Wellbeing: How to stay on track in a life of temptation

Herald on Sunday

4 Apr, 2015 05:00 PM3 mins to read

Turn off your devices for a while and live in the moment to ease stress, says Joe Cross.

Staying healthy in an unhealthy world is a challenge for most of us. And one man who understands how hard it can be is Joe Cross, creator of documentary film Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead

Two years ago, I visited New Zealand to share the story of how I transformed my life through juicing - consuming only fresh fruit and vegetables for 60 days straight.

I was 45kg lighter and off medication I had been taking for years to manage a chronic autoimmune disease. I felt like I had won a big battle, but quickly discovered just how hard it is to remain healthy.

In this modern world, the temptation to indulge in unhealthy behaviours is everywhere. Things that appear to offer a short-term hit of comfort or satisfaction, in reality make it pretty hard to stay on track.

To keep on track, I've spoken to doctors, practitioners, health and life coaches and experts about how to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Here are the tips I've learned on my journey to live a healthier life, every day.

Build your community
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the same philosophy can be applied here. We are stronger together; supportive, like-minded people really can be the difference between success and failure. Involving your family, friends, co-workers, even an online community, in your journey will yield far better and longer-lasting results.

Make friends with plants
I find it easier to think of my food as fitting into three categories: plant, animal and processed. Drastically reduce your consumption of processed foods and make sure you're eating as many fruits and vegetables as possible - as these contain all the micronutrients.

Get these into your system any way you can. I'm a guy in a hurry so juicing and blending works for me, but experiment and find a way that works for you.

Respect yourself
Almost all of us have an inner voice that can be far harsher on us than we would ever be on a loved one. When you make a mistake (and we all do) just stop, acknowledge it, and change course. We all know that "pizza happens", so forgive yourself and you will avoid the negative spiral.

Be mindful
We are awash with stress, financial, emotional, work or time stress. Being present in the moment and letting go of the stresses in life is a much healthier way of living.

Some find this in prayer, meditation, deep breathing or simply taking a walk in nature. Remember to turn off all your devices for just 10 minutes a day to be still. You'll be amazed by the results.

Maintain the machine
Your body is a machine that needs maintenance. Sleep is critical to ensuring your machine is working at its best. Plus, if you don't sleep, you'll likely eat to stay awake.

Getting your body moving is also a must, and that doesn't mean you have to go to the gym or train for a marathon. Just start taking the stairs, parking further away or walking the dog for an extra 20 minutes. And if you can, make it fast and furious: intensity trumps endurance.