7 Tips for healthy living
When it comes to healthy living – it’s all about your choices and mindset. Choosing to #loveyourselfenough to be kind to yourself every day is key. The more you practice self-love, the healthier you’ll be long-term. Here are a few points that I think go hand-in-hand with successful healthy living:
SCRAP THE IDEA THAT ‘HEALTHY’ IS BORING
The notion of ‘healthy’ as restrictive, boring or unvaried is more of an outdated perception that comes from the older generations, where dieters were eating for skinniness versus eating for health, strength and vibrancy, as we do today. Scrap the lettuce! There is an endless supply of delicious, fresh and fragrant produce available for you to choose from, it’s up to you to explore it. Nowadays there is no limit of support when it comes to preparing healthy and tasty recipes. If you have a serious sweet tooth, you’re in luck! I’ve just launched my Super Scoop recipe book with over 30 sweet (but healthy) recipes. Each recipe contains Super Scoop – a delicious plant-based drink mix that’s been fortified with fibre, probiotics, antioxidants and nutrients.
UPDATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE CONSTANTLY
Most of us are creatures of habit and often see tradition as ‘right’, and anything that deviates from that makes us feel uncomfortable. However, the world of health and nutrition is constantly changing and although there are key elements that won’t change, for eg. vegetables are healthy, it’s always a good idea to keep an open mind and try new things. It’s also important to do your own research and avoid falling for marketing ‘traps’ where brands claim to help you lose 5kg in two weeks, for instance. It’s not ‘low fat’ or ‘sugar-free’ that’s going to make you healthier, it’s fresher, less processed produce together with sound nutritional knowledge.
BE HAPPY
Our body functions as a whole, and our brain and emotions are a part of that whole. The right exercise and diet for you will make you feel good as well as look good - deprivation isn’t going to cut it. A happy brain needs B vitamins for mood and energy, vitamin D and exercise for release of ‘happy’ hormones – endorphins – and omega 3 fatty acids for improved cognitive brain functions, like improving memory and concentration.
OPT FOR THE 80/20 RULE
The all-or-nothing approach is dangerous when it comes to dieting: many people can lose sight of their original goal and strive towards unrealistic aspirations, or they feel they have failed after not following a strict regime to the tee and fall right off the bandwagon. I have always opted for an 80/20 rule with the occasional treats here and there. It’s healthy and sustainable for the body and mind. If I eat a little too much at a function, for instance, I make up for it by working out a little harder at my next exercise session. Have you tried rebounding yet? It’s my favourite all-in-exercise to burn fat, calories and build muscle. And the good news is, just 10 minutes on the rebounder is equivalent to 30 minutes of jogging on the road or treadmill, in terms of effort. So, the next time you indulge in that piece of cake, try one of my at-home rebounding classes to burn off the extra kilojoules, while having fun!
SET YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLES
Whether this is 5 portions of fruit and veg daily, a minimum of 7 hours sleep or an hour of exercise 3 times a week, decide what you’re flexible on and what you’re not. Then stick to it.
BE DISCIPLINED (AND STRONG!)
You’re just NOT going to get results if you cave into every temptation or don’t make an effort to work out enough each week. There is no quick way around it.
SMALL, CONSISTENT EFFORT ALWAYS WINS
Getting straight back on the bandwagon after a cheat meal or doubling up your efforts in the gym after a relaxed week is more valuable than the odd drastic measure. Before you dive into quick fixes like liquid meals or fat loss tablets, always ask yourself if you can maintain it long-term. If not, leave it alone.
