Healthy Living

Taking time to eat three healthy meals and exercise each day is the key to good health. Our modern lives are becoming increasingly busy. We work longer hours, snack on junk food and eat ready meals at irregular times - all of which lead to tiredness, weight gain and poor health. We have very little exercise and drink far too much alcohol in an attempt to deal with the stress. We all know we need to eat a balanced diet. Everything in moderation, as the experts tell us. How much is enough? We should eat a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables every day to give our bodies enough fuel to stay in shape and live longer, healthy lives.

Are you eating enough protein?

Protein is an important part of our diets. We need it to build our muscles, but it is also an important constituent of our hair, nails, skin and every organ in our body. If we do not eat enough we lose our natural, healthy glow and our bodies will not function properly. On average, women need 100g of protein a day and men need 150g. If you play a lot of sport or have a lot of muscle mass to maintain then your protein requirements will be higher. Get in touch for your personal protein assessment.

What else should we eat?

Carbohydrates. Foods high in carbohydrate (sugar and starch) give us an energy buzz and taste great. Ever wondered why you fall asleep after lunch? Your carbohydrate fix rapidly wears off, leaving you sleepy and needing another boost. We all love our carbohydrates but, sadly, too many make us put on weight. Eat them in moderation and you can continue to enjoy them. Choose a healthier alternative (brown rice instead of white, fruit instead of chocolate) and watch your portion size. Eat colourful fruit and vegetables. They are low in calories and loaded with the vitamins and minerals that you need to keep your immune system strong and maintain your body. Now that winter is approaching, it is more important than ever to build yourself up to stay strong against chills and colds. Keep that nasty flu bug at bay by keeping yourself strong and by eating the right food.

The trouble with fat

Fat. It makes our food taste good and fills us up, yet too much fatty food is bad for our health. We all know that. A diet rich in fat can lead to hardening of the arteries, an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes and liver problems. Some fats are essential to our health but are also dangerous if we have too much. Cholesterol, for example, is essential for normal functioning of our bodies as it forms a vital component of the membrane around every cell in our body. It is used to insulate nerve fibres and create hormones. Too much, however, and we are in trouble as it leads to heart disease and other problems with our vascular system. Do you know your cholesterol level? Healthy eating and regular exercise can help keep your cholesterol levels safe.

Drink enough water

Water is essential for life. Have you ever read "The Man who Fell to earth"? Water was so precious to him as it was in short supply on his planet. He cherished a glass of water, and so should we. The fat-free part of our body is made up of 72% water and we need to drink at least 2 litres a day to avoid dehydration. That is at least eight glasses of water, not coffee or fizzy pop, and if you exercise or it is a hot day then you need more. Are you drinking enough?

Exercise

Daily exercise is essential for everyone, not just the sport fanatic or the professional. It does not have to be fancy or take up lots of time. Anything is better than nothing, and a brisk 30 minute walk each day will set you on the right path. Why not walk to the shops or work, if you can? Use the stairs instead of the lift, park your car further from the door. Do a little every day and your health will increase. Please remember, if you are not used to taking exercise, you need to check with your doctor before you start any new work out routine.

What now?

Very few of us have the time or the money to prepare balanced meals every day. ShapeWorks, by Herbalife, can help you get in shape and stay healthy, with its easy to follow 4-step plan. We have three different programmes to help you enjoy life to the full: