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Collaborative Post | For many reasons not just related to vanity, people tend to focus their diets on losing or gaining weight. But actually looking after your body and nourishing yourself is far more important than aesthetics. What you eat doesn’t just affect your gut and your waistline, you see, but your entire being. Indeed, what your mother told you about eating carrots so you could see well in the dark? Turns out there is more than a grain of truth to that old wife’s tale. Roshni Patel, BSC (Hons) MCOptom, an expert optometrist from vision specialists Lenstore: “The best diet for your eyes is a normal, well-rounded diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Vitamin A, particularly from green, leafy vegetables like kale or broccoli will help maintain healthy eyes. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins are all also great.” Also beneficial are omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in nutrient-dense fish like salmon. They help to treat dry eyes and keep them healthy. You don't need to get them from fish if you're vegetarian or vegan either as chia seeds, flax, edamame, and flaxseeds are all great sources. But individual foods are rarely helpful as we are beings that enjoy varied and flexible diets. So, which diet plans are best-equipped to nourish your body without expanding your waistline?  Photo by Anna Pelzer on Unsplash The low-carb dietWhile people often cut out carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread and rice if they want to lose weight fast, a minimal carb intake can actually optimize your health and prevent disease. You’ll just need to ensure you replace those carbs with lots of eggs, fruits, veg, nuts, fish and red meat and cut down on any and all processed foods, where possible. The Mediterranean dietNamed for the region in which it originated, this diet is wonderful for preventing heart disease and involves lots of the kind of foods you’d expect to find at a fine Italian or Spanish restaurant. This meant lots of olive oil (extra virgin, of course), fruit, veg and fish, but also whole grains and dairy products. Chicken is also heavily featured in this diet. The Paleo dietThis one has been growing in popularity in recent years amongst celebrities and influencers and is named for the fact it revolves around the foods our paleolithic ancestors would have eaten. For this reason, it’s also commonly known as the “caveman diet.” Essentially, this means cutting out all processed food. If you think a caveman might have had access to it, then it’s fair game. The vegan and gluten-free dietsFinally, we have the diets that cut out all animal products and wheat. This could be a tough pill to swallow for many but the health benefits are massive. Those on vegan and gluten-free diets will see improved heart health and a better blood sugar balance. Some, however, might struggle with the lack of natural protein, in which case they should complement the diet with protein powders or shakes.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post Collaborative Post | Getting enough sleep is one of the best things we can do to practice better self-care. Not only does it help to improve our emotional and mental wellbeing, but sleep deprivation can also have a negative impact on our cognitive skills such as memory and concentration. Sometimes, getting a good night's sleep is easier said than done, as there can be physical, mental, and environmental factors that hinder your ability to get some shut eye. If you’re looking to get a better night’s sleep, here are just three things you can do to help you drift off at night. 1. Adjust your environmentHow well we sleep is often impacted by our environment. Is your bedroom too hot or too cold? Too loud… or even too quiet? All of these factors can prevent us from getting the sleep we need to succeed. It’s also important to ensure that your bed is comfortable and provide your back with the support that it needs. Our mattresses should be changed every six years to ensure that we’re getting the rest that we deserve in a comfortable bed. If you’re looking to upgrade your mattress then experts such as Archers Sleep Centre, can help you find the perfect one to suit your needs. After all, having a comfortable bed can make all the difference to your daily life. 2. Cut out the caffeineWhile you don’t need to cut out the caffeine completely – after all, many of us rely on our morning cup of coffee to function like an actual human being – you should plan out your caffeine intake carefully. The later in the day you consume your last cup of coffee, the harder it can be to get to sleep at night. Some experts recommend that you limit your caffeine intake to before 2pm, this way it has time to wear off before you go to bed. If you’re used to consuming coffee later than this, instead, try to gradually reduce your afternoon intake. It might take time to eliminate those evening coffee breaks, but with some perseverance, you’ll get there! 3. Change your bedtime routineWhen we think of bedtime routines, we often think of putting our little ones to bed. However, having a stable bedtime routine is also a valuable tool in adulthood too. After all, if your body gets used to going to sleep at a certain time, you’ll find it easier to drop off earlier.
It’s important to consider what you do when you’re getting ready for bed. Are you on your phone? As the blue light of your phone can trick your brain into thinking that it’s day time, you should avoid looking at it while you’re in bed. If you can’t avoid this, then you should at least alter the settings to night mode. And remember, if there are medical or psychological factors affecting your ability to sleep at night, then you should talk to your doctor about getting the help that you need. How have you improved your sleep patterns? Share your tips in the comments below! Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post Collaborative Post | It's no secret that looking your best helps you to feel your best. The key to presenting elevated style is knowing who you are and not being afraid to showcase yourself through clothing. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your favourite items for your body and personal taste. However, there are certain things you can bear in mind to take your wardrobe up a notch.  Photo by LEISARÀ Creative Studio on Unsplash The right fitMaking sure to get garments that fit correctly will allow you to create your desired silhouette and look more put together. Part of this involves identifying and dressing for your body type, as this accentuates your natural features. For the ultimate fit on a special occasion, get suits and dresses tailored to look a million bucks. Of course, no matter how hard you try, your clothes aren’t going to sit properly without the right underwear. Getting well-fitted lingerie is crucial to look and feel great in your outfit, as underwear impacts the form created for your clothing. A poor-quality bra, in particular, will not provide enough support to provide lift and shape. Quality garmentsDuring a cost of living crisis when the price of clothing has gone up, it can be tempting to buy the cheapest possible option for everything you want and need. However, the truth is that it’s rare to get something for nothing. Cheaper items tend to be of lower quality, lasting a fraction of the time of a high-quality alternative. Overall, you may find that the value proposition is much better for more expensive clothing. Superior material is likely to stand the test of time, fit better and feel comfortable. Appropriate accessoriesAccessories can take your outfit to the next level and help you show off your unique personality. Take into account the level of formality needed at any given point and have a selection of accessories to hand to match casual, smart casual, formal and special occasions.
Pairing clothing with the perfect jewellery is an effortless way to elevate your style. Earrings, watches and necklaces are all ideal for any time of the year. Think about acrylic plastic or polymer clay pieces for more casual outfits and jewelled metal pieces for events or fancier attire. Scarves and gloves are more seasonal and a variety of knits, textures and patterns will allow mix and match to different clothing. Headgear tends to be easily overlooked as a potentially very expressive form of accessorising. Headscarves, headbands and hats can tie the whole look together. For example, in summer, a bright bandana may liven up a casual look on a warm day. In winter, a warm woollen beanie in a patterned knit can make plain outerwear look more stylish. here to edit. Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post |
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