads at all times. It added the Nene Valley Special Protection Area (SPA), which covers the Nene Wetlands, Summer Leys and Titchmarsh nature reserves, has employed an officer to engage with dog walkers. Matt Jackson, the trust's conservation director, said: "No-one deserves to feel fear at work or on a nature reserve." "Our conservation officers are simply doing their job and visitors are enjoying these special places," he added. Other incidents include a small dog being killed by a larger dog at Trumpington Meadows in Cambridge, a person being bitten by a dog at Beechwoods Nature Reserve near Cambridge and a reserve officer injured by a dog at Waresley Wood. A study carried out in the Nene Valley found dogs let off the lead were four times more likely to cause a disturbance to dogs on leads. It also found that out of 619 incidents, dogs off the lead were the most common cause of bird disturbances and there had been areas on the reserve where birds had not nested despite it being a good habitat. When sharing the news of the sheep found dead at the Pegsdon Hills reserve, Mr Jackson said it caused distress to staff members. He said: "It's the latest in a line of similar incidents and has caused distress for staff members who work hard to care for these animals and the reserve."He said while responsible dog walkers were welcome, the reserves were for wildlife and people to enjoy. He said: "We're wildlife conservationists and we love all animals, many of us have dogs of our own... our rules state clearly that all nature reserves - aside from a small number of designated areas - are for dogs on leads only, at all times of the year." Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Young Bucks have come a long way with AEW, but the ride isn't over yet
For Matt and Nick Jackson, their legacy as the Young Bucks goes far beyond the squared circle. As they prepare to walk into Arlington's Globe Life Field on Saturday for AEW All In: Texas, they'll have yet another moment to reflect on just how far they've come. Less than 10 years after packing more than 10,000 fans into the inaugural All In — an independent show in Chicago that became the catalyst for the birth of AEW — more than double that audience is expected to shuffle into the promotion's biggest North American show to date this weekend. Advertisement 'From running that first event several years ago in Chicago, when getting 10,000 people into an arena sounded impossible, to seeing it grow into an annual stadium show, where this year we'll have 20,000-plus fans in attendance, it really does blow my mind,' Matt Jackson tells Uncrowned. 'I'm humbled to have had the pleasure to take part in this movement from the very beginning. To be able to say not only was I there, but I helped it all happen, that'll probably be my biggest wrestling legacy. I get to perform on the show I helped create, in the company I am a founding father of, a company that has succeeded so much more than even I could have ever imagined, company that forever will be called Elite, long after I'm gone.' Six years into its tenure, AEW has worked through the growing pains that came with starting up a new promotion. Weekly television is now humming along, and AEW has had one of the best stretches in the promotion's history. That's quite different from the early days of AEW, which Nick refers to lovingly as a 'mom and pop setting.' 'I remember early on, we'd help set up the merchandise stands and help tear it down,' Nick says. 'Now, of course, we have an entire department for merchandise, so it's so funny to see how things have changed.' Advertisement At the beginning, AEW was finding its way, Matt adds. 'For many of us, we'd never worked on a weekly television show. We weren't necessarily all polished. But watching old shows now, there really is a bit of charm to that. It made the show feel a bit young and renegade,' he says. 'There were a ton of wrestlers who hadn't yet been exposed to that large of an audience, so there was a freshness to it. Some of the first episodes could be all over the place. I think we were figuring out which formula worked best. But man, the excitement was incredible.' AEW has evolved over time, taking lessons from wrestling history, establishing firm international partnerships, and carving paths that few could have anticipated at the start. Advertisement And while stars have come and gone since the very early days, the two men at the top of Saturday's card — Jon Moxley and 'Hangman' Adam Page — have been AEW staples since near the very beginning. Page was one of AEW's very first signings, an Elite holdover who had all the tools to be the face of the promotion. Moxley was a shock debut at Double or Nothing, the promotion's inaugural pay-per-view event in 2019, immediately adding even more credibility to the top of the card as an established main event talent. 'Jon was one of the first people who came over and it was truly shocking at the time. He's been a locker room leader the entire time, and has worked so hard from the beginning,' Matt says. 'You talk about consistency, and drive, you're talking about Jon. Even times when we weren't able to be around, Jon was always there to help guide the crew. I don't think he gets enough credit for what he's done to make AEW thrive.' Advertisement Moxley has been one of the most consistent top talents in the promotion and is often referred to as a stabilizing force both in the ring and behind the scenes. Nick emphasizes Moxley's contributions alongside the Death Riders, calling them the 'glue' that's helped hold AEW together over the last year. 'Moxley is the MVP and he's always been the playmaker when we're down a few points. You can always rely on him to get us a bucket,' Nick says. 'Meanwhile, Adam Page is our main character. When he's on top and when he's the main event, the show just feels right. He's grown so much as a performer and he's literally grown as a character in front of the wrestling world. At the very first All Out, fans didn't want to see him be the champion then, and now they're begging for it. When you're able to change the fans' perspective on things like that, you know you're damn good.' Hangman, in Matt's eyes, 'was always supposed to be the main character of AEW.' From the beginning, it was clear Page had the chops to be world champion. The run to his first taste of heavyweight gold was expertly curated. And only Page could follow that up with easily the best long-term men's storytelling in the promotion's history. Advertisement His journey has been scintillating, from a broken cowboy to a lunatic obsessed with anyone who'd ever wronged him. Eventually he came out on the other side, determined to not just win the title, but also be the face of the company. 