Sick of the hype and misinformation about what’s healthy and what’s not?

Fad diets are being shoved down our throats every day. One moment we’re told that carbs are good, fats are bad, then the next moment, it’s the other way around.

We’re going lactose-free, organic, paleo, vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, fat-free… and in the end, we’re not free at all. We’re left nutritionally confused, not to mention bored to distraction!

The one thing missing from all this hype – is balance.

The ancient Greek philosopher and physician, Hippocrates, was clued in! Even centuries BC, he knew that balance in all that we consume, and all that we do, is the key to good health and wellbeing. He talked a lot about ‘healthy habits’ and one of his many quotes was: “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”.

Here are some things you can do, including adding bee pollen to your daily nutritional routine, that will help create balance, bypass all the latest fads, and help you achieve and maintain a happy, healthy life.

1. Manage your weight. It’s no secret that carrying excess weight can be detrimental to your health particularly as you get older. Losing as little as 5% of your body weight could lower the risk of many diseases including type 2 diabetes.

Always start the day with a healthy breakfast to get you going and keep you running. Skipping breakfast can raise your blood sugar, which could see you reaching for unhealthy snacks. Try adding power pollen to your breakfast, either sprinkled on some whole grain toast, over cereal, or in a smoothie. With 27 Vitamins and amino acids, 28 minerals, powerful antioxidants and many other nutrients, it’s the perfect start to your day.

2. Get more exercise. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or not, exercise is a drug-free way to get ‘high’. It stimulates the production of endorphins…the feel-good hormones that invade your brain and leave you feeling happy, relaxed and in a healthy state of mind. Even 30 minutes of physical activity a day can make a world of difference.

 Time poor? Surely you can find 30 minutes, but if not, then start using stairs instead of lifts and escalators. Walk more. Even pacing the floor whilst talking on the phone counts as physical activity. Getting all the essential nutrients we need, helps us maintain our energy output. A daily helping of power pollen can help add those nutrients.

3. Eat more fruit, vegetables and grains. A crisp crunchy apple, or a juicy orange makes for a healthier snack than a chocolate bar. While there’s nothing wrong with an occasional piece of chocolate, it’s often nothing to do with hunger, but rather boredom that makes us crave sugar and other unhealthy fat-laden foods.

When your body is receiving all the vitamins and amino acids, minerals, antioxidants and micro-nutrients it needs, it causes a sort of chain reaction of good health.

4. Dump the take-away and start cooking. The temptation to order fast food (and have it delivered) is often too good to resist when we lead busy lives. Most fast-food is usually deep fried, filled with cheese, encased in batter, making the cardboard packaging a healthier option!  It takes so little time and effort to prepare a healthy meal. Salad veggies should be a fridge staple, as should lean meats like chicken breast, lean pork and fish or shellfish.

Make it fun to cook at home. Turn it into a team effort Jamie Oliver’s 30-minute meals are a fantastic concept, and you can involve the whole family in preparing tasty, nutritious food in the shortest time…

5. Re-introduce yourself to YOU. We’re often so busy that we lose sight of who we are and what we really enjoy. The healthiest thing you can do, apart from looking after your body is to spend regular time doing things you love. Don’t neglect your hobbies and passions - because these are part of what fulfils you.

 Join that pottery class, take that photography course get back into yoga class, take up life drawing, or a woodworking classes, or write a memoir. Personal activities are all part of creating balance in your life, and will help make for a happier, healthier you!