Pick Your Own: Wimbledon or The World Cup?

Whichever event you prefer, it is a well known fact that sporting tournaments are good for your health and happiness. As Wimbledon kicks off, albeit under the shadow of World Cup hysteria, we can look forward to 2 weeks of unpredictable weather, strawberries and cream, Pimms and lemonade and tasty tennis totty in tight white shorts guaranteed to get our pulses racing. We haven't had a home victory since 1977 but tennis is still very close to the hearts of the British public. It is a clear sign that the summer is well and truly upon us and of course Wimbledon just wouldn't be Wimbledon without strawberries, so here are some interesting facts and figures on the nation's favourite berry.

Strawberry Super Facts

• Roughly 27,000kg of strawberries and 7,000 litres of cream are eaten during wimbledon.
• There may be plenty of seeds playing in Wimbledon this year but did you know that there are approximately 200 seeds in the average strawberry.
• 8 strawberries provide more vitamin C than a single orange.
• Along with raspberries they belong to the rose family.
• Strawberries are bursting with cholesterol zapping flavanoids, which gives them their rich red colour.
• Each and every strawberry is a treasure trove of nutrients and are extremely beneficial to our health; an average serving provides zero fat, only 27 calories, 110% of our daily vitamin C requirement and are excellent sources of fibre and folate.
• The Romans were very fond of strawberries and used them to treat fainting, melancholy, fever, inflammation, sore throats, gout, halitosis and diseases of the blood, spleen and kidneys.
• Medieval stone masons decorated alters and pillars in places of worship with strawberries to symbolise righteousness and perfection.
• They are symbolic of Venus, the goddess of love, due to their red colour and heart shape.
• According to folklore, if you break a double strawberry in half and share it with someone you fancy they will fall in love with you.

So there you have it, there is definitely more to the humble strawberry than meets the eye. Not only do they look gorgeous and taste delicious, they also have symbolic, historical and medicinal qualities. If strawberries are so healthy and make us feel so happy why on earth do we spoil them with cream? "But it makes them tastes so good" I hear you say! Unfortunately 3 tablespoons of double cream contains approximately 17g of fat which is 25% of a woman's recommended daily amount! So, if the flavour of strawberries on their own isn't enough what else could you do to jazz up your strawberries?

• Soya yoghurt
• Organic bio yoghurt
• A sophisticated and very tasty option is to add black pepper - I know it sounds horrible but don't knock it until you've tried it!
• OK, let's be realistic. If you really must have cream or ice cream then why not opt for organic versions and then at least you'll be minimising your intake of harmful chemicals.

Have you ever seen a fat tennis player?

This is the time of year when every man and his dog (and woman) take up tennis. Does Wimbledon inspire you to boost your health and fitness by dusting down your racket, digging out your whiter than whites and hitting the courts?

Well, if you know what's good for you it's a great place to start. Here's why:

• It will help you to lose weight by improving your metabolism, stamina, strength and flexibility. Tennis is an excellent calorie zapper; in just one hour you can burn between 400 and 700 calories, which is more than cycling but slightly less than running.
• It will boost your happiness because lets face it, it's fun! The mental health charity Mind have reported that 83% of people with mental health concerns have successfully used exercise to help their conditions. According to Dr Joan Frinn, of Southern Conneticut State University, tennis players have higher health esteem and a more optimistic outlook on life whilst suffering from less depression and tension. Just think of 'Tiger" Tim's hopes of beating Roger Federer...Enough said!
• It's great for stress bunnies. What could be better than whacking a tennis ball around the court after a stressful day in the office? "New balls please!"
• It will help keep your heart healthy. Research in th US found that regular exercise, like tennis, can cut the risks of developing heart disease by 50% Not only does it get your heart pumping, it also helps to lower your blood pressure.
• It's good for the neurons! Tennis requires tactical thought and therefore helps to generate new and stronger connections between the nerves in your brain making you smarter and sharper as a result.
• It's good for your social life. Joining a tennis club or playing with your friends and family is a great way to meet new people and create solid relationships.
• It helps to boost your vitamin D. Tennis can be played outside so you get the double bonus of fresh air and vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. However don't forget your sunscreen!

So, what if all this talk of exercise just makes you feel even more tired?

Fear not, the delicious Mr Paul Bettany is here to save the day! Why not snuggle up on the sofa with a bowl of strawberries and watch 'Wimbledon', the sparkling and charming feel good Brit flick starring Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany. It might be a little on the cheesy side but who cares!

If you'd like to find out more about how life coaching can improve your health and happiness or to book your complimentary, no obligation introductory session then please get in touch info@charlottehunter.co.uk I'd love to hear from you.

Wishing you a healthy & happy summer

Charlotte x