'His attention to detail, his patience and discipline not to rush things, and his ability to captivate an audience are all on another planet. I think he stands alone in that field. He's one of the chosen ones,' Matt says. 'Every now and again, someone comes along that fans imprint themselves on. That person becomes 'their guy.' I don't have that. My brother doesn't have that. We're easier to root against. Hangman has it. And I think the fact that he is an AEW original really resonates with our audience. It's almost like we're a sports franchise that luckily drafted a star player. There's extra pride that he's only always worn our jersey.' Moxley and Page have all the tools to put on another instant classic in their AEW World Championship Texas Deathmatch at All In, taking the lead on what's expected to be the promotion's best total show in its history. Advertisement The event will also include the Young Bucks putting their onscreen Executive Vice President titles on the line against Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay, where a loss would block both from world title shots for a year. The match brings arguably the best tag team in the world into the ring with two of the most talented individual wrestlers. The fallout will be fascinating, potentially drawing to a conclusion the dynamic that has seen the Bucks seemingly call their own shots as the promotion's onscreen EVPs. Nick says they've always known how to get under people's skin, to the point where, 'people actually think we're bad human beings because we play these characters pretty dang good.' He says playing the EVP characters has been a blast, and is maybe the most fun that he's had since AEW started. Advertisement 'It really has been incredibly fun leaning in on all the things people accuse us of being. I remember back in the beginning, arguing with someone that going public about having a major job title in the company is probably a bad idea if we want to be cheered ever again as wrestlers,' Matt says. 'So using it in this way all these years later has definitely made the most sense. It's for sure helped us garner more heat, and given us a new tool to work with the last couple of years on screen. I think there's so much left to explore too, shall we have that opportunity to do so.' Despite a catalog of matches, moments, and being considered one of the all-time great tag teams even before AEW's formation, Matt says it feels like the last six years have informed what they're most known for. 'It feels like all of the stuff that happened before AEW was just leading to everything we're now doing,' Matt says. Advertisement 'In wrestling, most people are insatiable and always looking for more. Am I like everyone else? I like to think I feel fulfilled and satisfied. That I can sit back on a recliner with a cup of coffee, and tell old war stories to the kids, and have a full stomach. But then at the same time, I still have this drive in me to be the best, and have the most incredible matches every time I'm booked. Clearly, there's still something deep in me that wants to prove something.' For a tag team that's done virtually everything — and individuals who can hang their hat on being involved in the development, launch, and success of AEW — the Young Bucks' creative fulfillment continues to come from an involvement in the promotion and weekly conversations with AEW CEO Tony Khan. 'We collaborate with him all the time and I think he enjoys it almost as much as we do,' Nick continues. The passion for the business is overflowing for the Bucks. Matt says he has ideas and thoughts around spots in matches, lines in a promo, or a storyline beat that he has to get out of his brain — or else he becomes so consumed he can't sleep. Advertisement At the root of their motivation is continuing to perfect a craft that they can be proud of. Both Matt and Nick echo sentiments of creating a body of work that they can look back on and be happy about, and something their families can appreciate as well. 'I still feel like a kid too, and getting the approval of my parents is more meaningful than 10,000 strangers,' Matt says. 'All of those reasons are why I'm always trying to step up and reinvent myself. We're always trying to change up our look, and presentation. This time we decided to come back looking different — both leaner, and moving younger. It's an ever-evolving business, and next month will be 21 years as wrestlers, so we don't plan on being left behind.' Matt and Nick's time as certified bad guys could be over at the weekend's conclusion. Or maybe their evolution will continue to change the business in a way that's completely in line with the Young Bucks' career trajectory. Advertisement For this moment in time, though, and before the weekend whisks away another night of magic, the Bucks are grateful for the ride thus far. 'Words can't even describe the rollercoaster it's been for the last six-plus years,' Nick says. 'I think when you're in the middle of it, you don't realize how big it is. But I'm so very blessed to have had this opportunity.'
Glasgow Times
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
EPL side 'set' to enter bidding for Rangers' Nicolas Raskin
The Belgian enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign, impressing with his midfield displays and contributing to 16 goals in 48 appearances. His future has been a major topic of discussion in recent weeks. Read more: And Wolves, who finished 16th in England's top flight last season, have been closely tracking Raskin's progress for over 18 months, claims RecordSport. It is said that they are 'set' to enter the bidding for the 24-year-old. Matt Jackson, who was recently appointed director of player recruitment and development at Molineux, reportedly believes that the Rangers man is ready to handle the step up in level from the Scottish top flight to the Premier League. Raskin currently has two years left on his Ibrox deal. "Look, I've been enjoying myself this season and it's not so often that you can enjoy yourself in a club," he said towards the end of last campaign. "I'm really happy here. I've got two more seasons in my contract. So as long as the club wants me, I'll be here and then we'll see what happens."
