WE all know what's good for us and what's not. So why do most of us abandon our health kicks after about four days? That was the question posed by nutritionist and bio-chemist Jeannette Jackson at last week's Healthy New Year Event at the Bridgewater Hospital's Mind, Body and Soul Clinic.
She also explained what anti-oxidants actually are, and why you might want them. Something we've been wondering about for years
Over the course of the evening, she explained the science behind why we keep slipping back into bad habits, and gave us tips on how to stay on the right track. Meanwhile, nurses gave guests health MOTs, and spa therapists offered back and hand massages.
Jeannette's approach is to help people understand how their body works, whether it's the 3pm energy slump, the evening craving for a glass of wine, or the 'fat day' where half our wardrobe is out of bounds.
Once you know what's going on with your body's chemistry, you become more aware and more able to work your eating habits to your advantage. Rather than mindlessly following cravings and patterns, you can take control, giving your body what it needs, at the right time.
We were shown how to make an anti-heart attack juice, a vitality-boosting breakfast smoothie, a linseed drink that will help with bloating and IBS, and a salad packed with anti-oxidants. She also explained what anti-oxidants actually are, and why you might want them. Something we've been wondering about for years.
While Jeannette focused on our nutrition, the complementary therapists whisked guests into the spa's treatment rooms for de-stressing massages, aimed at giving the body a rare chance to relax and realign.
The Mind, Body & Soul clinic is part of a private hospital but it doesn't have a clinical feel. There is a low lit chill-out room with loungers, candles and images of the natural world, and the treatment rooms are done in earthy, warm tones. It's about as far from your GP's surgery as you can get.
Yet although the clinic looks and feels like a spa, the services offered go beyond those found on your average treatment menu. For example, the Health MOTs.
Nurses checked our blood pressure, glucose levels (for diabetes), cholesterol, BMI, and cardiovascular risk. The figures were entered into our own confidential, personal report, giving us a clear picture of what's happening on our insides, so we can take action before issues develop.
Many spas claim to offer a holistic service. From what we saw, The Mind, Body & Soul Clinic delivers it, addressing the causes as well as the symptoms. We left feeling informed, inspired, and ready to make changes. Four days later, and we're still going strong.
Find out more about the Mind, Body and Soul Clinic.
Manchester Confidential Heroes were given first refusal on tickets for this free event. Find out about Hero Membership.
