A rocky start…
My New Year’s Resolution this year was to eat healthier. It didn’t work out. By the second day of January I was back to scoffing every chocolate and baked goods in sight. Well, they were left over from Christmas so who else was gonna eat them?!
Time went on and apart from the odd “healthy week” that I committed to, I was pretty much eating just as badly as normal. I wouldn’t say I’m super unhealthy or anything. Junk food tends to be an occasional treat and I try to keep on top of my sugar and saturated fat consumption. But I know that there’s more I could be doing to be healthy.
I’m really into watching food documentaries at the moment, and I’m starting to get back into exercising (were gym memberships always this expensive?!). I also attended the Balance Festival in London a few weekends ago and that really gave me the kick up the butt I needed to get my diet into gear!
Easy changes for big results!
What I noticed most since not eating very well is that I was. SO. TIRED. You really “are what you eat”, and the more stodgy food I was eating the stodgier I felt! My skin had also become blemished. My hair and nails were dry and splitting. I just generally looked and felt bleurgh. Since making a few easy changes I’ve already noticed massive results in how I look and feel. Although I can’t promise any medical miracles for you, I can say that in my experience these changes have made a big impact on me. Here they are…
1) Drink more water
Ok, don’t groan at me! I know you’ve heard this a zillion times and it’s what every celeb tells the glossy mags. But it’s so true, and I wish I had taken more notice sooner. How much water you need to drink a day depends on lots of things, but it’s certainly more than a bit of juice in the morning and a couple of hot drinks! Pure water with no additives is best to keep hydrated because the body can use it much more readily. I’ve heard both theories that frequent sipping is ideal, and that having one long drink every hour is even better. However you do it, just drink up! My dry skin seems to be fed from the inside now and my blemishes are almost all gone. If you, like me, always seem to forget to keep hydrated and rarely track your intake try investing in a water bottle that will keep you motivated. One of my favourites is a tracker bottle by HydrateM8 in a jumbo 900ml size. It has markers on the side to let you know how much you should have drunk at different time intervals – genius! Find it here.
2) Cut out sugar
A couple of years ago, the I Quit Sugar craze was everywhere. Sarah Wilson’s program helped 1.5 million people get off sugar, and I begun reading into the sugar scare and how to get off it. I had tried a few sugar substitutes but many had an odd after taste that I couldn’t get on board with. At the Balance Festival in London I had the pleasure in meeting the founder of Natvia, an Australian company that produces sugar-free sweeteners and Nutvia a tasty sugar-free Nutella-style spread that tastes delicious! I was really impressed that it had none of that horrid bitter after taste I hated, but had a really nice natural sugar flavour. Because it is made from natural sources and contains no sugar, it doesn’t have any affect on your blood sugar levels. This means I don’t have to face the slump after a sugar high! Unbelievably, since cutting out sugar I’ve had more energy and my skin has improved. Find out more about Natvia here.
3) Take plant-based protein
I heard so much about the benefits of increasing protein in your diet, especially to supplement your body as it recovers from a workout. But I’d also heard that any protein from an animal source can have side effects and can be hard to digest. At the Balance Festival, I took a sample of a vegan protein shake called The Health One by Innermost and starting walking away with it thinking it would be just like all the other protein shakes I had sampled that day. I was wrong, and I circled back. Firstly, it was the best tasting drink me and my friend had tasted throughout the festival. Secondly, it was super light on the tummy because it contained all natural, plant based ingredients that are easy to stomach. Thirdly, it also contained a host of other nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to boost your wellbeing which made it an attractive choice for someone like me who wants lots of benefits in one product. It contains nothing artificial, but also no aspartame (a big thumbs up from me). Ok, so it isn’t the cheapest protein powder I’ve seen, but it isn’t the most expensive either. Once you taste it you’ll know it was worth it. Find it here.
I hope you’ve enjoyed finding out what has helped me be healthier recently!
Which swaps or additions have you made to your diet that have helped you?
