Basically, you can place a 10% deposit on any cabin securing it at that price. Di Vapor will then hold the cabin for you (until you require delivery) at no extra cost. A great service that one should take full advantage of!

Di Vapor January Sale

What are you waiting for? Head over today to Di Vapor see the full range!

In 2011, they received 1,235 hoax calls and many more inappropriate ones. Requests to attend broken fingernails, change light bulbs, provide lifts home and fix broken TV remote controls are just a few examples.

The Healthy Hideout is in full support of the new campaign video – Show your support by viewing the video below:

Colder winter months can make getting yourself motivated very difficult, but it’s important to stay positive and avoid hibernating as the cold snap passes by. To give yourself the correct kind of kick-start, why try yourself a mini detox to help shake away the cobwebs – The following shortlist should help you get started.

Start your January Detox now!

Cut out & Cut down

The first step you can take is a fairly straight forward “cutting out” stage, where you want to look at cutting any fish, meat, dairy, sugar, refined carbs and fatty foods from your diet for at least 2 weeks. Look to replace these dropped food groups with fresher, organic wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables. Keep your eye out for members of the Brassicaceae family such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and even Brussels sprouts (you can see just how great Brussels sprouts by reading our previous article).

In addition to the vegetable overload you’ll want to add plenty of fresh fruit along with raw seeds, nuts, and legumes such as chickpeas, adzuki beans and lentils. Legumes are a great addition to any meal, whilst providing a highly beneficial sustenance to your body during your detox. By sticking to such a limited diet packed with nutrients and pretty much everything your body’s been crying out these past couple of weeks, you’ll find yourself set up and ready to start the year properly.

Take your detox into another gear!

If you feel like taking your detox to the next level (although many of you might find it difficult) cut out all the caffeine. Replace your standard cup of black coffee with a mug of green tea – Peppermint or nettle are great stimulants for your kidneys. We also suggest that during your entire detox stage, keep water levels high enough to ensure your body is well hydrated. To keep things simple, aim for at least 1-2 litres per day.

If you’re feeling adventurous then you could try your hand at a few “Vitamin packed” juices. A blend of carrot, beetroot, apple and cucumber juice is particular high in levels of the good stuff, whilst providing a much needed energy boost for the dark winter mornings. Before you know it, February will be here and your body will be ready for yet another packed year. You may even find yourself ditching coffee for a fresh fruit juice!

Will you be taking part in a detox this January? Perhaps you’d like to share you experiences by leaving a comment below.

One last thing – We’d like to wish every one of our Healthy Hideout readers a very happy new year. Thank you for all the support we had in 2011 – We hope to provide even more in 2012.

Christmas Day can be healthy too!

1. Clementines- A popular fruit at Christmas, this little gem is packed with vitamin C, thiamin, potassium and dietary fibre. They are naturally high in sugar but swap a few mince pies for these when you crave something sweet, at only 35 calories each they are a saintly snack.

2. Chestnuts - Often overshadowed by their popular counterpart-the Brussels sprout, this nut contains high levels of vitamin C, lower fat content than other types of nut and high levels of minerals, in particular potassium. Potassium is highly rated for helping lower blood pressure (often running high in the stressful Christmas season) and heart rate.

3. Carrots- Rudolph’s preferred mid-present delivery snack. From the taproot family of vegetables, high in vitamins, minerals and beta-carotene. Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A by the body which helps with visual function and frontline bodily defense against infections and diseases. These will help keep away the dreaded ‘Christmas colds’ and other festive spirit-dampening ailments.

4. Turkey- Trussed and carved, the ultimate centrepiece for any Christmas Dinner table. Turkey is a lean meat which is low in saturated fat but high in protein and phosphorus which is essential for bone and teeth growth, not to mention it is a main component of every body cell.

