5 steps for optimum health

Change your cooking methods

For savoury dishes and regular meals ditch cooking oils and start sautéing or oven baking with a little water and lemon juice, or try poaching or steaming. Add olive oil at the table, not to the pan.  A little coconut oil or ghee can be used to cook with on occasion.

Review the focus of your meals

Ensure a minimum of three vegetarian main meals per week.  Use your Christmas book-voucher to buy a vegan or vegetarian cookbook to get inspired.

Buy a blender

Choose a high powered blender and keep experimenting with raw smoothies to get your minimum of ‘5 a day’ easily.  Raw beetroot, berries, and a small amount of chilli, water and ice make a winter smoothie with a delicious zing.

Get moving

Join the gym or choose an exercise class for a fitter, happier you in 2017. Going with a friend provides support and encouragement, or make new ones there!

Smell the roses

…or other essential oils of choice. Be sure to buy essential oils rather than fragrance oils which don’t have the same therapeutic qualities. An oil burner sets a lovely tone in the home, and citrus, lavender, geranium and various other essential oils have antimicrobial and health promoting properties which infuse the air and lift the spirits.

By Gemma Hurditch, CNM Lecturer