HEALTHY HABIT

1. Reduces the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease.
2. Reduces the risk of developing diabetes. 
3. Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure. 

4. Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.

5. Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
6. Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
7. Helps control weight and therefore obesity.
8. Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
9. Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
10. Increase fertility rates.
11. Prevention of ageing
12. Promotes psychological well-being.

NUTRITION

1. Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Not only do they give you allthe vitamins and minerals that you need but they will make you feel better instantly.
2. If you are hungry, eat! Just make sure you more of the eat the right foods such as fruit, driedfruit, nuts,crackers with light cheese, boiled eggs and raw vegetables. There is a lot of choice out there; it’s just a matter of finding something you like. It’s not good to starve your body, remember don’t go without eating for longer than 4 hours (apart from when you sleep!). Your body will only cling onto fat even longer as it doesn’t know when its next meal is coming!
3. Preparation is the key! Have healthy food on you and at home so you’re not tempted to buy quick unhealthy convenience food. Plan out as much as you can what you are going to eat each day. Remember if you fail to plan then you plan to fail!
4. Eat 5 meals a day. Watch your portions! You don’t have to be bloated after a meal. Just think, you can always eat again in a couple of hours.
5. Cut down or cut out on your starchy carbohydrates after 5pm Try avoiding those heavy dinners with lots of pasta, rice or potato’s - save your risottos and pasta bakes for lunch! If you eat heavy loads of carbs a night it easily converts to fat by the morning so it can a lot harder to burn off!

EXERCISE

6. No more excuses!! Stop agonising over it, take a deep breath and just do some exercise, simple. Walk the dogs, stroll on the beach or jog around the park. It doesn’t have to be for a long time. Small but often is the key.
7. Join a gym. Gyms are full of options including weight training, cardio machines or classes, whatever you prefer. For the best results combine all three. There are lots of lesbian friendly gyms around the Sydney area, find one that suits you. Make sure that you get an instructor to show you how to use the equipment when you join.
8. Get a personal trainer. If you are unmotivated or get bored easily then they can be a great help. Whether its just to get you started or you want some long term guidance, a good personal trainer will show you how to get the most out of your work out and help you reach your goals!
9. Exercise with a friend. It’s more always more fun plus you are more likely to keep up your new healthy habit. Think about taking a jog with a friend a few days a week, or joining sports team - there are plenty of great women’s sports teams out there – everything from football to bike riding!
10. Enjoy it! We are lucky to have so many options in Sydney - there is sure to be something for everyone will enjoy. Be imaginative, maybe you want to learn to surf, perhaps you love bush walking or even rock climbing! Take some time to find what is right for you.