WHILE the prolonged lockdowns and mobility restrictions forced many to stay at home, this brought a host of concerns, where many became used to living a sedentary lifestyle where they now have the opportunity to indulge in a bad habit called “binge eating.”
But there is also no doubt that the pandemic also awakened Filipinos to be more aware and conscious of their state of health. As revealed by the Herbalife Nutrition Asia Pacific Health Inertia Survey 2021, 35 percent of the respondents from the Philippines said that their physical health was better compared to 12 months ago.
Among those who indicated that their physical health was better, 69 percent said that they consumed healthier meals and 58 percent engaged in more exercise and other forms of physical activities.
In the same survey, 39 percent said that their mental health was better, citing more personal time and space to take care of their mental health, better work-life balance, eating more nutritious food and exercising more as the main reasons.
This tells us that physical activity and good nutrition may be the keys to enhancing their overall well-being.
According to Stephen Conchie, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife Nutrition Asia Pacific, he urged people who haven’t been exercising or eating nutritious meals on a regular basis, to make it a point to start today. “With a wide range of technology tools, virtual platforms, and health-focused communities available these days, the means to making exercise and a healthy diet part of your daily life are now more easily accessible than ever,” he explained.
Harness technology for health
Conchie said the proliferation of technology has empowered people with the digital tools they need to be active wherever they are. With health and fitness mobile apps, Conchie pointed out that virtual fitness classes and videos as well as dedicated smart watches and smartphones that double up as fitness trackers, people can now easily find a workout plan that fits their schedule. “Nutrition apps are also a handy tool to keep track of your food choices as you go about your day, making it easier for you to assess your nutritional gaps and plan your meals ahead.”
Develop good nutrition habits
Aside from engaging in exercise, Conchie stressed that it’s also important to practice good nutrition habits in everyday life. Making the effort to consume balanced meals with a good mix of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, Conchie pointed out, and choosing nutrient-rich snacks rather than calorie-rich but otherwise empty options, will help the body get the nutrients it needs. Hydration is also critical, as it enables the body, he said, to better absorb the nutrients that we consume.
Set personal goals
As we all know, starting an activity is the easy part, but making it a habit takes consistent effort and discipline. “To keep yourself on track to meet your health and fitness goals, be sure to set personal targets that you must work hard at to achieve in the mid to long term. These can come in the form of completing a marathon, or taking part in a series of 21 km runs, one for each quarter of the year,” he said.
While physical mass participation runs and sporting events may seem like a distant memory now, today there are virtual versions that anyone can take part in at their desired time and venue. Signing up for such activities in advance and setting goals that stretch personal limits will provide the motivation to strive further and push harder in taking fitness to the next level.
Be part of a like-minded health-focused community
Human beings are social by nature. Having a like-minded, health-focused community around you, Conchie said, can be the key factor that helps anyone keep up with their healthy active living habits. “In fact, close to one in two (48 percent) respondents in our survey said that they experienced an improvement in physical health due to positive influences from their family and friends,” Conchie explained.
With a supportive social network to provide the encouragement to keep you going, Conchie said working towards health goals can be a fun and enjoyable journey. Plus, there are lasting health benefits.
As we continue to navigate the transitions in our daily routines, we never know what kinks and bumps may come our way next. By prioritizing exercise and healthy eating as a means to foster better physical and mental health, and making use of available digital tools, platforms and communities to keep you on track, you will be setting yourself up to weather the challenges ahead with newfound health, strength and confidence, Conchie ended.