YOU R HEALTH
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THE EXPERT VIEW
COMPILED BY SUE QUINN
I
t’s well documented that staying physically active has many benefits for
our physical and mental health. Government guidelines suggest that, in
order to maintain optimal health, we do at least two-and-a-half hours of
moderate aerobic activity or one-and-a-quarter hours of vigorous aerobic
exercise a week, plus additional bodyweight or strength work twice a week.
During the current situation, where so many of us have had our usual
exercise routines derailed and are experiencing a level of uncertainty, it can
be difficult to establish how to maintain staying reasonably active.
First of all, I’d recommend cutting yourself some slack and being more
forgiving towards yourself – especially if you don’t feel you have the energy
or motivation to train. Many of us are experiencing a heightened sense of
anxiety and, while this is completely understandable, it’s important to be
aware that anxiety can contribute to fatigue.
That said, we also know that keeping physically active can help manage
stress and also support a healthy immune system. The answer is not to avoid
training but to manage expectations – aim to do 20-30 minutes of light-to-
moderate training a day. This could include a walk, gentle bike ride or even
a yoga routine. The priority here is to get into good behaviours – in a way,
participation in physical activity is more important than achievement.
We have to be realistic and accept we’ll probably lose a little bit of fitness
and maybe a small amount of muscle tone if we can’t do our normal routines.
But it’s important to remember, too, that we’re not defined by either of these- and that this situation is temporary. Our bodies are capable of responding
positively again once we can get back into our previous fitness habits.
BY RENÉE McGREGOR
HEALTH
HACKRENEE MCGREGOR BSC PGDIP SPECIALISES IN SPORTS NUTRITION AND EATING DISORDERS.
HER BOOKS INCLUDE TRAINING FOOD, THE FAST FUEL SERIES AND ORTHOREXIA (NOURISH BOOKS)
The secret to curing severe nut
allergies might be found in the gut.
Researchers at the Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York
City have discovered that nut allergy
sufferers have large numbers of
so-called ‘allergy molecules’ in their
stomach and intestines. It’s hoped the
findings may point to treatments for
the estimated one in 200 UK adults
who are allergic to nuts.Staying active can
help manage stress
and support a healthy
immune system
H
DI
DYOU KNOW
?Olive oil is brimming with
antioxidants (compounds that
help prevent cell damage) and
good fats linked to a reduced
risk of heart disease. So why
confine olive oil to cooking and
salad dressing? Add a splash
to smoothies or swirl over
a bowl of soup. Or even drizzle
over chocolate mousses and
tarts – cocoa is a good match.
Be sparing, though, as the
calorie count is high.