Adding extra protein definitely works for me as I feel fuller for longer so I eat less calories in a day. I’ve also tried Natvia and it’s great to use instead of sugar or high-calorie sugar alternatives. I think these three changes you are making are definitely a great start. Recently I started exercising more to help me shed some weight and this is working really well for me. I do my workouts at home and if you ever need some tips for working out at home, you may want to check out one of my recent posts on my blog.
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Ah I wish I had more time to exercise, I need to learn to incorporate it into my day better… – Ellie x
Great tips. Water definitely makes a noticable difference. I have Natvia, but haven’t actually made a full switch. I like your comment about how eating stodge makes you feel stodgy. I can sooo relate!
Thank you. Yes water has been a big thing for me too! – Ellie x
My diet is awful at the moment – not sleeping with a newborn means I’m reaching for sugar constantly! I may try the water idea tho as I’m terrible for water intake x
Aw don’t worry, I have been there and I feel your pain! Upping water intake can give you a much needed boost. Congratulations, enjoy every exhausting moment! – Ellie x
A sugar free version of nutella sounds blooming amazing! I really want one of those big water bottles, being pregnant at the moment, I find I’m drinking loads but it all comes out again pretty quickly haha.
It really tastes good too, I thought it would be naff but it isn’t! Give it a try! Yes definitely grab yourself a big refillable bottle… even if it does me frequent trips to the loo! – Ellie x
Slim those fats and get the body you want by some diet supplements you’ll need when working out.
I’m trying so hard to drink more water, just sick of needing to pee all the time too!
Tell me about it! It really puts me off drinking a lot but it’s worth it for the boost in energy and skin improvements! – Ellie x
I’m really trying to drink more water lately – whenever I fancy a health kick that’s always the first thing that concerns me. I have a similar water bottle with a fruit infuser thing so usually I add some bits of cucumber when I get bored of plain water. I also have this cool app called Plant Nanny which helps – you feed the plant a glass of water as you drink your own to help it grow and stay alive. If you’re lacking water intake, it reminds you or sends you reminders throughout the day to stay hydrated. It’s really cute.
Aw that sounds amazing, I’ll check that out! Both the bottle infuser and the app! x
I really need to drink more water – I am so bad at it but know it will help me be healthier
You will so notice a difference! – Ellie x
Lovely tips! I so need to drink more water. Sometimes we’re just too busy to remember drinking and the rest of the time, I get drawn to juices which aren’t all that healthy.
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Thanks for the information.
Thanks, this is a really good post. Sugar is definitely what I notice the most when I cut down, makes you feel so much less sluggish.
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Definitely!
The consumption of some dietary supplements may also help prevent cancer. A number of essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C and E, act as antioxidants in the body. They work to neutralize chemicals called free radicals that cause oxidative damage within your cells.
More water, less sugar… that’s the way to go! You can also take herbal supplements to boost your immune system and improve overall health. Other daily tips that will surely make a difference are: listening to good music, trying new stuff, doing household chores, meditating, and bonding with your family or friends. These are healthy activities that nurture the body and mind. 🙂
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What are the 7 nutrients needed for a balanced diet?
Thanks for posting your supplements and when you take what. I’m always in the market for something different but when and what to take with it can be confusing so it’s nice to see it broken down.
There are so many choices available when it comes to dietary supplements, so I do advise speaking with your doctor or health professional before making any purchases. You really need to understand what dietary supplements will best benefit your lifestyle and body. It is true that dietary supplements can play an important role in wellness. Remember there are no perfect diets and these supplements can be used to fill those diet gaps. Get ready to lavishly live the New Year out loud and start out by taking care of yourself!
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To reach the ideal amount of protein, you only have to include a ration of some protein food in each of the main meals of the day, although you must adapt the proportion to the energy needs of each person. The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method is a medical protocol designed that contains 2 main components: weight loss and education in a healthy lifestyle to help in maintaining the results after the diet.