Give yourself a health MOT

You’re still feeling the pinch of your last car MOT, but when was your last health check up? Here’s how to give yourself a health MOT

A thorough health check is necessary to spot any issues early and, depending on age, we should be having yearly health screenings. With National Obesity Awareness Week (11 to 17 January) reminding us how easy it is for major issues to go undetected we spoke to Chris Foster, professional head of fitness at Nuffield Health, for the expert tips on overhauling our health.

Focus 

Throughout the duration of overhauling your health focusing on one area at a time is crucial for success. Trying to fix everything at once often causes inconsistency as well as can be distracting. When the area of your focus is consistently improving that’s when you can begin to consider your next goal.

Sleep

Get an adequate amount of sleep for optimal health, as this is the time your body uses to reenergise and restore. A lack of sleep can affect daily decisions surrounding exercise and nutrition, pushing back progression.

Quit smoking

For many this can be the biggest health overhaul as smoking affects so many aspects, and with visible changes it can be just the necessary motivation to make other improvements.

Set goals

Set yourself a range of short- and long-term SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Bound) goals. This is important for giving your health overhaul a purpose as well as for staying motivated from proven achievements.

Keep moving

Cycle or walk to work, incorporating physical activities into everyday tasks can help to improve fitness even on a tight schedule. With so many of us living sedentary lifestyles due to work and other arrangements, making the time to exercise is vital for avoiding chronic health issues as we age.

Stay hydrated

Top up your water levels throughout the day as hydration is essential for helping the body to function, as well as maintaining a healthy immune system.

Eat a balanced diet

Avoid short-term diet plans and fads in preference of a balanced diet to avoid the yo-yo affect. Build your meals around a healthy blend of carbohydrates, protein and fats rather than excluding a whole food group. Each food group has its benefits when consumed in moderation. If you’re unsure about portion sizes and the balance best suited to you, get advice from a qualified nutritionist.

Seek Support

Be accountable with friends and family as their support can be motivational not only in staying on track but also in avoiding the feeling of isolation as your lifestyle changes.

Prioritise 

Quit making excuses why you’re too busy to exercise or prepare healthier meals, and start better organising your time. Most people have the time to fit in exercise or meal prep but simply rather sacrifice their health in favour of doing other things.

Celebrate success

Reward yourself for your achievements as this is great motivation for staying on track and doesn’t necessarily have to be unhealthy (a weekend away, shopping or new clothes).

For best health overhaul results get a health MOT from your GP or gym. Nuffield Health is currently offering one-hour in-depth checks from £254, screening BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, aerobic fitness and more. For more information, visit nuffieldhealth.com