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Lust4Life: feeling good, looking good

Change your mind

Treat mind and body as one

Work from the inside out

Make changes to your diet slowly, introducing different, healthier foods one by one. As you grow to love the fresher flavours, you'll start to find packaged and processed foods less appealing.

Use these as guidelines to build a diet that increases energy, helps you stay slender and keeps skin youthful. Check out our list of books and websites for further ideas.

• Choose unsaturated fats such as olive oil.
• Cut down on sugar and salt – don't add them to food, and avoid products with high amounts.
• Ditto caffeine. Give up coffee and tea, or cut down.
• Eat more grains, vegetables and fruits; less meat, fish and dairy products.
• Choose organic foods, and products made from unrefined grains such as whole-wheat pasta.
• Drink plenty of mineral or filtered tap water.
• Eat superfoods, rich in antioxidants, regularly: blackstrap molasses, eggs, garlic, kelp, organic liver, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, yogurt, live sprouts.

Detox

There are many different ways to approach detoxification, which is said to cleanse your system, improve energy levels, ease digestion and enhance mental clarity. There's no scientific evidence to support the claims made for detox, but nutritional therapists claim that the process will give you more energy, a clearer skin and mental clarity, as well as relieving physical symptoms such as headaches and indigestion. You can detox for a day, or for a week or more, but always talk to your doctor first if you have a medical problem or you are in doubt if it's right for you. When detoxing, stick to a diet of raw or lightly cooked fruit and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. You could also brush the skin, or have a massage or sauna.

Quit smoking and drinking

Even a small smoking habit damages health, and can make you look old before your time. Too much alcohol also shows in the complexion, in addition to everything else it does to your mind and body. Do your looks and wellbeing a favour and cut down or give up. There's plenty of support available.

Gentle but profound exercise

Over the centuries many systems have been developed that exercise the body as they massage the mind. The following list represents just a few. Include regular sessions of one of these, and your posture will improve, banishing aches and stiffness; your joints become more flexible and your body more supple. At the same time, you'll be better able to focus mentally, think deeply and stay calm. For further information about each of these different forms of exercise, go to the Help and info page.

Alexander teachers usually work one-to-one to correct balance in every muscle of the body. Alexander improves stamina and flexibility, alleviates joint and muscle problems and helps stress-related conditions. Also good for self-development, as it teaches self-awareness and self-reliance, and boosts spontaneity and creativity.

Eastern and western methods fuse, as mind and body are brought together through precise movements using very focused concentration. Pilates strengthens the stabilising muscles such as the deep abdominals and pelvic floor; builds strength and tone; improves posture, balance and co-ordination; increases flexibility; reduces stress and enhances concentration.

Graceful, absorbing but never exhausting to perform, the flowing movements relax and revitalise body and mind, improving circulation, breathing, muscle tone and immunity, promoting energy and suppleness, and sharpening memory and concentration.

Body, mind and spirit are finely attuned with this ancient discipline from India, which is good for stamina, flexibility, strength and concentration. Both relaxing and energising, yoga stretches and tones every part of the body, and benefits internal organs and the nervous system. Breathing exercises and meditation soothe the mind.

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