Achieving a healthier lifestyle is an important goal that many of us strive to attain since being fit enables us to tackle our daily tasks better, be more focused when it comes to achieving our goals and enjoying beautiful moments with our loved ones.

So, if you are thinking about kick-starting your wellness journey, then you can discover all the best health shops in Malta and Gozo on Yellow!

Why is It Important to Consume Healthy Food?

A varied and balanced diet is the optimal way in which to obtain all the important minerals and nutrients that our body requires to function in the best way possible.

Balance is definitely the key when it comes to what we eat in our day-to-day and it is important to vary the fruit and vegetables that we add to our meals, together with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, pulses and eggs. Choosing healthier substitutes for favourite comfort foods like heavy pasta dishes, sweets and fried favourites is particularly important if weight loss is a target, but even if general health and fitness is the principal intention. We have a great round-up of lightened up traditional Maltese dishes, if you would like to start experimenting with healthy meal ideas that are still big on taste.

Making sure that our diet is balanced is not only beneficial for our overall health and weight management, but it is also important in terms of disease prevention. Indeed, eating healthy food helps us to prevent serious conditions like osteoporosis, heart conditions, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Health Products Available Locally

Over the last years, the popularity of health shops across Malta and Gozo has continued to increase and they are now considered one-stop destinations that cater for all our healthy eating requirements.

These stores provide a wide range of products (such as bread, pasta, biscuits, yoghurts, cheese and dairy product alternatives) ideal for those with specific dietary requirements, particularly individuals following gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets. Many will also offer packaged, fresh and frozen organic food (which can include fruit, vegetables, eggs and meat), however, it is advisable to check in advance if the desired fresh product is available since this can vary on the basis of seasonality.

If you are looking for fitness products, then health shops will also be able to provide guidance in relation to which products can best support your fitness routine. The ranges typically include protein bars, protein shakes and drinks in various flavours and formats. Furthermore, it is possible to find protein fitness options that are obtained from plant-based sources and are therefore suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If you are looking for ways to spice up your protein shake, don't forget to try out our twelve favourite shake ideas that are anything but boring.

A better lifestyle, however, is not only linked to what we eat but also to more holistic habits that we choose to adopt. It is for this reason that many of these stores carry natural cosmetics and toiletry ranges, as well as cleaning and laundry products, which are also very often sourced sustainably and cruelty-free.

When Do We Add Supplements to Our Diet?

Health stores are particularly renowned for their extensive range of vitamins and food supplements that they stock. While our diets should always be our principal source of vitamins and minerals (particularly if we are mindful about incorporating superfoods in our meals), there may be times when we might need to add a food supplement to ensure an adequate intake. A multivitamin supplement is often taken on a daily basis to help enhance the body's overall intake but popular individual vitamin supplements include vitamin c, vitamin e, and vitamin d. Indeed, some might choose to go for specific supplements that target a particular need. For instance, biotin is linked to improved skin, hair and functioning of the nervous system. Iron supplements are usually recommended for those who are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, dizziness and anaemia, while magnesium supplements have a whole range of properties that include healthy bone formation, anti-inflammatory benefits and migraine prevention.

If you feel like you need to enhance your vitamin intake, a consultation with a health practitioner and a visit to a health store will surely be beneficial!