Kate Hawkesby: Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be a drag

One thing I love about the health and wellness industry is that it’s constantly evolving and changing, but that can also make it a challenge to keep up with. Hence, I’m a huge fan of science journalist and author of several health books, Dr Michael Mosley. He’s the guy behind the 5:2 diet and intermittent fasting, he invented them long before they became mainstream and popular. Not that I’ve ever done the 5:2 diet and I’m a terrible faster – can’t do that either – but I know people who do and they swear by it. Anyway I’ve read his stuff and loved his work for ages, hence I was very jealous Mike got to interview him yesterday on his show. If you missed that interview it’s worth looking up on the ZB website on demand, it was just after 8 yesterday morning. He’s actually coming to NZ to give some talks next year, he’s a fascinating guy. What I love about him, is he keeps it simple. He’s a big believer in doing stuff that makes your life easier not harder. So while extremists may tell you ice baths and cold plunges are best, he says if you can just do a cold shower that’s great. He says it boosts your immune system and mood. Likewise, he’s not maniacal about hardcore workouts, he says brisk walking is just as effective, adding some pace, and going downhill (as opposed to uphill) can also give you a good workout. Who knew going downhill burns more calories than going uphill?! He’s big on habit building too. Doing stuff that you can incorporate into your daily routine without much thought. Doing it over and over again until it’s second nature to you. Like standing on one leg while you brush your teeth (great for balance and strength) shutting your eyes for 10 seconds while you do it (good for co-ordination). He also preaches starting your day with a few press ups or squats, a couple of minutes max, he says this strengthens your bones, builds resistance, and is good for your brain too apparently because vertical movement leads to a big surge of blood into the brain. It’s also great for your spine. So a small non-eventful exercise with, as it turns out, huge benefits. Intermittent fasting he says was lunatic fringe when he invented it, now it’s everywhere of course and in many different forms. But Moseley reckons time restricted eating of 14 hours no food overnight – then eating inside a 10 hour window is very do-able for most people. This is easier for people than sticking to diets apparently. His mantra regarding food is to start the day with eggs - good protein and keeps you fuller for longer he says. And he’s a big fan of the Mediterranean diet. He also says there’re many health benefits to reading every day, practicing gratitude, and my particular favourite – napping. Apparently naps do amazing things for your mind and body. Napping boosts mood and wellbeing he says, and promotes good heart health. “An occasional daytime nap was associated with 48 percent lower risk of heart attack or stroke.” Naps can also improve your thinking skills, and make you a better learner. You only need 20 minutes to reset your attention and alertness; he likens it to a ‘cardiovascular holiday’. The other thing he says to do is eat dark chocolate. Come on! So you can see why I love this guy, when he makes being healthy sound this easy and this good, I mean, what’s not to love?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.