Getting started in health and fitness

Most of us can be a little healthier – whether it’s eating more vegetables, moving our body more often or drinking less fizzy drinks. While the idea of ‘getting healthy’ can seem like an endless, difficult journey, it doesn’t have to be.

There are small, manageable changes you can make to improve your health and, soon enough, they will simply be a part of your routine.

It’s National Obesity Awareness Week and we want you to join us in taking the first steps in your wellness journey. While we’re not big fans of making resolutions for the new year, January can be a great time to reflect, make changes and set goals for the future.

Learn more about goal-setting and our new year intentions.

If you’ve made the decision to make a lifestyle change, take a moment to reflect. We like to avoid giving things up and instead, set goals for what we would like to achieve and note any improvements we can make – for example, drinking more water.

Write down these intentions somewhere you will be reminded of them, and make yourself accountable. Tell friends and family members, pay upfront for some classes or PT sessions or speak with a nutrition professional. This way, you will be committed to your goals and people are there to push you.

Drink more water

If you are aiming to drink more water, don’t jump in with unrealistic aims. It is recommended we drink around two litres of water each day, though this can differ depending on activity levels etc.

A good trick is to drink a glass of water before bed and as soon as you wake up. Also, buy yourself a big bottle to keep on your desk at work. Set reminders to ensure you are drinking regularly and if you’ve got a full bottle at the end of the day, you know to drink more.

Find an exercise you enjoy

You don’t need to join a gym or sign up for a marathon to be more physically active. Assess what you do already, and consider the possible improvements. Start small. If you haven’t done exercise in recent years, jumping straight on the treadmill will not be easy, or fun. Find friends and family members to join you and make it enjoyable.

Experiment with new recipes

It’s easy to fall into habit and buy lunch every day or pick up a quick oven meal on the way home. While we all have our busy moments, planning your meals in advance can be a great time-saver. Not only that but getting back in the kitchen and trying new recipes can be very therapeutic. Cooking at home allows you to know exactly what is in your meals and you can easily keep on top of your fruit and veg intake.

Avoid fad diets and trends

With the many diets and trends circulating the online world, it can be easy to fall into their trap. Cutting out food groups or reducing calories without seeking professional advice can be dangerous, as can following trends you may see on social media. Every body is individual and requires different foods to function, so what may be right for one person, may not be right for you. Speaking to a nutrition professional is a safe way to make changes to your diet – they can help you understand more about nutrition and what your body needs.