Wellness warriors: fighting for a healthier you
Date
12 Sep 2024
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Much as in life we are engaged in a battle with unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices, in exercise we are engaged in a battle with ourselves. In a world where we are overloaded with information, expectation and comparison, it is up to us to get in touch with the warrior within us to fight for our own wellbeing. In this article you will be armed with the tools necessary to make a change in your lifestyle to benefit your health.
The warrior spirit
Get up and get moving, studies show that regular physical activity can significantly improve overall health.1 At the same time, strength training can help build strong bones and help us age with grace and strength.2 Embrace the journey to fitness and wellbeing, and discover how small, consistent efforts can transform your life. Don’t wait — take charge of your health and become a true Wellness Warrior today!
Training your body
Exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps maintain healthy blood pressure and helps weight loss. By incorporating consistent physical activity, you enhance your body’s cardiovascular system, making it more efficient and resilient.3 Embrace the warrior spirit and fortify your body’s vitality, ensuring you lead a healthy, active life. By engaging in a balance of strength training and weight loss efforts you can achieve the body you want while feeling great too.
Longevity lies in consistency
They say that true strength comes from within, so don’t underestimate the power of cardiovascular exercises. Including running, swimming or cycling, aerobic exercises are particularly beneficial for heart health.4 Incremental gains from consistent exercise can lead to significant health improvements over time. Don’t underestimate the benefit of adding an extra 15-minute walk to your routine each day.5 Each step taken, each stretch performed, and each heartbeat elevated contributes to a healthier, stronger you.
Muscle food 101
Don’t forget this trio of powerhouse muscle nutrients for your wellness journey! For a magnesium kick, munch on leafy greens like spinach, various nuts, and seeds.6 Craving calcium? Dive into creamy dairy delights like milk, cheese, and yogurt, or go green with kale.7 Need a B12 boost? Savor succulent meats, fish, eggs, and dairy.8 Plant-based? No worries! Fortified cereals and nutritional yeast have got you covered.9 Mix these nutrient-packed foods into your diet and fuel the fight for health.
Prime your body for recovery
Fuel your muscles with foods rich in taurine, glutamine, and L-carnitine for optimal muscle health and recovery. Taurine is found in seafood such as fish and shellfish and supports muscle function and reduces fatigue.10 Glutamine is an amino acid which is abundant in beef, chicken, and dairy and aids in muscle repair and promotes gut health11 L-carnitine is present in red meat, pork, and avocados and helps enhance energy production and reduces muscle soreness.12 Incorporating these nutrient-packed foods into your diet can help you recover faster and maintain stronger, healthier muscles.
Being a wellness warrior
Embrace your inner wellness warrior and transform your fitness journey one step at a time. Regular training not only boosts your physical strength and endurance but also enhances your overall fitness.1 Remember, every small effort counts—whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or lifting weights. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, and stay motivated by focusing on your progress. By taking consistent, manageable steps, you’ll build a sustainable routine that leads to lasting health and vitality. Keep moving forward and let your warrior spirit shine!
References
- Posadzki P, Pieper D, Bajpai R, et al. Exercise/physical activity and health outcomes: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews. BMC Public Health. 2020;20:1724. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09855-3.
- Hong AR, Kim SW. Effects of resistance exercise on bone health. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2018 Dec;33(4):435-444. doi: 10.3803/EnM.2018.33.4.435.
- Sharma S, Merghani A, Mont L. Exercise and the heart: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Eur Heart J. 2015 Jun 14;36(23):1445-53. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehv090.
- Valenzuela PL, Ruilope LM, Santos-Lozano A, Wilhelm M, Kränkel N, Fiuza-Luces C, Lucia A. Exercise benefits in cardiovascular diseases: from mechanisms to clinical implementation. Eur Heart J. 2023 Jun 1;44(21):1874-1889. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad170.
- Fadli F. Understanding walking behavior: its benefits and barriers. J Educ Health Community Psychol. 2016 Dec;5(3):35-44.
- Volpe SL. Magnesium in disease prevention and overall health. Adv Nutr. 2013;4(3):378S-383S. doi:10.3945/an.112.003483.
- Miller GD, Jarvis JK, McBean LD. The importance of meeting calcium needs with foods. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001;20(2):168S-185S. doi:10.1080/07315724.2001.10719029.
- Obeid R, Heil SG, Verhoeven MM, van den Heuvel EG, de Groot LC, Eussen SJ. Vitamin B12 intake from animal foods, biomarkers, and health aspects. Front Nutr. 2019;6:93. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00093.
- Watanabe F, Yabuta Y, Bito T, Teng F. Vitamin B12-containing plant food sources for vegetarians. Nutrients. 2014;6(5):1861-1873. doi:10.3390/nu6051861.
- Yoon JA, Choi K-S, Shin K-O. General Characteristics of Taurine: A Review. The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition [Internet]. 2015 Jun 30;28(3):404–14. Available from: https://doi.org/10.9799/KSFAN.2015.28.3.404
- Coster J, McCauley R, Hall J. Glutamine: metabolism and application in nutrition support1. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2004;13(1):25-31
- Pekala J, Patkowska-Sokola B, Bodkowski R, Jamroz D, Nowakowski P, Lochynski S, Librowski T. L-Carnitine – metabolic functions and meaning in humans. Curr Drug Metab. 2011;12(7):667-678. doi:10.2174/138920011796504536