The Fit & Flexible diet

Moving well is important but eating well is essential. And the good news is, you don’t have to deprive yourself!

Building these exercises into our day is important, but we won’t get the full benefits if we don’t eat a good diet. A flexible-friendly diet lubricates joints, strengthens bones and reduces inflammation. Foods rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs), Vitamin C, sulphur and

calcium all provide a great nutritional base.

COLLAGEN AND SILICONE We might think collagen is only for our face creams but both it and silicone are important for building strength and elasticity in the connective tissues around the joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Hummus, nuts and nut butters are all good for collagen, while foods rich in Vitamin C also aid tissue repair. Peppers, broccoli, strawberries and watermelon are great sources of Vitamin C. Silicone is much higher in plant-derived foods so good sources include grains such as barley, oats, rice bran and wheat bran, along with some vegetables such as green beans and root vegetables.

SPICE IT UP!

Some spices – cinnamon, ginger and turmeric and chilli peppers – have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Sprinkle cinnamon on your porridge or add ginger to your coffee for a winter warmer. Small tweaks can build up to bigger health benefits. Crucially, eating a Fit & Flexible diet helps us feel better in our bodies and happier in ourselves. The more flexible we are, the more we move. The more we move, the more efficiently we burn calories, build tone and feel stronger and healthier.

■ If you have any injuries or long-standing health conditions, please consult your GP or appropriate practitioner first. These are general exercises suitable for people with a basic level of fitness. If you require a bespoke training plan to meet your specific needs, please see a qualified health professional or contact Ben directly.