5. Brussels Sprouts – Either love them or hate them, this Christmas dinner Brassica is without doubt full of good things (even if they smell somewhat suspect). Sprouts contain a whole host of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin K can be found in each one of these little green machines, which has been found to help limit neuronal damage and even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s!

6. Parsnips - This taproot is a classic Christmas dinner vegetable. High in fibre( but also natural sugars) this vegetable contains folic acid, vitamin b-6 and pentathenic acid which is known for it’s stress busting properties. Perfect after slaving away in a hot kitchen with hungry mouths to feed!

7. Cranberries – This berry is often sidelined to a table sauce at Christmas, which is high in sugar but the berries themselves are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They contain Manganese, a mineral known for health benefits such as maintaining healthy bones and sugar levels, promoting optimal functioning of the thyroid and for helping the body absorb other key nutrients.

8. Cinnamon - this fragrant spice is full of antioxidants, essential oils and minerals. It has been used for centuries in medicine for its antiseptic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory qualities. It has the highest anti-oxidant level for all natural foods, combating nasty free-radicals. Cinnamon has also been found to have anti-clotting properties, helping reduce the risk of strokes and coronary disease.

9. Smoked salmon - This cured fish is a popular choice for a celebratory brunch or Christmas Party canapés. High in omega-3, this food can help with brain function, cell function and improved cardiovascular function. Other benefits from Omega-3 include improved joint operation and some research has shown it to help alleviate symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis.

Be sure to relax this Christmas!

We touched on this topic lastyear, and the positive feedback from our Twitter followers (@healthyhideout) encouraged us to post an updated version. Why not try a few of the Healthy Hideout’s top 10 ways to unwind this festive month:

Find yourself a little quiet time

Before continuing with anything after arriving home from the office, be sure to spend at least 5 minutes sitting in a quiet place to relax your mind. Close your eyes and breath deeply during this time. It will allow your mind to empty the stress of the working day.

Make the work commute fun!

Enjoy this time by yourself in the car or on the train doing something you enjoy. Why not try taking your favourite novel to work and reading through a few chapters, or perhaps listen to a few of your favourite  musical numbers. You could even throw in a few Christmas classics for good measure!

Try to write everything down

If you have too many things on your mind, or are trying to juggle too many tasks, grab a pen and notepad and start to jot things down. Give yourself a quick time frame for each task, and then work through them one step at a time. There’s simply no point in trying to remember 100 things at once!

Keep your home tidy

Clutter around the house can quickly become overwhelming, and can often make you feel like you’re out of control. Take a few minutes each day to tidy away any mess, and try to keep on top of general cleaning bit by bit.

Leave work, at work

Try to avoid bringing any work from the office to your home. Mixing your working life with the comforts of your home can quickly become stressful. If you must bring work home, try to limit yourself to just a few nights a week.

Drop it at the front door

Get yourself a container or box large enough to hold your work bag or office brief case and place it next to the front door. When you get in from work, put it all in the box and don’t touch it until the next working day.

Take a bath or sauna

The bathroom is often one room in the house with a catch or lock on the door. Run yourself a nice hot bath, lock the door and escape for at least 1 hour. It’ll do wonders for your stress.

Spread your chores

Try not to pack all your “must-do” chores into a single evening. Try doing the laundry one evening, followed by Christmas shopping the next night. Spreading the load makes it easier to handle.

Recognise the ritual

Set yourself a standard “start to the evening” that you’ll look forward to at the end of each day. Even if it’s something as simple as a cup of tea at the dining table. At this point, you know your evening has officially begun.

Play it loud!

Playing enjoyable fun music throughout your home, lifts both you and your families spirits! A few sing-along Christmas carols can’t hurt, so be sure to re inject the Christmas spirit into your home!

With these tips, you’ll find the uncountable stress of Christmas becoming easier to manage. Remember this is the season to be jolly, and Christmas is meant to be enjoyed. How are your Christmas preparations coming along? Many of us at the Healthy Hideout already have our Christmas Trees up!

