The world of health has changed a great deal in the past 30 years. We’re now far more likely to watch what we eat. Also, technology plays a bigger part than ever before, and wellness is now a multi-billion pound industry.

The world of vitamins and supplements has also changed a great deal. Back in the day, families across the land would take the same vitamin. It was a one-size-fits-all approach.

Fast forward to 2018 and that ideology has been consigned to the wellness dustbin (along with leg-warmers, personal cassette players and chest expanders – remember them?!).

It’s why supplement experts Healthspan has taken such a 360 degree approach to vitamins, supplements and wellness. The Healthspan app and Nutricoach Activity Tracker prove an irresistible one-two in giving you a more

personalised take on what supplements you need. It’s a more scientific and tailor-made approach to wellness and supplement intake, rather than the more one-solution-for-the-masses approach of yesteryear.

After all, research shows that, say, someone who hasn’t so much as run for a bus since the late 90s probably shouldn’t take the same supplements as someone who’s been to the gym more times than they’ve been to the office this week. With this in mind, Healthspan took three members of the Balance staff to put them to the test, all the while picking the brains of wellness expert and Healthspan ambassador Nick Morgan.
LACKING ENERGY

Name: Natalie Armstrong
Age: 30
Fitness level: ‘Healthy’

A close family member had a cancer scare a few years ago. I began to read up a lot on how crucial diet is for the immune system, for it to be in a state
of ‘healing’. The average person should not even get a common cold as we should easily be able to fight it off.

‘I want to do more’

I have quite an addictive personality and so things got a little out of hand. I lost a painful amount weight. I was doing this extreme diet and exercise (with no energy), in the name of health but there was nothing healthy about me. I was cutting all these ‘toxins’ out of my diet but I wasn’t sure what I was ‘allowed’ to eat or do. So, I didn’t eat a lot and was active too much. This was down to a lack of resource and knowledge.

I would now consider myself a healthy person, I run and go to the gym four times a week, I eat well and drink in moderation. However, I know I could be doing more – I want to do more. I’m hoping Healthspan is going to help me do this and more importantly be the key to having a good balance to my life.

THE LAPSED DAD

Name: James Gill
Age: 39
Fitness level: ‘Laughable’

Ah, health. You and I used to be such good friends. Fitness training, nutritious eating, yoga, coma-like sleeps, feeling great – these are just a few of the things I no longer enjoy. As a result, my overall wellbeing isn’t where it should be which, when employed by a lifestyle and wellness title, is a bit of an issue.

‘Frankly cynical’

I can’t blame my daughter. She’s not even three and could barely form a cognitive comeback, so it would make me a terrible human being/father. I do, however, possibly use her as an excuse for not doing more. ‘Well, I would go for a run, but I have a daughter.’ ‘Of course I’d cook more nutritious food but, you know, fatherhood.’ ‘I would have a full head of hair, but I am a dad.’ OK, I went far too far on the last one.

My point is, I need to make a change. I need to do something in order to get tangible results. I’m told supplements are a very shrewd step but am, frankly, cynical. How is popping a pill or two every day going to make a difference? We shall see, Healthspan. We shall see.

KEEN TO STEP UP

Name: Rebecca Gillam
Age: 28
Fitness level: ‘Acceptable’

After another autumn spent with a non-stop cold, I thought I should try to find out what was causing my immune system to go AWOL. Since I moved to Leyton, like most Londoners, I get public transport most days so am faced with an alarming amount of germs. Unlike most Londoners, for some reason I seem unable to fight them off.

‘Can supplements help?’

I’d say I’m a healthy person; I exercise at least three times a week and eat a prominently vegan diet. I know I haven’t replaced meat, fish and dairy with other sources of protein and vitamins but, despite the best intentions, I never seem to have the time.

I’ll buy a new ‘super powder’ to add to my morning smoothie or seeds to sprinkle on a soup of salad, but that’s the extent of it. Saying I’m not much of a ‘foodie’ is an understatement so, inevitably, when life gets busy, I just revert to the quick and easy meals I know. Though I feel OK, I’m interested to know what Healthspan recommends — and excited to see whether it helps.

You can follow the adventures of our intrepid trio in next month’s issue or read the results here. The app is available to download now from Google Play and the App Store.