The COVID pandemic has given us all plenty of time to think and to consider our life paths. It’s given me an opportunity to consider my lifestyle and food choices. I have made a determined effort to get myself into shape and shift the extra weight I’ve been carrying for the past few years. So in June I began my health kick.
Thus far I have lost 17 pounds since making some lifestyle changes back in June. These are simple changes to my diet and exercise that have had a huge impact not just on the scales but about the way I feel about my body. In addition to eating fewer calories and moving around more, I have also increased my vitamin intake. I was really excited to try Bergamot products and incorporate them into my new healthier lifestyle.
Chia Raw Organic Powder
Some of my friends who are avid gym-goers rave about the benefits of chia seeds and have incorporated them into their diet. The benefits of chia seeds were known to the Mayans. In some Mayan languages, Chia means strength.
Chia seeds are packed with protein, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. The health benefits ascertained from these components is a healthier heart, aiding digestion and healthier skin. These tiny seeds are also said to help reduce the signs of ageing. As the seeds absorb water in the digestive system, they expand helping us to feel fuller for longer. They can also promote brain power and increase your energy levels.
I was a little unsure initially how to enjoy chia seed protein powder and how to incorporate them into my usual diet. Thankfully, Erbology list plenty of fabulous recipe’s on their site. You can find them here.
I decided to add my chia seed powder into my morning porridge for a protein boost! I use water rather than milk in my porridge as I am lactose intolerant. After making my porridge, I simply sprinkled the chia seed powder over the top and then enjoyed. They taste delicious! Chia seeds have become a staple part of my health kick.
Organic Sicilian Almonds
I absolutely adore these organic Sicilian almonds from Erbology. I love to eat them raw as a snack. As my love for almonds has grown, I’ve also tried them in salads and in yoghurt.
Almonds are incredibly tasty. Not only are they utterly delicious, but they also pack a lot of health benefits. They are filled with vitamin E and riboflavin which is a great energy booster. These nuts also contain magnesium, iron, copper, and calcium.
Almonds have been enjoyed since ancient times. Sugared almonds were a delicacy enjoyed by those at the top of society on special occasions. And Romans used almonds as a type of confetti at weddings, as they were believed to aid fertility.
Organic Aronia Juice
Aronia juice is something completely new to my diet. I had no idea what to expect from the taste, how to incorporate it into my diet or indeed what the benefits of this juice were.
Aronia berries are a blend of nutrients which support heart functions, metabolism and also promote healthy skin. I have terrible acne scarring so I am really keen to incorporate something into my diet which will add nutrients my skin.
As directed, I now add 2-4 table spoons of this liquid to my food once a day. I tend to add it to water to make a delicious juice drink, or if I am making a smoothie, I will add Aronia juice to the smoothie.
Organic Bergamot Juice
Again, bergamot juice was something completely new to my diet. This juice is filled with bio-active flavonoids and vitamin C. These are essential for collagen production which promotes healthy skin.
2 to 4 tablespoons of this juice can be added to water to make a tasty juice. Or alternatively added to a salad for a zesty punch.
These juices have become an integral part of my health kick. They have promoted an all-round healthier lifestyle which focuses not just on weight and burning calories but also increases the number of vitamins and minerals I put into my body every day.
My Post Lockdown Health Kick
As well as incorporating a range of products from Erbology, I have also made some other significant changes to my lifestyle.
Calorie Counting
The key to any weight loss programme is to have a calorie deficit. It was too easy for me to guess my calories in the past and be in complete denial about just how many calories I was consuming on a daily basis. I now ensure I count out my calories every day to ensure I am always in a deficit and therefore able to lose weight.
Exercise
I have learnt that loosing weight is 80% diet, 20% exercise. However exercise is essential for me because I only seem to eat healthy when I incoporate exercise into my lifestlye. If I have very little exercise in my lifestyle, I seem to lack the desire to eat healthily. A walk, an hour of Zumba or some weight training is fundamental to keeping my mindest on my health kick and keeping me on the right path.
Sleep
During lockdown, it was easy to sleep in and go to bed late. Since we’ve moved out of lockdown, I’ve made a conscious effort to keep to a regular sleep pattern and I do my best to get 8 hours of sleep each night.
Moving More
This does not always mean exercise in the traditional sense. When considering my lifestyle, the more I moved, the more steps I took and the more calories I burned. I always ensure I hit my daily goal of 10,000 steps. This can be done not just by walking, but also by dancing. When cooking, I ensure I move my body around the kitchen by dancing and thus raising my heart rate a little.
Do you have any tips to help those of us on a health kick? Please let us know in the comments below.
*This is a collaborative post, however, as always, all opinions are my own.
For similar posts, see my health category.