If you can’t view the video below, see it on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRqfK7vGuQ

Barefoot running trainers are everywhere!

However, there are many runners out there that haven’t taken the plunge just yet for various reasons. Some people are questioning the comfort, whilst others feel that the style doesn’t quite suit them. It may be a good idea for you to consider some alternatives.

Barefoot vs Traditional

“Barefoot running” has quickly established itself as the alternative “correct” way of running, with people ditching their standard running trainers in favour of traditional running trainers. However, some runners find the appeal of running barefoot a little discomforting, with all the dirt and blisters you’re expected to get with using such trainers.

Past medical research believed that runners taking part in long distances were better off wearing supportive, cushioned trainers which encourage the feet to land heel first. Newer research has demonstrated how striking the floor forefoot first (or the ball of your foot) for a more fluid movement allows the runner to cover longer distances quickly, with a decreased chance of injury.

It seems that runner’s around the world like the appeal of barefoot running, but aren’t too happy with the comfort of current models available. Current manufacturers seem to have answered this calling in the best manner, by offering a new generation of running trainer that appear to fill the gap. A running shoe which works with the natural movement of your legs, whilst providing the sensation of running bare foot with a more substantial sole.

Some current “barefoot trainers” simply feel like thick plastic socks – This new generation of trainers offer more protection without inhibiting the wearer’s running style.

As with any fitness equipment, don’t think you can just jump into any new model and expect comfort and results. Running with barefoot style trainers requires significantly stronger lower legs. In order to avoid any long term injury, be sure to break yourself into them slowly – I’m sure bruised ankles don’t appeal to anyone!

We’ll be doing a large review feature on some of the best running trainers available on the market next week – Be sure to check back when you have a moment.

Be sure to watch the video – The visualisation work is excellent! Click below to watch:

‘Awareness of Dupuytren’s contracture is low but there are ongoing developments in the area and there are various treatment options available’ says Consultant Hand Surgeon, Mr Mike Hayton. The campaign seeks to spread the word about the disease, and highlight the importance of visiting your GP if you think you have it. Early diagnosis is very beneficial by preventing progression and further damage to the hand.

For more information and advice on recognising the signs and symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease or contracture, please visit the new website at: www.itisinyourhands.co.uk and show your support.

The Healthy Hideout is more than willing to feature and support and good causes across the globe. If you wish for your event to be featured, be sure to get in touch via Twitter @healthyhideout or via our contact page.

Eat heartily and maintain a healthy heart!

We only get the gift of life once, so we may as well take full advantage of it!

The following tips are simple changes that anyone can make, whilst maintaining a healthy lifestyle and not spending a great deal:

Enjoy every minute of life

Many studies have shown how individuals who laugh more have lives filled with lots of activity, greatly reducing the risk of falling victim to any heart conditions. As we age, the day will come when we decide to “fly the nest,” leave our parents’ homes and sign our very own mortgage agreements. Adult responsibilities such as these tend to result in the fun & games coming to a sudden stop, one that you must be prepared for. Try to maintain your inner child by having some “childlike” fun in your everyday lives – It’ll help your health and wellbeing, whilst maintaining a healthy heart.

Don’t underestimate the power of relaxation

As we get older and our lives begin to progress through the natural stages of “getting older,” it can be very easy to forget about relaxation. Life quickly begins to gather uncontrollable pace as more needs doing, time is spent with different people doing different things, and sometimes stress levels can grow at an alarming pace. Stress increases the risk of heart disease – something that nobody needs. As the world revolves around you at a seemingly blinding speed, a speed that you can’t control, forgetting about yourself is easily done. Try to dedicate a time in the day to get away from it all in order to relax your mind. Whether its yoga, reading your favourite book, or going for a wander around the block, just be sure to give yourself time to gather and rearrange your thoughts.

Perhaps a glass of red?

