John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

It has been often said that the definition of futility is ‘doing the same things, but somehow expecting a different outcome'. Most people really dislike change and the very notion of something that could be life changing especially daunting. The start of a year is the perfect time to make the changes that can have real health benefits.

I often reflect on the changes I made when confronted with my own problems. I well remember a senior respiratory physician telling me in my 30s that by my current mid-50s age I would have serious degenerative lung disease. I often think of this when pushing myself hard on a two hour kayak trip or working out in my gym without any trace of a supposedly irreversible problem. I think of what kind of life I would have had if I did not make a series of important changes.

So here is my new year resolution health guide:

1. The most important is to accept full responsibility for your own health. This means being prepared to invest time and money in your health.
2. Eat good food. Your meals should be based on good quality protein, good fats, fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrains.
3. Exercise appropriately. Find a regular form of exercise that you enjoy. To prevent boredom have a number of different activities.
4. Supplement wisely. Using high quality supplements was central to reclaiming my health and it is important that you do not make decisions solely on price. You are better to use less of a good supplement than to waste money on ineffective products. Make sure that the basis of any supplementation is the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that are essential for healthy cells.

Over the decade I must have seen thousands of people make important changes that have resulted in major health improvements. Almost on a daily basis I see positive improvements from those at the beginning of their health changing journey. For most people, working to a plan will achieve the best results, but the most important step is the first and this step can lead to major improvements to your health today and well into the future.

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz If you have questions or would like a free health plan you can contact John at john@johnarts.co.nz or phone 07 578
9051 or 0800 423 559. You can join his newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz Read more from John at www.sunlive.co.nz