Guy Leech: How to help your body survive Christmas
CHRISTMAS can be a tricky time to stay trim, so who better to seek advice from than retired Ironman Guy Leech?
CHRISTMAS can be a tricky time to stay trim, so who better to seek advice from than retired Ironman Guy Leech?
To celebrate the big 5-0 this year, Leech launched a fitness program — as you do. This year he’s also directed 498 people to set a world record for the largest ever boxing class in March, participated in the Coolangatta Gold, and signed on as an ambassador for the National Stroke Foundation’s Know Your Numbers program, which encourages all Australians to visit participating pharmacies to get a free blood pressure check, stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes risk assessments.
So, we think it’s safe to say that while he might be an ex-Ironman, he still knows what he’s talking about. Here are his top four tips:
1. Keep active
We all overindulge in treats over Christmas, so stay healthy by keeping active. Go for a stroll with the kids, borrow a neighbour’s dog for a brisk walk, anything that will raise your heart rate and kickstart your metabolism for the rest of the day
2. The wonders of water
A good tip if you’re trying to reduce the number of alcoholic drinks at a Christmas party is this: Follow every alcoholic drink with a glass of water, and swap alcoholic drinks for sparkling water. Drinking large amounts of alcohol (six or more standard drinks per day) increases your risk of stroke.
3. Good cholesterol
High cholesterol is also a risk factor for stroke. To help your cholesterol levels, limit takeaway meals and swap fatty meats with lean meats. Make sure your Christmas diet is high in fruit, fresh fish and vegetables.
4. Spread the calories
If you’ve been having dreams all year about your Nan’s special fruit cake, eat lighter meals and avoid desserts for a few days before to spread out the kilos. Try going to a party on a full stomach, it will help you resist party food!