Making positive steps towards a healthier diet and lifestyle is challenging enough but when there is so much information and advice out there, it can feel overwhelming. Often, you don’t know what to do for the best or how to even begin!
So, let’s keep it simple!
Forget restrictive diets, targets, and unattainable goals, and just go back to basics.
Here are some straightforward tips from our team of nutritional therapists here at Chuckling Goat:
Nutrition
“Rather than thinking about removing foods from your diet, simply add one extra gut-healthy food each week. This will increase microbial diversity (the key to a healthy microbiome) and boost your nutrient intake. Choose from pulses and legumes, nuts and seeds, fruit and vegetables, and whole grains, even herbs and spices count too!” Claire Toomey
Sleep
“Sleep has to come first – address your sleep routine and everything else will fall into place! My one piece of advice would be to wake up at the same time each day, even at weekends. Your body (and gut bugs) love routine and this is the best way to get your sleep/wake cycle back on track.” Laura Southwood
Relaxation
“Find a moment of calm. My suggestion would be to take Ashwagandha* – this amazing herb can help to settle the mind and the gut, allowing you to make a start on your gut-health journey” Kendra Schaaf
Physical activity
“If you’d like to start exercising but feel put off by targets like ‘10,000 steps per day’ or ‘150 minutes per week’ – forget counting, just start with a walk around the block! Or put some upbeat music on and do some steps or squats in the kitchen.” Saskia Knight
So, our simple message is – start with a small change and do it at your own pace, and above all, enjoy the process as you go 🙂
*Before starting any new supplement, please check with your GP or pharmacist regarding any contraindications with your current medication or health conditions.
If you’d like to find out more about getting into physical activity, improving your gut health, or reducing stress have a look at our Gut Health Express blog.
You’ll also find plenty of fibre-rich meal ideas and recipes here.
Questions? Feel free to get in touch with our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays, to have your questions answered!
