Dreaded January has come around again – everyone’s least favourite month! Our wallets have taken a pounding, as well as our waistlines! It’s time to get down to business and start a New Year detox… Whether you want to lose weight or simply start to maintain a healthier lifestyle, here are some of our little tips that we’ve found from various experts online that can help you get back to full fitness and work off that Christmas excess!
Super Foods
Every year there seems to be a new super food fad that sweeps the world; from goji berries to quinoa and kale, but there is one that has been around for years that has caught our attention recently.
Apple Cider Vinegar is quickly making a name for itself on the health supplements circuit, with many benefits being attributed to this sour concoction. Healthline has examined some of the facts and myths about Apple Cider Vinegar. Organic vinegar that is unfiltered has a cloudy element that is commonly called the ‘mother’, which contains strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria. The ‘mother’ is thought to hold all the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, but this has not been proven. Rumoured benefits include lower blood sugar levels, aiding weight loss and a lower risk of heart disease. It must be stressed that although studies have shown links to improved health in people who are consumers of Apple Cider Vinegar, however the direct link to the product cannot be proven.
In truth, the idea of ‘super foods’ is probably vastly over-exaggerated. The best idea to maintain a healthy diet and get all the nutrients you need is to eat a wide variation of food everyday – but in moderation! Chocolate and sweets aren’t off the menu; you just shouldn’t eat a lot of them at once.
Do you manufacture and sell health supplements such as Apple Cider Vinegar tablets? Then we’ve got the ideal jars and bottles for you to package them in!
Cut Down On Sugar
Sugar is now considered the villain of the food world, with many people realising that the current levels at which we consume the sweet stuff is very detrimental to our bodies.
You can wean yourself slowly off the white stuff by making small changes at first, such as reducing the amount of sugar in your tea or coffee, or choosing not to snack during the day. Sugar is even found in seemingly healthy foods such as fruit and juices, so whilst it’s good to meet the 5-a-day target, it’s best to make the majority of that number up with green vegetables.
Replace More Meat With Veg
This isn’t to say you can’t have meat at all, but it has been well documented by experts, such as the Mayo Clinic, that cutting down on meat (red meat in particular, such as beef and pork) can have a dramatic beneficial effect on your health, as vegetarians generally eat fewer calories, weigh less, have a lower risk of heart disease and eat less fat than their meat-eating counterparts. If you don’t want to give up your carnivorous ways completely (who doesn’t crave a bacon sarnie every once in a while?), then start by aiming to cook at least 2 or 3 vegetarian dinners per week – you’ll be surprised how much more creative you can get with your food when you’re working with less ingredients!
As well as improving your health, this approach to your diet can also improve your bank balance, as meat is generally more expensive than vegetables and carbohydrates!
Drink More Water!
The simple act of increasing your water intake to the daily recommended amount can make a big difference to your body. The extra hydration makes your skin more soft and supple, whilst also giving your body more energy throughout the day. UK NHS guidelines state that you should drink around 6 – 8 glasses of water per day, which includes tea and coffee, as well as plain water.
If you simply don’t like the taste of plain water, add a small amount of fruit squash (make sure it has no added sugar) or get fancy and try a fruit infuser. For a treat, whizz up your own smoothie using fresh fruit, veg and even milk for a hit of vitamins and energy. They do however contain a lot of sugar so keep this habit down to a couple of times a week. BBC Good Food has a lot of delicious and fun smoothie recipes that you can easily try out at home. Our 500ml Quattro Stag Glass Drinking Jar is perfect for making your smoothies look amazing – simply add a straw and go!
