There’s always a convenient excuse not to get fit or to change your diet, but these simple hacks will help you fast-track to better heath
Life is busy, messy, and filled with unexpected surprises, but with a little bit of science and a sprinkling of ingenuity, these quick and easy health hacks can increase wellbeing, boost energy levels and make you feel healthier every day.
1. Kickstart your morning:
Help to flush your body of toxins by starting every morning with a glass of water with fresh-squeezed lemon. Nutritionist Sheila Hams says “the citrus alkalizes your body and supports your digestive system, giving you more energy, while also fighting inflammation in the body.”
2. Eat seasonally:
As we go into autumn, leading Nutritionist Lily Soutter (www.lilysoutternutrition.com) recommends eating pumpkins instead of just caring them for Halloween! “They are highly nutritious and contain beta-carotene which turns into Vitamin A within the body and plays a key role in supporting a healthy immune system and also helps keep your skin glowing.” Try roasting in the oven with a little olive oil.
3. Filter your water:
We all know that bottled water is terrible for the environment, but tap can taste less-than- great. Try filtering it instead using the BRITA Marella jug which reduces levels of chlorine, heavy metals and limescale. It even has a helpful ‘memo’ that reminds you to change the filter to ensure you always have the freshest filtered water. www.brita.co.uk
4. Bring on bedtime:
If you struggle falling asleep, make sure to switch off your phone and iPad an hour before you plan to go to bed and have a warm bath with soothing lavender oil. Invest in Philips’ Sleep and Wake-Up Light which has a sunset simulation to prepare your body for sleep by gradually decreasing light and then increases it again before your alarm time to make sure you wake up refreshed. Before you know it you’ll be sleeping like a log. (www.philips.co.uk)
5. Drink your greens:
Grabbing or making a green juice is a quick and easy way to boost your vegetable intake. Naked Juice’s Green Machine is packed with Vitamins A and C thanks to its secret ingredients- broccoli and spinach. www.nakedjuice.co.uk
6. Boost your mood:
Smell the skin of an orange for a natural mood booster. Yes, really. Studies have shown that orange essential oil helps boost mood and alertness, and can reduce anxiety. If you don’t keep the fresh fruit on hand, buy some bottled oil and dab a drop on eachwrist or massage into your temples for the same effect.
7. Take on meal prep:
Being so busy all the time means we’re often left making poor choices when it comes lunchtime – usually meaning whatever sandwich is closest to the office. Make healthier choices by meal-prepping ahead of time. Prep several lunches at once by hard boiling eggs, making a big batch of brown rice and cooking vegetables or chicken healthily using minimal oil by using the Philips Air Fryer ((www.philips.co.uk))
8. Make time meditate:
Schedule in some time to meditate – even if it’s just 10 minutes on the bus. Taking a bit of time to sit quietly and focus on your breath can make a big difference in the flow of your day. If you’re new to meditation, start with an app such as Headspace www.headspace.com.
9. Give your eyes a rest:
Staring at a backlit device, such as a smartphone or laptop, all day is straining on your eyes. The 20/20/20 rule reduces this. Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and let your eyes wander over something six meters (20 feet) in the distance.
10. Go booze free:
If you know you’re going out for an inevitably boozy Thursday, Friday or Saturday, say no to a glass of wine at your chilled Monday night dinner. Try to avoid alcohol a couple of nights during your week, and then enjoy your Pinot come the weekend.