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The January Edit

Welcome to the January edit and a Happy New Year from all of us at Abbeydore Retreats!

New Year is traditionally a time when we think about how we can do something differently to make an improvement to our lifestyle. This might be about choosing what we put into our bodies, changing how or how much we use them or a little bit of both. Diet and exercise are the key factors to being stronger, fitter and healthier for longer and making even small changes can yield big results.

At this time of year, we are all bombarded with the latest fad diet or exercise regime that usually promises outstanding weight loss and body toning results. The truth is that consistency and sustainability are the best way to see real improvement both physically and mentally. From a diet point of view, three, protein-rich meals a day with plenty of various vegetables is a great place to start. Protein not only improves recovery from exercise and builds muscle but it also makes you feel fuller for longer reducing the urge to snack.

Setting manageable exercise goals is really important too. Consider what you enjoy doing and be realistic about what you can fit into your week. Look at what exercise classes are available in your area as they are often a really accessible and social way to add some activity into your routine and there are loads of different options available.

Don’t be afraid to ask us either! We love hearing from you and are happy to provide advice when we can. Whatever you decide to do with 2024 we hope it is a happy and prosperous one for you!

Making healthy choices and avoiding faddy diets

Every year huge numbers of people set New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. While fine in theory, unfortunately, this can often lead to people pursuing “fad diets” such as cutting out particular food groups, or only eating a small handful of ingredients in various combinations.

This can often lead to yo-yoing between dieting and binge eating, which doesn’t do anyone any good. As a general rule, we’re not big fans of any specific diets; our bodies require a huge number of different nutrients to function properly and the best way of obtaining them is by eating a balanced diet.

So, rather than vowing to “watch” what you eat, we recommend trying to “think about” what you eat a bit more. And we don’t mean obsessing about it either – that’s another thing that fad diets are pretty good at triggering. Try cooking from scratch more. It’s not always easy if you are tight for time, but if you want to commit to something this coming year, eating balanced and healthy could be your best bet.

If you can combine it with a bit more exercise, even just upping your step count a bit that would help too!

Striking a balance: realistic health goals for the new year

As the New Year unfolds, many people feel the allure of radical resolutions, wanting to plan a drastic overhaul and fresh start and too easily setting themselves up to fail.

Start instead by focusing on a small, manageable change to add to your routine. Think about taking a daily walk, finding a fun physical activity to do with a friend, choosing a healthier snack to swap in, or adding a few minutes of mindfulness to your day. There is always a small thing you can tweak for the better.

These subtle shifts contribute to overall well-being and also foster your self-efficacy – the belief in your ability to succeed. By achieving a smaller manageable step, you can build confidence and set off a positive snowball effect. Small victories create momentum, leading to more beneficial changes.

Remember self-compassion – acknowledge and celebrate every win, and be kind to yourself about any setbacks to help you move forward. It’s about the journey rather than perfection. By embracing a balanced and compassionate mindset, you set the stage for a healthier and happier time ahead.

From walking to running

Improving your levels of fitness doesn’t need to be expensive. Signing up for a gym membership can feel like a huge commitment if you’re new to exercise so we suggest starting with small steps.

Walking is a great way to start and it won’t take long to feel the benefits in your mood, cardiovascular system, muscle power and weight. Start with ten minutes a day and build up, you’ll soon feel better for it and can slowly increase the duration. 

If you are keen to push yourself further you could consider running. All you need is a decent pair of trainers and clothes you feel comfortable running in. If you feel you need a plan to work to you could explore the NHS Couch to 5K or sign up for your local park run.

For a real kick start to exercise that includes how to and why we do certain exercises, as wellbeing and nutrition advice, why not consider joining us for an individually tailored Fitness Weekend?

Healthy recipe of the month

Post-Christmas is often when we turn our focus to a healthier diet after a period of enjoyable indulgence. We thought we would focus on Kale, it’s easy to grow but also readily available in supermarkets.

Kale is a brassica and part of the cabbage family, loved for its versatility and nutritious values.

There are many ways in which you can add Kale to your diet, start the day with a super healthy breakfast smoothie or kale crisps, it’s easy to add to meals including soups, salads and suppers.

Nutritionally, it’s a great source of plant-based calcium which is great news for our bones and teeth. Rich in Vitamin K it’s great for healthy bone metabolism too. It also helps with protecting against heart disease with potassium that can help maintain healthy blood pressure and also substances that help manage levels of cholesterol by binding to it – So Give it a go! 🙂

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