The New Year classically brings with it a new outlook on life, and a healthier lifestyle is common for many. Remembering that our bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit is something that can help us stay on track when it comes to looking after our health.

To kickstart your health this year, try gradually incorporating the following 5 tips as part of your daily lifestyle and worship to God. Not only will they help in enhancing your personal level of health and well being, but also help you in fulfilling your God given purpose and destiny. In no particular order then…

1. Eat a variety of foods
God has made a variety of foods available to us for consumption. The best way to nourish our body is to eat a wide variety of foods. So, rather than sticking to say, Caribbean or African dishes, why not try cooking some Italian or Chinese dishes for a change.

2. Choose wholegrain
Purchase more wholegrain/wholemeal products this year, for example, flour, rice, pasta. These foods contain more nutrition goodness than their white counterparts and can help reduce the need for unhealthy snacking.

3. Plan your meals and snacks
Planning meals and snacks in advance will help reduce the need to purchase unhealthy options on impulse. Plan for 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and 2 healthy snacks e.g. fruit, oatcakes, low fat yogurt, crackers.

4. Eat smaller portions
Being overweight or obese is a serious health condition that puts a lot of pressure on the body and increases our risk of chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Eating more food than our body needs is a common reason for being overweight or obese so try to reduce your meal/snack sizes this year, particularly if you are already battling with being overweight. Every little helps.

5. Get more active
We all need to get more active. This doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym, but even walking more can help burn excess calories and make us fitter and healthier. Do something this year to increase your level of activity.

A happy healthy New Year to you!

Nicola Burgher is Author of ‘The Creator’s Diet’. For more information about Nicola, or to purchase a copy of The Creator’s Diet, visit www.nicolaburgher.com. Alternatively, you can purchase a copy directly from the Gloryhouse Bookshop.