The m-sxl guide to feeling great in 2007
Ok, it's January and you're back at work, the office party has been and gone, the full-on festivities are over and you have ploughed through enough food and drink over the last month to sink a battle ship. Fear not overindulged bodies all over the world are feeling just like you, a little tired and perhaps a little heavier but fear not the latest trendy detox is here to help...rubbish!
We all start off full of good intentions but let's be honest how long can you keep up drinking nettle and beetroot juice even if it is great for you. Sure, Carol Vorderman has written book after book on the virtues of the detox, but then she is making vast amounts of money targeting people looking for a quick fix. When it comes down to it a healthy balanced diet is and always will be the best way forward.
The body is designed to get rid of toxins - that's what our liver, lungs, kidneys and skin do, so what is the point of detoxing? Researchers in America concluded that detox diets do no more than the body's own natural system to get rid of toxins. They said most modern books and detox kits serve up "empty promises". According to the latest research from Southampton university, the body is more than capable of recovering from the excesses of Christmas all on its own so put that glass of liquidised broccoli and bean juice down and kick-start your New Year with a few simple healthy habits that are easy to maintain. You'll feel good inside and out all year long and not just until February!
Tip 1 - drink plenty of water, about 2 liters a day!
By doing this not only will you feel better but your skin will look great as well. No matter what "detox" diet you might try simply drinking enough water is the really essential key to feeling healthy no matter what time of year. If you suffer from headaches you are probably not drinking enough water and too much festive alcohol won't help as alcohol has a dehydrating effect on our bodies. Drink plenty of water, re-hydrate your body and you'll feel better.
Tip 2 - drink less caffeine and alcohol.
If you drink a lot of caffeine, it is even more essential to drink a lot of water as caffeine along with alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body and we would recommend cutting down your caffeine and alcohol intake. It's best to cut down rather than cut it out completely as sudden withdrawal can leave you headachy and irritable - not a great way to start the year. Plus a little alcohol is good for us!
Tip 3 - eat a healthy balanced diet.
Many Scientists and dieticians argue that the benefits people feel when on a detox are not due to their body getting rid of excessive toxins but are in fact due to them changing a poor diet for a healthier balanced diet. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to get essential vitamins and antioxidants, nuts and seeds for essential oils and minerals, oats and plant foods for fibre and include fish in your diet for protein, immunity and omega-3 fats (in oily fish).
What to eat and drink more of in 2007:
- water, pure juice, fruit or herbal teas
- fruit and vegetables
- plant foods
- wholegrains
- nuts and seeds
- fish
What to eat and drink less of in 2007:
- alcohol and fizzy drinks
- chocolate, cakes, biscuits, pastries, processed meats, sweets, crisps, cream, deep fried food
- red meat and hard cheese in excess
- caffeine - in coffee, tea, cola, chocolate
Tip 4 - get some exercise.
Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle but if the gym is not your thing and you don't feel comfortable in lycra then don't go to a gym and don't wear lycra! Just find something you enjoy doing and get active. Simple things like taking the stairs and not the lift can really make a difference. For more info on fitness see the body section.
Tip 5 - get a good nights rest.
You would be surprised how many people just don't get enough sleep. Go to bed a little earlier and feel better.
So there you have it, 5 top tips for a healthier 2006 and not a colonic pipe in site!
Happy New Year from the metro-sexual team.
