Many of us will be making resolutions right now, often deciding to give up bad habits or vices. But instead of giving up why not make this the year you resolve to take up some healthy lifestyle choices instead?
Clinical nutritionist Suzie Sawyer provides her top three tips for ‘taking up’ rather than ‘giving up’ this New Year!
Resolving to do these three simple things could significantly improve your health and energy levels.
DRINK MORE WATER
The benefits of keeping well hydrated for overall health, as well as to how you look and feel, can be quite astounding. Water is our most critical nutrient; a low intake can put strain on the kidneys and negatively affect the immune system and energy levels.
Very few of us drink the recommended minimum of 1.5 litres water a day, especially during the cold winter months when we tend to be less thirsty. Caffeinated tea and coffee and fizzy or sugary drinks don’t count as they will cause more dehydration. Interestingly, if you don’t drink enough water you often don’t feel thirsty because the body holds onto water to try to prevent dehydration, which can cause bloating and water retention. Once the body is well hydrated, it will naturally crave more water, making it easier to drink more.
EAT TURMERIC
The wonderful health benefits of turmeric have been widely acclaimed. Indeed, a recently published review1 highlights the many health benefits of turmeric, in particular how it can help inflammatory conditions. The good news is that turmeric can be added to many everyday dishes; even scrambled egg tastes great with a little added spice! Look out too for turmeric lattes, which are climbing up the popularity lists in coffee shops. It can also be taken in the form of a food supplement.
WALK MORE
It’s well known that keeping active throughout life is essential for maintaining muscle mass and helping us to live longer. And here’s some good news for non-gym bunnies: regular walking is a great alternative.
Walking at pace for at least 30 minutes every day (longer if you have time) is one of the best exercises you can do. If you find it hard to walk alone there are plenty of walking and hiking groups that meet regularly and cater for all fitness abilities. And for those who suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) during the winter months, walking over some of our beautiful English countryside is one of the best antidotes.
- Susan J Hewings et al. Curcumin: A review of its’ effects on human health. Foods 2017 Oct; 6(10)92
