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What's one health habit you've started that's actually made a difference?

(114 Posts)
za34 Thu 23-Jul-26 20:52:19

Hi everyone,
As I've got older, I've realised it's often the little changes that make the biggest difference rather than trying to overhaul everything at once.
Whether it's walking every day, improving your sleep, drinking more water, stretching, or something completely different, I'd love to hear what's had the biggest positive impact on your health.
Always looking for new ideas!

dlizi4 Sat 25-Jul-26 19:03:39

When I cut out seed oils and processed food it took only a week or so to realise I no longer had pain in my joints
Now I eat meat, eggs, fish and cheese and cream in many variations and my hair is thicker, nails grow faster and I don't feel bloaty. I had a ribeye steak with lots of butter around 12 today and probably wont eat until tomorrow as I am full
(My brain is slightly annoyed at this as I wanted to have chilli and cheese with soured cream tonight but it can be breakfast!)

Gwyllt Sat 25-Jul-26 19:06:35

Cabbie 21 Do you think you tried to change your diet too quickly. As an ex dietitian gradual changes are often more successful

Skyblue2 Sat 25-Jul-26 19:17:05

For the last 18 months I have gone for a brisk walk first thing before breakfast which has made a big difference. Cut out most bread and processed foods. I have lost any desire for sugary foods and drinks. Started intermittent fasting and feel really well these days! ( being retired now has also helped greatly!)

Duvetdiva Sat 25-Jul-26 19:39:14

Primrose53

I was so fed up with getting out of bed every night several times to wee. Had various pills from GP but not much good. Ran out last week but took 2 paracetamol at bedtime and I sleep right through now!

Yes Primrose - but do you wake up to a wet bed? 🤣

Primrose53 Sat 25-Jul-26 19:40:47

Duvetdiva

Primrose53

I was so fed up with getting out of bed every night several times to wee. Had various pills from GP but not much good. Ran out last week but took 2 paracetamol at bedtime and I sleep right through now!

Yes Primrose - but do you wake up to a wet bed? 🤣

Ha ha, no. I sleep like a log too.

Granma1 Sat 25-Jul-26 20:00:15

Aqua fit every week and I wear a ring that helps with sleep and fitness. It also tells me to get up and move if I have been sitting too long. Just need to improve my diet.

ufix1 Sat 25-Jul-26 20:09:00

Apart from cutting out refined sugar and sticking to cooking from scratch and homemade bread or Sourdough, I've started taking Turmeric tablets from H&Barrett with black pepper and all the aches in my knees have completely gone! Try them!!

Sueinkent Sat 25-Jul-26 22:36:02

Buteyko breathing.

Shinamae Sat 25-Jul-26 23:05:07

Sueinkent

Buteyko breathing.

Do what?

FranP Sat 25-Jul-26 23:53:28

Karen22

Ive been taking Nutrition Geeks Glycinate (magnesium) before bed and now im sleeping so much better

I had not realised what was improving my sleep, now I know

suelld Sun 26-Jul-26 00:54:45

Cabbie21

I thought summer would be a good time to cut back on carbs and hope to lose some weight. I eat lots of salads and fruit but I get the runs. I can’t win.

Ditto… given up trying!

MayBee70 Sun 26-Jul-26 01:09:30

Duvetdiva

Primrose53

I was so fed up with getting out of bed every night several times to wee. Had various pills from GP but not much good. Ran out last week but took 2 paracetamol at bedtime and I sleep right through now!

Yes Primrose - but do you wake up to a wet bed? 🤣

That cracked me up grin! I was just about to see if it works, too…

MayBee70 Sun 26-Jul-26 01:13:28

Skyblue2

For the last 18 months I have gone for a brisk walk first thing before breakfast which has made a big difference. Cut out most bread and processed foods. I have lost any desire for sugary foods and drinks. Started intermittent fasting and feel really well these days! ( being retired now has also helped greatly!)

