Eat Well, Live Well - Give a little - gain a lot

Ever dropped a coin in a collection box, sponsored a friend to do a charity run, or been moved to pledge a donation over the phone after a disaster?

If you can say yes to any of the above, then give yourself a big pat on the back. You're not only helping people you've never met, you're also giving yourself a boost in both body and mind.

And now, Ryvita® has teamed up with Asda to raise money for the Tickled Pink campaign, which helps improve the lives of people with breast cancer. Here's three great reasons to join us...

You'll feel like a lottery winner

In 2006, researchers asked subjects to decide whether to donate to charity or not while having their brains scanned. They found that the parts of the brain which were activated while giving money away are the same parts that 'light up' when we actually receive money. So there's actually a scientific reason for that warm glow we get when we've done a good deed and sacrificed some of our hard-earned cash for the good of others.

Want a warm glow? Try: pledging a monthly amount, sponsoring a friend, donating unwanted possessions to charity

Great for: those who are short on time but long on goodwill

It's cheaper than the gym - and more fun than dieting!

Taking part in volunteer activities to raise money or help out in the community can keep you more active and therefore much more healthy. A recent US study of women over 60 discovered that those who regularly helped out in their local schools burned twice as many calories as the one who didn't. And because the women enjoyed volunteering so much, they kept it up over several years.

Want the health benefits? Try: training for a charity run, helping out in a hospice, helping kids to read or play a sport

Great for: those who have time to spare

It'll keep you smiling

It takes organisation to get everyone at work to bring in a cake to sell. It takes self-confidence to persuade your hubby and his mates to get their heads shaved. And it takes dedication to keep pounding the pavement with your collecting tin in the pouring rain. Whatever you choose to do, raising money will use skills you thought you never had, or haven't thought about for years. Keeping your mind active will lower your risk of depression, sharpen your memory and could even help ward off dementia. And if you've been out of the workplace for a while, there's no better way to give your confidence a boost.

Want a mental health boost? Try: organising a local event, becoming a trustee or school governor

Great for: anyone who wants to give time and skills

Giving to charity and winning the lottery

http://www.pnas.org/content/103/42/15623.full?sid=062792d4-97b9-46ea-b9ad-d652036c512c

Volunteering and calorie burning

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-02/tgso-owf022609.php

Health benefits and depression risk

http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=687