©Alva Carpenter
Eating the right food can really help you turn back the clock.
When you have loads of energy you feel bright and confidant and you look and feel younger. People who take care of themselves have a spring in their step and look fresh and it is very difficult to tell their real age.
Whatever age you are, you can turn back the clock and improve your health by following a healthy diet and taking some exercise.
Fighting Foods
The most important foods to fight the ageing process are fruit and vegetables. So, make sure you have at least five portions every day. Bananas, figs and dates boost potassium levels and make you feel years younger. Fresh food is better for you, as processing food can destroy its vitamins and minerals. Fruit and vegetables also fight cancer, boost your metabolism, and help your skin to look fresher and younger. Being overweight is ageing.
The size of the palm of your hand is a good indicator of how much protein or carbohydrates you should eat at any meal. A colourful lunch plate is a sign of a healthy meal. Have a little of everything and say no to seconds.
Forget Fat Free
Many diets ask you to cut out fat completely to lose weight, but your body needs some fat to keep warm. The health of your cells and tissues depend upon a good supply of essential fats.
Cut Out On Sugar
A sweet tooth is just a habit like any other. You do not need sweet snacks. Sugar raises the glucose levels in the body which puts pressure on your circulation and can eventually cause ageing and weight gain. Only have one sweet snack per day. Save cakes for celebrations.
Super Youthful Snacks
Many people enjoy a snack between meals but if you choose a sugary snack you will gain weight and spoil your teeth.
Keep these youth giving nutrients for snack time:-
- Handful of pistachios
- Small bowl of blueberries
- Handful of almonds
- Handful of sunflower seeds.
Drink Yourself Young
Limit coffee to the occasional cup before 12 noon. Drinking lots of black coffee can stain your teeth and it is better to drink coffee with milk as you will benefit from the calcium in the milk.
Treat alcohol with care as it can age your body. Try to give up drinking alcohol at home for a month and you will be amazed at the weight loss and how well you will sleep. Take up the challenge!
Limit your consumption of tea to two cups per day. If you must have a drink tea, try herbal teas such as green tea, peppermint tea or nettle tea which are really good for you. Water, as we all know, is the fountain of youth. So drink lots and aim for 12 glasses a day in cool weather. It helps you detoxify and rejuvenate your body. It also makes your body work more effectively, boost energy levels, and is great for promoting glowing clear, fresh skin.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best anti ageing pills ever. If you have never exercised before send off to miniwg@naturalhealthlines.com for a copy of my mini morning workout and get started.
Weight Watch
Throw Out Snacks
Here's a sure-fire way to reduce your consumption of high-calorie snacks. Throw them out! If snacks are not around, you won't be able to eat them. Instead, buy healthy alternatives, such as fruit and nuts.
Recipe of the Week
Pear & Hazelnut Crisp
Serves 8
Ingredients
8 ripe pears, peeled, cored and sliced
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons flour
⅓ cup toasted hazelnuts, finely chopped
1 cup flour
6 tablespoons brown sugar
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of salt
6 tablespoons cold butter, unsalted, cut into pieces
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine the pears, 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Turn the mixture into a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the hazelnuts, 1 cup of flour, 6 tablespoons brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Work the butter pieces in with your fingers until the mixture is crumbly. Pour the mixture over the pears and press lightly to fit it all into the baking dish.
- Place the crisp on a cookie sheet and bake until it is golden brown and bubbly around the edges of the dish, about 45 minutes.
Getting Active:
Exercising Outdoors
Exercising outside is wonderful. After Eid it will be cooler and fresh, cool air feels great against your skin, especially early in the morning. And there is nothing like the sound of your running footsteps. But taking your exercise outside also means that you'll have to deal with the elements. Bear in mind that exercising in the heat for just a few minutes can significantly raise your body temperature. If you choose to run in the heat, watch the humidity levels. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and cool clothes. If you prefer the cold, dress warmly. Don't forget to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
Ask Alva
Q
I am feel unhappy with my weight. Can you work out my BMI so I will know how much weight I should lose? My mother keeps telling me I am not fat but I eat 3 or 4 chocolate bars during the day. I am 5’2 feet tall and I weight 65 kilos. Reem M
A
Your BMI is 26 so you really only need to lose 3 or 4 kilos. I think if you keep exercising you will tone up and feel better. It is probably your sweet tooth that is causing you to gain weight. Eating sugar-laden foods constantly is not necessary and can be addictive. You should only have one sweet snack per day. Cut down on buying sweet snacks so that you do not feel tempted. Email me guidewg@naturalhealthlines.com for a free copy of my healthy eating guide. Alva