13 June:Having a great body depends on more than good genes and gym visits — your lifestyle influences how you look and feel1. Always have a good breakfast Nutritionists advise you should consume most of your calories in the morning. As the day goes on, your metabolism slows down, so your body is more likely to store extra calories as fat. Studies show that many overweight people consume 75% of their calories in the evening.
2. Keep your hair in good shape Healthy hair will give you confidence. Scalp massage improves hair condition. This works on the basis that stimulating blood flow will add thickness by increasing the width of each hair. Try the Ayurvedic method: with your fingertips, massage your scalp with warm sesame oil (blended with a few drops of calming lavender or uplifting rosemary essential oil), using circular movements.
3. Don’t put your body down Continual references to your body shape will tell others you’re unhappy with it and reinforce this message to yourself. Your attitude to your figure is often a barometer of how you feel about your life in general. For instance, you’re moaning about the size of your thighs, but you may really be unhappy about your job or your relationships.
. Nourish your looks The vitamins and minerals we get from our diet feed our skin and hair. These nutrients are released by our digestive systems into the blood, which transports them to where they’re needed most. Reduce intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats (in butter and some meat). Eat plenty of vitamin A-rich fruit and vegetables, such as apricots, carrots and spinach.
5.Start aerobic activity Any form of aerobic exercise that raises your heart rate consistently will help you stay in shape. You’re exercising aerobically when your heartbeat is faster than normal but you’re not out of breath. Cycling, swimming, walking and dancing all work the large back and leg muscles, which burn the most calories. For real improvement, aerobic exercise should be done for 20 minutes, two or three times a week. Regular aerobic exercise will give you more energy, improve your self-esteem, increase your metabolic rate, reduce stored fat and give you a toned body.
6. Learn to ‘graze’ The rule is to eat little and often. Fitness trainers say if you don’t eat regularly your insulin levels will fluctuate, causing your body to store more fat. Eating four to six smaller meals a day can therefore raise your metabolism and help you burn fat. One way to do this is to keep nuts or dried fruit at work and nibble on them throughout the day. This will also reduce afternoon energy dips.
7.Learn to relax Believe it or not, but learning to relax can help keep you slim. Stress releases fatty acids, which are redistributed through your bloodstream and stored as fat. Try this technique to give yourself a soothing neck massage when things get particularly stressful: reach behind your neck and place your thumbs just below your ears and your fingers along the back of your head, then move your thumbs and fingers in circles for 10 seconds.
8.Accept praise Deflecting compliments with a negative response will send your brain a message that you’re not worthy of praise. A healthy attitude to your body means accepting your natural body shape then you can work to improve your shape sensibly with diet and exercise.