In the first Switched On of 2019, we’re focusing on New Year resolutions and the changes we can all make to live healthier, happier lives.
You’ve dusted off the running shoes, packed in the cigarettes, and the end of Dry January is creeping closer at a glacial pace. Hopefully you’re starting to feel the difference, but what’s next? How do you keep up the momentum?
British Heart Foundation have the answer! February is the month of Dechox, the nationwide challenge to give up chocolate in all its forms, and in doing so raise money for life-saving research into heart and circulatory conditions.
Why Dechox?
Health – The average chocolate bar contains 250 kcals – it’ll take around half an hour on the treadmill to burn that off! The amount of sugar in chocolate can contribute greatly to several risk factors that lead to heart disease. Low sugar, high fibre replacements such as nuts and fruits (rather than Fruit & Nut) are much healthier and better for energy levels.
Fundraising – Seven million people in the UK live with heart and circulatory diseases, which are responsible for more than a quarter of all deaths. Last year, British Heart Foundation spent £120 million on life-saving research and support for heart patients. Ask your family and friends to sponsor you for the month, and you can help “beat heartbreak forever”!
Timing - It’s the perfect time to ditch the sugary suckers – the advent calendars are empty, the Christmas trees have been stripped bare of their chocolate baubles, and there’s only a couple of toffee pennies left in the Quality Street tin. You’re probably sick of the stuff by now, so why not make the commitment to kick the habit for a whole month? It is the shortest one of the year after all!
The British Heart Foundation have some wonderful resources to help you through, including tips to beat the cravings and cocoa-free recipes, as well as all the health benefits that the Dechox will bring – you can visit their Dechox page here, and their main website here.
