For the last few years we have been constantly told that eating just 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day will help to keep us strong and healthy. Not only that but this will significantly lower our risk of having diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
You would have thought that by having to do something (something which quite honestly we should be doing anyway) as simple as this that we would all comply. However, we all know the truth -hand on heart how many of you actually consume the recommended 5 per day every day?
To be perfectly honest when I see in the press that ‘yet another new survey’ shows us something I totally ignore it. However, the new survey by Dr Oyinlola Oyebode at University College in London suggests that the 5 a day is a bit on the short side as 7 is nearer the mark is one survey that actually gets my attention and my vote.You see 5 servings per day is really a very conservative amount and going over this is not going to harm especially if these servings are going to be in place of sugary, processed calorie laden yet nutrient deficient foods.
I would also be happier it if these surveys added……
- Homegrown or organic is best.
- If not then at least locally grown and not flown half way around the world.
- Definitely not irradiated.
- Fruit juice and tinned and frozen does NOT count.
- Vegetables in greater quantities than fruits.
Also important to add to this is the fact that just because we might be eating more fruits and vegetables it does not give us permission to increase sugary foods or calorie laden fatty foods. It does not give us permission to smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine. It most certainly does not give us permission to drink/eat anything at all containing artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are products made in a laboratory (note I do not call them foods as foods they most certainly are not) that the human body can do well without.
This can then be taken even further to add in;
- Regular exercise taking into account both cardio vascular and weight bearing routines.
- Keeping your life as relaxed and stress free as possible.
- Making sure that you have a work/life balance where you make time to do those things that make your heart sing.
- Fresh air and time outside connecting with nature is vital to the human body and soul.
- Make time for the people who you love and who make you happy and smile.
- Getting a good nights sleep every night is vital to keep you happy and healthy.Sleep time is when our bodies do the majority of repair and regeneration and if we do not get enough then our bodies do not get to do what they need to do.Investing in the very best bed you can afford is essential – our adjustable beds are very affordable as they start at just 349.
In the 21st century we have allowed ourselves to drift from who we are and where we should be and it is time to sit back and reclaim ourselves before it is too late. This new survey should act as a reminder to us all that we need to take better care of ourselves and to make it a priority as good health is probably the most precious thing we can have.
