Hopefully, you are getting through these winter months feeling fit and well. But, this isn’t always the case is it? There are some nasty winter bugs and viruses around and sometimes they can be hard to shift. When you don’t feel well you realise how important your health is and how it can be all too easy to take it for granted.
Therefore, looking after your body and health is the BEST investment that you will ever make.
The question is, how can you do this? Often, in terms of health it’s about getting the basics right first. And, making things achievable.
SO, here are My Top Tips to help you to feel healthy and energised
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Eat a diet based on whole foods. Adopt a healthy regime and cook using whole foods and use recipes that provide sound nutrition and taste great. Fuel your body with the good stuff
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Eat at least 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day from every colour of the rainbow. They are high in antioxidants, A, C, E, zinc and selenium which will all boost your immune system (1).
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Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates. Consuming excessive amounts of these foods will deplete the immune system.
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Eat plenty of probiotic foods as this is one of the best ways is to keep your gut bacteria (microbiome) healthy and so include plenty of fermented foods in your diet such as sauerkraut, miso, kombucha and kefir as they loaded with probiotics which support gut health (2). Also, include foods such as garlic and onions in your diet as they contain the sulphur compound, allicin, which stimulates the immune system (3).
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Keep adequately hydrated so make sure you drink plenty of water (1½ -2 litres per day). Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can deplete the immune system (4)
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Exercise will help you feel so much better and instantly happier as it will help you to improve your sleep and cope with stress and you will feel calmer as a result (5) (6).
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Sleep plays a major role in keeping your immune system healthy so get plenty of rest and sleep. Aim for at least 7-8 hours per night (7).
