Welcome! As January drags on and winter shows no sign of lifting, it's no surprise that this weekend is when you are most likely to ditch all your good intentions for a health reset.
So, how can we look after ourselves when motivation is low and the days feel long? Paddy McGuinness hit the headlines this week when he posted about the transformational changes he felt in his body and mind after completing the 75 Hard challenge. While his dramatic physical change is impressive, fitness experts warned that taking on such an extreme challenge could also be dangerous.
The good news is you don't have to go quite so hard. As senior health writer and coach Harry Bullmore discovered, the real secret to success isn't the punishing checklist itself, but consistency, structure and accountability. Read how even a diluted version of 75 Hard can deliver real results here.
Harry also digs into the principles of mid-life strength training this week. As we get older, experts advise building and maintaining muscle to help keep your metabolism firing. But if you want stronger arms and perkier pecs, there are some non-negotiable workout rules you need to follow. For measurable gains in strength and body composition, check out Harry's eight golden rules for building muscle in mid-life here.
In the weight-loss conversation, drugs such as Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications have been both praised and critiqued. While some users report significant appetite reduction and weight loss, others speak out about intense side effects such as nausea, fatigue and even muscle loss. In an extract from her new book, Off the Scales: The Inside Story of Ozempic and the Race to Cure Obesity, Aimee Donnellan looks at some of the side effects that don't fit the "miracle" success narratives we're being fed on social media.
Meanwhile, Hannah Twiggs looks at the hidden amounts of salt in our everyday food. Think your diet is healthy? You might need to think again after reading how many of us are using up half our daily limits before lunchtime.
But it is to the healing power of food that chef Ryan Riley turns his attention. Awarded a gong in the New Year Honours list for his Life Kitchen initiative, Riley has transformed how people undergoing cancer treatment experience food. Speaking about the impact his work has had, Riley tells Victoria Young: "When food stops tasting like food, it affects your mental health as much as your physical health. Helping someone enjoy a meal again can be incredibly healing."
That philosophy feeds into his latest recipe column for The Independent. Designed not just for nourishment, but for comfort and joy too, we'll be running his Small Pleasures recipe column throughout the bleakest months of the year.
0 comentários:
Postar um comentário