Healthy Living

February 22, 2012

Shoppers quite often pin the blame on marketing and advertising and the food industry for their poor eating habits and excess weight. All the same, the reality is that you have control over your diet, and your own food intake is your choice and your choice alone. This declaration of itself is empowering.

This brief article offers a number of useful strategies for changing your diet plus your lifestyle, so you are able to eat a healthy diet, promoting an overall healthy lifestyle.

Exactly what is healthy living?

Healthy living is a commitment to adjusting every part of your life to the degree needed to realise your individual health goals. Basically, it is a holistic, long term strategy, coupled with a positive mental attitude.

It is not about fad diets or looking at a particular problem area (such as weight) in isolation. It’s only when you begin to see the bigger picture (e.g. a balanced diet, regular physical activity, intake of water, nutrient intake, food sensitivities, weight, digestive health, metabolism etc) that comprise your own lifestyle that you can work out an efficient healthy living programme for you.

Healthy living plan

Everyone’s health living programme is a bit different, determined by their own individual circumstances, like starting health level, health concerns, weight, range of motion etc and it is always advisable to discuss any adjustments to your diet or exercise levels with a qualified health practitioner before you begin (especially if you are on medication or are pregnant). Yet, bearing that in mind, there are some general healthy eating principles which can provide a little guidance in the early phases.

Breakfast

Start your morning off right! Too many of us pass up breakfast on a regular basis, but to get your metabolism started (so that you can burn more calories throughout the day) and to keep your blood sugar levels stable (and stop food cravings), it’s critical never to miss meals. Subject, of course, to any allergies or intolerances you may have (for example to gluten or dairy products), choose a wholesome breakfast of, for instance, muesli, probiotic yoghurt and fresh organic fruit. Sprinkle with nuts and seeds for an increased nutrient boost – linseeds, almonds and sunflower seeds are a great combination. Keep clear of sugar-filled cereals, which also are likely to contain sulfites – harmful additives that can prompt asthma attacks in sensitive people.

If you just do not have time for breakfast in the morning, never let that stop you – no excuses! Have breakfast on the run by opting for 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 speedily is to buy ingredients that are ready to consume directly on opening or with little preparation. There’s really no excuse not to eat healthy foods when there are plenty of choices for quick and healthy eating. Some examples are low-fat deli meats, whole grain breads, fresh salads, fruit, nuts and seeds to name a few. Many superfoods and superfruits now come freeze-dried, so you’re able to put them in your desk drawer at work nibble on them as a healthy snack food every day. For example, exotic goji berries (sometimes called wolfberries). These little berries are rich in nourishing substances, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, such as essential and trace minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids and a variety of phenols connected with antioxidant activity. What else could you ask for from a quick snack?!

Supper

If you have stuck to the above suggestions, by the time you get to the evening meal you are very unlikely to be starving, which in turn means that you will be less likely to binge or indulge in unhealthy snacks.

An excellent nutrition tip is to be more aware of portion size. A well-balanced diet is in no way about starving yourself; you should always be full, as you are giving your body precisely what it needs. Nevertheless, if you have an inclination to eat too much, try to eat little and often. A couple of other helpful pointers are:

- increase your intake of water – commonly people who don’t drink a sufficient amount of water mistake being thirsty for hunger. By drinking more and staying hydrated, it can help you feel fuller 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 quality protein drink or superfoods blend can supply you with additional vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

Benefits of healthy living

Embracing all encompassing approach to healthy living, as an alternative to looking for a quick solution for problems such as obesity and digestive complaints, is beneficial for numerous reasons. For example, not only will it in all probability address your specific health goals, it will also support your general health and well-being.

A healthy body, getting the full scope of nutrients, is much more likely to have a sound immune system. This consequently makes it easier to combat common disorders and other conditions, including colds and flu, diarrhoea, constipation – and without needing to rely on prescription medication.

Everyone’s aim is to have as long and happy a life as they can. Furnished with the facts about your health and nutrition, and with an idea of how different foods, drinks and chemical substances can impact on your body, you will be far better placed to accomplish this aim.

Healthy living guide

Now that you’ve gained some insight into healthy living, take another 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!