pointers to good health

stop pretending

You eat more than you say you do.

You exercise less than you say you do.

You drink less water than you say you do.

you eat too much

Instead of lunch, have a series of light snacks. One large meal a day is enough (unless you are doing very physically-demanding work).

You will not die if you sometimes miss a meal. In fact you will find that you can feel quite comfortable with a slight feeling of hunger.

Do not have sweets regularly. The less you have, the sweeter they will taste. Eventually you will find that the intense sugar intake no longer satisfies.

Restrict bread to one meal a day at most. You will soon get used to living without it.

Eat 1/2 to 1/3 less than you do now. Food is energy, it is dumb to eat for the sake of eating. Try eating for the sake of energy!

exercise often

Keep your exercise routine short - 15 minutes a day is enough to keep you fit and to stop you complaining about the time it takes. Try and incorporate at least one exercise that leaves you short of breathe.

Find an exercise routine that gives extra benefits - martial arts will give you self confidence and a knowledge of self defence. A run along the beach or through a pleasant park will clear your mind. Join a gym and make new friends. Walk home from work or from shopping and relax your mind.

drink lots more and lots less

Keep a water bottle by your side as much as you can. Water is an essential part of your diet, your body is about 75% water and it needs to be constantly topped up. Get used to drinking it at room temperature it is much more convenient.

Drink less alcohol, it is very dehydrating. Soda water makes a comfortable social alternative. (Unless of course you are intent on getting drunk, then soda water will probably be unsatisfactory.)

snack it

Two or three pieces of fruit mid morning, is a great snack. It will soon become a habit and you will find that you enjoy the different fruits of the season throughout the year.

Dried fruits and nuts are sweet treasures that can lift the day.

No snacks or sweet drinks after your evening meal. The sweetness is not good for your rest, your teeth or your digestion. You do not need the energy from food just before you sleep.

one day holiday

Have one day a week as an exercise holiday. It feels good to sleep in one morning knowing that you have made a great effort for the rest of the week.