How to Shift that Christmas Fat

First published on Studenty.me on 27 Dec 2011.

So, Christmas is over now, and once you’ve scoffed that last mince pie, finished off the pudding, devoured the Christmas cake, polished off that remaining box of chocolates, and filled yourself to bursting point with various alcoholic beverages, its time to make the usual New Year’s Resolution - to be Healthy.

Yes, I know you made the same decision to be healthy this time last year. You took to the water. You exercised. You did anything you could to shift that Christmas podge! Its hard, but there are ways to improve your health.

image: fugly.com

The old proverb tells us: “Your health is your wealth”, but can this proverb be taken literally? After all, healthy food can cost quite a bit more than the unhealthy alternative - especially for us students? Its cheaper to bulk buy the Tesco instant noodles, and that delicious pasta to which you just add water.

But can we really put a price on our health? I spoke to nutritional therapist, acupuncturist, and bio-resonance practitioner, Laura Thompson, from Healthy Options, Longford, on the subject, and she gave me quite a bit of useful information, which I shall pass on to you presently!

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. “The body is like a network of tiny engines,” Laura tells me, “with some working in unison and some independently. All are on call for 24 hours a day. If these engines are to function correctly, they must have the right fuel. The wrong fuel will cause the engine to sputter and lose power. No fuel at all and the engine will stop. Likewise, if we want to be healthy with an abundance of energy, we must be selective of the type of fuel we feed our bodies.”

Every year, obesity becomes worse and worse. Ill health and weight problems are linked to the amount of junk and toxic-laden foods we consume. To stay healthy, we need to discipline ourselves to eat a varied diet - pizza, beans on toast, fry-ups, none of these foods, no matter how quick, cheap and easy, will do our bodies any favours. Self respect is vital. If you respect your body, you will want to nourish it.

So what about vitamin supplements? When I asked Laura what the best supplements to take would be, she recommended a good multi B complex. “Your B vitamins are very important for your energy levels, but they’re also very important for your mental energy as well, and obviously being a student, you’re going to need to be able to concentrate. They’re also very important for the conversion of fat into energy, so they play a role also in your metabolism, and they also help you to absorb iron. The problem with B vitamins is they tend to be water soluble, so the body doesn‘t store it, so you need to get it into your system on a regular basis.” So, if you want to take a supplement, and only one supplement, go for a multi B complex.

Winter is here in full force, and the immune systems of many have been attacked by the stress of exams, cold weather, and poor health. I asked Laura her advice on getting our immune systems boosted and ready to fight off further colds and flus that are sure to be waiting on the sidelines. “Your vitamin C is probably the most popular vitamin,” says Laura. “you can actually buy a mega B complex which also has 1000mg of vitamin C as well.” So, this has not only the B vitamins our bodies crave, but vitamin C too, which will help us fight off bugs in the winter months, and this is also quite affordable for students.

image: datenokuni.com

“Obviously your diet is very important, and its important to eat hot foods,” Laura continues, “try to have lots of soups and casseroles and stews. I know students generally don’t like cooking, but you could always make a really big pot of soup, or casserole, and have it over a period of a few days.”

Exams may be over for many colleges but there are some, unfortunately, who are studying throughout the Christmas, their holidays ruined by the piles of notes that restricts their activity. I asked Laura for her advice on combating stress, and her advice is not only useful for those who are still awaiting the dreaded exams, but also for those of us who would like a boost in concentration. Again, the magical B vitamin is advised, as it helps your mental health, but if you want a little extra coming up to exam time, try some fish oils, such as omega 3. “We’ve all heard of the salmon of knowledge,” Laura tells me, “and there’s a lot of truth to the story. Fish oils are very important for your memory and concentration, and they also help your recall. People have a lot of knowledge in their heads, but trying to recall it when you’re under pressure can often be difficult. So taking your fish oils is very important. Omega 3 is also a feel good fish oil. They make you feel happier in yourself, and help prevent depression. That would be my favourite one for students.”

There are some vitamin supplements designed specifically for exams, and one of these is called Balance for Nerves. But what is it? “Balance for Nerves,” Laura informs me, “is made up of amino acids and B vitamins, and its really to help your concentration levels when you’re stressed. You can have great concentration and great recall, but add a bit of stress to that and it becomes difficult to get that information from your head and onto the paper.” And some extremely important advice when taking these: “Don’t wait until the day before your exam to take it. Now is the time to really start looking for these things and get a build up of them in your system.”

So, what I gathered from this interview is basically the following: take vitamin B!! It converts fat to energy, it helps concentration, it gives you energy for exercise, it helps your metabolism, and in turn your weight, it prevents depression, there’s one kind that has vitamin C which helps the immune system, its affordable, it combats stress, and the best part? Its not even a drug so its perfectly safe to take!

So let’s get cracking on the diets, guys, God knows we’ll need our health to get us through the coming semester!

Laura’s top tips for a healthier lifestyle:

image: healthyfoodsite.com

• Eat a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. This is essential for a healthy body. Try to add fruit to your daily diet - even if its just a glass of fruit juice or a topping for your cereal.
• Try to cut out all highly processed foods, which contain a high amount of hidden salt and sugar.
• Look for foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, seeds and some grains. These are vital for healthy brain function, good metabolism and great skin.
• When looking for a good source of energy, turn to the wholegrain variety of carbohydrates, instead of energy drinks, chocolate or sugar.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Try to have a wholegrain cereal such as oats or wheat. Avoid the over-processed sugary cereal such as the frosted or chocolate varieties.
• Stay away from the frying pan and stick to grilling and steaming. This will help prevent obesity or disease.
• Cut down on salt as it causes fluid retention and high blood pressure.
• Protein is vital for proper muscle and growth development, and should be consumed daily. Good quality sources of protein are met, eggs, nuts, beans and seeds.
• Another vital element to a healthy body is exercise. Try to be as active as you can and exercise daily. Try walking or cycling to college if you live nearby, rather than driving. Join a sports club, or go for a 30 minute walk in the evenings. Not only will exercise keep you in shape, it will also increase well-being, elevate moods and reduce anxiety and depression.

27 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson