SPRING CLEANING

According to the latest official release from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2017-18, two thirds (67 per cent) of Australians 18 years and over were overweight or obese. It’s about time…

Spring is the best time to correct weight issues! You can do it!

Clean up your body and lose those extra kilos. Improve body composition and optimise mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Make time this Spring to initiate sustainable long-term change. The achievement of an optimal weight produces many positive outcomes including:

• Happier days and nights

• More energy and endurance

• Lower blood pressure

• Lower levels of triglycerides

• Less risk of heart disease

• Improved mobility and reduced pain

• Better sex and less erectile dysfunction

• Improved mood

• Better sleep

• Higher self-esteem

• Improved insulin resistance

• Lower risk for multiple cancers

The facts

The above statistic of 67 per cent is predicted to jump even higher over the next ten years. Those who are overweight or obese are most likely to develop chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney disease. Complications from viruses are also a serious threat.

Getting started

• Establish a Road Map

First of all you have to know where you’re going. Write down your goals and why you want to achieve them. Know where you want to be and plan your way to get there. Review these goals regularly to make sure you are staying on track. Establish SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable and Relevant, and be sure to set a Timeframe.

• Engage a Mentor

Consult with a qualified practitioner to help you make the right food choices and select the best exercise program for you. The creation of an individual plan will help you develop better habits, nourish your body and establish a satisfying and enjoyable lifestyle.

• Empower your mind

Proactively address the emotional drivers behind destructive eating habits to accelerate success in achieving weight loss goals. Emotional weight can be a metaphorical protection layer creating a physical barrier between us and the rest of the world. It can keep us safe.

• Educate yourself

The human body is made by design to win. All we have to do is provide it with the right conditions. Get assessed and educated by a qualified practitioner. Study the human body to make sure that nothing is out of balance.

• Effective, consistent and organised

Your aim is to keep it simple, effective and consistent. Being organised is the key to unlocking your potential. Review your plans weekly and follow them daily. Chart and reward your progress along the way, as this can be very motivating to keep you on track!

By Kirsten Sweeney - Naturopath

• Encountering obstacles

Like many others, you are likely to encounter obstacles on your path to better health and lasting weight loss. Some will be predictable, while others may come out of the blue. Instead of censuring yourself, be proactive and positive! Problem solving techniques will help you to change your behaviours and create solutions for challenges that crop up.

• Check thyroid function

It is always a good idea to do a blood test before you start. Check thyroid function, glucose, insulin and other blood chemistries as a starting point. Share the results with your naturopath, who may recommend certain nutrients to help speed up your metabolism.

• Do a retreat

If you need help to establish healthy lifestyle habits, you can always visit us at Living Valley Health Retreat to implement the initial steps and establish beneficial habits for lasting changes.

It’s about lasting, sustainable change to your physical and mental wellness. So, remember, in order to take the first step, make sure you have set yourself up to make the journey easier through implementing these simple strategies before you start.

By implementing these strategies, you will achieve lasting sustainable change to your physical and mental wellness while creating lasting weight loss. The team at Living Valley can provide ongoing programs to help keep you on track. a