So, over a year ago I made the conscious decision to take care of my body, particularly, be aware of what I eat.  I no longer drinks fizzy pops & haven’t had a tea or coffee in over a year.  (Frappuccino’s are sadly missed and I allow one a year).  I also visit the gym a lot more than I used to & mix my fitness regime up with classes, swimming and gym sessions.  I still have the occasional week where I delve into unhealthy, sweet delights but generally I live a healthy-ish lifestyle and I have never felt better!  My top 5 healthy tips:

1. Swap caffeine for herbal tea.  I drink green tea, cranberry tea & peppermint tea.  All have varying benefits, notably peppermint tea is ideal for after dinner as it aids digestion and if you suffer from ibs like I do, it definitely helps!
2. Snacking.  If you’re going to snack, make it a healthy choice.  Fruit, nuts (as with everything some nuts are healthier than others), crudités, graze boxes etc.  If you can’t live without crisps, eat baked crisps.
3. Portion size.  I used to eat until I felt like I couldn’t move and had a 10 month old food baby.  Eat smaller portions and little and often.
4. Smoothies.  Juicing or smoothie making (either or one) are a fun and healthy way to grab your 5 a day.  I generally make smoothies 2-3 times a week for breakfast or after the gym.  Fruits are naturally very sweet so I wouldn’t suggest having this everyday but juicing vegetables is another option.  The photo above is of a smoothie I made today: handful of goji berries, 1 papaya, handful of cubed melon, handful of strawberries and a cup of cranberry juice.  Refreshing & packed full with goodness!
5. Lastly, exercise.  Walk up the stairs instead of taking the lift.  Get off the tube a stop early and walk an extra 10 minutes to work.  Gym. Gym. Gym.  Put on a motivational soundtrack and work out and mix cardio with toning sessions.  Mix up your exercise regime and definitely try classes- Zumba is fab.  I don’t go to the gym to lose weight – if I did I would be tiny- but to feel healthy.  Make it enjoyable.

I am far from a health expert & these are just my tips to a brighter and healthier mind, body and soul.  A healthier lifestyle will make you more alert at work, feel energised and look brighter.  The weeks that I have fallen off the health wagon, avoided the gym and relied on comfort food, I have felt a noticeable decline in my energy levels and everything in general.  You will not see or feel a difference instantly and it will take time & effort but remember, a healthy body equals a healthy mind.

So, find something that motivates you -maybe it’s a summer holiday or feeling good about yourself- and most importantly, have fun along the way.

Please excuse the photo – it’s a bb image.