OUR 40 Day Health Challengers led the way at an Ireland Lights Up event last week – and you can get involved at your own GAA club this week.
The makers of TV show Operation Transformation have teamed up with The Irish Sun and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio for a new health series to kick off 2025.
For 40 days, those taking part will aim to eat well, move more and focus positively on mental health – and there’s new digital episodes dropping each week.
And the GAA is also partnering with the 40 Day Health Challenge for Ireland Lights Up nationwide, in partnership with Get Ireland Walking.
Recruit Trish Buckley’s local community gathered at Raheny GAA club last Wednesday to get their steps in.
Before the event kicked off, she said: “Welcome to Raheny GAA.
“We’re here tonight because we want to do Ireland Lights Up.
“So we do this walk every Wednesday between 7 and 8 o’clock.
“Everyone gets involved from three year olds to 75-year-olds. It’s a great event!”
Trish was also joined by fellow recruits Sheena Crean, Garry Corbally, Aimee Smart and Jeannette Traynor.
Instagram sensation Christopher Connolly, @getbetterwithchris, motivated everyone who took part.
Each week, a club participating in Ireland Lights Up will be highlighted on the 40 Day Health Challenge to show how they are supporting the health and wellbeing of their members and community.
You can find your local club by clicking on this link.
Programme Manager at Get Ireland Walking Jason King recently revealed the truth on daily step counts, life longevity and sleeping patterns.
He explained how walking helps to energise your body, mind and soul.
Jason said: “It’s the one exercise that no matter how fit you are, how busy you are or how old you are…it works.”
He told how the number of daily steps required really “depends on the individual”.
He said: “It depends on their mobility and ability. The recommended 10,000 steps a day – that figure has been revised.
“Some are saying 8,000, some are saying 5,000. That’s not something that’s embedded in science either.”
The pro explained the goal is to take “purposeful steps”.
He said: “I accumulate quite a lot of steps throughout the day.
“So you’re going to get 5,000 to 8,000 steps while out walking, plus when you accumulate that with your general steps throughout the day working, walking to work, walking home from work…
“If you could bolt on those – let’s call it a minimum of 5,000 steps a day – in addition to your general everyday steps, I think that’s a really, really good start.”
HOW TO WATCH THE EPISODES
THE latest episodes of the 40 Day Health Challenge are now available at the 40dayhealthchallenge.ie.
Readers can also follow all the action and get the latest updates, meal plans, exercises and mental health tips from Thesun.ie and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio during the 40 days.
The HSE suggests doing a moderate activity, like a brisk walk, for at least half an hour a day will help you fall asleep faster.
Jason said: “You probably have a bit more energy as well throughout the day, which generally leads to being a little bit more tired later in the evening. The science is there.
“If you’re more physically active. If you’re eating better, if you’re looking after yourself, participating in exercise in some way, shape or form, walking, it’s great too. You will absolutely sleep better.”
Chicken & Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese
Serves 2 (each serving contains approximately 522 kcal)
Suitable for vegetarians if an alternative to chicken is used.
Ingredients:
80g macaroni pasta
1 small head of cauliflower (150g)
1 tbsp softened butter (15g)
1 tbsp plain flour (15g)
175ml low fat milk (1.5% fat)
30g grated Cheddar cheese
1 tbsp tahini paste (15g)1 slice wholemeal bread (32g)
1 garlic clove (4g)
1 tsp dried mixed herbs (5g)
100g leftover cooked chicken, shredded or diced*
*Suitable vegetarian alternatives for cooked chicken are:
80g tofu
120g mycoprotein such as Quorn chicken style pieces
100g chickpeas, drained and rinsed
The method:
Cook the macaroni a large saucepan of boiling water for 5 minutes.
Chop the cauliflower into small florets and add to the macaroni. Cook for another 5 minutes until both are just tender.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over a low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring then gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth.
Continue to cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese and tahini.
Preheat the grill to medium. Break the slice of bread into small pieces and put into a beaker, then blitz to crumbs (or you can do this in a food processor).
Peel and mince the garlic and add to the crumbs with the mixed herbs, stirring to combine.
Drain the macaroni and cauliflower and stir into the warm cheese sauce with the chicken.
Transfer to an ovenproof dish and scatter over the garlic and herb crumbs. Place under the grill for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and toasted. Serve straight to the table.
Dietitian Sophie Pratt said: “Cauliflower contains antioxidants which help protect the body.”
