The latest in the theory test saga.  Sorry if you are now as confused as we are, we will try and get some clarification on Monday.

Some quotes from members:

“Well I’ve always thought the management of the DVSA was flakey, but they have surpassed themselves now.

I have forwarded your email to my MP, Dame Cheryl Gillan (cons), asking that she approach the appropriate Minister to make him aware of the incompetence of his civil servants.”

“I’m really annoyed at DVSA – this communication is worse than poor & very very unfair on our Customers.
I have half a dozen customers who have had theory tests cancelled twice already & whilst I was sympathetic with DVSA on the previous two occasions and they did email my customers with a decent amount of notice at the time! This time not one of my students has had an email informing them that their Theory Test has been cancelled again! Two of them are due to take their Test early next week (2nd & 3rd June) The student who has booking for Tuesday 2nd has booked time off work & the absence of notification of cancelled Test at this late stage is appallingly bad!”

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You may find this from Martin Lewis of interest.  It’s what he would have asked the Chancellor IF he’d been allowed.  What a shame he couldn’t.

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A lot of people have been finding they are eating more than they should during the lockdown.  So this week Annabel gives some suggestions for weight loss.

Weight Loss

Numerous claims to losing weight include eating less and exercising more, others that low fat is the only option, while others prescribe cutting out carbohydrates altogether.

Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” solution to permanent healthy weight loss. What works for one person may not work for you, since our bodies respond differently to different foods.

10 quick tips to losing weight and keeping it off:-

1. Eat a high protein breakfast.  This could reduce cravings and calorie intake throughout the day.
2. Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juice. These are among the most fattening things you can put into your body.
3. Drink water before meals. Drinking water a half hour before meals increases weight loss.
4. Choose weight-loss-friendly foods. Some foods are better for weight loss than others.
5. Eat soluble fibre. Studies show that soluble fibres may promote weight loss.
6. Drink coffee or tea. Caffeine boosts the metabolism.
7. Base your diet on whole foods. They are healthier, more filling and much less likely to cause overeating than processed foods.
8. Eat slowly. Eating slowly makes you feel fuller and boosts weight-reducing hormones.
9. Weigh yourself more than once a week. Studies show that people who weigh themselves frequently are much more likely to lose weight and keep it off for a long time.
10. Get good quality sleep.  Poor sleep is one of the biggest risk factors for weight gain.  Lack of sleep stimulates your appetite so you want more food than normal.

Losing weight too fast can take a toll on your mind and body, making you feel sluggish, drained and sick. Aim to lose one to two pounds a week so you’re losing fat rather than water and muscle.

Use tools to track your progress. Smartphone apps, fitness trackers, or keeping a diary can help you keep track of the food you eat, the calories you burn and the weight you lose.  Seeing the results written down can really keep you motivated.

Decrease the amount of sugar and refined carbs.  Fill up with fruit, vegetables and fibre.  Even if you’re cutting calories, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to eat less food. High-fibre foods such as fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains are higher in volume and take longer to digest, making them filling and great for weight-loss.

Eat vegetables raw or steamed, not fried or breaded and dress them with herbs and spices or a little olive oil for flavour.

Add fruit to low sugar cereal – blueberries, strawberries, sliced bananas. You’ll still enjoy lots of sweetness but with fewer calories, less sugar and more fibre.

Bulk out sandwiches by adding healthy veggie choices like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and avocado.

Snack on carrots or celery with hummus instead of a high-calorie chips and dips.

Serve yourself smaller portions. Use small plates, bowls and cups to make your portions appear larger.

Lack time for any exercise? Three 10-minute spurts of exercise a day can be just as good as one 30-minute session.

Start off slowly with small amounts of physical activity each day. Then as you start to lose weight and have more energy, you’ll find it easier to become more physically active.

Find exercise you enjoy. Try walking, dancing, hiking, cycling, playing frisbee with a dog, or playing activity-based video games with your family.

Summary – To keep weight off our bodies requires a holistic approach. So for the best results, a combination of eating healthy and regular exercise should be incorporated.

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Do remember we have a team of people willing to listen to anyone who is struggling.  Please don’t struggle alone, any of the following people will be an ear without judgment.

Tony            07900 571 774

Christine     01502 713141

Andrew       07812 537 562

Jilly               07765 362 384 (not available 8-10am)

Sue              07841 533390

Neil              07878 168 914

Parv             07712 620 069

George        07415 651 974

Peter           07918 108 577

Bryan          07976 293 721

Tina             07870 439 764 (evenings only)

Debbie        07904 411 747 (not available Tues, Thurs, Sun 3-7pm)

Lin               07710 418 965

Graham      07974 814 116

 

 

 

If you would like to join the ADINJC there is more information on our website.

 

 

 

Whilst our newsflashes are normally a benefit of membership of the ADINJC, during this national emergency we want to share information as widely as possible, so please feel free to pass this on.  We are stronger together.

 

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

 

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444

The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

HMRC Helpline:  0800 0159 559

Citizens Advice Bureau – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/

You can sign up to receive Government updates on Coronavirus relating to driving tests here.

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.