Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a happy and healthy Xmas and New Year? Happy and healthy certainly go hand in hand, and allows us to enjoy this precious gift of life. Giving your body the correct fuel is at the heart of that healthy – healthy body and healthy mind, and then comes happiness.
So, don’t delay, act now! Dry January? And I don’t mean the weather! Alcohol is a short term high, and a long-term killer. It’s that serious! So, dry January at least helps balance things out. Alcohol prevents your body absorbing calcium so your bone health is at risk. Alcohol can weaken your immune system, so a dry January will contribute to keeping the winter germs and blues at bay. Drink plenty of water, and get lots of fresh air
Water is the nectar of life. You can liven it up and make it into a treat. Dress it well! It tastes better from a special glass: it could be a wine glass, or a gin bowl type glass. Then add some fresh fruit slices, mint, or cinnamon sticks. I like water in a gin glass with juniper berries, add a straw and it’s easily mistaken for a cocktail! Aldi do some great “Deluxe Botanicals For Gin & Tonic” to give that bit of interest to your water (obviously not gin!!)
The next idea is to help limit sugars, another under estimated villain for our
Health! Imagine how liberating it is to take the left over “naughties” to the local food bank? Get them bagged up now and ready to go! Check out your nearest food bank at www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank. Helping others whilst helping yourself – it has to be worth it!
When you give up addictive substances, such as alcohol, or sugar, cravings can be experienced. Well, a craving only lasts 7 minutes. The best strategy is to be consciously competent, recognise the craving, and don’t give in – get even! …. Distraction technique; occupy yourself with something for the next 7 minutes or more. Phone a friend to ask about them – it takes your mind off the craving, and before you know it you’ve won, and it’s passed, and you’ve caught up with your friend. Double whammy!
Everyone knows to move more, and eat less, but it’s not always that simple for everyone. If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them in the next edition.