Living a healthy lifestyle is very important to us, and it is something we encourage all our clients to explore. There are many aspects to being and feeling healthy and these may be easier to incorporate into your life than you think.  Starting a family is a good time to ponder your health and lifestyle and make some positive changes.

 

A good place to start is to look at what you eat. It is important to have a good balance of wholegrain carbohydrates, low fat sources of protein, good quality plant oils and fresh fruit and vegetables. It is best to limit alcohol as well as sweet, fatty and fast foods as these foods are usually very low in beneficial nutrients. Give up or cut back on smoking, especially if you are pregnant. Altering your diet to include healthier foods can be done all at once, or in small steps – whatever way suits you.

 

Taking a multivitamin supplement regularly is an easy way to ensure you have an adequate and regular intake of important vitamins and minerals. Regular multivitamin use has been shown to increase longevity(1) and reduce the likelihood of chronic disease(2). For all round good health, an omega 3 supplement is recommended, as well as a probiotic supplement for gut health.

 

Some lifestyle changes may include more regular exercise and fresh air. Exercising 3-5 times a week for at least 30minutes is commonly recommended by health professionals. For pregnant women, walking or swimming are examples of some gentle full-body exercise. Prenatal yoga is a wonderful way to maintain flexibility and there are local groups offering these classes (see Directory).   Exercising outdoors in the sun will also make you feel better and happier – just one of the positive effects of vitamin D. Remember to use sunscreen if you outside for longer than 10minutes.

 

Your sense of wellbeing – how you feel in yourself and your body – is also very important and impacts on all areas of your life. Get lots of sleep – 8 hours is ideal. Try to maintain and focus on healthy relationships. You may find that this is a good time to let some stressful or negative relationships fall away. Work on having a positive attitude. Listen to your self-talk and notice how you may be putting yourself down, or always giving in. (see the Affirmations section for positive messages you can give yourself)

 

We are always available to talk about these topics and support you as necessary.

(1) 'Increasing longevity by tuning up metabolism.' EMBO Rep. 2005 July; 6(S1): S20–S24. Published 2005.

(2) Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults, Clinical Applications Robert H. Fletcher, MD,MSc; Kathleen M. Fairfield, MD,DrPH. JAMA. 2002;287:3127-3129. Published 19 June 2002. Accessed 27 Dec 2007.