Michelle Bridges' mum launches eating and exercise program
It seems a thirst for life and taste for nutrition runs in the Bridges family. Maureen Partridge, mother of two and a sufferer of osteoporosis, has launched a new exercise and meal plan with Pauls PhysiCAL to help Australian’s boost their bone health.
Diagnosed in her early 60s, the single mum says she always had a fairly healthy diet and exercise routine. She would walk, run, and do water aerobics, until Michelle stepped in and told her to kick things up a notch.
“It reinforced I needed to up my calcium and do more weight barring exercises… now I’m doing it all, and I love it”.
Maureen’s new routine is enough to rival that of her powerhouse of a daughter. Three days a week she does an aerobics or circuit class, one day a week she does a "Body Balance” class and she walks on the other days.
Maureen doesn’t let her health issues hold her back and stresses that if you really want to make a healthy lifestyle change, it’s all about consistency.
“I feel that depending on whether or not you have health issues, just start making that move and be consistent. Don’t do it one day and then not for the next three. Do it every day. When you’re not up for the gym, go for a brisk walk. If you can’t manage a brisk walk, go for a slow one”.
Osteoporosis causes bones become to become fragile, leading to a higher risk of breaks than in normal bones. More than one million people in Australia have osteoporosis, while less than half of all Australian adults get their recommended daily intake of calcium. This is concerning, as almost 99 per cent of the body’s calcium is found in the bones. Since bones act like a calcium bank, if you do not take in enough calcium from your diet, the body will withdraw calcium from your “bone bank” for use in other parts of the body. If you over withdraw from the bank without replenishing it with more calcium, the strength of your bones will gradually decline and you may be at risk of developing osteoporosis.
Apart from keeping up your dairy intake, Maureen’s tips are to keep it simple and fresh.
“Fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and I try not to eat food with too many preservatives”.
As for the lactose challenged among us, never fear. Green vegetables, Paul’s lactose free milk and even many Greek yoghurts are a great option for calcium sources.
You can see Maureen’ full meal plan and download all the delicious the recipes here.
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