Rewards of a Healthy Life Style

I’ve been following a vegan diet now for more years than I can remember and over time I’ve added yoga, meditation and walking into my daily routine. For a few days I’d felt really resistant to taking my B complex vitamin supplement (B12 being a must for vegans). I normally have a blood test once in a while to check B12 and iron levels. So I booked myself in to see the nurse. ‘Before I put this needle in your arm…’ she said (very nice I thought!) ‘… I’ll quickly take your blood pressure as it’s been 2 years since you last visited the surgery.’ It was something over something, so I asked if she could kindly state it in terms that I could relate to, ‘It means you have the blood pressure of a teenager, you must have a really healthy life style.’

Trying to make the most of my visit she also asked if I could stand on the scales. I had a BMI (body mass index) of 20.4 in the healthy range of 20 to 25. When the results of the blood test came back I was right - B12 levels were at the very top of the healthy range, so I’m having a few weeks off my supplement. Although I feel all the benefits of a healthy diet, exercise and relaxation, it was really nice to have it quantified by a health professional. Well worth all the apples and carrots!