THE POWER OF 10
The number 10 has been popping up in a few places over the last few days; a study indicating the benefits of 10 portions of fruit and veg a day vs the previous target of 5, and that the now almost universal target of walking 10,000 steps a day is based on an old and quite narrow study.
My old corporate life taught me that a smart target is a good thing. An achievable but stretching goal – be that a revenue number at work or an exercise program – with clear measurable benefits – can be motivating and inspiring. What doesn’t work is setting a target that from the start is believed to be unachievable.
“Whilst consuming more than five portions of fruit and vegetables a day may be desirable… adding pressure to consume more fruit and vegetables creates an unrealistic expectation.” Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England.
We do like a nice round number, and an app, though and 10,000 sounds better than 4,387 or similar which is possibly why such targets become a ‘norm’.
MOVE MORE?
If you have a stressful sedentary life with minimal time for exercise, or have to spend most of your time on a Southern train, some man in a white coat TELLING you that you must eat 10 portions of veg whilst walking 10,000 steps a day is going to get short shrift.
I won’t go into the pros and cons of these studies, they are just two of many, all which are valid in some way, but often by their design are narrow and applicable in certain contexts only. What for example happens to the person who eats 10 a day all their life with minimal exercise vs the marathon runner with a love of carrot cake? And does it matter?
In 30 years time there may well be a report saying that Kale is actually the new sugar and all it’s benefits were made up by the wicked green leafy veg lobby – stranger things have happened…
So do take much of this with a pinch of salt, it is true that overall moving more is good for you. However, what that movement is and how much of it you should do needs to be based on your current lifestyle, beliefs and abilities.
HOW CAN OSTEOPATHY HELP?
As osteopaths we take all of these factors into account when we meet you, as well as the pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. Our treatment and any exercise plan is based on you, albeit informed by current evidence. We ensure that, in discussion with you, that our joint plan is designed to help YOU to heal yourself. And most importantly that all goals are achievable and relevant.
If you would like to chat about how osteopathy can help get you moving more please drop me a line or book an appointment here.
MATT BRABNER OSTEOPATHY 