After nearly two years since the world changed, many who have gone through the stress, anxiety and worry during the pandemic are breathing a sigh of relief as the pandemic situation improves.
As a result of the pandemic situation, over six in 10 Malaysians said that their physical and mental health were less than ideal, according to the Herbalife Nutrition Asia Pacific Health Inertia Survey 2021.
The survey also revealed that for those who saw a deterioration in their physical health in the past 12 months, eight in 10 (82%) Malaysian respondents attributed it to the lack of physical activity, with the country being in and out of lockdowns over the past year.
This was followed by eating too much unhealthy food (42%) and lack of community support to keep up with exercise regimens (34%). In order to break the health inertia, one in two Malaysians started eating healthier and two in five Malaysians started exercising more.
Herbalife Nutrition Malaysia and Singapore senior director and general manager Steven Chin said the two years had brought many challenges for people to adapt to the new normal.
“This often meant sacrificing key habits and perhaps picking up some that were less beneficial while being cooped up at home.
“As many are regaining their motivation and determination to be healthier with the new year around the corner, Herbalife Nutrition is looking forward to supporting Malaysians take back their health and shape up for a healthier 2022.
“Going beyond encouraging exercise and balanced meals which are equally important, we look at nutrition holistically to help people look and feel great, by eating well and consuming the right nutrients for their bodies,” he said.
When it comes to developing healthier diets, people may feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. A simple first step would be to document eating habits.
Herbalife Nutrition Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training senior director Susan Bowerman said, “When we keep track of our progress, we become more mindful of our successes, as well as where we can improve.
“Keeping a food journal is a fascinating and often sobering exercise. It will remind you of the chocolate you ate after lunch, or that extra helping of rice you had at dinner. Writing down what you eat – and when, and why – allows you to zero in those habits you need to work on.”
Bowerman said another easy but crucial tip is to understand fullness and practice mindful eating.
“Many Malaysians often fall victim to overeating, especially during the many holiday celebrations. They make a habit of eating until they are quite full, rather than eating only enough so they are no longer hungry.
“This process can be challenging for those who were raised to clean their plates or fear wasting food. Start by serving yourself smaller portions. Eat slowly and mindfully and notice how you feel when you eat until you are simply no longer hungry, rather than eating until you’re stuffed,” she said.
So, what are the other benefits of good eating habits besides the obvious health benefits?
Eating the right foods and nutrients can make a world of a difference to how a person feels and looks outwardly as well.
Herbalife Nutrition Worldwide Nutrition Product Training and Education director Laura Chacon-Garbato said, “The condition of your skin and hair is affected by your diet, age, and environmental conditions. You can’t control some of these factors, but you can always manage what you eat, so it can support your skin and hair. A variety of nutrients, including protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and collagen can help improve the health of your skin and hair. People with good-looking skin and hair tend to have daily healthy habits.”
For example, foods that are high in protein are essential for cell repair and rejuvenation which can be obtained from sources like chicken, meat, fish, soy or tofu. Meal replacement protein shakes are also great options for protein consumption.
Along with this, vitamins with antioxidant properties such as vitamin A, C and E, will support healthy skin and hair by promoting cell growth and repair. Foods rich in vitamin A include fruits and vegetables in yellow to red pigments, as well as green leafy vegetables, while citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C. Meanwhile, vitamin E is a great antioxidant and can be found in sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin and red bell peppers.
Collagen-rich foods such as leafy greens, red and yellow vegetables, berries, citrus fruits, fish, chicken and soy are also vital to support skin firmness and elasticity. Collagen supplements are also a good alternative.
Another important tip is to stay hydrated, especially in our hot and humid Malaysian weather. Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial to avoid dry and dehydrated skin, in addition to protecting ourselves from harmful ultraviolet rays through the use of sunblock.
With the New Year just around the corner, more Malaysians want to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On that note, Herbalife Nutrition is here to support them in their journey to glow up and gear up inside out with a range of inner and outer nutrition promo packs.
Some of the products to look for to shape up for a healthier outlook in 2022 are Formula 1 Nutritious Mixed Soy Protein Drink, Herbalife Nutrition Vitamin Masks, Protective Moisturizer, Herbal Aloe Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner and Collagen Plus Powder.
