With the New Year often comes New Year’s resolutions. We have all been there and done that, but not all of us fit the healthy t-shirt!
It is very important to have a balanced approach – physically and mentally – to a healthy lifestyle that will last. Here are a few tips to help:
An apple a day can keep the doctor away!
- Choose foods that are low in cholesterol, salt and added sugars.
- Children should eat three balanced meals a day, but adults trying to lose weight should cut their carbohydrate intake and try to push breakfast to 11am.
- Avoid rewarding children (and yourself) with sugary snacks.
Smoking kills
- Get a friend to stop smoking with you and set a date for quitting.
- Ask your GP for the 12-week prescription plan to help you and follow through.
Rethink before you drink
- Limit alcohol to weekends only: more than 8 units a week becomes risky.
- Acknowledge if you have a drinking problem and seek help!
- Drink water until your urine is almost clear.
Fit for life
- Physical activities can prevent and reverse heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and depression.
- Encourage your children to get moving!
Don’t ignore your poor mental health; it is as bad as a cancer
- There is no shame in taking medication for mental illness, do whatever works for you – suicidal thoughts are not normal.
- Get enough sleep and make time for family fun.
Be good to yourself and your family: Keep the balance and live a healthy life!
By Dr Deseré Ferreira.