Health and weight loss: Part 3

I have written about health and weight loss and my journey to figure out what my body needs and responds to. It has been up and down, as many of you have likely experienced, there is no such thing as one size fits all.

My efforts trying intermittent fasting was disappointing for me. I found the actual fasting quite easy, personally, however it it did not make much, if any difference to my health or weight. In truth, I think it caused a few tummy issues, so I am no longer doing it. Jason finds this method very positive for him and he see's almost instant results, which has made me look more into the differences gender plays in the effects of intermittent fasting lifestyle. What I have found was limited by adequate research, as much of intermittent fasting is anecdotal and personal stories. but there is an indication that a woman's body responds differently to a man's, this is largely hormonal and genetic.

So this brings me to the now. I am planning on continuing my lesson's learned from the vitality healthy food journey, I felt it had the biggest positive change, albeit slow, it was real and I felt good. I am also still very curious about hormonal impacts, largely due to my experience of substantial weight loss in all 3 pregnancies, and subsequent weight gain after with breastfeeding, which is counter to the norm. and do plan to speak to a doctor about this. I am hoping that by my open discussion about these subjects once considered taboo, we can increase dialogue. I am constantly learning, as I know better, I can share and do better. Do you have any stories or experience to share? Please write to me!

So when it comes to advice, I think its important to know that there is no one solution to all this. I am trying to be healthier, I think we all are, and the common sense advice remains consistent:

• Listen to your body, if something does not feel right, question or change it.

• Get expert advice when and if you need it. If you have pre existing conditions or concerns, seek professional medical advice.

• Try and eat minimal or NO added sugars and salt if you have blood pressure issues

• Eat smaller meals by eating slowly, giving your body time to recognise satiety. I found planning food and meals VERY helpful in keeping not only happy, but healthier.

• Increase your fibre intake, either by eating more whole or raw foods, or adding bran or fibre as a supplement. This is crucial for gut health and regular bowel,

• Protein is essential. If you don't eat much meat in your diet, consider adding a protein supplement. Try choose lean protein sources, not fatty sources.

• Focus on nutrient rich foods first. This means, bolder colours and super foods. Often we get in a rut eating what is convenient and not what is healthy.

• Something I learning from my Vitality Healthy food journey, was to be more mindful when I ate. Jason and I got into a healthy lunchtime habit of having a for purposeful meal, high in nutrients, rather than a rush in the car.

• I can never emphasise enough the value of water. This is advice I need to constantly remind myself of as I am not good at it naturally.

• Another excellent lesson I learned from the vitality journey was how much of a difference variety made to me. Eating a variety of different dishes and foods that were new to me made a big difference to the general enjoyment, but also the wider nutritional appeal.