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 Q to Z.
Q – Quit sugar
Sugar provides no nutritional value and is essentially just empty calories. If you need a little natural help cutting down on those sugary treats, try Natures Plus KetoLiving Sugar Control Capsules (£29.95), which help to keep your blood sugar levels stable, minimising the chances of experiencing any peaks and dips that can lead us to temptation.
R – Realistic goals
Wanting to lose weight? Set a goal, advises Nutritionist Cassandra Barns. “Decide and write down how much weight you want to lose and in what time frame – a fitness instructor or trainer can help you work out a realistic goal. Take measurements at the beginning of your journey, take ‘before’ photos as well as recording simple body weight on the scales. Then take new measurements every two weeks so you can see how you’re progressing towards your goal.”
S – Sex
“Sex or masturbation can help to relieve tension, burn calories and help you go off to sleep faster. Sex begins in the head, your body’s physical reaction follows. A key part of starting that sexual idea is setting the mood and romantic music can help, as can low lighting, a candlelit bath, or your favourite romantic or raunchy film,” explains DrMarilyn Glenville.
T – Take control
“If you feel the symptoms of stress coming on, learn to get your priorities right. There is nothing in your life right now more important than your health. Learn to say no if you feel that you have taken on too much. Being assertive is invigorating and empowering. It also helps to make lists of what is or is not a priority and to tackle the priority tasks first,” advises Dr Glenville.
U – Up your protein
“After water do you know what is the main constituent of our body? Protein! It has such an important role in the body, ranging from muscle growth and repair, creating hormones and enzymes that regulate the metabolism, support the immune system and many others. Include eggs, yoghurt, almonds, fish, chicken, lentils and chickpeas into your everyday diet,” suggests Francesca.
V – Vinyasa Flow
Invigorate your mind and body with yoga. Maija Kivelä, Yoga Instructor at Maître of Thyme explains, “Vinyasa Flow is afree-flow active style of yoga, which each teacher adapts and varies in style. Positions are not held for very long and you flow dynamically in and out of poses, linking movement to breath. This style is suitable for everyone who likes a lovely mix of movement, flexibility, strength and meditation.”
W – Workout with friends
“Being with others who are going through the same journey helps keep you motivated and accountable. If it’s not possible to exercise with friends directly, then try an online workout programme that has a Facebook you can join so you can share your progress and challenges with others,” suggests Cassandra.
X – X marks the spot
Experiencing a breakout? Reach for an avocado to help banish those spots. “Avocado is a good source of vitamin E, which is thought to have several roles in skin health. Like vitamin C, it works as an antioxidant so may protect the skin cells against damage from free radicals, which in turn helps to keep your complexion looking refreshed and revitalized,” explains Dr Glenville.
Y – Your body confidence
“Feeling confident in your own skin is something that requires time to get to know yourself. If there is a moment in your life where you are feeling insecure, grab a motivational book, talk to your best friend, go for a run, meditate and think about how amazing it is to be all so diverse,” suggests Francesca Cappozzo.
Z – Zzz’s
“A good night’s sleep can be a great stress-reliever. Unfortunately, sleeping well can be easier said than done. Do what you can to get to bed early enough to get seven to eight hours’ sleep, make sure your bedroom is a calming environment, and set up a good wind-down routine in the evening, such as taking a warm bath,” suggests Dr Glenville.