Hello and welcome to my latest newsletter. If you have received previous copies you will already know that my message for a long and happy life is eating healthily, drinking plenty of water and taking exercise.
We all over indulge in the winter, now is the time to look forward to spring.
DO IT FOR YOURSELF
Think of a personal way to monitor your progress.
- Is there a certain part of your body that you would like to change? If so, measure it.
- Do you have a special outfit you would like to wear?
- Would like to play with your children/grandchildren without getting out of breath or your muscles aching?
Write down your target or measurements before you start, then allow at least six weeks of your new lifestyle before you look at them again.
START REALISTICALLY
Your exercise programme should be to your own personal level and finding something that you enjoy is the most important thing. It could be walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, joining an exercise class or taking up a new sport, anything where you can push yourself gradually and feel that your stamina is improving.
If you try something new and honestly do not enjoy it, move on to something else. Exercise should let you forget your troubles and make you smile.
MODERATION
The key to a healthy lifestyle is a balanced diet and cutting down on the things that you know are bad for you personally. If you tell yourself that you can never again have a piece of chocolate, a glass of wine or maybe a cup of coffee, they will become a major issue. Try replacing some of your treats with fresher, healthier options, look at your portion sizes and let your body gradually get used to the changes.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
If something about your new regime is not working think carefully about what it might be.
- Is a certain new food or drink not agreeing with you?
- Is your exercise level too hard or too easy?
Don’t be tempted to give up completely, just make a slight adjustment.
If your new lifestyle is making you feel better and people are noticing a difference, then it is working so carry on.
Please feel free to contact me for any advice and good luck.
Jane Ardley
February 2007