Parenting Without Tears has got together with a team of experts to provide you with easy to follow advice to improve your health: A to Z Health Bible. We are presenting this in three parts – here is A to G.
A – Activity
Sitting eight hours at a desk without breaks means you’re losing out on physical activity that can help you burn calories. “Take the stairs, get off the tube a stop earlier and walk to work, walk around the block in your lunch break – do whatever you can to get your body moving,” advises Michael Ratcliffe, Podiatrist at Carnation Footcare.
B – Breakfast
“If you miss breakfast your body immediately registers famine and hangs on tight to your ample stores of fat,” explains Leading UK Nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville. Choose healthy breakfast options such as eggs on wholemeal bread with avocado or rolled oats with fresh berries.
C – Cut white carbs
“Swap to whole grain alternatives that release energy slowly. The carbohydrates in whole meal bread are broken down slowly over several hours and so do not give any sudden flooding of sugars into the bloodstream. Also, this gradual release helps you to feel full for longer, suppressing your appetite and stopping you craving sweet foods,” explains Dr Glenville.
D – Diabetes
According to the Diabetes and Wellness Foundation, there are currently 3.8 million people with diabetes in the UK. Dr Wendy Denning, working in association with CuraLife Diabetic Supplement suggests to avoid pre-packaged foods, cut-out or limit your sugar intake, make healthy diet and changes and increase your levels of physical activity.
E – Energy levels
“Try to keep your blood sugar levels and energy levels stable by eating regularly. Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a healthy snack mid-morning and one mid-afternoon, with no longer than three hours between,” suggests Dr Glenville.
F – Fitness
“Regular exercise is essential, it releases feel good hormones, lowers stress hormones and encourages a good nights’ sleep. Do energy forming exercises such as running or aerobics in the morning and focus on milder activities later in the evening like a walk or yoga,” suggests Dr Glenville.
G – Gut health
“We’re learning more about the importance of the ‘friendly’ bacteria and other microbes that live in our gut. They’re thought to influence our immunity, mood and weight, as well as our digestion. Traditional fermented foods such as Kombucha can be a key way to maintain the healthy bacteria in our gut. I recommend Equinox Kombucha, which comes in four different flavours. (£1.80 at Waitrose).” Nutritionist Cassandra Barns.