Hello There,

What wonderful sunny, Spring weather we have been enjoying this week!

It is such a mood booster and definitely something that helped me this week following the bereavement of someone very special to me. Thank you for some very lovely and thoughtful messages. 

Mindfulness and tapping has helped too and also having the focus of the Spring Reset with some amazing ladies. 

So here we are and its almost Easter , although it seems all things Easter have been in the shops since the New Year!! We are bombarded with chocolate everywhere it seems, the temptation to try, buy, or stock up early is relentless. 

Chocolate of the right kind and in moderation can  have health benefits  - read this weeks 'Health Matters' to find out more along with tips to cope with Easter. For me I ask friends and family as always not to buy chocolate for me, thus avoiding the temptation. However do see 'Food Matters' where I have posted a Reset favourite recipe too - and it contains chocolate!!!!!

The Spring Reset as mentioned is underway and I am enjoying the discipline now of 'fine tuning' and fueling with super nutrition ahead of the London Marathon just over 2 weeks away now! Read this weeks training blog and fundraising update - which continues so very well.

Have a great week and I'll see you in classes and online

Love Lindsey xxx

This Week>>>

• Health Matters: Chocolate, Easter ...and You!
• Marathon Blog : 2 weeks to go!
• Race For Life 2025: Enter Now
• Food Matters: Chilli Chicken Soup  (contains chocolate!)
• Celebrant Services
• Book Your Lindsey Fitness Classes
• Lindsey Fitness Running Club Events

The Sweet Health Benefits of Chocolate: 

A Guide to Enjoying Easter Treats in Moderation

Easter is a time of celebration, renewal, and, for many, indulgence in chocolate treats. While it's easy to get carried away with the abundance of chocolate eggs and bunnies, it's important to remember that moderation is key to enjoying these sweets without compromising our health. Interestingly, chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation. Let's explore these benefits and how you can enjoy your Easter treats responsibly.

Health Benefits of Chocolate

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is loaded with powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, which help combat free radicals in the body. These antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Heart Health: Consuming dark chocolate in moderation has been linked to improved heart health. The flavonoids in chocolate can enhance blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease by improving the function of blood vessels.
3. Mood Booster: Chocolate contains compounds like phenylethylamine (PEA), which can enhance mood and promote feelings of happiness. Eating chocolate triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, which can help reduce stress and improve mood.
4. Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that the flavonoids in dark chocolate may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Regular, moderate consumption might enhance memory and learning.
5. Skin Health: Flavonoids in chocolate can also protect the skin from sun damage, improve skin hydration, and increase blood flow to the skin, promoting a healthy complexion.

Tips for Enjoying Chocolate in Moderation

1. Choose Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to maximise health benefits. It contains more antioxidants and less sugar compared to milk chocolate.
2. Portion Control: Enjoy small portions of chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging. A small piece of high-quality dark chocolate can be more satisfying than larger quantities of sugary milk chocolate.
3. Mindful Eating: Savour each bite of chocolate by eating slowly and mindfully. This practice can enhance your enjoyment and prevent overeating.
4. Balance with Healthy Foods: Pair chocolate with healthy foods like nuts, fruits, or yogurt to create a balanced snack that offers nutritional benefits.
5. Limit Frequency: Reserve chocolate treats for special occasions  rather than a daily indulgence, to maintain a healthy balance.

Conclusion

As Easter approaches, remember that chocolate can be a delightful part of your celebration when enjoyed in moderation. By choosing high-quality dark chocolate and practicing mindful eating, you can indulge in the sweet pleasures of Easter while reaping the health benefits that chocolate has to offer. Celebrate responsibly please!!!!!

Happy Easter.

FITNESS EVENTS FOR YOU, FAMILY & FRIENDS.........

SUNDAY 18th MAY 2025

The Welwyn Hatfield Cancer Research Race for Life is back for 2025, and we need your support more than ever. This annual event is not just about running; it's about coming together as a community to stand against cancer and support groundbreaking research that saves lives. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, your participation can make a significant difference in the fight against cancer.

Join us for the Welwyn Hatfield Cancer Research Race for Life 2025 and be a part of something truly special. Together, we can make strides in the fight against cancer and bring hope to countless lives. Lace up your trainers, bring your determination, and let's race for life.

Stroll IT, Walk IT, Jog IT, Run IT - Just DO IT!

FOOD MATTERS >>>>>

 Chilli Chicken Soup with Dark Chocolate:

INGREDIENTS:

• A little coconut oil for frying
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6  boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 green chilli finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 600ml chicken broth/stock
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 grated carrot
• 1/2 grated courgette
• 1 can (400g) kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 30g 70% Dark Chocolate  dark chocolate finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Sauté the onion in a little oil in a deep saucepan for 10 minutes, stirring now and then
• Add the garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper and chillies, grated carrot, courgette and chicken stock, season well and bring to a simmer.
• Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat in the spices.
• Pour in the chopped tomatoes, carrot, courgette and chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
• Simmer for 20 minutes, then add the kidney beans and chocolate, simmer for a further 10 minutes.
• Serve with a good dollop of greek yoghurt.

This recipe combines the savoury flavours of chili chicken soup with the subtle richness of dark chocolate, creating a unique and delicious dish- ENJOY!

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-TCS London Marathon Blog 2025 - 

The ' Very Last One' !!!........2  weeks to go >>>>

....and suddenly we are almost there. I am now tapering my runs leading up to the big day. Last Sunday was a 10km distance really to check out my injured quad muscle after the 19 mile run the week before. It was all good , so I enjoyed a very pleasant sunny morning run  with Gary , Frank the Vizsla and Mark. It was also  the last run with my Marathon Sister Natalie who heads off to France on Friday for the Paris Marathon this Sunday. It will be her 4th Paris marathon and I am so excited for her. I will certainly be following her progress on the app on her big day.

So the final two weeks of preparation for me physically with an 8 mile run on Sunday and mental preparation for 26.2 miles on the day itself!

 Checkout the fundraising update below...... just fantastic!!!!

Fundraising for the Welwyn Hatfield Parkinson's Group is now through £1600, at a fantastic £1606.00 (including cash donations)

I can't thank you enough 

£1606.00 SO FAR!

Thank you so muchly xxx

CELEBRANT SERVICES >>>>>

As many now know I am also operating as an Independent Family Celebrant, a role I take as both an honour and a privilege for the families I am entrusted to.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch or pass on my details if I may be of any help at a time of loss or of celebration to you or someone you know.

Fun, friendly, achievable workouts for all ages, levels and abilities - if you are new to exercise you'll be made very welcome .... or if you haven't been for a while it'll be a great welcome return - get in touch for your first session FREE!