You’re supposed to go and stand outside for fifteen minutes first thing in the morning after drinking a glass of water. Circadian rhythm’s or something. I have to get up at seven to let the dog out but I’m afraid that, once I’ve given her her breakfast I go back to bed..I thought I’d cheat and get a light box .

Davida1968 Sun 26-Jul-26 10:14:11

Setting a timer so that I don't sit at anything (especially watching TV) for more than 30 minutes. A little walk around my home before I sit down again. ("Motion is Lotion", so I've been told!)

Tenko Sun 26-Jul-26 10:57:56

Yes motion is lotion and movement is medicine as told by my physio and yoga teacher.

Jan75 Sun 26-Jul-26 11:51:38

I got diagnosed with Coeliac around 2006 so about 20 years ago, it was a bit of a life changer for diet but I got used to it having no choice. My son who is 54 was diagnosed a few years back. I never eat out, I just get too nervous about how the food has been prepared and if it has come into contact with gluten from other foods. I religiously stick to a gluten free diet but most days I will get stomach cramps to start with, every day is different, but I am retired now, so don't have the worry of sudden bathroom dashes like I used to when I was working. I am grateful it is just coeliac and not something really serious like some poor souls have to face or live with.

cookiemonster66 Sun 26-Jul-26 13:26:53

I've just lost 5 stone, now my main focus is protein. I have been vegetarian for over 50 yrs and I got all my energy from sugar, and carbs. I now have black edition HUEL which is 40g of protein complete meal drink, plus add collagen powder 12g protein. I only eat something now (apart from fruit/veggies) that contains protein like protein bars and snacks like nuts. I have tons more energy, no more sugar spikes, so much healthier. Did not even catch a cold/flu this winter and usually every year I am ill from Sept to March. Best thing I ever did!

Taichinan Sun 26-Jul-26 14:18:33

I'm 85 now and I can honestly say that the single best thing I did was take up tai chi when I was 58 or 59. I'm now an instructor. I read a few years ago that if you take up tai chi when you are 60, by the time you are 80 you will have the vitality (as in heart and lung capacity) of a 40 year old. I can't of course say that if I hadn't taken it up I wouldn't be as fit as I am now, but I just know I did and I am! I also live in a house and am up and down stairs several times a day, and of course do all my own housework. Oh dear, don't I sound smug 😂

theworriedwell Sun 26-Jul-26 17:57:03

NHSActive app. It has motivated me to walk every day and make sure it's a brisk walk. I can walk faster and for longer, no breathlessness. I feel be5er.

theworriedwell Sun 26-Jul-26 17:58:46

Also Jude night time supplement means I sleep all night instead of getting up two or three times a night for a trip to the bathroom.

MayBee70 Sun 26-Jul-26 18:05:41

theworriedwell

Also Jude night time supplement means I sleep all night instead of getting up two or three times a night for a trip to the bathroom.

Do they really work? They seem so expensive but then again I’m paying for soya and pumpkin supplements in the hope that they’ll help.

theworriedwell Sun 26-Jul-26 18:12:46

MayBee they have for me. I started with day time ones which stopped me rushing to the toilet added the night time ones. I pay £99 for a three month supply which gives me enough for two daytime and two night time capsules a day. I was up two, or more and more often three times. Last night I slept 7hrs 45 minutes and didn't need to dash to the toilet then. I feel it's worth just over £1 a night for that. Don't know if it works for everyone but it has been a game changer for me.

Gran22boys Sun 26-Jul-26 18:56:13

Some great ideas here but can anyone tell me how not to crave sugar. After every meal I just want something sweet.

Mmc123uk Sun 26-Jul-26 19:04:49

Try Medjool Dates, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference ones, better than chocolate imho!

Gran22boys Sun 26-Jul-26 19:14:38

Mmc123uk

Try Medjool Dates, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference ones, better than chocolate imho!

Oh thank you. I hadn’t thought of dates. They’ll be on my shopping list this week.