Being healthy isn’t all about weight loss

Do you want to start afresh but you need some help and support? 
 
Many people, when they are stressed, go one of two ways when it comes to eating: either by eating well and feeling great, or have you been finding things hard, frustrating and your healthy habits have gone out the window?
 
Being healthy isn’t all about weight loss, but we know that being overweight is a risk factor for many chronic diseases and that it may negatively affect your health outcome if you get COVID-19. 
 
Food is there to be enjoyed and it’s important not to see it as a denial. Balance is key. It’s not just about weight loss as eating well is about nourishment, supporting stress and your overall well-being.
 
As we start to find a new normal, now could be the perfect time to give your body and mind health the help it needs to begin a fresh start.
 
So, ask yourself:

• Do you eat a diet based on whole foods?
• Do you actually eat enough?
• Do you eat out of boredom? Are you an emotional eater?
• Do you have an all or nothing mindset when it comes to eating?  

7 tips to get your health back on track 

1. Let’s get the right mindset - avoid the all or nothing mindset which leads to any self-sabotage. Having the right mindset will help you change the way you feel about food and your body.
    
2. Are you adequately hydrated? Drink 1.5 - 2 litres of water per day and try having a large glass of water 30 minutes before mealtimes. Mild dehydration can be mistaken for hunger so drink a glass of water before grabbing something to eat.
    
3. Eat protein at every meal as this will help fill you up, sustain energy levels until your next meal and prevent overeating.
    
4. Portion sizes - how much are you eating? Take a look at your portion sizes as it can be possible to eat too much of a good thing.
    
5. Limit alcohol as it contains empty calories so it can be easy to consume too many calories, and your willpower will go out of the window!
    
6. Plan your meals so that you have a clear plan for the week ahead. If you finish the day and don’t know what you are going to eat, this is the time when you won’t make ideal food choices and opt for convenience and junk foods.
    
7. Exercise is key for weight loss as it can help improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, burning calories while reducing abdominal fat. Exercising regularly helps to keep your metabolism high as well as releasing those feel-good hormones! Key here is finding something that you enjoy - this may be a 30-minute walk at lunchtime or after work. Also, research tells us that people who exercise tend to choose a healthier eating pattern. 

Next steps

• Aim to eat whole, natural foods that are nutrient-dense for a healthy body and healthy weight, and avoid pre-packaged, processed food.
• Eat intuitively and eat for nourishment. You are what you eat.

There are many things that we cannot control in the world right now. But I do know that one thing that you can control is how and what you eat. When we take good care of ourselves, we are more likely to make healthier food choices and gain long-term health and happiness.