Plant-based Diets And Pilates
While it may not be for everyone, there is no denying the health benefits of a plant-based diet – experts have said eating less meat can increase life expectancy, reduce risk of heart attack, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Not only is it better for health but cutting down on meat and dairy can reduce carbon footprint by up to 50%.
With this in mind, adopting a plant-based diet, even just once or twice a week, can have significant impacts on health. Eating a plant-based diet naturally reduces fat intake, as well as the amount of processed and sugary foods being eaten, which can lead to obesity, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes and cancer. In turn, this naturally promotes weight loss.
Stick to meals with complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, a source of protein and vegetables. Plant based diets are packed with fibre which keeps us full and hunger levels at bay. Managing portion sizes is crucial, but ensure meals are flavoursome. And stay away from diets. Strict rules around food can create negative connections to food which has the reverse effect.
If weight loss is the goal, combining a healthy, balanced diet with an active lifestyle is important.
Focus on good quality fitness, exercise should be enjoyable and not a punishment, so something like Pilates is great. It’s a good stress relieving, feel-good workout. Fitness really doesn’t have to always be a long gruelling to be effective – sometimes just 30 mins can be effective.
The great thing about dynamic Pilates is the flow of the class, the endurance of the exercises and the challenging moves, all of which results in a challenging workout that will help reach weight loss goals.
Korin Nolan is the British Pilates expert taking the world by storm. She is the Founder of the Dynamic Reformer Pilates business, Power Pilates UK, and Co-Founder of Dynamic Pilates TV – the international, interactive app providing live classes with world-class instructors.
