Healthy Living
Individuals typically blame advertising and the food industry for their unhealthy diets and weight issues. Yet, the reality is that you have power over your health, and your own nourishment is your choice and your choice alone. This assertion on its own is empowering.
This post supplies numerous valuable tips on changing your diet and also your attitude towards life, so that you have the ability to eat sensibly, supporting an overall healthy and balanced lifestyle.
What is healthy living?
Healthy living is a commitment to changing every aspect of your daily routine to the level needed to realise your personal health pursuits. To put it differently, it’s a holistic, long term strategy, in conjunction with a positive mental attitude.
It’s not about fad diets or being focused on one problem area (like surplus weight) in isolation. It’s only when you begin to see the bigger picture (e.g. a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, intake of water, nutrient intake, food intolerances, weight, digestive health, metabolism etc) that make up your own personal lifestyle that you can decide on a productive healthy living programme for you.
Healthy living plan
Everyone’s health living programme is a little different, depending on their own personal abilities and problems, including starting health level, health conditions, weight, flexibility etc and it’s usually advisable to talk about any modifications to your diet or exercise levels with a qualified health practitioner prior to starting (especially if you are on medication or are pregnant). However, bearing that in mind, there are a few general healthy eating principles which can provide a little direction in the early stages.
Breakfast
Start your morning off in the right way! Too many of us miss breakfast on a regular basis, but to get your metabolism moving (so that you can burn more calories during the day) and to keep your blood glucose levels stable (and avoid food cravings), it is important never to miss meals. Subject, obviously, to any sensitivities you might have (e.g. to gluten or dairy), pick a naturally healthy breakfast of, say, muesli, probiotic yoghurt and fresh organic fruit. Sprinkle with seeds and nuts for an additional nutrient boost – linseeds, almonds and sunflower seeds are a good blend. Keep away from sugar-filled cereals, which also tend to contain sulfites – harmful additives that may spark asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
For those who just do not have the time for breakfast each and every morning, never let that stop you – no excuses! Have breakfast on the go by using a top quality, nutrients fortified dairy free and gluten free meal replacement or protein shake.
Lunch and snacks
An effective way to prepare nourishing meals and snacks quickly is to purchase ingredients that are ready to eat on opening or with little preparation. There is really no excuse not to eat well when there are lots of alternatives for quick and healthy eating. Some examples are low-fat deli meats, whole grain breads, fresh salads, fruit, nuts and seeds among other things. Quite a few superfoods and superfruits now come freeze-dried, so you can stick them in your drawer at work nibble on them as a healthy indulgence every day. For instance, exotic goji berries (often referred to as wolfberries). These little berries are high in nutrients, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, such as essential and trace minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids and many phenols related to antioxidant activity. What else could you want from a quick snack?!
Evening meal
If you’ve observed the above guidelines, by the time you get to the evening meal you shouldn’t be starving, which in turn will mean that you will be unlikely to binge or indulge in unhealthy snacks.
A great nutrition tip is to be more aware of portion size. A well-balanced eating plan is never about starving yourself; you should always be full, because you are giving your body everything that it needs. However, if you have an inclination to eat too much, try to eat little and often. A couple of other helpful suggestions are:
- up your water intake – commonly those who don’t drink sufficient water mistake being thirsty for hunger. By drinking more and staying hydrated, it can help you feel satisfied for longer;
- drink a protein shake or superfood powder – not only can these help to make you feel full when your meal was simply not enough, a top quality protein drink or superfoods blend can provide you with additional nutrients and enzymes.
Benefits of healthy living
Following an all-round approach to healthy living, as an alternative to trying to find a quick fix for problems such as obesity and digestive complaints, is beneficial for several reasons. For instance, not only will it most likely address your specific health goals, it will also support your general health and well-being.
A healthy body, receiving the full scope of vitamins and minerals, is much more likely to have a sound immune system. This in turn makes it easier to battle common sicknesses and other conditions, such as colds and flu, diarrhoea, constipation – and without having to depend on antibiotics.
Everyone’s objective is to have as long and happy a life as is possible. Equipped with the facts about your nutrition and health, and with an idea of how different foods, drinks and chemicals can impact on your body, you’ll be far better placed to achieve that aim.
Healthy living guide
Now that you’ve acquired some insight into eating healthily, take the first step to the new you – click here for a free healthy living plan and suggestions on dietary supplements that can help you to achieve your health goals!