Recent studies by the British Heart foundation (http://www.bhf.org.uk) have demonstrated how people who choose to drink a glass of wine with their evening meal could drastically lower their chance of heart disease risk by at least 30 per cent. There’s some truth in believing that a small amount of alcohol enjoyed each day with food or as a way to relax, may be better than practising abstinence. Of course drinking alcohol in this way is a lot better than drinking excessive amounts. Red wine in particular is associated with helping to maintain a strong and healthy heart.

Make your very own home spa haven

Knowing that spending time relaxed as opposed to being stressed can almost halve heart disease risk, so why not create your own relaxation haven in the comfort of your own home? Ensure there’s plenty of natural light, perhaps some soothing music topped with a large abundance of fresh flowers. These are just a handful of possible ideas that may work for you, but if you’re lucky enough to have a larger budget you could look into installing a personal sauna or steam room. Be sure to have a dedicated quiet space in your home to ensure you have a place to think without distraction.

Settle your soul

Believing in yourself can drastically help to keep you mentally grounded, whilst effortlessly helping to maintain a clear focus on what matters. Many studies have shown that people who utilise positive words such as “hope” and “joy” tend to outlive pessimistic counterparts by almost a decade. Why not try to embrace all the good things in your life, rather than focusing on the negatives – Without stating the obvious, being a state of happiness is better for your mental state than one of anger.

Enjoy others and party!

Our state of mind is far healthier when in the company of family and friends that we know and love. Don’t be one that makes excuses by not having enough time for others by surrounding yourself with family and friends. By helping yourself to be in a healthy mental state, your body will feel relaxed so your heart doesn’t have any extra strain.

You’ll do wonders for your state of mind and wellbeing, without even making an effort.

Pumpkin seeds make a great healthy snack!

But here at the Healthy Hideout, we like to do things a little differently. Instead of spending money on some of the best make-up products available in the marketplace, why not spend your money on some super skin improving foods. The following short-list contains just a few examples:

1. Pumpkin Seeds

Halloween is now over and the pumpkins are starting to look a little sad. We certainly hope that you’d kept the pumpkin seeds from the carving stage, as they are packed with pro-skin nutrients. Bland bird food for people who don’t understand them, pumpkin seeds have been known to be packed with high levels of zinc. Zinc is very important for fighting infection and speeding up the skin healing process. Pumpkin seeds also contain essential fats which can help keep the skin feeling soft & supple whilst helping to reducing acne.

2. Oily Fish

Cold weather can leave the skin feeling dry and “shrivelled” – keeping it covered with hats and scarfs isn’t great for it either. Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish have been shown to contain a compound called astaxanthin which can help skin feel conditioned and supple. Find it abundant in salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines – don’t overdo it though. Nutritionists believe that eating oily fish at least two to three times a week is plenty.

3. Green Tea

Drinking green tea should already be part of your everyday diet, and if it isn’t we highly recommend you look into it. The health benefits from green tea are endless, helping to boost metabolism, improve skin condition and can combat heart disease. Green tea contains flavenoids, a class of antioxidant that really benefits the skin, providing protection from dangerous UV radiation and sunburn whilst helping to maintain skin structure.

4. Tomatoes

Is it a fruit or a vegatable? Well, it is infact a fruit, and a pretty clever one at that. Found in pretty much everything from salads to pasta dishes and stews, it tastes great both raw and cooked. Tomatoes contain a substance called lycopene – a powerful carotenoid antioxidant found in all red fruits and vegatables which helps promote a clearer, softer skin texture. Lycopene becomes more potent when cooked, so don’t be afraid to throw your tomatoes under the grill before eating!

5. Blueberries

Very well recognised as a super food that’s worth picking up when you’re in the supermarket, blueberries have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants amongst fruits and vegetables. They also contain a high level of anthocyanidins which help to keep skin feeling plump and fresh. High levels of vitamin C also help toward skin healing as well as providing a huge boost for your immune system. Be sure to drop a few in your cereal tomorrow morning!