A lifestyle change was called for…

And while I don’t want to boast, that’s exactly what I did. It started with long, very long walks everyday. A change in food habits. Cutting back on drinks… And no smoking. Over the years, this routine has been somewhat modified. There have been falls from grace. But eating healthy continues…as does the exercising. Today, I listen when well meaning friends, family and experts exhort me to continue the good work of keeping my weight off. It’s no longer “blah, blah, blah…” going through one ear and out the other.

We should all pay more attention when we are told to exercise and eat right!

In through one ear, out the other – that’s used to be the norm.

It all started with my mother. Of course! Go out and play, she said, get some exercise! And there was school…painful PE lessons in the heat of the mid-day sun!

But all good things, including one’s metabolism, slows down…with age.

As the years rolled by, I realised a ghastly fact!  I had put on weight. I was stressed and not getting enough exercise – and for the first time in my life, I had high blood pressure!  All my life my BP had been perfectly normal, if not on the low side.

But suddenly it decided I needed a wake up call. High BP entered my life. As did a whole retinue of other ailments: Colitis, gastroenteristis, arthritis. Just for starters.

Along with the ailments, a long list of medications also got pride of place in my kitchen cupboard. Definitely not a nice situation. I decided things had to change…

The many benefits of a life style change. For everyone.

I generally combine my walks with gym sessions – a minimum of one hour sessions at least 4-5 times a week. My diet comprises fruit, veggies and proteins with a sprinkling of carbs. And I keep myself occupied with work and other activities.

A busy mind means less time spent on thinking of food and no snacking in between meals! I mean it. The results have been fair, I think.

Over the last few years, I have lost weight. My BP is under control. Excepting for Arthritis, the other ailments are gone. Meds are down to just two tablets a day. I get a good night’s sleep, generally – getting up bright eyed and bushy tailed! All raring to go and take on the world! In fact, the day I don’t exercise or get over-indulgent with my food intake, the results are immediate. And terrible.

Seniors, especially, can get  a new lease on a “longer” life by exercising and eating right. We are all aware that physical activity and exercise are good for us. In fact, being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do. And eating the right foods will make you feel better, live healthier. Good enough reasons to believe in the mantra: Why exercise and eating right should go hand in hand.

BY By Thiyagarajan Velayutham, Founder, IHHC| October 13th, 2017