Why are Brits so much bigger than Europeans? And what we can learn

Revitalize Your Health: Why We Need to Change Our Eating and Exercise Habits

Hello, I’m Elliott Reid, an Osteopath and the founder of the Revitalize Clinic in Gravesend, where we are dedicated to helping individuals achieve mental wellness, physical fitness, and a pain-free life. Our clinic has supported over 10,000 people on their journey to better health. In today’s post, I want to share some insights I gathered during my recent travels across Italy, France, and Holland. While I enjoyed the beauty and culture of these countries, I couldn’t help but notice some stark differences in lifestyle, particularly regarding food and exercise.

This blog post is all about understanding these differences and offers top tips to help you eat delicious food while losing weight. Let’s explore how the Italians eat, why the French prioritise dining, and how the Dutch integrate physical activity into their everyday lives.

The Italian Approach to Eating

The Italian diet is a great example of how fresh ingredients can enhance your health and satisfaction. Italians place a premium on whole foods, with a traditional diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats, such as olive oil. These choices are generally lower in processed foods and added sugars.

One noticeable aspect of Italian meals is portion control. Italians serve smaller servings of carbohydrate-rich dishes like pasta, allowing for balanced calorie intake without sacrificing taste. They savour their meals, enhancing their dining experience, and preventing overeating. In stark contrast, British diets often consist of over half processed foods. These ubiquitous, high-calorie, low-fibre options are often factory-produced junk that leaves many feeling unsatisfied and hungry shortly after eating.

Top Tip: Assess your plate. If 80% of what you’re consuming looks like it could come directly from your garden, you’re on the right track. The further your food is from its original form, the more processed it is. Make a habit of buying and cooking fresh ingredients. And consider using smaller plates; this simple visual cue can help ensure you don’t overeat.

The French Philosophy of Dining

During my time in France, I observed that mealtimes are viewed as vital social occasions. Unlike in the UK, where it’s common to eat in front of the television or while scrolling through our phones, the French prefer to enjoy their meals at the dining table—making it an event rather than a hurried necessity. The emphasis is not only on high-quality food but also on the dining experience itself, often shared with family and friends, fostering conversation and connection.

This cultural approach is rooted in the importance of pausing to reflect and appreciate what you’re consuming. Eating while distracted can lead to overeating, as it disconnects us from the sensory experience that informs our satiety.

Top Tips: To adopt a more mindful eating practice, remove distractions during meals. Make it a habit to keep your phone away from the table, and turn off the television. Establish a designated dining area that encourages reflection and conversation. You’ll likely consume fewer calories while genuinely enjoying what you eat.

The Dutch Commitment to Activity

I was particularly struck by the Dutch commitment to incorporating physical activity into their daily routines, emphasised by their higher levels of Non-Exercise Activity Time (NEAT). This includes all the small movements we make throughout the day—walking, cycling, standing, and more. Many Brits have become increasingly sedentary, especially following lockdown. In contrast, a typical day for someone in Holland might involve walking or cycling for around 20,000 steps, burning over 1,000 calories just by going about their daily activities.

It’s eye-opening to see how simple changes can significantly impact health and weight management. The benefits of incorporating more movement into your daily life cannot be overstated.

Top Tips: Look for small ways to elevate your activity levels. Consider walking to destinations within a mile instead of driving, or why not park further away from your destination? Opt for the stairs instead of the lift whenever possible. These small adjustments will cumulatively add up to substantial health benefits over time.

Bringing It All Together at Revitalize Clinic

At Revitalize Clinic in Gravesend, we understand that achieving a healthy lifestyle involves a multifaceted approach to diet and exercise. As an osteopath and a keen advocate for holistic health, I encourage individuals to prioritise fresh foods while being mindful of their eating habits.

Working closely with personal trainers and counsellors at our clinic ensures our clients receive comprehensive guidance in their journey to wellness. Nutrition, exercise, and mental health are intertwined—we need to address each component to truly revitalize our lives.

Nothing should hold you back from feeling great and living your best life. Simple, lifestyle-oriented changes can facilitate significant improvements in health.

How to Get in Touch

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the Revitalize Clinic in Gravesend. You can contact us via phone, email, or simply book an appointment through our website. Here’s how you can connect with us:

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