10 things you can start doing TODAY, for a healthier you!

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1) Block out 30 minutes or more for exercise you enjoy in your calendar every day. When written down, you’re more likely to commit. For a holistic fitness routine, vary between cardio, strength training and stretching.

2) Start your day with warm water and lemon; follow with a nourishing breakfast, enjoying it mindfully, before falling into the vortex of email, social media – whatever your day entails

3) Keep hydrated by substitute all sugary drinks with plain H20, and keep a bottle to hand throughout the day. Add fruit or vegetable slices, and herbs to make it more palatable. Herbal and green teas are also great; pure coconut water get tops marks.

(Enjoy your java in moderation, especially if sensitive)

4) Consume mostly wholesome unprocessed foods, that means. as close as possible to its natural state. Health-wise, this strategy gives you the biggest bang for your buck – you max out on nutrients while minimizing your consumption of junk.

5) Fill your life/kitchen/workspace/plate with healthy foods to crowd out the less nutritious fare.

Keep water at your desk, drinks & food coolers at the office. Keep healthy snacks to hand (nuts, seeds, fruits, dried fruits, yogurts, popcorn, low sugar cereal, healthy granola bars, crudités and hummus, salsa, Vietnamese rolls, sushi).

Bring these snacks to meetings, if over lunch – plan healthier fare to be brought in.


6) To save time, cook and bake in bulk; refrigerate cooked eggs, chicken and grains, and freeze anything from homemade sauces, marinades, to muffins and granola bars -grab as required for work or anytime snack; how lucky are we to be in the tropics - thawed before you know it!

7) Pack a lunch for work, school and enjoy a picnic on a family day out; anything can be quickly thrown in a salad, or made into a healthy sandwich or wrap. Invest in a few thermos to take homemade soups or curry dishes. Eat at home when feasible; save dining out for special occasions (thereby minimizing intake of hidden fats, sugars, salt, and additives)

8) Get 7 hours quality sleep to recuperate and rejuvenate. Have a “No electronics in the bedroom” rule – so you get quality time with your partner J. (an op to squeeze in more exercise..)

9) Enjoy treats and alcohol in moderation. Life is far too short for deprivation – however overindulgence lessens our health and longevity.

10) Work on being that positive optimistic person you want to be and appreciate that you are in control of your health not only through better nutrition and fitness but also through your better attitude.