Can you undo YEARS OF POOR HEALTHCHOICES?

Perhaps you’ve spent years running off a diet of takeaway and soft drinks, or you’ve yo-yo dieted your way through every weight-loss fad since 1980. Maybe the last time you exercised was 20 years and 20 kilos ago. If your health is showing the effects of years of neglect, it’s time to take action.

FIRST: VISIT

YOUR DOCTOR

Before making any lifestyle changes you need a full health assessment to rule out any major concerns. Years of poor diet and insufficient exercise can lead to some serious medical conditions. GO MEDITERRANEAN A healthy diet is your most effective weapon against cardiovascular disease. Particularly heart-friendly is the Mediterranean style of eating which focuses on fresh vegetables, fish and nuts.

LOWER THE PRESSURE

High blood pressure, often one of the first signs of neglecting your health, affects more than a third of adults. As well as a healthy diet, exercise can reduce blood pressure. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week. And be sure to swap salt for a sprinkle of herbs and spices. SLIM YOUR MIDDLE

If only it were that easy, right? The good news is that by doing all the above you’ll most likely notice any extra kilos start to disappear. But remember, it took years of unhealthy habits to get you here so there’s no quick fix. Slow, steady, long-term weight loss is the goal.

FLIP YOUR FATS

Help lower cholesterol by replacing saturated and trans-fats with plant oils. Use avocados and products containing cholesterollowering plant sterols instead of butter or margarine.