As you may know, one of my main goals for 2018 is to my focus on self-care and I’ve recently been working on improving my diet and daily eating habits. As well as being the best way to stay in shape, a clean diet is also a great way to improve your energy levels, have glowing skin and a happy, healthy gut.
I wanted to share some of the tips and recipes I’ve incorporated into my diet with you, I hope you find them helpful!
I’ve learnt to avoid having too much caffeine but some mornings definitely require a little boost! If I need a little caffeine fix I’ll opt for earl grey or green tea rather than coffee. I start the day with a breakfast of warming porridge topped with refreshing berries and chia seeds. I’ve found porridge to be very filling, gut-friendly and it really keeps me going until lunch. The extra berries and chia seeds bring flavour and also plenty of nutrition. Berries are delicious and also have a number of health benefits. I usually add blueberries, which are full of antioxidants, improve digestion and alleviate inflammation.
However, if my morning at work has been particularly busy, I might start feeling a bit hungry mid-morning. If I do need a little something to keep me going, it’s generally an avocado, spinach and kale smoothie which gives me a real energy boost whilst still feeling light.
I like to vary what I eat for lunch but at this time of year, warm, winter homemade soups are my go-to; and if I’m feeling particularly hungry I’ll have a slice of rye or sourdough bread too.
If I get peckish in the afternoon I like to have a chopped apple with peanut butter (delicious) or a rice cake to keep me going. Both of these snacks are tasty and a good replacement if you’re craving something sugary.
As you can tell I’m fond of my snacks, however, I’ve also learnt that sometimes when I think I’m getting hungry, my body is actually a little dehydrated. I now try to drink up to four pints of water a day. This might sound like a lot, but I recommend you try this; you’ll see the results in your skin almost instantly.
My evening meal usually consists of either fish or chicken with vegetables. I love having salmon which is full of healing vitamins and minerals, including potassium, selenium and vitamin B12. Often referred to as ‘brain food’ due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is good for both the mind and body.
I also love to have peppermint tea just before bed; it helps with digestion and soothes me into a great night’s sleep.
For me, eating healthily is all about enjoying good, tasty and nutritious food. It’s not about dieting and I never deprive myself; I’ve just learnt to have a smoothie or healthy snack rather than junk food. Having said that, it’s all about balance and if you want that slice of cake or chocolate bar then have it occasionally; that’s absolutely good for the soul!
Love
Rebecca X
About the Spa
The elegant and stylish Suffolk Spa at the Bedford Lodge Hotel provides a natural, relaxing and aromatic environment, with plenty of beauty and wellbeing benefits, The Spa provides a wealth of indoor and outdoor spa facilities including a Hydrotherapy pool, roof top hot tub, a Rasul, Experiential showers, and a state of the art thermal area comprising a steam room and sauna .
The Spa also has 10 beautifully styled treatment rooms, a luxurious relaxation room, a therapy room for visiting cosmetic doctors offering non-invasive procedures and a Spa Lounge where guests can enjoy a selection of light bites. The treatment menu has been created in cooperation with leading British spa brand, ESPA and offers a compact range of natural, holistic and results driven treatments for the face, body and mind. A beauty room offers manicures and pedicures.