Lifestyle swaps are a far more positive and successful way of reaching healthy lifestyle goals than deprivation, gruelling
Sometimes it’s not that we have to stop or start a bad/good habit, but a tweak here and there can make all the difference. Here are my five top swap out ideas…
– Lifestyler: Top tips to achieve optimum nutrition
– #360fit: Boost your immune system and lose weight through juicing
1) The whole fruit rather than the juice: Juicing has been very popular in recent years, being sold as the ultimate detox and weight loss solution. But whole fruit provides you with a whole lot more nutrition than fruit juice. The edible skins which are removed during juicing contain carotenoids and flavonoids, nutrients that protect our health and lower our risk of many diseases. The pulp is also removed which is not only an important source of fibre, but also contains flavonoids which work with the vitamins in the juice and support health through this interaction. Fibre not only satisfies the appetite, but is also vital for a healthy digestive system. A small glass of apple juice contains virtually no fibre although it takes about three large apples to make it. If you ate the whole apples instead, you would get at least 13g of fibre.
2) Packed lunch instead of a ready prepared meal: A sandwich can be more nutritious and balanced than most of the pre-prepared meals you could choose. For example, a chicken salad sandwich on wholegrain bread (lining the bread with a thin layer of butter and lettuce will help keep it from going soggy) could provide half the protein you need for the day as well as a good dose of vitamins and minerals. Add natural Greek yogurt with some berries for sweetness, a bottle of water and a couple of pieces of fruit to snack on during the day and you would struggle to find anything healthier (or more economical).
3) Standing rather than sitting all day: I move my laptop to the kitchen for much of the day so that I can stand and work otherwise my back starts to complain. This is a rising trend with specially-manufactured desks now available. It’s unlikely that you will be able to persuade your boss to invest in one, but if you work from home, the kitchen counter is about the right height. You could improvise with a pile of magazines.
4) Experts rather than guessing games: I can’t tell you how many people come to me for help with back problems, but don’t have a definitive diagnosis which may well require x-rays and scans by a specialist. The wrong exercise can make a problem worse. This applies to health and fitness. A trainer can make all the difference to you achieving your goals rather than a few conflicting tips you gathered from the internet.
5) Fun workout rather than dreaded routine: If you dread it and it’s boring, even if you keep it up, it probably isn’t delivering the results anymore. Try some fun group classes. The music, company and commitment to a regular time will lift your spirits and bring the benefits you desire.
Josie is a health, fitness & lifestyle adviser & a Pilates & yoga instructor with 30+ years experience. http://www.bodysoulwell.com Follow me on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Josie.McKenlay/ & Twitterhttps://twitter.com/JosieMcKenlay
