Features » Health and Beauty
THE WELLNESS REVOLUTION
Linda Sage, BA Ed (Hons) / 2006-08-28 18:28:13
Most of the adult population, and increasingly the younger generations, certainly of the more developed countries of the world have an enhanced idea of what "good nutrition" is.
Mostly we can understand the equation of eating more food, provides more calories, using less energy to burn off calories, leaves us with a surplus, usually somewhere around the middle of our bodies. We can accept the concept of reducing the intake and even a slight increase of the use of calories, has the reverse effect. So, if we can understand the concept why is it so hard to put into practice?
Fat is illogical, what we believe about it, is what causes us the difficulties. We have been primed over the years to believe, one concept after another, believing that we are acting in accordance with good practice, Diet, really is a word that should not be allowed to be used, as psychologically as soon as we say to ourselves, something is banned, or a sin - what is the one thing we want? This concept has been proven since Adam and the apple. The complexities of a well balanced menu, has perplexed even the most ardent reader, as the information provided on our food, has not always been entirely honest, ie. 100% fat free yoghurt, great!, but the missing information is that it has a very elevated level of sugar. Salt has been the latest ingredient to hit the headlines, with one fast-food provider topping the pole with more than a whole week’s recommended intake, in one meal.
So, if we are to forget about fad diets and extreme purging methods, what is left? Wellness, identified as; a state of well being, the body functioning at it optimal level and maximising energy. How can you tell if somebody is well? Bright eyes, shining hair, good skin, strong nails, loads of vitality, with a good sleeping pattern. These outer traits are the mirror of the inner function of each person.
How much are people prepared to pay, for an enhanced longevity? A published forecast by Mr Paul Zane Pilzner (Financial Advisor to The White House, world renowned economist, author and multi-millionaire) is that by the end of this decade one trillion dollars just in the USA alone, with Europe not far behind. This forecast follows the form of the economic wave that has been flowing since the mid forties. People, born between 1946 and 1964 are known as the Baby Boomers, following their life path and forecasting their needs has created various billionaires. In 1956 there were more schools built in the UK than at any other time, the 60's was children's wear, shoes, toys etc, 70's; music, cars, travel, 80's; videos, housing, microwaves, 90's; PCs, mobiles, new millennium - health, these trends are true and verifiable. These same people, now do not want to be old, they want to be healthy.
We do not have to look far, to see previous generations hitting 50 and being written off, as old, over the hill etc. Now, many people are finding financial freedom, major career changes and looking for a better life style. Millions of Euros have been spent by Brits alone on embarking on lives in Spain, for a better climate, less stress (not according to anybody that has gone through the buying process here) and more leisure time. Which also encourages a higher alcohol consumption, so even with the best intentions, we lapse.
The Royal College of Medicine in Madrid, have announced that after extensive research, Britain is the "Fat Capital" of Europe, with 1 in 4 deaths directly related to weight or body fat issues, heart disease, cholesterol and strokes being major factors. The investigation into heart disease shows conclusively a direct connection between a fast, throwaway life style and coronary infection. The higher fat loaded diet, along with a more sedately life style screams gloom and doom. But still, youngsters are sat lots of hours in front of a computer screen or TV, behaviour demonstrated by their previous generation.
Looking around us in Spain at the older generation, the little old ladies and gentlemen in black, should serve as a clear health statement. Most of them have bowed, or severely arthritic feet, legs or hips; a direct inheritance from the Spanish Civil War, when food was exceptionally scarce, calcium and major vitamins were like gold dust, now and over the years they have paid the price.
There have been many advances in science and we can afford cosmetic surgery to enhance our natural traits, but these are only skin deep, without taking the long term consequences into consideration from an early age, many of the preventable illnesses will continue to kill. But, the good news is, it is never too late to make changes and our bodies are very grateful for any help we give it. So, walk up the stairs instead of taking the lift, walk round a couple of holes on the golf course instead of using the buggy, have one less glass of wine a day, one less cake or biscuit with your cuppa; small changes all add up to a large increase in a healthier life and longer to enjoy it.
Linda Sage BA Ed(Hons)
Dip. Psychotherapy, Cert. SpLD, Cert Ed., Cert TEFL
Quesada Wellbeing Centre and Independent Herbalife Distributor
Tel. 966 71 77 68 for further personalised nutritional information
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