At New You Boot Camp we passionately believe our clients stress levels and life problems effect their weight, and in turn health. For this reason we offer 1-2-1 life-coaching sessions. As well as the decade of knowledge we have when it comes to nutrition and weight loss success, we are always on the look-out for new studies that may influence our outlook. Please read below

A recent study published by The Independent has combined the physical benefits we know vegetables have when eaten, with the therapeutic elements growing them can offer. The study focuses on a program of ‘ecotherapy’ which concentrates on gardening, wildlife conservation and the growing of vegetables as a wholistic approach to well-being.

What studies support this?

According to The Independent, more than 12,000 people have taken part in an “Ecominds” project over the last five years. Research into the scheme’s effectiveness carried out by the University of Essex found ‘participants reported improved self-esteem, a greater desire to see friends and family, and more drive to become involved in their community’.

According to The Almagest, ‘seven in ten (69 per cent) people experienced significant increases in wellbeing by the time they left the Ecominds project. Three in five (57 per cent) felt that there were more people in their lives who cared about them and they met more often with friends and relatives. Four in five (81 per cent) got more involved in community activities and felt connected to where they live.’

Ecominds believes that introducing just five people to ecotherapy has the potential to save the state £35,000 a year in costs for medication, Job Seekers’ Allowance and healthcare. So what do GP’s think? More than half of GPs who responded to a survey said that ecotherapy was a suitable path to investigate when soothing anxiety and depression, but the majority said more information was needed before they could confidently prescribe it. However hard some people may find it to believe growing vegetables and gardening can improve medical conditions as such, it is evident that for the majority of people in the study, the natural way of living has had a positive effect on their life in some way.

What Does This Mean?

Paul Farmer the charities Chief Executive states that, “Last year a staggering fifty million antidepressant prescriptions were issued and currently one in five people have to wait up to a year to access talking treatments,” he said. “When growing numbers of people are affected by mental health problems each year and they’re telling us that they want more options than drugs, now is the time for commissioners across health, social care and public health to take a fresh look at this evidence and realise the long-term benefits that holistic treatments like ecotherapy can deliver.”

So, What do you Think?

Have you ever tried growing your own vegetables, or even making it a couple or family effort? As well as being cost effective, being pro-active would also create a sense of achievement, knowing your getting the very best of organic products. What have we got to loose?