Healing Your Body: A Fresh Start for the New Year
Do you have a history of unhealthy eating, excessive alcohol consumption, or smoking? It’s time to get your life and health back on track. What better new year’s resolution than to kick start your wellness journey?
The impact of an unhealthy lifestyle
Living an unhealthy lifestyle is closely linked to many diseases. Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are leading causes of death, often associated with poor diet and being overweight. High-fat foods clog arteries, leading to heart disease, while sugary foods can cause type 2 diabetes. A lack of vitamins A and C can suppress your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. Insufficient calcium and vitamin D can weaken your bones, resulting in osteoporosis.
Embrace a healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle includes a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats from various foods. Regular exercise, adequate rest, and balance are also crucial. On the contrary, an unhealthy diet high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, added sugars, and processed ingredients can lead to weight gain, malnutrition, and related health problems.
Steps to turn your life around
Start Slowly: Avoid expecting overnight miracles. Pick one or two changes at a time, establish them as habits, and then move on to the next steps.
- Mindful eating: Stop snacking after meals and reduce portion sizes. Wait 20 minutes after eating to decide if you’re still hungry.
- Chew thoroughly: Count each bite and chew at least 20 times to slow down your eating and feel fuller.
- Cut unhealthy carbs: Eliminate refined flour, sugar, and similar foods. Choose whole grains and fibre.
- Fresh produce: Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Aim for 2 fruits and 5 vegetables a day, preferably fresh and raw.
- Healthy fats: Reduce intake of unhealthy fats like margarine and deep-fried foods. Increase monounsaturated oils such as extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, and flaxseed oil.
- Spices and herbs: Add garlic, onions, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne to your meals for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Lower sodium: High sodium diets can increase blood pressure and are linked to various health issues. Drink water instead of soft drinks.
- Manage stress: Reduce stress to avoid cravings for carb-rich comfort foods.
- Exercise regularly: Start with small amounts of exercise daily and gradually increase to at least 30 minutes.
By making these changes, you can begin your journey towards better health and a revitalised life.
