Upper Intermediate Reading Activity: Liam's Health Journey

Language:

Reading

Level:

B2 Upper Intermediate

Read the text then do the questions below.

Newspaper Article: Liam's Health Journey

A Story of Transformation and Discovery

By Liam Thompson

My health journey began five years ago when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. At the time, I was leading a sedentary lifestyle, eating a diet high in processed foods, and rarely exercising. I wish I had taken better care of my health earlier, but it was this diagnosis that finally motivated me to make a change.

I remember the day vividly. My doctor had just informed me of my condition, and I felt a wave of regret wash over me. If only I had known the consequences of my lifestyle choices. From that moment, I decided it was time to take control of my health. I started researching different diets and exercise regimens, determined to find a sustainable way to improve my well-being.

I began by incorporating more whole foods into my diet. Instead of processed snacks, I opted for fruits, vegetables, and nuts. I also started cooking more meals at home, using fresh ingredients. I read an article that emphasised the importance of a balanced diet, which includes lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Following this advice, I cut down on red meat and started eating more fish and chicken. I also discovered quinoa, a nutrient-rich grain that quickly became a staple in my meals.

My new diet, which included healthier foods, was complemented by regular exercise. I started with light activities like walking and gradually worked my way up to more intense workouts, including running and weight training. During this time, I learned that it’s not just about the quantity of exercise, but the quality as well. I focused on consistency and variety, ensuring that my routine was both enjoyable and effective.

Research supports the changes I made. Studies have shown that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, regular physical activity is associated with improved cardiovascular health and mental well-being. By adopting these habits, I not only improved my physical health but also experienced a boost in my mood and energy levels.

Reflecting on my journey, I realise how much my life has changed. I had always thought that making such drastic changes would be difficult, but I found that it was more manageable than I expected. If I had known how fulfilling this journey would be, I would have started much sooner.

For anyone considering a similar path, my advice is to start small and be patient. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s important to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.

In conclusion, my health journey has been transformative. I have learned that it’s never too late to make positive changes, and the benefits are well worth the effort. If only everyone could experience the same sense of accomplishment and well-being that I have. It’s time we all prioritise our health and make choices that support a long, healthy life.

Questions

Please answer true or false to the sentences below:

Liam was diagnosed with low blood pressure. T/F
Liam started his health journey five years ago. T/F
He initially included more processed foods in his diet. T/F
Regular exercise was not part of his new routine. T/F
Research supports the benefits of a balanced diet and regular exercise. T/F

Please write short answers for the questions below:

What was Liam's initial diet like?
How did Liam change his diet?
What types of exercise did Liam start with?
What did Liam discover about quinoa?
What benefits did Liam experience from his new lifestyle?

Below is a summary of the text. Please fill in the blanks.

Liam's health journey began with a diagnosis of high __________________. He decided to make changes to his diet and lifestyle. He started eating more _________ foods and incorporated regular _________. Research supports that these changes reduce the risk of chronic _________. Liam advises others to start _________ and be patient.

Vocabulary

Word	Word type	Definition
High blood pressure	Noun	A condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, often leading to health problems like heart disease.
Cholesterol	Noun	A substance found in the blood that is necessary for building cells, but high levels can lead to heart disease.
Sedentary lifestyle	Noun	A type of lifestyle with little or no physical activity, often associated with sitting for long periods.
Vividly	Adverb	In a way that produces powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.
Inform	Verb	To give someone information about something.
Condition	Noun	An illness or medical problem.
Exercise regimen	Noun	A plan or schedule of physical exercises designed to improve fitness and health.
Incorporate	Verb	To include or integrate a part into the whole.
Whole foods	Noun	Foods that are in their natural state and have not been processed or refined.
Protein	Noun	A nutrient found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and beans that is essential for growth and repair of the body.
Complex carbohydrates	Noun	Carbohydrates that are made up of sugar molecules strung together in long, complex chains, found in foods such as whole grains and vegetables.
Nutrients	Noun	Substances in food that are necessary for the body to function and stay healthy.
Staple	Noun	A main or important element of something, especially a diet.
Complement	Verb	To add to something in a way that enhances or improves it.
Chronic disease	Noun	A long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured.
Cardiovascular	Adjective	Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
Boost	Noun	An increase or improvement.
Drastic	Adjective	Extreme
Milestone	Noun	An important event in the development or history of something.
Accomplishment	Noun	Something that has been achieved successfully.
Prioritise	Verb	To arrange or deal with in order of importance.

Grammar

Grammar	Form	Explanation	Example
Past Continuous	Subject + was/were + verb-ing	An action in progress in the past.	I was leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Past Perfect	Subject + had + past participle	A past event that happened before another past event.	I had just informed my doctor of my condition
Third Conditional	If + past perfect, would/could/might have + past participle	An imaginary situation in the past. Expresses regret.	If I had known how fulfilling this journey would be, I would have started much sooner.
Wish/If only	Wish/If only + past perfect	To talk about things that happened in the past and that we regret (we want them to be different)	I wish I had taken better care of my health earlier.
Non-Defining Relative Clauses	Noun, relative pronoun + extra information, sentence.	Adds extra information about the noun	My new diet, which included healthier foods, was complemented by regular exercise.

Answers

True or False

Short Answer

Fill in the Blank

Discussion

Discuss the role of diet and exercise in mental health. How can changes in what we eat and how we stay active impact our mental well-being?

If you have any questions, please ask me in the comments below.

Happy studying!

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