Mali Ramara

Mali Ramara

Choosing a healthy lifestyle should not be as daunting as it's made out to be if people could learn to change their mindset.

Many people know that major health problems are caused by bad eating habits and other factors such as stress, lack of exercise, smoking and poverty and environmental factors such as pollution and so on.

What is interesting is that none of the health-related diseases are caused by a lack of medicine, but we are quick to pop pills just because we feel it will get us better quickly.

The diet industry does not help. It has turned the human body into a battlefield for all these diet programmes that offer weight loss if you simply pop a pill that burns fat.

Some consumers do not take the time to consider long-time side effects, as long as the programme offers a quick solution for their weight problem.

Changing our eating habits only requires a different mindset.

People need to change how they look and feel about life and their bodies.

Granted, changing one's mindset is one of the most difficult things in life, but it can be done.

Steps to take to change your mindset:

lEvery morning and night, visualise yourself in the situation you desire. If your goal is to lose weight, visualise yourself as lean, fit, full of vitality and with boundless energy.

lPut pressure on yourself. Share your goals with people who will always remind you to stick to your goal.

lAttach time-lines. For example, tell yourself that you are going to reach your desired weight in 3-6 months.

lFill your cupboard at home and work with proper nutritious food.

lManage your exercise programme.

l Surround yourself with people who support you.

l Mali Ramara is a nutritionist and a fitness and yoga instructor