5 Snacks That Are Good for You

Most of you know that we're not big fans of snacking if you are trying to improve your metabolic health. We are certainly pretty scathing of the snack food industry in general, but there is a different type of snack here.

Today, we want to share five quick "snacks" that can significantly improve your health and well-being throughout the day. These aren't food snacks, but rather bite-sized activities to nourish your body and mind.

#1 Exercise Snack

Incorporate short bursts of activity into your day with these simple exercises:

• Jogging on the spot for 60 seconds
• 10 chair squats
• 10 heels raises (standing up on your toes)
• 5 push-ups (or wall push-ups if needed)

These quick movements can boost your energy, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen your muscles.

#2 Breathwork Snack

Try the 4-7-8 breath technique to calm your mind and reduce stress:

1. Exhale completely through your mouth
2. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds
3. Hold your breath for 7 seconds
4. Exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds
5. Repeat 4 times

This simple practice can help slow your heart rate and bring a sense of calm.

#3 Stretch Snack

Ever noticed how cats and dogs stretch when they've been sitting or lying for a while? Humans forget to stretch- we just get up and walk off. Give your body a quick stretch with this simple routine:

1. Shoulder release: Raise your arms overhead and gently lean to each side
2. Forward fold: Stand up and bend forward, reaching for your toes
3. Wrist stretch: Extend your arm and gently pull your fingers back with the other hand

These stretches can help relieve tension and improve flexibility, especially after long periods of sitting.

#4 Grounding Snack

Take a moment to ground yourself in the present:

1. Press your feet firmly into the ground
2. Notice the sensation of your feet connecting with the floor
3. Focus on this feeling for 30 seconds

This simple exercise can help you feel more centred and present in the moment.

#5 Gratitude Snack

Practice a quick gratitude countdown:

1. Take a deep breath
2. Rapidly list 10 things you're grateful for, counting down from 10 to 1
3. Try to complete the list within 30 seconds

This exercise can shift your perspective and boost your mood, especially during challenging moments.

Most of the time we think we need to invest huge quantities of time and effort to get results but doing little things frequently can also give you improved health.

Healthy change can be easy when you know how.

With love and great health

Dr Lucy and Dr Mary XX

PS: If you need a snack we highly recommend the humble boiled egg (unless you have an egg allergy of course). It is packed with protein, some healthy fat, a myriad of vitamins and minerals and will keep you full. It really is "Nature's little vitamin pill"

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy are the founders of Real Life Medicine. They help women who have been on every diet under the sun, optimise their health and achieve long lasting weight loss without feeling miserable or deprived.

They do this with their 3 step framework that

• Improves metabolism
• Develops mindset skills
• Provides tools to implement it easily into busy lives

With this comes increased energy, vitality and confidence.

You can avoid chronic disease and stop living life on the sidelines!