Does it mean simply being free from disease or is it a lot more than this? For example, are you really well if you suffer from headaches, bloating, poor skin, period pains, mood swings or insomnia? You may not have a disease just because you experience any of the above symptoms but you are not really well either and you are certainly not fulfilling your potential when your energy levels are being drained by an under-functioning system.

For the above conditions you might consider seeing a naturopath to find and correct the underlying cause, however taking a positive step on the way to real wellness is as easy as considering how you fuel your body – think of it as adding energy ‘credits’ into the bank to be spent doing the things you love. Fad diets rarely work in the long-term but lifestyle changes do if you sustain them. Here are some dietary reminders of how to fill the energy bank every day:

1. Include lean protein-rich foods in every meal or snack such as fish, seafood, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy foods and legumes

2. Choose at least three cups of fresh colourful veges every day from a wide variety of colours and types. Be adventurous and try something new next time you go shopping.

3. Add two pieces of fruit or a cup of berries every day to your diet. These can be added to salads, smoothies or eaten as snacks with some nuts in-between your meals.

4. Limit starchy carbohydrates to two serves per day and make sure they are unrefined / unprocessed. Do not only eat wheat-based carbohydrate but vary your whole grains. Starchy carbs include bread, pasta, potatoes and cereals.

5. Include healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds in your daily diet. Aim for 1-2 tablespoons of these good oils a day plus a small handful of unsalted nuts and seeds.

6. Drink 8 glasses (minimum) of water every day. Add a glass or two of water for every caffeinated drink you consume or better still cut these down to only 1-2 per day max. Flavour your water with a squeeze of lemon or lime rather than cordials and avoid the new ‘sports’ waters. Some of these contain the same amount of sugar as Coke! Few people drink enough water for their needs yet dehydration can lead to avoidable symptoms of headaches, dry skin, constipation, brain ‘fog’ and irritability. Your needs will also be increased when you exercise or on a hot day so factor this into your daily water consumption.

Another way to fill your energy bank is to consider how well you rest. Many of us are on the go all the time and as fun as that may be it all takes energy out of the account. Relaxing is a valuable past-time that raises our mood and improves our resistance to stress. Make sure you schedule in regular downtime to read a good book, take a relaxing bath, have a massage, walk in nature or to meditate. For those who find it hard to be completely still, try active meditation such as yoga or Tai chi. Relaxing is as vital for wellbeing as good food and exercise so start making time to relax today!

Getting fitter has many health benefits not least of which is generating more energy for yourself and that’s where getting the support of someone like Beanie and Soulfit comes in to motivate and encourage you to achieve your fitness goals.

Remember, you do not have to settle for feeling ‘ok’ when you could be feeling ‘amazing’. Every sustainable step you take towards improving your energy and health puts you on the path to enjoying real lasting wellness so what are you waiting for?!