Eat Well, Think Well and Be Well, with Healthy Ireland!
A man named Kurt Vonnegut once said, “Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.”
And nothing could be more truthful.
Our body takes us everywhere we go, it let’s us feel, think, talk, run, kick, swim, and walk.
It’s something we easily take for granted.
That’s why we have to take care of it! And be as good to it, as it is to us...
Well Healthy Ireland are championing the cause for our bodies, by launching their ‘Healthy Ireland 2018 Summer campaign!’
A campaign seeking to encourage us to make positive lifestyle choices to improve our physical and mental health.
And the three main themes, ‘Eat Well, Think Well and Be Well,’ are words to live by!
Inspired by Healthy Ireland’s message, we thought we’d do our part to help spread the word and help you take your first steps to a healthier you.
So without further adieu, here’s 10-ways you can give your body the love it deserves!
1. First thing’s first, set a goal!
It could be that you aim to lose a certain amount of weight for an upcoming event like a wedding. Or you could aim to be able to run 5K before September is out.
Having something to strive for is a great way to keep you engaged, and committed to your goal!
2. Control your sleeping pattern
Not sleeping enough, less than seven hours of sleep per night, can reduce and even undo the benefits of dieting, according to research.
It can also leave you feeling significantly hungrier, less satisfied after meals, and lacking the energy to exercise. So make sure you’re hitting the covers early.
3. Take the stairs
This is less about the physical exertion of taking the stairs, and about the mindset. Taking the stairs instead of an escalator or a lift is a sign you’re in the right frame of mind to start your journey to a healthier self.
4. Get your half hour
Studies have shown that getting half an hour of exercise a day is vital to maintaining your health.
Weather it’s walking, jogging, playing sport or going to the gym...
Swapping that half hour on the couch for something active is a great way to feel better and help you drop some KG’s!
5. Get into sport!
Playing a team or individual sport is not only a great way to get fit...
It’s also an amazing way to socialise, and to keep pushing yourself to get better and better.
It doesn’t matter if it’s GAA, Hockey, Golf, Squash or Jogging...
You can find a great list of ways you can get active HERE and HERE!
6. Get colourful!
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, the brighter the better!
We’re talking your orange coloured veggies, yellow, green, pink and red! They’re all integral for a well rounded healthy diet.
Plus, they also contain powerful antioxidants, which play a hand in free radical absorption. Free radicals are damaging compounds that raise the risk for chronic diseases.
Here are a few fun, easy ways you can share fruit! TEN EASY WAYS TO SHARE FRUIT.
7. Downsize
The smaller your meals, the better!
Now we don’t mean eat barely anything at all... But it has been suggested that large portions of high energy density foods increase total energy intake, which isn’t being burnt off in time, potentially promoting weight gain.
In short, no big meals just before bed, and instead of that large portion, go for a medium sized one.
8. Drink more water
Staying hydrated can be more of a challenge in summer, so keep drinking plenty of water.
Avoid stocking up on sugary drinks or sweet, creamy coffees.
Swapping soft drinks for water is the most effective way to cut your drinking calories.
9. Ditch the Takeout menu
Studies show that meals eaten out tend to be higher in fat and calories.
And the above average sized portions takeaway places generally serve up can be an issue too.
The best way to make sure you eat the right amount of the right kinds of food to promote weight loss, is to get in the kitchen and cook up a storm yourself!
10. Slow down there!
Eat your food slowly. Fast eaters gain more weight over time. Eating slowly makes you feel fuller and boosts weight-reducing hormones.
For more ways to feel well, keep your eyes peeled HERE and make sure to follow @healthyIreland and #feelgoodtogether on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for more tips, tricks and recipes or visit gov.ie/healthyireland.
