• 

  Get together...

• 

  Join our forums...

• 

  Fire your imagination...

• 

  Tell your friends...

• 

  Indulge yourself...

Take time out and find some inspiration

Do you have less energy than you used to? Do you suffer from bloating or notice mood swings each month?

If the answer to either question is yes, do you just accept this as a normal part of being a women or getting older? Well don’t!
There is absolutely no reason at all why you shouldn’t feel absolutely FABULOUS. If you don’t, perhaps there are functional imbalances, a build up of toxins or nutritional deficiencies, which can be addressed by changing what and how you eat.

Expecting too little of our own health and vitality is something that I notice so often with my clients and something I’d like to change for all women!

The Okinawans in Japan are one of the longest living populations in the world, with a higher than average number living to over 100 years. The reason is partly genetic but also to do with their lifestyle and diet; rich in plant based, nutrient dense foods high in antioxidants. It’s not just that they live a long life; they also enjoy fabulous health into old age. There are virtually no incidences of heart disease or cancer and women enjoy a natural menopause. Conditions we might expect as inevitable in old age simple don’t affect them.

What about the government advice to eat five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day? I think it sets the bar too low. In the US they are already recognising (in a small way) that more is better when it comes to fruit and vegetables and are increasing the recommended intakes. Vegetables and fruit are nutrient dense, packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients (many of which are antioxidants). They’re not the only thing we should eat but for optimal health, we could all benefit from eating more, I advise at least nine portions of vegetables and fruit a day to my clients (try it and see how you feel).

Unexplained pain, low energy, pre-menstrual symptoms, poor digestion or catching every cold and flu going – these are not just things you have to live with. Have a look at what you eat. Is about 80% of it whole, un-refined, nutrient dense food? If not, then maybe you are doing yourself a disservice.

Here are four things to try:

1. Increase your daily intake of vegetables, a really simple way is to have a veggie based smoothie each day; avocado, cucumber, lettuce leaves, rocket, mint and basil are all delicious blended with some seeds and an apple.
2. Make sure your blood sugar is balanced: have a good quality protein (beans, peas, lentils, egg, fish, lean meat) with each meal; cut out refined carbohydrates and replace with whole grains; reduce stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol and have regular healthy snacks.
3. Eat raw nuts and seeds each day and oily fish a couple of times a week to ensure you have the right balance of good fats. And definitely cut out any trans fats.
4. Are you drinking enough water? At least a litre and half, as plain water or herbal tea.

A poor diet will lead to nutritional deficiencies that in turn can create imbalances in certain systems of the body.
The body is one huge interrelated web, so when there is imbalance in one area, it will have a knock on effect somewhere else. We are all biochemically unique, so some of us have a greater need for certain nutrients or are more prone to an imbalance in certain systems. It’s wonderful that we are all so different, but it does mean that what’s right for one isn’t right for all. Problems with digestion, immune, adrenals and thyroids are where I see most functional imbalances with my clients.

If your health and vitality isn’t 100% and you are already eating a healthy diet then I urge you, don’t ignore it. Speak to a nutritional therapist and get checked for system imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.

You deserve to be and feel truly FABULOUS so make it happen!

Angela Walker is a nutritional therapist with a busy practice in London with clinics in Notting Hill and Kensal Rise. Angela holds a BSc in Nutritional Medicine, is a member of BANT, a NTC registered practitioner, a Nutri People approved member and a PruHealth provider.

Until the end of August, she is offering a special deal for all Be Fabulous readers. An initial consultation (90 minutes) plus a 30-minute follow up for £100, which is a massive 25% discount. (The first consultation must be made before the end of August and payment is 100% at first consult).

• © 2012 Be Fabulous Online Ltd. All rights reserved.
• Advertisers
• Contact
• Terms of use
• Privacy Policy
• Accessibility
• AWARD CREATIVE
• Developed by Nine Four.